Dolphin Dilemma
 

Hi Quilters! Help! Using a photograph as my guide, I sketched my dolphins onto muslin and glued batik scraps between the lines of my sketch, then outlined the shapes with rat tail cord. Using basting spray, I unsuccessfully tried to secure a deep blue-purple tulle over the design, but ended up using pins (through the entire sandwich) for basting. Including the outside borders, this will measure about 36" square, and I cut the backing/batting large enough to self bind if this looks to be the right option. Now the problem... how to quilt, All recommendations of any kind are welcome and appreciated, including thread type and colors, stitch patterns, etc. Please keep in mind, this is the first type of art quilt I have tried, and I consider my quilting skills as beginner. I know you quilters hold my answer! I eagerly await your responses.

FYI, gorgeous and inspirational art quilts and other quilts hang in the Suwannee Valley Quilt Shop in Trenton, FL. This complex is well worth an entire day of your time.

Attached are photos 1-3, my batik efforts, and the fourth is
my reference photograph.

Thank you,

Cheryl

The "rat tail" is some type of nylon or other synthetic and maybe 1/8". Thanks for the suggestion of zigzag.

It's a bit late to do it now, but just an FYI if you try this again. There is narrow bias tape that is fusible. It's easy to use and lays flat when done to that you can FMQ over it. I've used it a couple times for stained glass type work. It works great.

The "rat tail" is some type of nylon or other synthetic and maybe 1/8". Thanks for the suggestion of zigzag.

Thank you.I started with the 1/4" fusible bias tape and it just seemed too wide. Hence, the rat tail.

Your work is awesome. Please post a picture of the quilt when completed.

Thank you, Betty. I appreciate your kind words. I will post a finished picture.

Perhaps you could use the cording foot to zigzag over the rattail with just the top and batting. Then put the backing on and continue your quilting. ?

Wow! that is very nice--great job!

Wonderful quilt! No advice, but looking fwd to seeing the completed project!

That is a beautiful quilt.

It is gorgeous! I love the fabrics

I was thinking similar like stitching cording on then batting and backing since it's only 36" square. Small enough and not hard to handle. then possibly a wavy pattern/ outline.

That is really gorgeous. Identical to your 'picture'. Great job.

Wow, really nicely done.

Can you zig zag across the cord with monofilament to tack it down? Maybe echo the dolphins a couple of times and then go to a wavy line to simulate the water? Or, what about pebbling in some areas to simulate bubbles? Just some thoughts.

If you go to Leah Day's website, she has hundreds of FMQ patterns that might work in the open spaces that you might like, too.

Watson

Thanks to all for looking, your recommendations, your encouragement and praise.. I plan to review Leah Day's website, zig zag some practice pieces, and get busy. I am excited to finish this one! Again, many thanks, Cheryl

Beautiful work.

I agree that the shops in Trenton Fl are worth the trip. I have seen that they are for sale. Hopefully, someone will purchase them and keep this great quilt shop complex alive.

WOW, that is an amazing quilt. Great job. However, I don't have any quilting ideas, except for maybe SID.