Stipple? It feels like if I just quilt in the ditch--which is what I would prefer since it's easier, and I want it to look nice because it's going to a craft sale some day.... it seems like it'd not enhance it at all--just magnify linear movement.

I've been looking at it on/off all yesterday and I'm no further ahead.

How could I use straight lines and not go in the ditch? Something at a diagonal?

Help!!!!!!!

Loretta--what's a diagonal bar?

It's so frustrating to want to do more than stitch in the ditch but to not be able to make it look nice. I guess I just have to be willing to practice more before I try it on sale items. I'm not good about taking the time to practice. :? But, it makes sense to stick to what I can do. :roll:

I just finished it! :D :D :D

I went all around the color part just inside--then added a small X--in the center--following seams--then followed the inside green pieces for 4 more corners, then went all around the outside just inside the border. There was one pucker coming at the very end (HEAVY SIGH) so I ripped enough of the corner out--half way back both sides, and tried again and I'm happy to report

THERE ARE NO PUCKERS ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd post a photo--but I don't think you'd see anything--used cream colored thread and the background is a wild green flowered piece I had a lot extra of.

Now, what's next?

It's very cute. Please, please post a picture of the quilting. :D :D :D

Your block is lovely...it sounds like you mastered the quilting dilemma...I'd really like to see a picture of it after it's quilted, too. Nice work!

Okay, I never said I could draw but here's a couple of ideas. I hope the copies come through well enough for you to see.

Oh, you might saayyy you can't draw, but those are some really nice ideas.

Jackie.... :shock: Jackie..... :shock: I'm speechless. It's a good thing I'm typing.... they are gorgeous. I really really love the 2nd one. WOW. It makes what I did look so pitiful. If it was done like that

Are you sure you don't want to buy the first house that goes up for sale around here? I'd let you come over and pet the horses whenever you wanted.... Hmmmm?

A good friend of mine loves to quilt--but only by hand.

I feel the EXACT same way!!!!! :? :?

Thank you :D . What size is that block/quilt? After looking again, all those feathers, even in white, might take away from your design. Here's just one more idea that would be a lot easier and possibly add to your desing.

Whoops, it didn't take this time. I was thinking of simple radiating lines one the white but pivoting from the center and stitch in the ditch for the rest of it.