Saturday, November 14, 2015

Christina finished!

This quilt is from a photo that has been in my family for years - since 1917 actually.  This is my grandmother Christina Joly Comiskey when she was 16.  I finished it (well mostly, there's a little more quilting to do) last night.  It debuted at my guild meeting this morning and was well-received.  Thanks ladies...

I am going to call it "Christina".  It is very closely quilted around the face, body and even the wood on the furniture.  I used gray organza to make the mirror shimmer.  I cut out pieces of organza to fit in the mirror frames and stitched them down.  This piece also has a light brown tulle overlay on the whole piece (inside the frame).  

Looking at this photo, I can see a bit of her reflected hair that could use a little more quilting, sigh.  I quilted this on my little bernina 153, no regulator.  Wanna see my setup?


The machine is inset in a gidget table (very stable yet portable table) and surrounded by conference tables.  If I shut that closet door, I can quilt even bigger quilts without it falling off the table.  This little sewing machine is THE BOMB.  Mix and match threads and it just keeps on sewing with perfect stitches.  

I do have a few little tips.  I use a single hole stitch plate and a Little Genie Bobbin washer - no mess on the back or backlashing or thread vomit (Hollis Chatelain's term for the mess on the back).  



16 or so of  my quilts are going to be featured at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce from Nov. 17, 2015 until January 20th, 2016.  Stop by and see them if you are in the area.  I will post photos when I go to hang them on Monday.  

Next project?  nancy's huge metro wedding ring....  Gotta get on this one, may take a while.  

Isn't it beautiful?  96 x 104", aye yi yi!  

Happy quilting ya'll, Karen







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8 comments:

  1. Zenia ReneNovember 14, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    Christina is breathtaking! Lovely piece. What do you mean single hole stitch plate? And are you talking of "thread vomit" on the back of your quilt? Also, are you going to quilt that huge wedding ring on your little bernina?

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    1. karenquiltzNovember 16, 2015 at 5:20 AM

      I bought a special plate for my machine with a very small hole: http://theinboxjaunt.com/2013/04/15/seven-steps-to-free-motion-quilting/ It is one way to keep thread vomit (yes on the back) from occurring. I just hate turning my quilt over and seeing that mess.
      As to the DWR, I have a Pfaff Powerquilter(like a sweet 16) that may be a little easier to quilt that big quilt with. I plan to do the ditch work on the powerquilter and maybe the detail work on the Bernina as it has a nicer stitch. Thanks for your comments, K

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  2. Carli The QuilterNovember 15, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    Wow, I'm into my own thread painting. Lovely photo to fabric transfer!! I'm coming back to follow you. Well done, wish I lived closer to your show.

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  3. ScribbleNovember 20, 2015 at 4:02 AM

    Beautiful quilt, Karen. Wish I could see your show too.

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  4. Kelly ClineNovember 20, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Amazing work, Karen!!!

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    1. karenquiltzNovember 21, 2015 at 12:04 PM

      Nice to hear from you! after my sharing your reticello linen post to alll my quilting friends this week! I want to quilt up some linen pieces so badly!!

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  5. Mary T.November 20, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    I am in awe of your talent, Karen. I want to quilt like you or at least attempt. I love how you capture emotions. I will go see your show. I hope you bring this tomorrow.

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  6. karenquiltzNovember 24, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    Sorry I couldn't make it Saturday, Mary. Thank you for your flattering comments. And I love your work also!

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