Today’s Topic: The Fish Sampler QAL Part Two
Welcome to Week Sixteen of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
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Good Morning, Quilters!
Yesterday we completed the background framework for our Fish Sampler quilt. (See Fish Sampler QAL Part One)
Today, we get to do the fun part-fill in the quilt with a central design and motifs! This is where the creativity comes in…
You can follow along with the motifs and central design I used, or choose YOUR favorite motifs.
The Central Motif
You have several options for marking the central motif:
- Draw -free hand.
- Trace circle, use a bowl or plate –I often use CDs or DVDs
- Create a template.
How to Create a Quilt Template
It’s easy to create a template for marking a motif. Use lightweight paper, tracing paper–even parchment paper to trace a shape.
Copy something from a magazine, a map or do an internet search for an outline of any subject.
Roughly cut out the shape and glue the tracing onto tag board. (Cereal boxes or old folders are perfect.)
Cut out the shape and start your quilt template collection!
Audition Motifs
The next step (my favorite) is to sit down with your motif books and doodle motifs and motif combinations.
Doodle in your quilt notebook and then test the scale using your vinyl overlay.I used the following motifs:
and page 135 of Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3
and page 126 of More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3
and page 42 of More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3
and page 58 of Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3
Doodle in your quilt notebook and then test the scale using your vinyl overlay.
Tips for Quilt Design
It’s okay to use motifs more than once.
Keep it simple, wavy lines look great too!
Be sure there is enough contrast between the motifs in adjacent sections.
Mark parallel lines on the quilt before stitching motifs like Silly Spirals and Snowflakes.
Consider the orientation of motifs. For example, in the lower left corner, the motifs would not work as well next to each other if the Silly Spirals were stitched horizontally instead of vertically.
The Most Important Design Rule
Have fun! This is a small project and a great place to experiment. Let go of your fear and just play!
If you say to yourself “I wish I’d done XXX differently….”
Don’t hesitate,—do it! Make another mini quilt. (Artists call this “working in series”!)
What about YOU?
What are YOU planning to use as a central motif?
Are YOU ready for a little adventure in your quilt design?
What’s YOUR favorite motif (this week?)
Yours truly,
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. Thank you!
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