What to quilt and what thread do I use? Looking over my newest quilt “Crowning Around,” I saw great open areas for quilting some feathers. Quilting feathers is probably my favorite quilting design so not a hard decision there. I copied my quilt pattern onto some freezer paper which I covered with plexiglass and using erasable markers I started doodling designs. When I found the one that worked for me I drew it directly onto the freezer paper. I tend to use guidelines such as my block or drawn guides for my quilting rather than drawing the actual design on the block.
I had already decided on the thread a nice lavender silk thread from YLI with Aurifil on the back in a close color. My quilting was going along just fine until I got to those areas where I was going to do this feather. It was going to take a little more finesse then I was used to. Everything showed up. Each retrace of my thread or wiggle in my design. My first thought since I’d rather not use rulers or mark designs was I better slow down and be more careful. Slowing down was not enough. I now had three blocks done and I wasn’t liking it.Next I thought I better go to off white thread so the thread doesn’t stand out and you just see the design. I also changed my foot so I could use the ruler to help make my stems neater. The problem with using light colored thread was that I now had “pokies” you know that bobbin thread (still lavender) that comes up to the top. I played with my tension, but couldn’t get rid of the “pokies” until my tension on the back was disappointing. I also wasn’t happy losing the lavender color in my block.
Now what? Next thought lighten the color, but keep it in the lavender family so “pokies” might go away.
A little adjusting of the tension and a lot of ripping out of previous stitches. “Pokies” still showing, I will just have to change my bobbin color as well. Frustrating, but the end result will be worth it.
Gail Renna 