Yes, I use stencils or parts of it, but I also draw my own patterns on paper and make a template out of cardboard. I only transfer the outlines on the fabric and mark all inner lines freehand. When I find a pattern in a book that I like and the size does not fit I enlarge or reduce it on the scanner or a copy machine and make a template. Some patterns I mark completely freehand.
I never do a design sheet or something - therefore I never know how the complete quilt will look after finishing!
I purchase my fabric here in Germany in different Quilt Shops. My favourite brand for the solids is P&B, but unfortunately it is now hard to find it here anymore. Many quilt shops used to buy it at a Dutch wholesaler but they don't have it longer in their stash so the shops changed the brands. I am going to try the Moda Bella Solids as a "substitute". The fabric I buy has a 44" width so I sew length of it together. All wider fabrics I have found so far does not have the quality I want.
For the backings I love to use flower prints in a similar quality like also P&B, Quilt Gate, Lecien etc.

I wish I could visit all the nice places in the world where hand quilters ask for assistance! But as long as we are unable to beam us from place to place it seems to be impossible...:-)

I am in the lucky situtation to stay at home and to quilt, quilt, quilt the whole day. My dear husband is so supportive to me and he loves what I do. All my time I can spend in hand quilting, in praciting and, of course, in doing traditional wholecloths. I don't piece, I don't have to cut, press and sew. You see my situation is different to most of us quilters!

Suebee, you can be sure: I would never ever laugh at you and your work! We all do our very best and we can all be very proud of our work.

SUPERB!! You are fantastic

When you mark the quilt, what kind of surface is the quilt on? Is it on a hard table or a cushioned surface? Your work is truly beautiful.

Your quilting stitch is fantastic.

I love looking at your quilts....

I mark when the quilt lies on a hard table. But I do the marking after the layers are basted together. Like "mark-as-you-go" I only prepare smaller parts of the quilt with the quilting patterns, then I quilt them, I mark again etc.

I always love looking at your pictures. Your hand quilting is amazing. You should do a tutorial complete with pictures of how you mark your quilts with the darning needle.

gorgeous hand quilting and the needle marking is something I have not seen and will have to try. I have a dresden plate on the table to baste and it will be perfect to try this method on. Thanks for sharing.

Pat
homecaregiver

I am a fairly new quilter. I found this site only a couple of hours ago and can't believe how many GREAT things I have already learned. Thank you for sharing.