Stabilizer Free

How to live dangerously and go stabilizer free...

I like to stitch away from myself and counter clockwise being right handed (pic 1). This allows for a smoother line/curve.

With stabilizer you can travel your threads without shadowing.

This particular project has no stabilizer and this little curly-que goes the wrong direction for my stitch preference.

Take multiple tiny stitches directly ON the traced line until you get to where you want your line to start

 (pic 2).

Now as I stitch in my preferred counter clockwise direction, my stem stitch will cover my travel stitches.

The next time you get started and forget to stabilize or decide that it will get in the way of wanting to hand quilt, you can go stabilizer free!

Heritage Stories: Kay's Applique

Today I FINALLY get to show you
what I worked on this summer:) 
Kay and I have been FB friends for years and
as I posted some of my commission work,
it must have peaked her interest. 

Kay's Country Applique

I am pretty sure that by now you all know my passion for applique. Imagine my excitement when I had the honor of quilting these lovelies designed by Marion Vernon and Carlene Buck!!

 

I am so glad that Kay recognizes what an amazing job she did stitching these!!  This is another fun part of Heritage Quilting for me...I get to wonder in awe at the work and time taken to add each little perfect stitch into a piece of art. 

BEAUTIFUL DETAILS!

 

 

Here is a back shot of the quilting because

sometimes it is lovely from the back too:)

 

 

You don't always need to mark out a design either. 

Let the fabric talk to you and tell you how to quilt it.

The plaid like print was perfect for double row cross-hatch

and added loads of texture to the final look.

 

 Hanging Diamonds were the perfect background fill

so that the applique was the star of the block and worked as a

different texture to the plaid print. 

Read all of Kay's story on the making of this delightful quilt HERE

When you are ready to start your own Heritage Journey, find me HERE

Until next time,
Keep Quilting