Day 4 Hiatus-Chapter Two, The American Association of Quilt Wrestlers

The turning twenty quilt, still hanging around but getting closer to the finish line.

 
If you quilt, you know how easily a new pattern or a new fabric can catch your eye. That is probably why quilters, in general, have huge "collections." (I am going to defer the descriptive term "stash" from now on. It seems  nefarious somehow. Like it is a bad thing!)
I have never been fond of machine quilting anything more than a small project. Fussing with the machine, wrestling with the fabric, thread breaking, on and on. So, like many quilters, I have a few tops pieced and ready to be quilted. To quilt all these by hand is a daunting task. And besides, these are not masterpieces by any means, they are not show quality. These are utility pieces. They will mostly be used, washed and dried over and over. So, what is a girl to do? She is just going to have to break down and learn to machine quilt.     

So, enter friend Susan and introducing me to Leah Day. After a little practice the other day I decided to tackle a big Kahuna, yes, the languishing Turning Twenty quilt that has been wallowing for quite some time. I had done fairly well with the stipple practice, so stipple it is.   For this discussion I will list a few pointers from www.daystyle.com.

• you can quilt any size quilt without a long-arm or a stitch regulator
• you must practice, practice, practice

OK, so since I had already mucked up this quilt a little more mucking will not hurt. Besides, I know a dog who will look so cute lying on this quilt. Really. It is so amateurish looking. Embarrassing, yes, but I will share.

If you go to Leah's site you will see how she quilts anything using her method of Quilt Wrestling. She is extremely talented with her methods. She admits to having some pretty wonky quilts early on, but now, perfection. So, practice I will. My only question to myself is, how many dog quilts will I need to practice on before the embarrassment level subsides.

I am using my Viking #1+ because that is the machine I practiced the little quilt sandwich's on.  With each class I take or on-line tutorial I view one prevailing theme is constant. Every machine is different, every project has its quirks, and you must test before every project. So far this is what I discovered on this project:

1.  This machine hates 12 wt. thread. Eats it, makes nests, spits and sputters. It likes all others, including the infamous metallics and invisibles. Go figure.

2. Coordinating hand, foot and eye speed is not a myth. I set the machine with needle down, lower upper tension and reduced pressure foot pressure. Then with cautious optimism I tested speeds. If I went too slow, I ended up with long lay over stitches. If I went to fast, the stitches were indistinguishable. If I sew away from me, I break threads. If I sew sideways, I break threads. However, if the speed is just right, it is OK, but go a little faster or slower and SNAP! Obviously, much practice will be required.

blocks are outlined with one of the built-in decorative stitches, now I am stippling the blocks

Supreme Slider is on the bed. Feed dogs are down, stitch length is 2.5. Presser foot pressure is at 4, normally at 6, but with free motion set up I needed a little more slack.  Upper thread is a 30 wt. Blendable by Sulky in greens and pinks for the pinkish colors.  Bobbin thread is an off-white (matches the backing) 30 wt. Sulky.   


3. Like many people, I discovered that I am not the only one who sews without shoes. I usually have a pair of lightweight socks on, but this permits me to have better control with the foot pedal.

Conclusion: this quilt is going to take forever to finish but hopefully my machine quilting will improve along the way and the next one will be easier to wrestle!

Gratuity Moment: The new bathtub & shower are done!!!!