Fall Free Motion Finish

fall free motion quilting by Amy Johnson


I finished all the free motion quilting on my little fall wall quilt yesterday. I McTavished, or tried to McTavish the background. And it came out ok. But it still needs a little something.

fall free motion quilting by Amy Johnson

I can't decide if I want to hyper-quilt in the feathers and the rest of the motifs or maybe try a little paint.


fall free motion quilting by Amy Johnson
What it looked like before quilting the background, with the larger version

While I was thinking on paint versus thread, I decided to see what colors I had in which kinds of paint. I don't use the paints much, though I ought to play around with them more. I found them easily enough, tucked away safely in their plastic project box.

Washing my Paints


Yes, I had to wash my paints. Not clean up my paints, or even clean up the painting area. When I opened the box, I found two bottles had blown their tops!

free motion quilting adventures

Thankfully, the paint was contained within the box and didn't spread within the box the any of the brushes, sponges or paint sticks. In fact, the main offender wasn't actually paint but paint extender. It cleaned up pretty easily and I did see that I have enough colors and choices of paint to add some sparkle and color to this little wall quilt.

free motion quilting adventures

I have no idea how this happened. I do keep the paints in a backroom that gets less AC than the rest of the house, but it's not enough to cause them to swell with the heat.

free motion quilting adventures

I am still undecided about adding paint, but it does seem like a good piece for some play. Stay tuned and I'll show you what it looks like soon.

McTavishing


I really love the look of McTavishing, especially how Karen McTavish does her signature fill. I have her book on McTavishing, Mastering the Art of McTavishing, but somehow mine just doesn't have the swirly goodness that hers has. I know that it is in part due to the larger range of motion she has on a long arm. Since I'm quilting on my sewing machine, I just can't get the same long, sweeping curves that she can, at least not without repositioning my hands. But I know I can do better with more practice.

I have been toying with doing a series on McTavishing or maybe a quilt-along link party so we can work on the stitch together. What do you think? Anybody want to play along?


I'm linking this post up with Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday and Leah Day's Free Motion Friday.

14 comments:

  1. The "paint" idea seems a very good one. It will bring out the focus/feature quite well. McTavishing is something I have done very little with and would be interested in some type of stitch-along. I don't have her book but have watched her videos which are so intriguing! Your work is so very nice! Stitching together is such a nice thought......count me in!! Hugs, Doreen

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  2. I think your quilting looks great! I'm sure it will be smoother as you work on that pattern more. I haven't tried McTavishing yet, but I have tried this variation I found on pinterest and liked the results: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/143622675589336376/

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  3. Oh....I have had the exact same thing happen to some of my paints (same brand too) mine are stored in plastic bins inside a cabinet in a room that is very well climate controlled ......I wonder what causes it. Luckily none of mine ever spilled...too expensive to have to waste

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    1. Hmmmm……It’s a painterly conspiracy! Just kidding. But seriously, what a potential mess! And the top of the colorless extender completely blew off the top of the cap. It’s not like I live in a high-pressure atmosphere. Wonder if I should contact Dharma Trading Co. where I got them.

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  4. I think your mcTavising is wonderful.

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  5. Super looking. Can't wait to see if you paint or add more thread

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  6. This looks gorgeous. Though I've never painted on a quilt - the ones I've seen have been amazing. So I say, go for it! And yes, a series on McTavishing would be fabulous! I have her book but have only tried it a couple of times...

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  7. I think your quilting and McTavishing looks great already. I would love to see you do a series on McTavishing. I want to try every type of FMQ on my Janome and would love to try this - with your leadership and guidance for inspiration.

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  8. looking forward to seeing it... i like the paint idea!!!

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  9. Thanks everybody! I think I will do some painting and plan a series on McTavishing.

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  10. Your quilting is lovely. I vote for warm, subtle paint.

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  11. I would love to work on McTavishing. I have never attempted it on my own. It's always looked too complicated but working in a group might be a great help. Looking forward to it if you decide to do it!

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  12. I’ve gotten enough responses that I think we will have to do it! It might take me a bit to get ready, but it’ll be fun.

    As for paint or stitch.......I did both!

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