Love Makes A Family--post 3

Curve reversed  and mirrored

This month, I've steadily been quilting on "Love Makes A Family." Goal number 10 o my April list was to make progress on this project. At the beginning of the month, I took my 790 Bernini in for a repair because the stitch width was engaging like it was possessed. Turns out, a circuit board needed to be replaced which is on order. I don't know when I will get it back

Multiple curves

I miss that machine; but, I'm thankful that I have a back up machine which is a 1630 Bernina that I've had since the 90s. It stitches well; but, I'm not able to use rulers so my quilting has been free motion. Although, I do plan to use the feed dogs to quilt the straight lines I have planned for the background.

The first step for me is to quilt in the ditch. This is a boring step; but, important because it helps keep the project flatter. It is also important because it gives me time think about what I might want to quilt next.

Curves set at an angle ending with straight lines

Generally, I don't plan what I'm going to stitch in an area until I'm at that "spot." Sometimes, I have an idea of the quilting when I'm piecing; but that doesn't often happen!

I decided that I would quilt the pieced strip areas with a rainbow thread. I have used and enjoyed this thread for a number of projects over the years. Sadly, Superior Threads discontinued producing it about four years ago. I'm using the last of it! I have not found a suitable replacement yet; but, I haven't done much looking either!

Two curves

As I spooled the thread across the pieced section, The thread curved in a pleasing manner which got me to thinking about challenging myself to using the same curve; but altering the curve in the pieced sections. It is fun to play with a curve shape to see what kind of different designs you can stitch. 

One curve and adding half a curve

The wider strips received a more detailed design. The first design I made, I placed the curve in a smile and reversed it into a frown. At that point, it reminded me of a fish design which is appropriate for the book ("Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate) that inspired this project.

Angled lines quilted on the letters

Then I mirrored the curve because it filled the space better. Sometimes, I used a portion of the curve and added a straight line. In the last narrow strip, I changed the orientation of the curve.

Using a purple thread to quilt the letters, I stitched angled straight lines. Finally, I free motion quilted hearts in the background of the letters. Again, I chose a thread that was the same color as the area I was quilting. I spent about nine hours quilting the background of the letters!

To quilt the red background, I switched the free motion quitting foot for the quarter inch foot. I was concerned that my chosen red thread wasn't enough for the entire background. Because I'm using what I have, I decided to use it anyway. 

As a backup, I selected another spool of red thread that is more on the orange red side than the blue red side. To integrate that thread, if necessary, I quilted inch sections of the background. If necessary, I would fill in with the other thread. 

Background quilting progress

I quilted lines a quarter inch apart leaving an inch between each section. There were a lot of stops and starts. I plan to bury the tails which will take some time. 

Stay tuned as after I finish quilting the straight lines, I'll be ready to press my facing, finish the edge, miter the corners and stitch it in place. I will finish this project next month!

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday!