FMQ Dream Feathers
 

I've been practicing a feather technique I'm learning from a book called "Dream Feathers" by Peggy Holt. After spending some time going through the book and practicing drawing them, this is my first attempt at Dream Feathers. This piece is about 11" x 17" and quilted on my domestic machine using Magifico poly thread by Superior Threads. (I'm really starting to feel like I need to get some actual muslin to practice on...I'm not wild about the green an even less impressed with how it photographs.)

Enjoy...

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It looks great. Why not try some of your paintstik coloring to spike it up if you don't care for the green.

What do you feel you learned most from the book?

Fantastic feathers!

WOW , those are perfect feathers! That is what I'm trying for but haven't made it yet. Thanks for sharing with us.

In Awe here... You are so good at this.

Thanks Linda! I already tried blending some green paintstik color on the feathers to highlight them a bit, but the photo doesn't really show it well at all.
As for what I'm learning so far...as well as showing techniques for stitching the feathers, the book really shows how to use curvy feathers in the boarder and build them a section at a time without stitching a spine first. This technique helps me to build a more symetrical design, I think. Until now, I've always stitched a spine first, then went all the way up one side with the lobes, and then the other side. This technique involves stitching several lobes in one direction until the curve of the lobe crosses the centerline, then going back and stitching lobes on the other side, following the curve of the existing lobes. You kind of leap-frog adding lobes alternately to one side then the other as you move along the length of the feather. Also, this is the first time I've stitched feathers in the more "traditional" manner, retracing the top of the lobe to move to the next instead of going back to the spine each time to start a new lobe.

gorgeous!!!

Beautiful job!!!

Thanks Wendy. That helps. On the paintstiks, I was thinking that perhaps highlighting with gold or silver. Although I don't know if that would show up. Your work already does look really great. Thanks for posting it.

Beautiful work. I'm impressed!!

Your feathers are perfection! Green or not you could frame it...lol. One of my biggest wishes is to learn how to do feathers. I bought the Hooked on Feathers book, but really want to learn how to make feathers like your's. Will definitely be on the outlook for the book. Is your DSM on a frame?

Your work is beautiful. It looks perfect!

I thought of another question. Do you mark things to sort of follow a quilting plan?

Awesome feathers!

Beautifully done!

Beautiful!!!!

Beautiful quilting!

fantastic :thumbup:

Wendy I think it is beautiful as it is! My goal (dream lol) is to make feathers like yours, I'm going to look for the book.

Great job! Looks lovely.

WOW! Love how these turned out!

These are gorgeous feathers!!! I have been practicing these for weeks and still am not satisfied with the way they look. You have done a wonderful job. Congratulations!!!!

I'm always so excited to see when you post something new. I just love your quilting.

Well, you might not be impressed, but I certainly am. Those are just beautiful and look perfect to me. Congrats to such pretty work.

Awesome,I wish I could feather like that

I was just silently viewing some quilts when I saw your FMQ and had to sign on to tell you what an awesome job you did! Magnificent!!!! The green fabric is wonderful and will make a great pillow front or front of a tote/handbag!!

It looks good. You did a wonderful job.

Thank you Debbie. I too started out with the Hooked on Feathers book and did them that way for awhile. When I got more comfortable with controlling my FMQing, I started experimenting with other types, and still haven't tackled heirloom feathers...that's next I think. My machine is not on a frame, it is set in a table and I maneuver the fabric through the machine.

It took me a year or so of practice before I got feathers that I was satisfied enough with to use on a quilt, so don't give up!

I draw things out on paper before I ever start stitching, then on the fabric I usually just do a general guideline for the spine.

I draw things out on paper until I have a design I like before I ever start stitching, then on the fabric I usually just do a general guideline for the spine.

Wow you must have some natural talent to make such pretty feathers. I think the green looks good.

Pat in MN

Wonderful feathers!

That is soooooooo gorgeous, I think it looks great. I wouldn't change a thing, I love the feathers.

LOL are you looking for praise? You are going to get it cuz for a first attempt, these feathers ARE great! Love the photos, the green ... everything, you did a fantastic job! BTW, I know quilters who can't do feathers this wonderful after many attempts ... you are too hard on yourself for sure

Wendy, as always stunning. I love the diagonal background. I always am excited when I see your name for a post.

I did several dream feathers from bottom to top on a quilt last night so I didn't have to draw in a stem, just quilt. It went so quickly.

Thanks for sharing this....I guess I will have to get this book, because I need to learn this technique. You did a beautiful job, hope I can do as well.

That's either a super dooper how to book, or you're a fantastic student. GREAT job. Love everything about your feathered block!

you don't like it? what a shame, send it on, it is beautiful