Ruler Work Sampler: Slow Progress

I was so disappointed to miss the deadline I had set for myself on this quilt. But there's a point where you either begin quilting like a maniac and the quality suffers. That would be the quality of quilting and the quality of life for the quilter and her family. I didn't want to go down that road, so it was set aside and now I am itching to get back to quilting it.

Ruler work around applique crosshatching free motion quilting

I used Linda Hrcka's BFF template--- she's made her own line of rulers called The Quilted Pineapple Curves--- for that curved chevron sashing.


My butterfly still needs some quilting in the orange and some antennae. Then I'm going to put something on the outside of those arcs along the sides of the block.


The above block gave me a bit of trouble with this continuous curves in the triangles. The thread would split as the stitch formed. I think it was a needle deflection issue. I had to go to a 100/16 needle to get through the corners and the seam allowances and I still had trouble.



I've got several of the pieced blocks started. So far it's pretty much only ruler work that's been done on this quilt, giving it some structure for the rest of the quilting.


I've been using a variety of rulers on it and having quite a bit of fun. Now that my rush is over, I can take my time and quilt it up super fancy.

I can't wait to get back to it! Does anybody else here get antsy when they've been away from their quilting for a few days?

11 comments:

  1. I love watching your progress on your ruler work, and yes I get antsy if away from quilting! I bought a few Westerlee rulers at the Sydney Craft and Quilt show and have started to practice with them on small items, it's fun! Not attempted a large quilt with them though as yet. Maybe this week, you have inspired me.

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  2. I get antsy also....love to quilt, hand quilting keeps me relaxed!!! I only have the versa tool for my Tiara, and do some clamshells this week on a Bsby wuilt. it was fun..couldn't stop til it was done!!! But I need more info on the best rulers to continue on this journey.

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  3. My current quilt is quilted mostly with ruler. I only got 6 in straight one and bunch of half circles. Having a great fun :) I am making lovely lines but need to get better at holding a ruler.

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  4. Amy I know how you feel. Have been away from my home for six months doing Nanna duties and I am positively stir-crazy. I ordered over $1,000 of Westalee rulers and templates while I was away and haven't used one of them yet. Admittedly I've only been home a week so maybe tomorrow I'll get into it but I am going to need some practice sandwiches first. You are a true inspiration to me.

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  5. It looks great so far. And yes I get antsy if I can't get into my studio for a few days.

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  6. I too get antsy when I am away from quilting for a few days. It seems it is constantly in the back of my mind, working out new ways to do things and new patterns. I do love the way you show us your progress before the project is completed. I see here, for instance, how the ruler work forms a structure for other FM quilting that will follow to work around and fill in. Understanding that concept opens up a whole world of possibilities! I can't wait to see your next step, and I can't wait to try this in my own quilt! Thanks so much for sharing so freely!

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  7. I'd love to know which different rulers you used on each motif through the rest of your project. Perhaps some extra photos of an area with its ruler and the name of the ruler.

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  8. Amy, I quilt on a Janome Horizon 8900. When I have trouble with thread breakage at seams I turn the little screw that raises the toe til I get over the seam allowance. I know we don't like to stop but it is faster than rethreading.

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  9. It's a good idea to approach a quilt as you are... doing the ruler work first, to stabilize all of it, and then return for the "fun" quilting. No, I can't say I ever get antsy about returning to quilting. I think it's because I never know what to quilt. Choosing a design used to be a hurdle, but now it's getting worse. It's a mountain. I would be a whiz at domestic machine quilting if someone would just tell me what to quilt! I don't think I'll ever get past this. And it's precisely why I can find excuses not to quilt. After recently finishing my sixth quilt top, I knew it was time to make myself do it. And now, that's what I'll be doing for quite a while... whether I like it or not.

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  10. I wish I was better at ruler work. I haven't got the hang of it at all, but I'd like to learn. There never seems to be enough time! I love your blog and admire your skill immensely.

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