Threaded Borders

Sometimes a single, solid or tone-on-tone border is all that’s needed on a quilt, but when it comes to the quilting it might be nice to add a little pizazz. By using a contrasting color thread, simple shapes and a bit of stippling, an interesting border can be fairly easy to do. This quilt is one example. It was made from friendship blocks Wendy and I exchanged with the travelers who joined us on our Danube Cruise a few years back.

I first drew the “leaf” shapes in a chain around the quilt (you’ll notice I didn’t even try to make them meet in the corners :-)). I stitched on these lines and then stippled inside in a high contrast thread. Next I marked a scalloped line 1/2″ from the outside of the stippled shapes and free motioned lines that were somewhat perpendicular to the outside edge.

I didn’t actually mark each of the “perpendicular” lines, but used my favorite marking tool – a sliver of soap – and marked a line perpendicular to the outside edge about every 3″ along the edge. This was just enough to keep me from tipping while free mo-ing. I angled the lines in the corner so that they continued smoothly. It was fun to do and it gave me the opportunity to play with those neon threads I just had to own.

Speaking of free motion quilting (what a segue!) I’m going to be doing a lecture and 2 workshops for the Darting Needles Guild in Appleton, WI in February. There are a few spots available in my workshops and they’ve decided to open it up to quilters outside of the guild. Here’s the information:

Beyond Meandering & Threaded Borders: Monday, February 18; 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.;  First Methodist of Appleton located at 325 East Franklin St, Appleton

Quilting the quilt should be as much fun as making the top! If you’ve been free motion quilting for a while and wonder if there is life after stippling and meandering, the answer is YES! This class is for stitchers who are already comfortable with the free motion technique. This 6 hour class will be filled with loads of “no mark” designs to learn and practice along with time for students to bring in unfinished tops and have the group brainstorm design ideas. This free motion quilting class has a twist for the machine quilter who has been honing her free motion skills. By combining our imaginations with contrasting threads, wonderful borders and illusions will take ordinary quilts to a new level of excitement! Supply list available upon request.

Compass Capers: Sunday, February 17; 9:30-4pm; classroom TBD

Traditional mariner’s compass quilts are beautiful, but can be difficult and time consuming to piece. This class will change that! Learn to draft a traditional compass using only a pencil, ruler and paper folding techniques. Then sew directly on the pattern using paper piecing – no math or templates! Once the technique is learned, compasses can be made any shape and any size.  Supply list available upon request.

Here is the lecture information too!

Quilt Tales: Darting Needles Guild Meeting; Monday, February 18; 7:00 p.m; First Methodist of Appleton located at 325 East Franklin St, Appleton

A quilter’s life is full of creative exploration, experiences and mishaps! Here’s a lighthearted look at one quilter’s journey as her love affair with fiber continues to evolve. Chris will be “formally” attired when she pulls quilts and other intriguing items from her overflowing suitcase. Listen on, as she spins tales of the quilts and what she’s learned from each of them.

Details: Classes are $40.00; if a quilter takes both classes they get a $5.00 discount on the 2^nd class making it $35.00; Monday night lecture is $5.00 if a non-member. Contact Marie at:  thull@fvtc.edu for more information!