Where do you find designs for large areas of quilting? Do you design everything as you go, or make decisions along the way? How do you "audition" quilting motifs?

Today, I am joining some UFO Dresden Plate blocks that I made several years ago from 1930's prints. I have ten 14" blank blocks made from the same Kona "Snow" solid color that is the background for the 24 Dresden Plate blocks. I have no sashing, just the setting triangles in a dense 30's print, which surround the central block area. By tomorrow night, the top should completed and basted, so I'm thinking about quilting motifs right now.

I am going to hand-quilt this quilt so I don't want to use an all-over design.



thank you :-)

Your quilt sounds gorgeous!

I audition quilting motifs by drawing them on clear vinyl (from the fabric store) with dry erase markers. In a pinch, sheet protectors work well also :wink:

I sometimes take a picture of my quilt top and draw on the picture in my photo editing software - very handy if you have a drawing tablet.

Can't wait to see a picture of your quilt!

Here's a link to get some ideas. Try the library too! http://quiltingstencils.com/

Katier825:

Thanks for the link to quiltingstencils.com. I spent the afternoon today flipping through books and looking through images on the internet. Then at the website, I ordered some stencils for the corners, setting triangles and the large blocks. They're so inexpensive, I can trace them off onto laminate film and order more if I decide I need something else.

On a whim, I ordered a basket of flowers instead of a feather wreath for the large square. That may hold my attention longer! I may not finish this until the next decade rolls around, but that's ok.

Glad you found something you like! Be sure to post pics so we can see the finished quilt! :)

I love using stencils for mine. I'm getting a very nice selection.

Try combining stencils for bigger areas :D:D:D

I LOVE that site! Not just for quilting (I am NOT that ambitious to try to manage one of those designs with my little Singer!) but, for the headboard I am helping plan to paint on the wall over the bed of one of my quilts. Thanks for the link!