How do I quilt my quilt? Have you ever said this? Want to find out more about my latest quilting giveaway? Make sure to read along!
You can hand quilt it, you can machine quilt it, you can have someone else machine quilt it on a long arm, these are your options.
In this post I want to touch on the topic of having your quilt Long Arm quilted.
There are three types on Long arm Quilting. Custom, Pantograph and Computerized. I am going to give you quick examples…
Custom is your feathers and wreaths and most of the time fancy quilting, but not always…it can be simple as well. The Quilter is guiding the machine and is in control of it. It is their work.
Pantograph quilting is hand guided, meaning the quilter is following a pattern but they are still guiding the machine.
Computerized quilting the computer is running the design, most of the time edge to edge or in a space, such as a design in an alternate block.
When you bring your quilt to the Long Arm Quilter you need to make some decisions on how you want it quilted. Some quilters know exactly what they want. Most, however, do not…they struggle with it…if this is you…Ask your quilter what they think…I sometimes ask what does the quilt say to you? There are really no rules and this is what quilting is all about, creativity and freedom to do what you want on your quilt. Remember this…and you will be much more relaxed about the whole thing.
This post could be pages and pages long about Long Arm Quilting, but since I have these 5 Redwork Gathering quilts. I want to talk about each one…how it was quilted, what color threads we used…. Why we chose what we did in a quilting design…just a short explanation. I know there are other choices such as battings but that’s a whole other post…but if you need to know we use an 80/20 batting in my quilts…it’s my favorite…I love the look of them before and after they have been washed so it’s a win either way…and you won’t go broke buying this batting.
So when you have your quilt quilted or you quilt your own if you need some ideas hopefully this will help and by the way…I knew I was going to post something about the quilts being quilted so I did some experimenting on them…and to be fair…the comments and statements I make are just my opinions…nothing more than that…remember…there really are no rules in quilting, in the end it is your quilt…do what you wish. If you need help ask for it…quilters will help quilters make good decisions.
Long Long Way from Home…
When you look at this quilt at first sight, what do you see? Is it the design? Is it the colors, Is it the quilting? The answer to the last question is NO…I do not think that is what you see when you first view this quilt. I think this is a good thing in a quilt such as this, you do not need the quilting to be the star…you want the design and the color to be more prominent. With that in mind, we chose to stitch an allover design…we scaled it a little smaller so it complimented the sizes of the pieces in the quilt. Now the next choice is the million dollar question, what color thread do we quilt it with? This choice sometimes makes or breaks a quilt for me. I very much dislike seeing bold white thread on dark fabrics!!!! But what do you do when you have a two color quilt like this one? Do you quilt light?, dark? Pull your hair right out! ugh, right? Redwork Gatherings is really complimentary to either choice…because the lights have red in them and the reds have light in them. On this quilt I chose the red thread. I wanted to see how much it over took the light fabrics. When you put your nose right up to it…you definitely see that red thread…but it is in no way bothersome. I think this quilt turned out Awesome! The scale of the honeycomb and the red thread are a hit!
Take it Easy…again…what do you see when you first look? The design, the colors, and then you see the quilting design. On this quilt we choose to use the light thread…
But…the thread we used was a shade darker then the cream…so it’s invisible on the cream and you can see it on the red…but…it doesn’t scream out on the red…like it would have done if we chose a light thread that was a smidge lighter than our cream or matched exactly to our cream…this quilt has also been washed which helps the stitches sink deeper into the quilt and not lay on top as a freshly quilted quilt might look as it does here…
The pattern that was chosen for Take It Easy was a traditional, timeless pattern, nothing too complicated or busy…again, nothing to distract from what I loved most about this quilt. The sheer simple-ness of it. Quilted by Jake Neubauer.
I Think I’m In Love…again another two color, what do we do here type of quilt….let first talk about the quilting design. The quilt is very angled and geometric…lots of straight lines…so, we softened those lines with the gently flowing feather type of an all over computerized design. This time we chose a light tan, much darker than the cream in the quilt above…I think to prove that a darker thread still looks great on the lights and even better on the darks. Quilted by Jake Neubauer.
