I don't know if I like this? Should I continue?
 

I'm making this guitar quilt for a great nephew. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible so I found some metallic thread and thought I'd attach it with a couching stitch to make the guitar strings. I've started with the thickest string (12 strands of thread). But now that I've gotten it about 1/2 sewn down, I'm not so sure I like it. Maybe it's because my string line isn't perfect..... or maybe it's because the couch stitches show up so much. Or maybe it's because this is a lot of work. But what do you all think? Should I continue or just not have strings on the guitar? I don't want it to look awful.

I like the string you have and think that they will really add to the quilt.

Cheers, K

I would keep going, because it's going to look great!

i would say to continue. it looks great so far

I think it looks great. I have been talking about making my husband a guitar quilt for 5 or more years (he's been playing for 52 years now), but haven't gotten around to it. Did you trace your nephew's guitar? I've seen patterns for flat top guitars with the round holes, but never an arch top with "F" holes. If you don't like the look of the metallic thread, you could try a pearl cotton the same color as the pick ups. Or try metallic pearl cotton. And there are bronze and black strings, too, if you don't like the silver.

I like it because it adds a creative 3 dimensional look to the quilt. Love the guitar too! Keep going, he will love it!!!

You might consider being less authentic and use various sizes of gold cord rather than multiple strings. It might be easier to work with.

I think it looks fabulous and you should continue.

Great idea for a quilt. I'm sure he's going to love it. I would continue with the strings. You can't play without them. I like how you stitched them on. Guitar strings have texture to them.

I can see that it's going to be a lot of work...but that guitar is SO great, i think it deserves the special addition of the strings. This is going to be a heck of a quilt when you're done !!

looks good so far keep going!!!

Keep going, I like it! :thumbup:

It looks good. very good. I probably would have used a zig zag on my machine tho. just don't like to hand stitch very much.

Keep going, once you havea few more on and all quilted it's gonna look great

I looks great! I'd keep going.

We're all critical of our own work. It looks great to me and I think your nephew will love it.
Rodney

I really like the string. Remember you are focusing on one small part very close up once you are done and you see it all together all those little things you see as imperfections will disappear. All anyone will see is the absolutly beautiful guitar you made. Love the wood grains.

Like Ann31039 I would not have done it by hand I don't care for handwork.

I think it looks great! Keep going :o
Just by pure random chance I literally just came across a video on Superior threads website of someone doing a guitar quilt that lights up and thought i would pass that along. http://www.superiorthreads.com/video...ls/conductive/

Keep going. I am sure he will be thrilled and not notice the things that bug you

YES! keep going, and please share when done!

Continue. Looks good!

It looks fine. The only suggestion since you mentioned it. Why not use a ruler and draw straight lines to follow when sewing it down. You can even draw the lines, lightly glue the threads down so they stay straight when you sew. Its going to look great.

Okay, I didn't get 1 comment saying to stop so I'm going to keep adding the strings. I did find that altering my couching method a little has helped. And, I guess the lines are straight enough. I have been drawing straight lines so I can keep the strings looking good but as any sewing goes, even 1 tiny movement and it's not straight any more. It will have to do. And I did find the perfect white pencil for drawing on dark fabric. But I'll save that for another post.... it's awesome.

I vote for the gold cord response from Quilt30. If you don't like the way the string looks now you will never like it, and every time you look at the quilt your eye will go right to the spot that makes you unhappy.

Check craft stores for the gold cord that is used for ornament hanging. (A bit stiffer than string, but soft and easy to keep in a straight line.)

The guitar is lovely!

I'm going against the grain and say, leave off the strings. It's a quilt not a guitar and the strings will get pulled or torn off with wear unless it's just for show? If this quilt will be hung up on the wall then yes do the strings but if not I would leave them off.

I like it. Once you quilt it, I think you'll feel better about the strings. Beautiful! I have a friend who would LOVE this quilt.

I would say give your quilt top a good pressing with perhaps a little starch and if you don't like the string you have done, take it out and start again after the ironing and pressing good. I think you will have better luck. I think the strings will look good and you will be surprised at how crisp it looks. Sometimes our iron is a good friend and other times not so good. Good luck and I think he will be very pleased with it.

Nice quilt.

I love the guitar and it really does need strings. If it's the couching thread that's bugging you, you could use monofiliment thread to couch with it. It's a pain but you won't see the couching thread especially if you go in and out under the guitar string (basically same hole in and out, hidden by the string itself---lot of work....would it be worth it?). I liked the idea of using differing sizes of metallic cords to achieve the look you want. Also, you can couch by machine using monofiliment thread top and bottom. Whatever you do, he'll love it.

If you do decide to couch the "strings" by machine, try putting a stabilizer under the fabric first. The iron on/tearaway Sulky stabilizer is excellent or even just place newsprint pinned on the back works. It will help you maintain your straight line.

Well, I'm doing the couching by hand. The metallic thread is pretty stiff so it's coming out okay. I'd like perfection but not being perfect is okay. I've got 3 strings done..... 3 to go.

And, I've learned a lot about how to do this if I decide to make another one. I figure my son will want one. For example, if I put my needle into the fabric directly across from where the needle came out, it doesn't hold the 'string' threads as well. Instead, I've been doing just the opposite. I put the needle in about 1/4" from the last stitch and put the needle back out across from that stitch. I'm sure my explanation is as clear as mud.

I think it looks great!!! Keep at it.

He is going to love it. No one that counts is going to notice the couching stitch. The quilt would not be the same without the strings. You are doing a great job and I love your creativity.

Maybe leave the strings until time to quilt then do the strings with a heavier thread in grey.

Awesome quilt. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Keep going with it. Lots of great ideas here, I don't have any to add.

Really like the neck also :)

Judy in Phx, AZ

I think your quilt will be awesome. And sometimes when our faces are practically pressed onto it for hours and hours things seem bad, but actually it will look good to you when you're all done

He will love it...

I think it's great. My son would love it. I wasn't as creative when I made his "guitar quilt." I did a black silouette instead. I think you should continue.