quiltingshorttimer

Prism--treat yourself to a couple of books by Angela Walters--Shape by Shape and Shape by Shape II. I also love to refer to my Deloa Jones books on sampler, sashings, etc. And Amanda Murphy also has some great "reference" books on quilting. Besides great ideas, all 3 of these use designs that are actually doable with hand guided machines! also check out Kris Viera, "Quilterontherun" blog--she offers every Friday a block with a way to quilt it with only one stop/start. When I'm stumped on a quilt, I'll take a picture and print and then get my plastic sheet & dry erase marker out and start doodling.

quiltsRfun

I do mostly edge-to-edge designs. My favorite book is Step-By-Step Free-Motion Quilting by Christina Cameli. I also like Lori Kennedy's designs (soccertxi gave her website info) and Mindful Meandering by Laura Lee Fritz.

Tartan

I look at my top and decide if the piecing pattern needs to be the design element in which case I don't over quilt it. If the top has some big plain background spaces I do intricate quilting in them.

cindi

I use the program SketchClub on my ipad. I take a picture of it, convert it to black-and-white, and draw to my hearts content. I can draw in layers, so I can do several different drawings on that one pictures, and hide layers I don’t like. I always convert to B&W, as I don’t want the colors in the quilt to distract me while I’m playing with quilting designs.

coffeecozy

I print out a few copies of line drawing of my quilt from my eq software and doodle ideas on them. Then I stick my final choice on the wall over my quilting machine so I remember where I intended to go with my design.

letawellman

Prism, I have three favorite quilting teachers that are my MAIN (but not only) inspiration:
Angela Walters (I have both books that QuiltingShorttimer mentioned), Judi Madsen (I have both of her books), and Lisa Calle (I have two of her DVD's, one of her books, and nearly ALL of her longarm rulers).

I have to say that Lisa's style of teaching is what helped me design my corner settings for my Lone Star... I love her style, and I love her tools. If you were only able to get ONE - I'd get Lisa's "Divide and Design" DVD. Absolutely AWESOME!!!!

Here's what I will be putting in my Lone Star corners... (my backing arrived today, so this is the next thing to go on my frame)

joyce888

I try to match something in the design of the fabric. Or the style for the quilt (shabby chic, modern, or child themed). If its a scrappy quilt and very busy, the quilting most likely won't show up, this is when I will do a meandering or loops and swirls. This is one of the processes I enjoy.

Prism99

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I have already purchased and taped a piece of acrylic to place over the quilt (thanks for the tip to tape the edges!), and I also bought the Sketch Club app to try out. Now, just to get a little free time to start experimenting with all these suggestions. I now have a sense of direction instead of feeling like I am drowning in a sea of possibilities.

Nerys

See www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfdg3FOdTU0 shows same quilt with different quilting.

Nathan's Mimi

This is what I do when I am ready to quilt. Honestly is the best method for me. When I get to a drawing that I like, I then take it to the machine and have it beside me for reference.This way, Im not picking out something I dont like afterall.