Kathy’s “Sheep Shape” Quilt
Kathy made this for her soon to be grand daughter. It turned out so sweet!!! This super cute Sheep Shape quilt pattern is by Deonn Stott from Quiltscapades and it’s available in the Quiltmaker Magazine in the May-June 2014 issue and Quiltermaker’s Readers Favorites 2015.
Because the blocks on this quilt are all the hexagon shape, it’s was important to quilt different textures for each of the specific parts of the quilt. Wind for the sky, overlapping circles for the sheep’s body, and stippling for the grass. So, I thought it would be great to video each of them. Even the stippling. It was the first thing I learned as a machine quilter in 2005, and is still just as notable as it was back then. I know every quilters skill level is different, so for some the swirly design will be what you take away from this post, while others will enjoy trying out the overlapping circle design, and some are wanting to work on their basic quilting skills. Where ever you are, join in the fun! You just might enjoy all three.
First I’d like to share this fun overlapping design. It’s done freehand, as shown in the video. I will say, each video is relatively short, and you may learn something from each one. I do share a few quilting tips for each design. This overlapping circles design adds such an awesome texture and dimension to anything it’s quilted on.
For the face of the lamb, I quilted 1/2” lines using an Edge ruler from Linda at www.thequiltedpineapple.com I also used the Edge ruler to quilt the diamond grid on the sun.
Let talk wind!! Have you ever tried quilting it before? It’s fun, but can be difficult to fill in below the previous row. Watch the video below, and if you feel like you need a little practice before quilting it on a quilt, doodle. If you’re new to quilting, doodling helps you with figuring out how to quilt a design out. It’s also important to think about where you’re going next, so you don’t quilt yourself into a corner...which I talk more about in my stippling video.
I used a white 30 tex A&E Perma Core thread, and my favorite 8020 cotton poly blend batting from Winline.
I just love the motion of that swirly wind!
Okay, so I have some great tips on how to achieve a great stipple. This is also the perfect design to get you going if you haven’t done any freehand machine quilting. I talk about spacing, avoiding the dog bone look, and looking/thinking ahead...that certainly keeps you out of a corner, and ensures that you don’t leave spots unquilted. Give it a listen, and see if you learn anything new. For more machine quilting videos, head on over to my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/QuiltingIt
Just wanted to remind you quickly about the 10% off sale, I’m having right now on my Circle2 machine quilting circle ruler set, until Monday it midnight. Enter “THANKYOU10” at checkout. They come in a set of 6, and range in size from 2” circles to 13”. They can be used on a longarm machine and a sewing machine with a quilting foot. They are a 1/4” thick and 2.5” wide, so they are easy to hold while quilting. Just this week I used the 9” and the 13” rulers, also used the 3” and 4” circles on the Easter Pillow fronts from the previous post. Because of the need for a variety of sizes and the versatility of having a set, this is a great addition to your machine quilting. They are available in clear and green, at https://www.quiltingit.com/shop?category=Rulers
They come with excellent lines and measurements.
The unique thing about these rulers, besides the 3/4ths of a circle design and having 2 different sizes of circles in one ruler, is the correct circle measurement. Correct meaning, when you use the 13” circle ruler below with a 1/4” hopping foot (quilting foot), your going to quilt a 13” circle...not a 13.5”. The set of circles that I used for many years, gave me half sized circles, which can be frustrating when you’re wanting an exact size. The key is that the hopping foot adds 1/4” all the way around the circle, which ends up add a 1/2” to the circle size. Because I took that into consideration when designing this ruler set, you’ll get the correct sizes for each circle. I love using them every chance I get, and hope you’ll enjoy using them, too!
Here is a look at one of my rulers in action!
Thank you for stopping by, and happy quilting!!
- Leisha