This quilt with the predominately light fabric was a very clear choice in the color thread we were to use…this is a pretty spot on color match to the cream. It does show up a little brighter on the reds, but I think we can live with it…This quilt could have been custom quilted, where the quilter would switch threads…quilt red on the red fabrics and cream on the light fabrics…cut custom quilting is a little more expensive and time consuming…so I we also have to base our choice on this as well. I think this quilt with it’s time honored baptist fan quilting was another great choice for this quilt. Scale again is important…you do not want large spaces between those fans, when the blocks and pieces are smaller scale.
Computerized quilting is not all that glamous…that computer has a mind of it’s own sometimes…and advancing quilts takes skill…but in the end, the computerized quilting is very affordable and very effective way to get your quilts quilted!
55 & Life to go…with it tiny blocks and small size was a sure choice to be custom quilted. On a quilt that takes more time, is more intricate and a show stopper you want to give it what it deserves and that is some custom quilting….Now there is no need to go over the top with the quilting because in this type of quilt with the small scale and the printed fabrics the quilting hardly shows! So simple custom quilting with the thread changes, red on reds and cream thread on the cream…fits just fine!
Also pick a backing that compliments what color threads you will be using to quilt it…
I love my machine quilters…and I will be talking about more of them…but one of the things happening at Primitive Gatherings is we are going to be a Bernina dealership when we open the new shop next year, but in the meantime…Jake & Luke both have been quilting on the Bernina long arms…Jake in WI…
The Bernina long arm in action…
and here is Luke in CA….
I think we are almost ready to put it out there that we will be offering computerized quilting for customers…
I want you to be able to say….I want the same thing quilted as Long Long way from Home...or you can completely change your mind and pick from one of our designs… So look for that option soon! You don’t have to live near us either…you can ship your top, we will provide the batting and pick a backing, quilt it, and send it back…I am sure we could offer binding services as well. We will keep our turn around short with the fact that if we get a little more backlogged than we would like we can order another machine to help keep up with the demand…But more on that later…
I hope my little insight on quilting may have helped you understand a little more about quilting your quilts…and again…these are my thoughts and opinions, not the BIBLE.
I will continue to do a few more posts about custom long arming and hand quilting… I hope you stick around to see what’s next!
Thank you so much for hanging round and commenting on ALL of these posts…Winners will be picked TUESDAY for all the GIVE-AWAYS! We have so many to pick it might take the whole day! If you wish to win a Redwork Gatherings Layer Cake (that I will SHIP RIGHT AWAY, NO WAITING TIL AUGUST!) leave me a comment here about your thoughts on any of what I wrote in this post!!!
PS…it’s Nick’s Birthday today…wish Happy Birthday on Facebook! He will love it!
I have enjoyed reading about long arming 2 color quilts . I do a lot of these and always wonder about thread as do my friends. Thank you for your examples
Very informative about long arm quilting, as I have never tried that…I usually hand quilt or stipple on my home machine.
Great information on choosing threads for 2 color quilts! That’s something I always think about – love seeing the pictures to illustrate what red vs. cream thread will look like.
I own a long arm machine, but constantly struggle with “HOW to quilt” things. And, when you don’t use it on a weekly basis, sometimes the learning curve is steep. When I create a very special quilt, I still send it out to be custom quilted. I just don’t have confidence to undertake a keepsake quilt. Thank you sooooo much for the close up views and ideas on how you choose to have your quilts finished. How lucky for you to have your family in business with you! Happy Mother’s Day….. jmh
Thank you for clarifying quilting quilts. This is a great informative post! 💕
Great job on the descriptions of machine quilting and things to consider when it comes time to quilt your top. Pattern and thread choices do make a quilt!!!
First, I’m not on Facebook, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NICK! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on quilting. I do wrestle with how to quilt, thread color, and design. I’ll keep practicing. So looking forward to my order of Redwork Gatherings.
