More and more McTavishing, can you see the difference with the scale. I don't know why on earth I went bigger, and then smaller again while stitching this design. So much travel stitching too, it looks as though I've outlined each 'leafy' shape...
What I noticed when I just started with this design that at the bottom left ray (circled in red) that my stitched looked like they where floating on top of the fabric, instead of having defined stitches. So I made a practice sandwich and played around with the tension, yet nothing seemed to make it look any better. Then I tightened the little screw on the side of my bobbin casing, and from there on my stitched looked perfect again, without having to adjust the tension on my machine.
I can see a clear difference when looking at my quilt that that section looks more like lines than stitches but it will have to do. There is no way I'm ripping them out!
And then,.... oh boy! Just look at what I did, a SPELLING mistake!!! Can you believe it? Well that I had to take out, I just don't hope that in the long run the fabric was too damaged after stitching repeatedly over one place. Of course you'll ask, 'why did you not MARK your letters out?' ... well I did, it was so light and I just went on without thinking. Luckily I noticed that after the one letter, imagine I had done the whole thing!!! ...sigh
The spaces between the letters and words are rather wide, and I don't think that they really 'pop'. When I marked them out it looked okay, but stitched out this way, I am not too happy with the result.
You might wonder why I chose this particular saying, "True beauty shines from within" since it has nothing to do with the theme of this quilt "Express your love". I just feel that to be loved, you must love yourself. ...hmmm another phrase I could use.
So many people, especially woman (even me) go through life with an idea of what beauty really is, and I must learn that it does not matter what my waist line is, how much freckles I have or the fullness of my hair. I am beautiful, and if I have to see this message, read it everyday, I will soon start believing it!
Previous Posts:
Express Your Love #4
Express Your Love #3
Express Your Love #2
Express Your Love #1
I am linking up to: Leah Day's FMQ Fridays, Find a Friend Friday @ Sew Many Ways and Fresh Sewing Day @ Lily's Quilts.
Happy quilting.
I really like your McTavishing. I see what you mean about it looking like you outlined the leaves, but I really think it adds more interest to have those pops of bright and then less dense stitching.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done my words yet, but I'm worried. It was difficult to fit them nicely onto the ribbons. Leah has many phrases on her single ribbon- she must have some really skinny letters, as I just couldn't figure out a 'font' that would do that.
I do like the phrase you chose- and don't think it being spaced out looks bad, but I think it may depend what the other ribbons look like. That is the worry with mine. Hopefully I'll get words on it this weekend.
Thanks, I honestly think I should have placed that phrase on another ribbon, but what it is done, is done... will really have to pick my words 'nicely' for the others..
DeleteI think the sayings on this quilt are really personal for each of us. Leah's words wouldn't have fit for me so I had to use my own as well. Your Mactavishing looks wonderful! Much "cleaner" then mine and I like the brighter lines as well. Your words being spaced out seems fine to me as well. The message is clear. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly, there is still so much to do on this quilt, and think in the end, all the little imperfections will not be to noticeable..
DeleteOh, Marelize... Your quilt is coming along beautifully. Relax - Don't get stressed. Your McTavishing is great. And your phrase looks wonderful. Don't forget why you do this quilting thing... Because you love it. Whenever I make what I consider to be a 'mistake', I quickly remind myself that (a) I will probably be the only one to notice it when the project is finished (b) That there are no mistakes, but only learning experiences. I commend your determination to master free motion quilting! Leah just makes it look easy! So, love yourself. We love ya, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lorna, it makes it all worth while reading comments like this!
DeleteWow! How wonderful your quilting is! You clearly practice, practice, practice! (I'm here via Lily's Quilts fresh sewing day BTW) The only other thing I could add, is ^ what they all said. Keep having fun!
ReplyDeleteHazle
Thanks for stopping by, and YES I agree, its a LOT of fun!
DeleteYour spelling mistake made me rotfl because I did the same thing in another quilt! It happen...just hug yourself and smile that you are a very Beatyful. Lol!
ReplyDeleteOn the words, when it comes to squishing things in, the best bet is to draw the letters lightly first just to get a general placement and erase and adjust as necessary. Only when you're sure of the placement, darken each letter nicely right before quilting. I hope that helps!
And yes, you are totally right. This quilt is about expressing love to everyone, ourselves included. I love your phrase!
LOL, I laughed at your "very Beatyful" comment. I am just so relieved that I noticed my mistake before I totally ruined my quilt... Thanks for your advice, I will try it in the other spaces...
DeleteWow! This is looking so great!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very personal project, therefore the words are what you feel about yourself as well as others. Your quilt is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt and how it is coming along, I admire you for going back to fix the spelling mistake and think you are so lucky to have noticed BEFORE sewing the whole phrase!
ReplyDeletelove lucy
http://blog.crazyforpurple.com
This looks fantastic...your McTavishing looks very good...all in all...very impressive.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that even though you see every little thing that you'd like to be different, most people won't see it that way. I think your FMQ looks great. And misspellings... well, usually I think that means it's time for a break! It's really coming along beautifully.
ReplyDeleteMarelize, it looks great. I love your colors, and since I purchased (cheated) and bought the Spoonflower version, I really like see stitching on colors.. I loke your word choice, too. I'm still outline stitching, so am glad you are going first! I'll be sure to check my spelling! :)
ReplyDeleteI want to use the phrase.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot change the direction of the wind. You can adjust your sails.
How would you break this down in the spaces?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I think it looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your mistakes and challenges. It really helps to see that not everyone jumps right in and does it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteYour choice of phrases fits the theme beautifully!