So I've been thinking on this all afternoon and had pretty much decided that I wanted to add some sparkle to my current WIP. This quilt is for a show this fall. I've quilted, and quilted, and quilted on it but it seems like it needs a little something more still. I mentioned the rhinestones to my husband this evening and he didn't like the idea at all. (What do husbands know, right? :P ) He said, "Who wants scratchy rhinestones on a quilt?!" I told him this quilt was never going to be used and with all the quilting on it already it would be like snuggling with cardboard. He doesn't quite get the whole "quilts for looking at only" deal. He still didn't think rhinestones were a good idea.

So his reaction got me to second guessing my idea (grrr, he always does that), but I'm still thinking I might try it. How many of you have used rhinestones on a quilt? Were you fairly happy with the end product? Did the rhinestones just stick out like a sore thumb, or did they blend well and just add some sparkle?

I got to go with your DH. Who wants something scratchy to sleep with? Do you want this quilt for just show--or to be used and used and used...a family heirloom?

My friends who recently attended the AQS show in Knoxville said that a good number of the quilts on display had beading and sparkly things on them.

I love the idea of rhinestones or sparklies. I think it would add so much to the quilt. But I'd only do this if it was just for looks and the quilt wasn't going to be used.

I'd go for it. How do you attach them? Will they be sewn or glued on? If sewn - you can always take them off if you don't like them. Can't wait to see it when you get it done.

You could always opt for beads. It's a nice middle ground. No scratchies on the off chance that it might be used some day.

Bling can add so much to a project.....My boss has a lonestar wall hanging and it's got rhinestones all in it....Gorgeous!!!

I vote for the rhinestones!!

This quilt is definitely not going to be used. I doubt anyone would want to use it as it's been quilted within an inch of it's life. Very stiff.

I'm thinking of using the hot fix rhinestones and getting the little applicator that heats up and applies the rhinestone. Sounds easy enough, which usually means it'll be a nightmare. :)

I like a little sparkle on a quilt, and if it's for display why not? I have done hot-fix swarovski crystals and they are very pretty and classy-looking, IMHO. I've been wanting to try machine embroidery with mylar tissue, that's very pretty too! :D

I don't think there's a woman in Texas that doesn't like sparkle. :D My husband was born and raised in Lindale (outside of Tyler, 'bout 90 miles east of Dallas) and we go visit often. Everything has more bling and sparkle in Texas!

I like the idea of the bling. The last show I visited, they had some quilts with beading, rhinestones, sea shells - all kinds of things. I think they are fun. :lol:

Quilts have many purposes.... one of them being artwork.
I say.... go with your gut...and bring on the rhinestones!

Can't wait to see it!

I like them when they enhance a design element... and don't just look like added bling. I have seen it done well and not so well.

Well, we're not all denim and diamonds and big hair...okay, scratch that...I just caught a glimpse of myself in the window! :D

I vote for bling too! I saw a few quilts at the Road to California quilt show that had the hot fix rhinestones & they were beautiful.

saw one in Vermont QF which won big, had Swarovski crystals sewn into the quilting. Blackish fabrics made them sparkle. It had a lot of ribbons and white-glove people at it. It will be on the VQF website.

LoL! Truth be known, I try as hard as I can to look like y'all. It's not easy! :D

Go for it Rachel. Many of the shows feature bling now. Wall quilts or hangings typically. I've never used them, but they look fun.

On my last class, the teacher demo'd the hot fix rhinestones. It was very easy and I agree, they do add lots of sparkle to show quilts. If your going for show, definitely use them! Seems they are pricey, check eBay or places where you can purchase them in bulk.

I used to bead pageant dresses...talk about glitz!! I like to use the AB stones and they come in different sizes. Rather than using the hot fix applicator, I use Beacon's Gem Tac (available at HL and Hancocks). Simply squeeze a small amt on a paper plate (large amt will dry out fast) and use a toothpick, put the glue where you want the stone, then place the stone on it. Easy, peasy!!

Another bling idea is to use AB sequins. Apply them the same way.

I'm a southern girl so I like bling!!

Many winning show quilts have crystals on them :D:D:D

I think it is a great idea. You have a great sense of style, so go with your gut. When I was in Paducah at the Nat'l Quilt Museum, one of the most wonderful quilts on display had 40,000 swarovski crystals on it. Definitely not for snuggling, but it was breath taking.

The top prize winning quilt in Paducah several years ago had about 120,000 swarovski crystals sewn on the BACK of the quilt. They had it hanging in the Quilt Museum so that you could walk around it.

Oh NikkiLu! I am so glad you posted that! That is the one I was posting about....gosh, I got the number of crystals wrong! But wasn't it a wonderful quilt? Back was prettier than the front!

I vote to go with the bling

Not rhinestones! The hot fix Swarovski crystals are made for quilts. Just a few give lots of sparkle. The tiny ones are so fine you can't feel them on the quilt.

Oh man, you wouldn't believe how tiny the rhinestones are that I've used. #9, #16 and #20. I used the flat backs so you get the refraction but not the bulk!! The ones I used were actually Swarovski AB rhinestones. They come in crystal rhinestones too which are a little less expensive. I ordered all mine wholesale from a company in New York. They are totally different from the ones where you get a few in a little bag at HL. Little tiny bags would come in the mail and I would say no way is that all my order. It always was!!!!

No wonder that quilt is in a museum...that amount of rhinestones would be mega money!! Not to mentioned the labor involved!

DO IT!

This will sound like an oxymoron. One of the most beautiful quilts I've seen was an embroidered Sunbonnet Sue embellished with crystals! the shiney thread with little sparkles on the dresses was breathtaking.

I think it would depend on the quilt. On some quilts, they'd be just the thing to give it zing. On other quilts, they might look out of place.

I'd say lay the quilt out, place the rhinestones on top of it, then stand back and take a look. Take a photo of the rhinestones laying on top and see how that looks.

If you like it, then go for it!

I used a few rhinestones on a wall hanging as stars in a dark blue sky. Looks great. Also used black bugle beads as "windows" on another wall hanging that is the skyline of Pgh. at the "Point". The skyline shows the tall buildings and the beads set it off. I gave that one away and I think it's lost forever but I do have a picture of it!

Totally agree. I, too, like sparkles.

And they come in many colors and sizes. When done right they go through the wash just fine. I often use a cluster of three tiny ones in the animal's eye. Very effective!

is all the stitching done? I woul try some metalliv thread. Make sure you use metallic needle. They have bigger eyes.
Can't wait until I see it.
Dawn

I regularly use Swarvowski crystals and/or beading on my quilts and/or wallhangings. To me they, like beautiful quilting, can enhance the quilt when used "sparingly". Personally I swear by the Swarvowski hot fix crystals. They cost a bit more but there is a big difference in the look and wear. I have never had one come off anything I have put them on no matter how many times I have washed it. Good luck and go for it! :thumbup:

Do what you want, go for it, don't let anyone stifle your creativity

I like sparkle you say not to be used maybe wall hanging I think it would be great. love to see it finished

Try it and see...

I say go for it!
Have you tried J Hittle for Swarovski crystals?

http://www.jhittlesewing.com

Here's the link to the weekly sale items:
http://jhittlesewing.funoverload.com...new_items.html

Hi Rachel, I hope you do it!! And PLEASE show us your finished quilt.
If you have the idea in your head I think it's meant to be.
Your other quilts are so beautiful!!!!!!!!! :D:D