Learn to Doodle Scallops
Good Morning, Quilters!
Today we are going to learn to doodle scallops!
Doodling is the fastest way to become a better quilter!
Doodling helps build muscle memory and muscle memory allows you to quilt smoother lines. When you haven’t developed the muscle memory before quilting, you will hesitate when you stitch parts of a motif. Microsecond pauses lead to irregular stitching lines.
We will call this series Better Quilting Through Doodling.
Every Thursday we will have a new lesson. Today we will learn to doodle scallops. Next week, we will learn a variation of scallops.
Each lesson will build on the next.
How to Doodle
I recommend that you start with a pen or marker and lined paper. Find a comfortable position to doodle. I like to doodle while I watch TV, with my notepad propped on a pillow.
Start by following the prompts, then see where your pen takes you!
The Scallop Doodle
Scallops are an easy doodle. Doodle them upside down and right side up.
Try different ways to connect the scallops.
Then play with the scallops. Try different combinations and a variety of sizes. Try scallops on scallops.
When you’re ready, check out these more complex Scallop Doodles.
How Long Should You Doodle?
I recommend doodling for fifteen minutes every day. Add extra minutes while you are on the phone or in a meeting.
MY GUARANTEE-your quilting will be better within one month of doodling every day!!!
What about YOU?
Are YOU ready to learn to doodle scallops and other patterns?
Do YOU currently have a doodle practice?
What is YOUR favorite pen or marker?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Suddenly I have a taste for garlic and lemon and noodles….
Toodles!
Your Dilettante of Doodles,
Lori Kenoodle
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. Thanks!
Dug out a notebook and ready to go. Thanks.
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and know how important doodling is but I don’t make time to do it every day. My brain goes blank with a piece of paper in front of me and I’m supposed to doodle. I’ll start again today.
I always keep a notebook by my recliner. I can grab it and doodle anytime. I look forward to more of this series. Thanks
Thanks for the tip, your the best.
This is great! Thanks for doing a series like this! So appreciate all the work, tips, and enthusiasm that you share ! Thanks so much !
It comes and go’s. I know your right about doodling because l do it for awhile when l am working on a quilt. Once the quilt is done l stop. Then start again when l have another to work on. Have come along way in the last five years, but keep learning and getting better. Thank you for all you do for all that follow.😊
Such a great idea! Believe it or not, this is how I learned shorthand in high school – pages and pages of characters. Thought it was “stupid” (16 year-old’s take on almost everything back then), but boy was it a good learning tool. Got so I could do shorthand in my sleep – true story I’ll save for another time lol. I’ll get some new notepads and start doing this. Thanks again for the idea. I’m thinking the red tootsie roll pop helps, too.
Thank you for the reminder! I’ll get started today!
In the of era of being “mindful” doodling is possibly one of those outlets that quilters have…an opportunity to express yourself. Reminded of a story that 60 Minutes did a few years back about concentration, memory and doodling. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-higher-purpose-of-doodling/
Thanks for being our inspiration!
Thank you, Marilyn. The 60 minute piece was entertaining and enlightening. Should probably get doodling!
What you forgot was to remind us to keep your book nearby for some inspiration!
Your ideas about doodling are spot on, Lori. Personally, I think this builds visual memory, not muscle memory. We use different muscles to quilt (especially on a domestic machine) than we do to hold a pencil and doodle. I used to be absolutely terrified to quilt feathers. I doodle them a LOT, and now that motif is very easy for me to quilt. Scallops on the other hand—looks like I have more to practice.
This should be fun. Also, I only got ONE email today instead of two, good job!
Grabbed my school composition notebook and ready to go. Thank you for the baby steps.
I can’t wait to try! I’ve always doodle but 100% of the time they were triangles (might be a left brain thing lol). Going to give scallops a go. Thanks 😊
Thanks Lori for all of your helpful tips, I will get out my notebook and pen tonight and start doodling scallops. 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to encourage us to become better quilters!
I have never shared this but today is the day! When I doodle (or sew or frost cookies) the first time I do it, almost perfection is the result. When I repeat and repeat, each mark gets more out of balance and misshapen! By the end of a few lines, the original is unrecognizable. I discovered this about myself years ago when woodburning on gourds. My theory is damage to my neuro system from car wrecks ( 4 whip lashes, none my fault) and nowadays from chemo. It is a blessing to be able to practice and improve ! Take advantage of your opportunity to teach yourself !