Custom quilting makes such a difference on a special quilt as is shown on your 55 & Life.
Such great information! Thanks very much! Happy Mother’s Day to you! And Happy Birthday to Nick!
I liked hearing how you made your choices for the quilt design. The things you considered when looking at the quilt top. This was very informative!
I learn so much about the quilting steps every time you share information with us. I am relatively new to quilting ,trying to take on more challenges as I learn. I have never had a quilt machine quilted before,Thankyou for sorting out what for me is an intimidating process.
What a wonderful post. So much info and insight. Thank you.
I enjoyed this post. I am fairly new to long arming and you had a lot of good points that I think we help me to decide how to quilt a quilt. Thanks again.
What great information! I’m so excited that you’ll be offering computerized quilting soon!!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and close up photos of your beautiful quilts. I constantly struggle with choosing thread color and design. Happy Birthday to Nick!
Happy Birthday Nick!!!! It is great to hear about your plans for the future. I am glad to hear about your future in quilting quilts, I know I will be in line for quilting. Thanks for all you do, Happy Mothers Day.
Lisa – what a great tutorial on the different quilting types. I’ve reached the pint where I know I will never have enough time to hand quilt all the tops I have lined up and waiting for their turn. This will be an enormous help when I talk to someone who does long arm quilting. Thanks so much
Thanks for all the info that will help me make decisions about quilting my tops. That’s almost as difficult as choosing colors!
Thank for telling your thoughts on why which color of thread. I am just ready to hand quilt a mini red and white quilt and i just needed those thoughts. Again thanks for sharing the idea that it is a creative thought process and there are rules but they are not stuck in stone, that we get to choose! Thank you.
Thank you so much for all the great information. I really struggle when I get to the quilting stage and you gave such great information. Happy Birthday is Nick! Tell Jake I love his Syracuse T-shirt! That is where I am writing from.
Beautiful quilts and quilting. Thanks for all the information.
Thank you so much for your insights on having a quilt quilted – lots to think about before starting and after the top is pieced…
Thanks so much for all that information. Very informative!
Thank You for your thoughts on quilting the quilts! That is the one part of the process that I struggle worth! Your insight and experience will help me think through that decision next time!
Lisa, thank you for all of your educational posts. May I ask you to do a post on how to use your Baptist fan templates. I am eager to try hand quilting although I do not have a big frame like yours. My quilt hoop is 14 or 16 inch diameter. I purchased your templates but they were without instructions. I suppose “it’s up to the quilter” as to how to use the templates but I would like a little “hand- holding “ on my first go. I know it won’t be perfect but we can all aspire to your quilting greatness. Thank you for sharing so much.
Carolyn
Yes… when I do a video and post on hand quilting…soon but don’t hold your breath… I will be a little bit yet
Thank you for the information on long arm quilting. I am a newbie and this helped me decide what pattern to use and thread to go with the pattern.
Hi Lisa! I love this post. It puts everything into perspective on the quilting. I saw your Baptist Fan on an earlier post and ask for that today from my long armer. This was a scrappy leftovers UFO quilt top – THEN if I like that pattern when I do the Redwork Gatherings red work quilt top, I’ll have that design done all over. Psst – I have already ordered the pattern, panel and layer cake to do that one! I’d certainly love another layer cake to make Take It Easy tho!
Happy Birthday, Nick!!!!! Many, many more!!
I sent a reply email instead of a comment 🤷♀️ What a timely email! Thank you Lisa. I’m struggling with how to have my blue and white single Irish Chain quilted. The blues are batiks, darks, mediums, and lights. It’s definitely more modern looking than old school. My longarmer is wonderful! I know she’ll be able to help.
Thanks for sharing the value of simple quilt designs. Your thought process is valuable for me to hear. ~ Beth
Thanks for taking the time to share this, Lisa. I’m looking forward to getting the kits that I ordered and, with the changes I’m making for the return to “normal” life, I’ll have time to actually make them and maybe some of the kits that I have from some of you other lines. You inspire me to take the time to work on my not-so-great piecing skills and working with these beautiful kits can’t do anything but make it more fun!
