Need batting and quilting opinion fast!
 

I have just completed my first quilt top- it's all appliqued and going to Australia in 3 weeks. I would normally use warm and natural, but since there is so much applique( it's fused and blanket stitched), I wondered if I should use a fluffier batting. If so, which one.
The other question is, I am doing the quilting myself- I have attached pictures so you can see how busy it is. Should I just do an all over, or treat each individual block as a separate entity? Then, should I use invisible thread? I need to start it tomorrow, so any input is greatly appreciated. Oh, the quilting will all be done on a home machine. Thanks!!
Sallly

That is beautiful. If the quilt is going to be used as a bed cover, I would quilt it all over. If a wall hanging I would quilt it lighter. Let us know what you decide. Did you design the pattern? I don't think I would use invisible thread, although it would be beautiful, the ends would be picky.
Sue

Hobbs 80/20 would let any unquilted areas puff up just slightly. I wouldn't do an all over meander, it'll ruin the quilt. Treat each area separately. I'd go look at Leah Day's blog to get ideas for background fillers.

I'm not sure if I would use invisable thread, the shine might be a distraction. Pick a few varigated thread that blend with the colors.
As for the batting ..Hobbs 80/20 does have a bit more loft than Warm and Natural. Or use the warm and natural and use spray basting and cut some lower loft poly in shapes and add on top of the Warm and Natural ,where you want more loft for quilting definition. It easier to add the loft areas by spray basting the batting , or top on the wrong side and trim . That way you can see the areas on the fabric back.
Your quilt is beautiful.

Gorgeous quilt! I agree that 80/20 batting and quilting individual blocks would finish it off nicely! I also would choose variegated threads to blend with the background of the blocks. Some of the Sulky Blendables coordinate with the McKenna Ryan fabrics. You can look at the chart and pick individual spools or they also sell a bundle (which costs a bundle). Here's a couple of links for reference:

http://www.redrockthreads.com/thread...read/33304.asp

http://www.ericas.com/threads/mckennaryan.htm

It's a beautiful quilt. Is it your own design?

Beautiful Quilt :)

I would do the blocks deperate also.

I have no advice for you but the quilt is fabulous!

IT IS BEAUTIFUL! I agree with the hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting- it is a very nice batt to work with- or even Dream Wool (which is my favorite of all time batt)
i would not use an invisible thread- i would use a nice verigated thread that goes from light greens into blues.
i would also quilt each section separately- but actually can visualize an all over working- maybe some echo quilting around some of the appliques- and some background designs (like clouds, or grass, or trees) in the more open areas---
my goodness it is just BEAUTIFUL!