Your quilt is beautiful - I love the simplicity of the design, very stunning. What size did you make the large rectangles?

I agree with everyone - you should try some of Angela Walter's designs - she will do different designs in each block - it adds alot of texture but doesn't take away from the quilt itself. Also, try to use matching thread - that really adds texture. Looks like a great opportunity to try new things.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Our son will be finishing year 2 of his architectural degree, so geometric designs seemed to be in order. I've tried a few of Leah Day's designs, but on a larger scale. I didn't want it to have a heavy design.

At this point, I am not able to do ruler work, without a fat foot. (Already tried, but not successful). I have about 8 different patterns started, and will mix them up. I don't want to dream up a different pattern for each block.

The rectangles are about 8 x 15, with 1 inch sashings. It is not my idea, I saw one similar to this at a B&B we stayed at with the kids over winter break. It was simply quilted in straight lines across the quilt, with one inch spacings. It looked really nice done that way, but without a ruler foot, I can't do that with my machine.

Thanks for helping me out of my brain freeze! I feel I can do this now.

I have been where you are..and I will be again! I have found a couple sites that are good inspiration..I take notes and I only pick ONE design at a time. If you are going to do a sampler...try them out on a dry erase board till you are happy with them. Don't put your elbow down..you are training your arm, not your wrist. I often repeat the same design, esp if I have the same fabric elsewhere in the quilt. Oh...I have heard a glass of wine and music works. Breathing usually is my best bet! lolol

What about writing his name out---------a few hundred times? Maybe in different scripts?

sounds good!

I googled modern free motion quilting and found this. on the order of your idea ..............If this doesn't work, I apologize........................
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freemotionquilting.blogspot.com
1588 × 1600 - Feel free to use this free motion quilting design in your quilts
Similar More sizes

Check out Angela Walters. She is a gold mine of ideas. She has a couple of books but you can get a lot of ideas just perusing her blog. http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/

I did a "Thinking Outside the Block" lap quilt for DGS. I used Leah Day's "Spiral Knots" with a variegated blue thread top and bobbin. It softens the linear look of the quilt. Here are a couple of pics.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]408874[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]408875[/ATTACH]

Thanks for the advice. I did find myself leaning my arm on the bar, and thinking, oh, that gives me better control. I guess the rule is, No elbows on the bar!