I need your advice quilting experts. I am working on an art quilt and I have finished the piecing and applique. At this point I have embellished them with embroidery floss and beads and then hand quilted them. But this piece is my first on the machine and I was wondering if the machine quilting would ruin the embroidery if I go over it or if I should just try to quilt around it.

Also, DH says I should put the beads on last but then I can't bury the back (supporting interfacing) between the layers so I don't want to do that. That part is up for debate since, as an art piece the back should always be against the wall but I have a high standard for craftsmanship and I don't like the idea of my work showing on the back.

Please help me decide my next course of action. Thanks!

Hi, I am no expert, but it would matter what type of embroidery it is. Normaly I would think you would go around it. And as for the beading I have seen it done just once and it was done last but before the backing. Like you I would not want it showing on the back. Let us know what you decide and how about a picture.

Can you post a pic?

fabuchick...here's my thought on that:))Okay, pull on your boots;)It would depend in my opinion what look you are going for. If you picture a box of very dampened sand and you took a stick and made a line in that sand...it would stand. Then take that stick a different direction to cross over, you would lose that first solid line. So, in quilting you need to think about where you will indent your fabric w/your quilting threads. If they cross over, will it stop the flow of your eye to a direction you intended it to in the first place??If it is just a crazy pattern of all going in different directions and the quilting is doing the same...then what would it affect?Other then to enhance what you were thinking. Does that give you any thought??:0)Or have I totally confused you now:0)I think you will love the quickness of your quilting look w/the machine. And, since you have many 3D visuals on this..wear safety glasses for that 'just in case'!:)) Do post a pic!! And, tell us the rest of this story!! I do find art quilts fascinating as many others too. THanks Skeat