I'm reaching the point where I need to start thinking seriously about quilting the top of my first quilt (I just started quilting a couple of months ago). My quilt top is a double Irish Chain -- white in the center squares, with yellow and blue chains.

My set up: a wooden machine frame (Little Gracie II), and a 15" Bailey. So I have a lot of options with that kind of setup (I definitely do NOT want to do just a wandering FMQ on this quilt; if I wanted to stick to just that, I wouldn't have bought all this!) -- I was thinking of doing a simple motif in the white sections, but one that will still stand out fairly well. But what to do with the chains? I don't have a ruler foot yet, so doing any sort of diagonal lines through the chains is not an option. Anyone have any suggestions?

Whatever I go with, I'm going to practice the heck out of it on some practice cloth before doing the actual quilt. I just need to decide soon, and get practicing, as this is a Christmas present for someone. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

How about some feathering. Go online and start googling quilting designs. Go to the top and click on Images. Get some ideas there. The possibilities are endless. Which is why you are stumped. I know. It all depends on your ability and what you want to try. Good luck and I hope you will post pictures when you are done. You know how we love pictures. :D :D :D :D

How about a leafy vine kind of meander thru the chains?

ooooh. I like that idea. :D :D :D

I like that idea too, especially as I'm thinking of using something floral as the center block. Do you know of any pictures that would show what you're thinking of?

Uhhh, just the one in my head. You might search for longarm pantographs and look at some of those designs for ideas. A pantograph won't really work though since you'll be quilting on the diagonal but most of them aren't that hard to freehand.

When Scissor Queen wrote that, I envisaged sewing a wiggly line all through the chain in one direction, the wiggles perhaps being between two and three inches long. Then coming back the other way, again wiggling, again about the same length, but forming roughly leaf shapes along the way. Because these shapes are freeform, they don't look 'wrong', and I have used this type of design up and down sashing a lot, as it's so easy to do. I hope that helps.

How about squiggly diagonal lines thru the chains. You'll get a great effect without having to deal with the rulers. Sounds like you're not quite ready for those anyway.

Have fun, and don't forget to BREATHE!!!