First Time Feather Practice
 

Well as my grandma used to say "In for a penny, in for a pound" I have been practicing my feathers on my dry erase board for like 3 months now. And got pretty good at them, so decided to take myself to the long arm and see what I can do. Note to self: It really isnt the same thing using a pen vs using a machine. But that is ok, now I will just practice on fabric.

I bought a yard of material for backing, and used some scraps for the runners. Just loaded one at a time, stitched it down then went to town. Apparently circles are the hardest types of feathers to do. Guess I am a horrible over achiever I went right for the circles... But will note, I am inherently lazy, so if circles are the hardest, if I practice them first and get really good at them...then straight lines will be a cinch. Saves time ;) Or I am just a glutton for punishment!

Not sure what I am going to do with them.....lol...probably give the blue/green ones away, the orange one had too many issues to share with anyone. So might just use it for the cat's feeding area cause he is such a mess.


Anyhow, here they are. I had some tone on tone circles sewn on the blocks to give a guide. You can barely see it, but they are there.
This is the first one, very first time on feathers....not great but there are a few petals that are good. :D
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This is the second one, the feathers are getting better (tension too) more good petals.
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And this is the last one, more continuity in the good petals, still some issues, but getting better.
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And this is the backing....was a bear to find backing with all the border colors, but I did manage it.
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And lastly, my quilt inspector. Keegan thinks he needs a quilted bed for my long arm table not just a piece of scrap tossed in a corner :p he sulked there for hours, so guess that is next on the project list. Will practice more feathers though!
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You should be proud of the accomplishments you have made in such a short time. I know I am proud of you. HUGS keep up the good work sweetie

First feathers or not.....you are doing great! You will only get better with each project!

You did great first time out.

I would love to have a machine and practice and would hope to be as good as you on the first time out. That paper and pen must have been a great idea.

Awesome job, keep up the good work ! ! !

nicely done

Love your determination, great job.

Wow , Impressive progress!! It's looking good!

KUDOs to you for your work. I think feathers is one of the hardest to master and it appears you are off to a great start.

Good for you, you're coming along great! Feathers are a goal of mine on my DSM.

Good job. Give the orange one to the inspector for a bed.

very impressive job and love the helper

Thanks everyone :) I am getting there......

wrt to the inspector, I have some orphan blocks I will toss together, Thinking of making a pillowcase like thing and put that bed he is using now in it, who knows.....will work something out.

BTW, just a quick note, I am always open to constructive criticism, so please feel free to offer up advice/thoughts/ideas :) Only way to grow!

I wish mine looked that good. I'd better get to practicing too. Thanks for the motivation!

Moving along great!

You did good. Keep it up! peace

What a wonderful job, practice is the only teacher. LOVE your inspector, sticking out his tongue at you.

You did a really good job! Love your kitty!!

I think its great you saved your progress work! I am sure you look back at the first and know you have come along way in a short period of time. Keep posting , you are well on your way.

omgoodness, love the feathers, by the way, green is my fav. color, just saying. hehe

Very nice work!!

Good job, you are well on your way. Even though writing with a pencil and paper (or whiteboard and marker) is different than quilting them, the muscle memory still translates even if you don't realize it. Also you have ingrained in your mind where to go next so you don't accidentally take off in the complete wrong direction while LAing!

If you want to do feathers, I recommend going here and doing her tutorials:
http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com...ksheet-series/

Oh perfect! will print those out......was thinking of getting a sheet of clear mylar to work on designs like this :)

Thank you

Looks good to me. Just keep going.

great work. Like they say practice makes perfect.

Very nice job!!! Love your Kitty.

Great start on your feathers!!! Love the inspector!!!!!

Wow, your look way better than my feathers and I have been practicing for about a year. Did you use a long arm? Is it easier to actually make the feathers with the long arm? I know it's easier to handle the project, but actually forming the feathers?

Am so sorry debbie, I missed your question. Yes this was on my long arm. I am not sure it is easier, but I have never done freehand feathers on my DSM. It was definitely different than doing it on paper. I was able to get consistent shapes and sizes on paper. But getting there. ;)

What a wonderful idea using a dry erase board to practice before working on fabric! You are doing great!