Have finally figured a quilting pattern for the cables (under run of the string to each segment), but ended up with another question: do I quilt each bar from the center out, or radiate out from the center? I would think at first that radiating outward would make more sense, but then the pattern markings are likely to rub off from the constant move of the hand frame. Using the hand frame I can keep it tight and flat, and if I work out on the bars it should eventually hit the frame without distortion of the back, right? Any thoughts folks?

I seem to remember that the older Amish quilts I've seen are quilted in black thread.

What ever color thread you decide to use it should be fun to quilt. The quilting makes a simple quilt like yours come alive!

Are you going to draft your own patterns?

I never use a frame, but baste everything securely, then quilt in my lap. That said I think I would quilt each bar from the center out. There would be fewer interruptions in your quilting that way.

Am using both, stencils I've picked up since starting last summer and cross hatch (nothing much really to draft on that). I've double small cables for the green, cross-hatched on the red and then vines for the violet. The border gets a large double cable but I'm going to double each line on those. Also am outlining each bar. I've read that the Amish try to quilt every square inch, so that's the goal. My stitching is already improving which was why I wanted to do this quilt to begin with. Cool!

I've decided that the each bar method is the most plausable solution too. I am however making sure the back is flat every time I move the hoop. Am about halfway through the center bar already. :D

Beautiful quilt! This past summer, we cruised through Amish country and stopped at a number of quilt stores. They have some gorgeous quilts. Of course I had to bring home several pieces of their work. Since then I too have been in the mood for making Amish like quilts.

Hope to see more of your work. :)

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. The only thing I regret not doing on this one was putting on a double border and cornerstones. The nice part is I get to do that on the next one should I get half a mind and remember. HA!

I'm thinking of giving it to dad when I go back to Oklahoma this summer. He is so hard to please as far as presents go. I’ll just put it on his easy chair and when he asks, "What's this?" in a gruff manner like he inevitably will, just say "Something to keep you warm while you work crosswords next winter." Sounds like a plan huh?

The cables aren't near as hard as I was thinking. Once I figured how to travel with the needle (thanks to the hints on the ‘questions, questions’ thread) the quilting just started sailing right along. You folks are a great source if information and a wealth of inspiration. Thanks again!

Steve - I'd love to be a fly in the corner watching your Dad find his gift!

The quilting is coming along fine though marking the crosshatch gave me fits at first. One inch marks are were way too small to fit this piece.

Steve, I've studied over and over and I can't figure out what your new avatar is. Your brain on drugs? LOL