As a kid, I used to "doodle" around with paper, pencil, pen, crayons, colored pencils, etc. all the time. Sometimes my Mom or teachers would tell me to "Stop Doodling Around !" In other words, get back to work and stop wasting time !
Sometime around 1985 I took my first quilting class in Anchorage, Alaska. I really tried to follow all the instructions, but a lot of the time I just couldn't "get it" .... But I never gave up ! And then... at last: That "Break Through" Class: FREE-MOTION QUILTING !
I'd rather be doing free-motion quilting (FMQ) than just about anything else, and within the last 5 years or so, I sort of stumbled into the phenomenal world of "ZENTANGLE." It catapulted my quilting and my art into new dimensions.
In the past few years, the techniques used in "Zendoodle" have become a huge presence in the art world, and have had a tremendous impact on such things as fabric design, tutorial books, You Tube, and the latest craze, "Adult Coloring Books" (which can be found in just about every hobby / craft / art supply store, grocery stores, and on-line!)
"Doodling Around" is a 'whole-cloth' quilt made from a single piece of hand-dyed fabric for the front, and a way-cool 'doodle' inspired fabric for the back. Instead of a traditional binding, I used a shimmer-y, almost transparent fabric to enclose the edges of the quilt (similar to a pillow-case finished edge technique).
The quilting ... My favorite part ! I used Madeira 60 wt. Mono-filament in the bobbin. For the front of the quilt, a luscious Madeira Metallic thread to add that Wow factor ! [And to help tame the sometimes temperamental metallic thread, I used "Sewer's Aid' to lubricate the thread, and help it 'play nice' with the monofilament in the bobbin !]
Nice Doodle, Kathy! Love swirly things - it came out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Kathy, I so envy your FMQ!
ReplyDeleteI just KNEW, when you chose this word, that you'd produce a gorgeous example of your FMQing! You are a master, truly, and I wish could achieve your level of mastery of this technique. Alas, I am a coward!
ReplyDeleteFantastic machine quilting!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt Kathy. I had fun with your word and admire your beautiful machine quilting. Thanks, too, for the explanation of the threads and sewers aid. One of these days, I'm going to jump into trying them out!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt Kathy. I had fun with your word and admire your beautiful machine quilting. Thanks, too, for the explanation of the threads and sewers aid. One of these days, I'm going to jump into trying them out!
ReplyDeleteJust awesome quilting!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow!!!!!!!
From Rita: – Let’s just say I was not at all surprised (knowing your love for Zantangle) that you choose Doodle for our challenge word. And you did a beautiful job FMQing your doodle.
ReplyDeleteFabulous quilting. Love your quilt.
ReplyDeleteTruly beautiful stitching.
ReplyDeleteas one who loves lots of quilting, I love this piece!! nice job
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