Final Answer

Put the finishing touches on the quilt this evening - the dark purple makes me happier.

I do need to learn to do free motion quilting, because I think I might have been even happier with an allover quilting pattern. It will have to wait though, the tiny space I have allocated for sewing here isn't enough to work with and I haven't figured out how to drop the dogs on my machine yet. (I do have the manual but it doesn't say anything about dropping the feed dogs, so it may not work...it wasn't a high end machine when I bought it ten years ago.)

I also whipped up a couple of pairs of Huck Finn Pants from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing for the big sister, one pair in light blue flannel with a butterfly print and one in the pink camo fabric that I used to back the quilt. I'm thinking I need to make a little bag or something since the little pants will likely be passed down in a couple of years.

Comments

[Kathy in San Jose]

The darker purple edging ties it all together. Nice job!

If you go to a sewing machine store, they should have a little plate that covers the feed dogs so you can do free-motion without dropping them.

[Colleen]

On my featherweight, which cannot drop the dogs, I shaped a piece of cardboard to fit, with a hole for the needle, and I tape that in place.

I also have to wear rubber tipped gloves, to avoid finger cramps, while free motion quilting. You also need a darning foot.

[TeresaC]

Hey! I am just finishing up a straight line quilting project myself. I'll have it on the blog later this week. It was perfect for my quilt and I love it.

You might not have to drop the feed dogs. Read this article (http://www.daystyledesigns.com/doihavetodropmyfeeddogs.htm) and you might want to keep up with her quilting project (http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2012/01/lets-start-new-project.html), she has samples and a tutorial on Wednesdays. You can just practice on practice sandwiches for a few minutes each day, you don't have to have a big project going or make a big investment. I have a stack of 14x14 muslin sandwich squares by my computer.

Love your quilt!

[TeresaC]

Oh, and the Supreme Slider would cover up the feed dogs for the most part and make the surface you are quilting on slipperier to move the quilt around on. I have one and it is great.

[Margaret]

The end result is looking good, so nice and colourful, which is what babies like,you must be very pleased with it. Quilting is so addictive, I have been making quilts on and off for 34 years and have enjoyed it all. There is a book by Mary Ellen Hopkins called "You can sit on my Quilt" it is Excellent and I am sure you will enjoy it if you can get one.
My 2 year old grandson found his new "Thomas the Tank" quilt laid out on the sewing room floor, when I was trialing colours for the binding, so he calls it his Thomas "mat" it will be finished and hand quilted for his 3rd Birthday at the end of March.