Today’s Topic: Designing and Samples for the Carolina Lily Quilt
Good Morning, Quilters!
Can you believe it is March already!!!! I can tell you–I am not 2/12ths finished with my 2023 goals!
Though I have made progress on one of my big goals–quilting the Carolina Lily .
(I’ve resolved to quilt it every year since 2005!–Maybe this is the year I’ll lose 20 pounds too!?!) I digress…which is partly why I am behind on my goals–the constant digressions… But wait, this is yet another digression….Back to the Carolina Lily! ARGH!!!
Preparing to Quilt
Last week, I completed the first three steps:
- Step One–Get over yourself! It’s only a quilt!
- Step Two-Press the quilt top and take a few photos
- Step Three-Start Planning the Design
In addition, I made an open declaration to all of you that I will finish this quilt this year. (I read somewhere that declaring a goal in public increases the likelihood of completing the goal–okay–I’ll add the twenty pound thing too…–but no photos….Ugh–again with the digressions…)
Planning the Major Dividing Lines
The first step of the design process is to plan some of the major dividing lines. I like to look for ways to break up large negative space areas or wide plain borders. Sometimes, you can find ways to bring sections of the quilt together by carrying a line through the sections.
After playing with a few designs, I chose Option 2. I like how the lines bring focus to the center of the quilt and prefer the overall simplicity of the lines.
Designing on Procreate App
I like to use my iPad and iPencil to do some of the design work using the Procreate app. The app is about $12 and is a very popular app because it has so many uses. However, like most software, there is a learning curve. I’ve watched a lot of YouTube and Skillshare videos to learn how to use it –and still only use a fraction of it’s capability. It is a great value at $12–but again, it requires a time investment to learn. I hope to offer a few tutorials on using Procreate for quilting at some future time–if there is enough interest…
What I like about Procreate is the ability to draw right on the tablet screen and save or hide the layers. For instance, I can draw a layer of basic lines, then try a different version. It’s easy to toggle between them with a tap of the pen. Later, I will be able to layer in more ideas–like motifs–and audition them as well. If you have an Ipad Pro (must support the iPencil), I highly recommend downloading the app and slowly learning to use it.
(Hint–to UNDO-tap the screen with two fingers-or use the backward arrow below the pencil opacity slider.)
Designing with Tracing Paper
While I like to use a tablet, you don’t need a computer or an app to design your quilts! You can use layers of tracing paper over a print of your quilt. Paper and pen remains a great way to test a few designs before you work on your quilt.
The important thing is that you spend some time thinking about the quilt as a whole and designing the big picture.
Mark the Major Dividing Lines
After planning the lines, I marked the lines directly on the quilt. I decided the spacing between lines I like best was an (inconvenient) 3/4 inch. I used the classic blue pen to mark the quilt (after testing, of course).
The process of marking took me around two hours–but that included a few digressions (laundry, texts, let the dog out…you know the drill).
Two Layers of Batting!?
I’ve been reading about quilting (another form of digression?) and noticed that many quilters use two layers of batting. This seems to add a little more oomph to the quilting lines-so I thought I’d give it a try. Because this is a new technique for me, I spent some time making samples. I love wool batting for the washability and softness so I used Tuscany wool with a layer of 80/20 poly/cotton batting.
Samples-A Very Good Habit!
ALWAYS make samples! Sample the batting, thread and motifs and see how they will work together. This is the cure to disappointing or unexpected results!
I really LOVE how the batting shows off the quilting line–it’s a go!
We can file this under “Good Quilting Habits”-in keeping with the series we started earlier this year…
See Good Habits Series:
Quilting the Carolina Lily Steps
- Step One–Get over yourself! It’s only a quilt!
- Step Two-Press the quilt top and take a few photos
- Step Three-Start Planning the Design
- Step Four-Choose and Mark the Major Design Lines
- Step Five-Sample batting, thread and motifs
- Step Six-Create and press backing (not shown here)
Next Steps-
- Load the quilt and batting on the frame
- Begin stitching major lines
- Stitch in the Ditch quilting
- Continue to plan the design
Please Share!
Are you doodling five pages/day? What have you discovered from doodling?
Do YOU have a favorite quilt top waiting to be quilted?
Have YOU ever used two layers of batting?
Are YOU 2/12ths finished with your 2023 goals?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Your Focused (for now) Free Motion Quilter,
Laser Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com!
Check out my books on Etsy: LoriKennedyShop
