As I look out my window at the falling snow, I’m happy to share more of the story from my previous post about: A Red, White and Silver Christmas Quilt.
It seemed obvious to me that the snowball blocks should be quilted with snowflakes and, since no two snowflakes are alike, I did a search of free clipart and printed out 15 different ones at 6″ each.
I then scanned them into my Scan and Cut™ (click here for a previous post about this great machine), put freezer paper on the sticky mat, and was very discouraged. The flakes were so detailed, and the freezer paper wasn’t sticking very well to the mat… and I ended up with a mess that I crumbled up in frustration before realizing I should snap a photo:
I decided to tape the freezer paper around the edges for my second attempt (note masking tape), and remove all the detail lines inside each snowflake:
This worked much better!
I could now cut these templates apart and lay them in place on the quilt sandwich. Once I liked the layout I ironed the shiny side of the freezer paper, one flake at a time, in place and quilted the along the inside edge.
But first I needed to decide which machine to quilt it with. I’d layered this quilt with a very thick minky fleece and no batting. I’d done this with my birthday block quilt and had some problems with the backing “fuzz” pulling through to the front, as well as puckering. So I made a sample sandwich, put a new titanium needle in my Bernina, and did some free motion stitching.
The top thread looped in a few places and the “fuzz” bearded through from the back 😕. Then I put a new needle in my HQ Sweet 16 and had better results. Still a little bearding, but the decision was made.
This worked well!
What I became very aware of is that I’m not great at free motion quilting smoothly along the edge of paper. The snowflakes God creates are beautiful!
I think mine reflect the look of snowflakes beginning to melt 🤣!
I’m still having fun doing it and I plan to gift it to someone who thinks everything I do is wonderful – so I’m sure they won’t even notice my less than perfect flakes! Now to go stitch more snowflakes! I’ll share a photo of my quilt when it’s complete.
Karen Moore says
Sure missed you on the trip!! Every time I walked by a clothing shop with interesting tops displayed, I thought of you.
Mary Alice Hart says
Nice to see I’m not the only person experiencing “learning opportunities”! Mine was with a garment however. Finally gave up on the directions and did it my way! Love your quilt! Those snowflakes would make great appliqués! Would really pop in another quilt of the same design!
Sandra Kohls says
I love the way you solve your challenges. Your quilt is LOVELY!
MariLynn Bergmark says
I chuckled when I read that you will gift this quilt to someone who thinks everything you do is wonderful. 🙂 It is nice to be appreciated, but being on a pedestal can get a “little wobbly”. 😮 From your “postcard” friend.
Cindy Unruh says
That was a very creative idea I am so going to steal! Except I don’t have my Cricut anymore. Wonder if I fold up freezer paper and make paper snowflakes like we did as kids, just don’t do the fussy inside cuts….hmmm might work. Id have to go along outside edge though. I have several winter quilts needing snowflakes. Thank you for another wonderful inspiration, Chris.
BTW I think everything you do is wonderful, is that quilt for ME? 😂 lol
clkquilt says
I love the idea of creating your own snowflakes the old fashioned way. Please keep us posted on how that works!