Yup, it’s been a long time since I posted. I have been up to my neck in feathers.
![IMG_3507[1]](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4V8BJn791ik/Uf1bgZ-0SII/AAAAAAAADg4/-kDYnSBCo0c/s1600-h/IMG_3507%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg "IMG_3507[1]")
Several of you have written in and asked if they were done in free motion. Yes, and no.
I have been stitching the spine of the feathers with the walking foot. Then I use the darning foot to finish the plumes in free motion. This is not the way everyone else does them, but it works for me.
![IMG_3460[1]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/--yQ9zz9e_sA/Uf1blVd5DnI/AAAAAAAADhI/poDSHrzEbo0/s1600-h/IMG_3460%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "IMG_3460[1]")
Particularly on this continuous feather that will go around the outside edge. And yes, I have already put the binding on the quilt. I have found this to be good insurance in regards to keeping the fabric from pulling in the direction that the walking foot is going.
![IMG_3515[1]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UZCAeTIYxEE/Uf1bndTFQkI/AAAAAAAADhY/ZuouAvvOREY/s1600-h/IMG_3515%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "IMG_3515[1]")
Next I sketch most of the basic plumes in with a disappearing marker, not getting to exact about where I am going. The first few curves on the beginning of each row seem to be the most important about getting a rhythm going, so I am more exact about marking those.
![IMG_3508[1]](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d1b914wYl-M/Uf1bp72Ae6I/AAAAAAAADho/Re0Ue95eYcA/s1600-h/IMG_3508%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "IMG_3508[1]")
I am absolutely not an expert on feathers. This is the best book that I have found on the subject.
![IMG_3517[1]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/-flxtdbEll-A/Uf1br2BL23I/AAAAAAAADh4/kfHypFODcjs/s1600-h/IMG_3517%25255B1%25255D%25255B5%25255D.jpg "IMG_3517[1]")
Three of my pals on my blog list are much better than I am, so you might want to check out their work: Suzanne at Quilt By Faith, Barbara at Pointless Quilter, and Debbie at Quilt Crazy Debbie. They are awesome!
You are too kind. I like feathers and they are easy for me. But it took a lot of practice. Your feathers are looking great.
ReplyDeleteI figured you were at the quilt...it is looking good. Can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteWow, I think this is amazing! Thanks for a snail kick..I must get back to mine. Feathers....fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'll ever be brave enough to try feathers, but I sure love how they look on your snail quilt. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWas wondering where you were! I tried some little feathers on Sloan's quilt. I think they would have been better had I drawn something to follow-and I will on a big quilt. Thanks for the step by step! It it going to be striking can't wait to get a whole view of it! PS. The owner of our quilt shop likes the idea of the color theory class and the creativity/composition follow up-looks like it is going to happen!
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