I started my quilting on the big mariners compass quilt and have done all the large sections in the ditch. I plan to do the compasses in the ditch also, then do the trapunto with some stippling. When I turn the quilt, I have some fullness inside the large sections..not much and I think it will be taken up perfectly with the additional quilting..however...should I unpin these sections now or unpin as I go (if I need to)? Hope this makes sense.

As I go, when the pins get in my way.

Your quilt is very nice.

Great quilt Sandpat.I love compass quilts. I also take the pins out as I go. :D :D :D pam :D :D

As you go is how I do it on my sewing machine.. I want is taught for the stitching

looks great by the way!

I take my pins out as I go, also. I love your quilt!!! :D

Sorry i can't help with that department, i haven't quilted a quilt yet. Just wanted to say love your quilt, very very nice.

That is one cool quilt. And I know that is NOT any easy pattern. You did a great job! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Now, that is one beautiful quilt----just SPECTACULAR! (sorry, I can't offer advice on your question but just couldn't let it pass without offering my compliment!---)

Thanks for the compliments...it is coming along. :) I will work on it some more today (hopefully) and try unpinning as I go. I'll let you know how thats working. Thanks!

sandpat - beautiful quilt!

I also unpin as I go. Once I get to a pin, I take it out and I take out any within a handspan that might also be in the way. If I am going to be quilting something where doing a lot of stops and starts would break the flow, I use a water soluble thread to baste the area with. That way I don't have to worry about the thread. It will come out once I block the quilt later. This is a great trick; just remember not to lick the end of the thread when trying to stick it through the eye of the needle. :lol:
~Tiffany