I did a little more experimentation, although all of this seems to be done on the fly and in stolen minutes. I have spent so much time with Katherine and the girls the last few weeks and especially this past week. Ezri continues to have periods of being very uncomfortable, due to what we believe are seizure like episodes occurring deep in her brain. We should be getting results of the video EEG soon, and she will get another MRI. The MRI done May 14 at Duke, did not have magnifications of the tumor area as requested by her neurosurgeon. Will keep you posted.
So, photos below show the results of my Delirious experiments. The first photo shows the Paintstik version. I like the color definition and how clear it is. I don’t like that it doesn’t ‘sparkle’. The second photo shows three different stitches: applique, zigzag, and straight stitch. I like the straight stitch best. The thread on the straight stitch is Aurifil rather than Sulky rayon. I like it. The third photo shows free-motion embroidery using Sulky rayon. I like it too–although my technique needs practice.
Based on all of this, what I want to do is to use straight stitch and free motion embroidery – this will result in a bit of a frayed edge – see Janet’s comment on the previous post. A combination of fabric and Paintstiks will give different textures, along with using different threads. Rayon thread on Paintstiks may add just the right amount of sparkle. I may have fallen in love with free motion embroidery – something I’ve thought about for years, but never had quite the right inspiration.
The other thing I want to do is to cut the center rings out, after fusing or painting, and applique them onto another block of a different color. That will make the whole design a little more interesting I think.
Here are the photos – and say a prayer for our little girl.
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Just wanted to thank you for sharing tips on the Accuquilt Go! system. I don’t do a lot of cutting yet with it, but your tips are sure to make my quilting process easier when I do.
Nice work on the design challenge Marjorie. The very accomplished free motion quilters in my guild tell me that it took about 300 hours of focused practice to feel in control of their free motion quilting. I think I will wait and get a stitch regulated longarm instead!! I will practice meanwhile, but I am picky about stitch length etc., so as with learning to golf, I am not sure the outcome justifies the investment in time!
I do like the idea of composing reversed blocks as well. That will add an element of cohesion. Your project demands a high level of design skill to make it work well.
I am so sorry to hear of Ezri’s difficulties. She is your grand-daughter? Consider the prayers said, and big hugs all around.
Free motion quilting on the longarm is not easy, and the domestic sewing machine requires far more practice in my opinion ;). I have long admired Libby Lehman and Patsy Thompson and they both do beautiful free motion machine embroidery and quilting. Although I’ve tried many times, I think this was a little more successful. Maybe I’m getting more coordinated as I age.
Ezri is our granddaughter and although most of her brain tumor has been removed, she continues to have seizures that affect her ability to function. She is a sweetheart though, and we would go to the ends of the earth to take care of her. Sometimes prayers are the only thing we can do for her.