It was so nice to hear your thoughts in the thread choices and styles of quilting pieces quilt tops. I am very excited to hear you will be offering these services next year! ♥️
This was great insight into choosing thread color on a two color quilt. I always struggle with that. Also love that you are going to be offering long arm quilting.
Thank you for this post! Very informative! Lots of decisions that could be made but this made it easier.
Happy Birthday to Nick! Hope you enjoy your day!
Hi Lisa- I’m thrilled to hear PG will be a Bernina dealer!! Here in CA too? I have a new machine in my 2021/22 wish list and would definitely like to support PG. Can’t wait for quilting services info – you and your staff must NEVER sleep!!
Happy Birthday Nick🎉 Happy Mother’s Day Lisa 💐
I too love the look after quilts are washed. Quilting sinks into it. Can’t wait for my red fabric to arrive in aug/September!
I Loved your post on the different quilting options and explanations. Can’t wait to visit your new place next year when I visit my sister in Wild Rose. I always love visiting your Menasha store. Did I say I LOVE the red and White fabric. Thanks for a chance to win some!!!!
Happy birthday Nick! I really enjoyed this post and love learning how you chose your quilting for those gorgeous quilts! Thanks!
I struggle with how to quilt my quilts. This is helpful. Thank you, Lisa!
Great discussion!! I send all my tops out to be quilted & am always asked what do I want!!
Happy Birthday to Nick!!
I’ve never had a quilt top professionally quilted before. Enjoyed your insight, Lisa, into your thinking behind the thread color, quilt pattern, etc. Simply gorgeous pieces of redwork art!
WOW! A Bernina dealer & computerized quilting———very exciting! Congratulations………you and your team work very hard and it shows in your fabric lines, patterns, tutorials, show booths etc. I try to soak up as much info from you as I can. I look forward to the facebook live presentations you do!
I’m so glad I don’t live close to either of your stores; I would be broke all the time. (But, not would I have fun!)
Lisa, as always your posts are so informative. I’ve often struggled with quilting a finished top particularly 2 color quilts….do you want the light thread to show on the dark fabric and vice verse. Your tips have made that decision making so much easier. Keep the info coming!
Thanks for the information. I take the quilts I have made to someone to quilt; she is very helpful with ideas and the blog gave me some ideas to think about. Love the new fabric line coming out.
I love the quilting on all the quilts. I am so excited for the red work collection, it will be a long summer.
Good info. Thanks. I’m lucky in that my regular long arm person knows what I like. Thanks for the write up
Love all the quilts, wonderful quilting. Your post was very informative.
This was very helpful on choosing how to quilt the quilt.
Great information. I love all the quilts, it is hard to pick a favorite. The tips on color choice for the thread was very helpful. Thank you Lisa and staff.
Love all the Redwork Quilts and the fabrics, are nice too.. Looking forward to you offering a machine quilting service.
I especially appreciated the thread color advice. But… I appreciate all your advice!
Thanks for the information – I will use the thread selection lessons on my next quilt. I am always questioning the best thread choice for my quilts. I also want to say that I love every quilt – the reds are just stunning. Obviously, I’ll have to get the patterns and fabrics, and maybe Jake to quilt them for me…
Thanks Lisa
Very informative! I especially liked the thread colors suggestions
Love the red work and the quilts. Longarm choices seam right on to me.
I found the discussion about thread color choice for quilting very helpful.
This post came at the perfect time! I just finished piecing a Pineapple quilt, dark blue, light blue and cream and have no idea how to quilt it, or what color thread to use. I like your tip about using thread that’s a little darker than the cream and I think it will blend nicely with the blues. ❤️
The quilt designs that you have chosen for each of your quilts truly complement the overall quilt design without taking away from the individual quilt blocks. I particularly like the Baptist fan design on the Redwork quilt, my favorite. Not sure if it is just a trick of the camera, but the design seems to be more subtle within the quilt blocks and more pronounced in the border fabric. Love it!
