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Friday, January 13, 2012

Zoo pictures - flamingoes

These little quilts are so much fun to make. This one was painted by my daughter, Becky. I think the colours are really pretty.

The original photo with white flamingoes

Becky decided that they were pink and in the water

The back of the quilt
I used a variation on Eyeballs in the border of this quilt.
Quilting detail

Mitred corners on the satin stitch
I have a basic mechanical sewing machine, the Bernina 1080. I used to have a fancy Janome embroidery machine but I like to be able to adjust the stitch width smoothly so I can do things like mitred satin stitch. Digital machines don't have small enough increments - or didn't when I bought my machine.  You can see a step in the stitch width with a digital machine. With a mechanical machine, I can turn the stitch width dial and sew at the same time. By sewing slowly and giving it a gentle tug, I can keep the edge of my stitching in a straight line as I do the mitre. Sometimes it works perfectly, sometimes not. I'm very proud of the the top left corner of the first one!

I had a store owner argue with me about my need for a mechanical machine! She wanted to sell me a digital and when I explained what I wanted it for, she said that in all her years for teaching quilting, she had never had a need for such precision. Naturally, she did not make a sale! I went to Bernina where the machines are more expensive but store owner listened to me.



2 comments:

  1. Adorble! Love the idea of your series of quilts, love the technique and most of all love your quilting! Tried some ideas from a Gloria loughman book a couple of years ago you just inspired me to give it another go - maybe with a Rona twist!! Oops, was my resolution to finish WIPs?!

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  2. Aaaaah, if we could only design our own personal sewing machine to do exactally what we wanted! Now that would be great! Your FMQ is superb =]

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