Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Dream Big in Feathers

Back in March, I quilted another one of these gorgeous Dream Big panels, but in pink. That one was filled with all sorts of fillers from my two fills books (the green ones). While I was at MQX in April, I found this one in the orange tones. Those of you who know me know how very much I love orange. I was putty when I saw it, and knew it was definitely coming home with me, even if I couldn't imagine WHEN I'd ever have time to quilt it. When I will use all of the fabric I own is hardly the question to really ask!

I resurrected my Fearless Feathers class this year, and plan to teach it a few more times in the coming year or two. It only seemed fitting to create another sample to use in my class. These feathers are ALL from my book Fearless Feathers too, which anybody can purchase (look to the right sidebar). I explain all the ins and outs of feathering, and show each and every one of these type designs, somewhere. They run the full gamut from uber-traditional Victorian styled to avant-garde feathers suitable for more edgy quilts.
 I love these panels because they give even very seasoned quilters time to practice and play, without committing to a queen-sized piece. Each petal of this design is just enough practice space.
Some feathers are the backtracking variety, or Formal Feathers, while others are completely beginner-friendly. You can create so much gorgeous texture with the many styles of feathers that are possible.
 I even snuck in a pseudo feathered wreath at the flower's center.
This 42" quilt is double batted with 80/20 and wool battings. I wanted the definition of the feathers to be obvious.
 I quilted this with 4 colors of Glide thread - deep maroon (around periphery), red, dark orange and tangerine (only near center). The colors of thread graduated slightly with the colors of the petals, but they are darker than the actual fabric so that the contrast of the stitching shows just a tad more.
 Hopefully, this panel inspires somebody to try to quilt feathers. Many of these very feathers are part of my class content that I teach to very new quilters. They may look challenging, but I am confident that most of you can master these with just a little practice.
 School is just about out for my kids...one is now into 1/2 day finals, and the other two have 4 days left. Then it is officially summer and days of feather-play are harder for me. My quilting is spotty from now until late-August. Fortunately, I like to be up at 5am, and they appreciate 9am! 
Hopefully I have whet your appetite to take a feather class with me in the coming year or so. If you don't get to the shows where I teach, remember that these designs and techniques can be learned on your own from my book Fearless Feathers. And for those curious, the designs are applicable to either a long arm quilter or one who quilts on a domestic.

Enjoy!!

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the eye candy Margaret. Will you be coming to the Handiquilter Downunder Academy this year by any chance to teach your feather class?

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  2. Gorgeous! You never fail to blow my mind and this one made my eyes pop open and I'm looking forward to purchasing your books asap. I hope that you and your children have a very happy summer!

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  3. Absolutely gorgeous!

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  4. Very beautiful---I only saw the Dream Big panels last week and am determined to find the Opal color to quilt. I love Glide thread--the sheen is so lovely and my Avante likes it as well. What thread did you use in the bobbin and what color(s)? Looking at your photos is always such a treat---pure eye candy.

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  5. Hey Margaret,

    I'm a big fan of yours and want to tell you your website comes up "Not Secure" when I bring it up. I'm using Chrome. My understanding is the folks that run the web want all people with websites to include the s in their address to help cut down on spam and hacking. To convince you I'm not a kook -

    maggie hawk
    arizonaroma@gmail.com
    360-466-0516

    P.S. This happened less than a week ago. Also, please don't publish my info. :)

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  6. I am in awe of your work. I have just ordered 3 panels because I couldn't buy just one. I am waiting for them to arrive. I live in Sydney Australia and they aren't in shops yet.

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  7. So stunningly beautiful!

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  8. We have had these Big Dream Panels for at least a year in Australia and I have them available. Jeanette Clark,
    Patchwork Maze Glen Alvie, Victoria Australia.Email me: ptchmaze@bigpond.com

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