Thursday, January 15, 2015

Kathy's Modern: Everything Old is New Again !

     This is one of my most favorite MM quilts !    When we got the theme, I pondered how I'd interpret it.  And then while sorting through some of my "old" quilts, I found a quilt I'd started in a Free-Motion Quilting Class I'd taken from well known and revered Master Quilter, Maurine Noble, in 1998.   The class was held at "Quilting by the Sound" (Puget Sound) at Port Townsend, WA.  [BTW Port Townsend, WA is where Carole Bryer Fallert, her husband, and her brand new studio are located.   Port Townsend is a totally perfect place to be !]  

     In our class, we'd been learning how to free-motion quilt with metallic, heavy metallic, and super-heavy threads that can be kind of  "snarfy" at times.  I guess I just put this piece aside because I wasn't able to get the look I wanted from the work I'd been doing.    There had even been times when I thought about cutting the quilt up and / or tossing it out.    I'm SO glad I kept this quilt ! !

  Looking at this quilt from a new perspective, I trimmed it to a relevant size, re-quilted it, and amazingly.... this time all the threads behaved perfectly !    Working off my original stitching, I added massive amounts of Sulky Holoshimmer thread.   In some sections, I echo-quilted my original work from 1998, and then to really jazz things up I included several "Zentangle" patterns.  Presto... Change-o !  This beautiful piece takes my breath away !


[You're likely to see lots more "Zentangle" inspired patterns as I continue to pursue this fascinating art form !] 

  I'm grateful to all the teachers who've inspired me to pursue my passion for thread and free-motion work,  and who encouraged me to keep going and push through the challenges.   My work is a tribute to them all.   Peace and blessings   !

15 comments:

  1. I can well understand why this is one of your favorites of all your MM quilts! It is lovely. The beautiful background color shows off the fantastic stitching, which as usual with you, is so expertly done. And yes, I can see the Zentagle influence!

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  2. Beautiful quilting! The different thread colors make the quilt.

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  3. Whoo hoo! Zentangles, pink, and free motion whole cloth. What could be more modern? Excellent job! You are one skillful quilter. Fab theme interpretation!

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  4. WOWIE! Love your use of all of these "snarly" threads! Such beautiful work! I have some of these threads but as so afraid of trying them! You are an inspiration!

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    1. Snarfy threads are much easier to tame if you use some add'l products to help calm them down. I always use a Metallica needle (usually size 90), and I learned long ago to use a few drops of "Sewers Aid" to lubricate those super challenging threads. (The Sewers' Aid helps "calm" everyone down !)
      I also use Madeira 60 wt monofilament thread in my bobbins. This super light weight thread wraps itself gently around the top threads, and they all work / play well with each other in peace and harmony !

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  5. I am really impressed that you were able to do this much stitching with flat Mylar threads. These threads are so beautiful but they can be so irritating to work with. Your stitching is wonderful

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  6. My go to sewers aid is a glass of wine!

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  7. Love the way you took something old and made it modern! Beautiful quilting.
    I read a tip I may try when using those sparkly/snarfy threads. Wind it in the bobbin and work from the back to minimize breaking and shredding. I believe it was Ellen Ann Edie.

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    1. Hi Jane ! Yes, working in reverse is always an option.... takes a bit of practice ! When I'm using a SUPER heavy thread (metallic, rayon, cotton, etc.), I'll load that into the bobbin, and then use my Madeira 60 wt. monofilament for the "top" thread.
      When using any of the flat, mylar threads, or any of the metallic or challenging threads, I lubricate the threads with Sewers Aid, putting the Sewers Aid directly onto the spool (in 2 or 3 areas). And remember, you have to slow down a bit when sewing with these threads ! I always use a Schmetz Metallica needle (usually size 90). For the bobbin, I use Madeira 60 wt. monofilament thread. The combination of Snarfy thread, Sewers Aid, appropriate size needle, and monofilament in the bobbin works like a charm :-D Have fun !

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  8. Wow, that is incredible quilting. Love the zig zag and square shapes filled in with circles and swirls. Would love to see in person. Beautiful job!

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  9. I love that you used an unfinished project. Your quilting is amazing

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  10. Wow...twice! Amazing quilt, I am speechless! Like Nedra, I would love to see this "up close and personal" sometime. I'm so glad that you did not toss this, as it was clearly "meant to be"!

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  11. This is very beautiful, Kathy! Hope to see you Monday night at Guild so that I can see it up close and personal.

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  12. I'm in awe of this! Just amazing work as always!

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