Sunday, January 7, 2018

Glitter in the Hoop

 Glitter has been in the hoop. I've used perle #8 to stitch around each nine patch so they stand out from the background.  
Then I had to figure out what to do in the nine patches.  I'm using 20 wt. hand quilting thread because the perle #8 and even #12 seemed too heavy.  I can't seem to find how I want to quilt them. I first tried stitching around the four squares in the center but found it difficult to do because the squares are so small. Then I tried an X through the center squares but I kind of wanted all the squares that match those points to stand out from the others and that didn't do it.  Then I tried quilting all the way across the row horizontally in the two rows of middle squares. I really didn't like that either. Then I tried a square going around the middle square. It wasn't right.   Finally I tried quilting vertically in the four squares as you see here. So far that's the quilting I like best but I may try adding the horizontal quilting through the same squares.    Actually I'm getting rather frustrated trying to figure out what to do that looks good with my level of quilting and doesn't detract from the blocks themselves. I am ready to just finish it off by tying it in the center squares with the ties on the back. 

21 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

sometimes it takes a little while to come up with how we want to quilt a quilt doesn't it. Love all the color

Libby in TN said...

That's why I quilt by check -- quilting is a whole 'nother level of design that I have not mastered. Though I need to with my new machine ...

Julierose said...

Beautiful piece--have you thought of trying to tie it instead--you might like that look, too...hugs, Julierose

TakeMeThereTotes said...

Are you making a square on those? Are the two lines connecting? It is hard to tell on my screen. I think a square within a square would look good. Connect those two lines through the squares. I always struggle with how to Quilt a quilt.

Amy said...

How about concentric quilting in that odd shape where four blocks meet, and a tie in the center of the 9 patch? It would push the ornament shape to the forefront.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Sooooo pretty!

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Oh i love the scrappyness! When there are alot of seams quilting designs are difficult. Have you considered tieing. I am including a link to a unusual way of tieing a quilt. https://youtu.be/cEkHht2oJsg

Teresa said...

Quilt is very pretty. Have you considered a diamond pattern in the center of each block with the left/right points of the diamond touching the outer points of the center square and the top/bottom points ending around two thirds of the way up the top/bottom point of the block? Hope this makes sense to you.

Jayne Honnold said...

This sure is a beauty! It certainly does sparkle and shine. I've found you at Slow Sunday Stitching. Glad to meet you!

Linda said...

Love these blocks but can see that deciding on a quilting pattern is difficult.

The Cozy Quilter said...

Beautiful colours in your quilt! How about Baptist fans? I hope you are able to figure so,etching out soon!

Janie said...

I love your 'Glitter', great use of contrast.
I'm sure you'll come up with a good quilting solution.

gayle said...

Love love love your Glitter!
Have you seen how Mary Huey quilted hers? She's machine quilting, but I like how she did it.
http://maryhueyquilts.blogspot.com/2016/01/workshop-teaser-jen-kingwells-glitter.html
I'm a long way from having to think about how to quilt mine. I'm interested to see what you settle on!

mangozz said...

I love how this quilt is coming out, and I wish I could help you, but that is the reason I hardly ever get a quilt quilted. I can never decide on a design, especially one that I am capable of following through on. I hand quilt small items and mini quilts with really basic designs mostly. But the pile of large flimsies is growing. I try to pretend I don't see them. For years I tied all of my large quilts, but I think they look better with quilting, especially by hand. Hopefully, you will come up with something that works for you. If I see anything, I will let you know.

colleen said...

The CozyQuilter posted Baptist fans and I also think that is a great quilting design for this quilt.
1. To give texture
2. To not fight or take away from the gorgeous fabric and design
3. Provide even quilting over the entire quilt
4. To hold all the layers together
5. It's a beautiful simple quilting pattern
6. Because you can

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I always struggle with quilting designs too. I hope you can find something that you like and it's too difficult!

Quilter Kathy said...

I like the designs you have done already! And maybe a tie in the 9 patch centres just for fun?
It already sparkles, so it doesn't need fancy quilting to make it sparkly!

Rebecca in AK said...

This is such a great quilt! Love it! Coming up with a quilting design is always difficult for me. It is pretty busy, so something simple I would think. I look forward to seeing what you decide on.

Kaja said...

It's so frustrating when you can't work the quilting out, isn't it? I'll be interested to see what you decide, but I'm afraid I don't have any brilliant suggestions.

Ellen said...

Most of the hand quilting I have done is Baptist Fan quilting so I don't have to fret over it. ;) After quilting a few quilts with it I think I am getting ready to branch out into different designs but like you I would have trouble deciding what to do.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I like how you've quilted it. It is going to be a gorgeous quilt.