I really liked the idea of a light tan rather than cream. I want my quilting to go with the quilt, not tale it over. I usually hand quilt large quilts and machine quilts wall size. If it is a hand appliqué, I always hand quilt. I like your tools for the fan. I have used them often.
I love all the Redwork Gatherings quilts you have shown. And the Baptist fan quilting is my favorite quilt design. All beautiful.
Thank you for your knowledge on long arm quilting Lisa! Can’t wait to be able to use Luke as a resource for my quilts! 🧵🌻
I’ve only had one quilt long-armed so far, and found the process nerve-wracking. You just want it to be perfect by the time you’ve invested so much in the top! Found your discussion about the different types of quilting and thread color very helpful.
Your advice on quilting the quilts is very much appreciated. I quilt my own quilts. Nothing fancy, usually just meandering. I love using variegated thread for my quilts. Possibly the pro quilters would cringe at that but I like the way they turn out.
I dearly love how each quilt is quilted. Each quilt has it’s on personality and thank you for explaining each technique. Thank you for all you do for all your followers.
I too love the choice of baptist fan quilting on traditional quilts! It always just seems to look so . . . right.
Happy Birthday Nick! Very good information from this post. I am so fortunate to have a cousin that is an award winning long arm quilter that does all my quilt tops for me.
I learned much about the quilting process here that I didn’t know! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. I would love those reds!!
Hi Lisa, I really didn’t know that there was 3 ways of long arm quilting. Your right to say picking the design and thread is the hardest. I Love using variegated thread but of course that doesn’t work on everything. Choosing the right thread definitely makes or breaks the quilting.
Great information about quilting options!
What a helpful explanation. Thank you. Love the red and cream quilts. Exquisite fabric line. Placing a order for my Mother’s Day gift to myself 😘🌷
Enjoyed seeing your thought process on how you choose designs and threads. It’s always a challenge! Sent my Baeyer Star to th LAQ last week. Can’t wait to see it and pot
It’s!
And post pics! Argh!
Thank you for sharing the different types of quilting with us all. It helps when people know the differences in them. I love how you also talked about thread choices. It’s so hard to figure out what to put on different quilts.
I found this information so interesting and helpful. I am often at a loss when the LA says what pattern do you want & what color thread. I will have more of an idea now. Thank you so much. PS I am also learning alot and stretching my piecing skills with the 4 inch Blockheads 3 blocks. Never thought I could do it, but your papers make all the difference. Thank you.
Your article was very interesting, especially about thread color choice. I’m learning the hard way to get fabric for your backing while there is still fabric available. Its sometimes hard to still find your line of fabric when you do finally get around to making the quilt!!
I know the quilting you offer will be exquisite. All the quilting you have done on all of your quilts just adds so much detail to them?
LOVE all of the red and cream quilts! I understand why they are your favorites!! Glad to hear that you’ll be handling BERNINA. Who doesn’t love them?! You’re such a smart businesswoman. Life keeps changing and you’re adapting beautifully! J
Happy Birthday Nick! (I don’t Facebook). Good information on machine quilting. I have quilts done by my friend who has a longarm and quilts that I do myself on my Bernina . It all works IMHO. if I had it my way I would do a lot more hand quilting. It is very therapeutic for me. To each, her own I say.
Mary
This post was sooo helpful! After I finish a quilt top, I’m always stuck with how to finish quilting it. Of course, I want to do the long-arming myself to say I made the entire quilt. But that just isn’t practical. Your tips will surely help me on my next trip to the long-arm quilter.
Thank you for always being so forthcoming with advice and ideas. I’m excited to know you will be offering computerized quilting services. I love the option of saying, “I want it just like Lisa’s!”
Thank you for the information. I have a long arm machine that is not computerized and have struggled with learning new designs. I tend to defer to the ones I know how to do reasonably well just to get the quilts finished. The thread color information was very helpful.
Hey those are some sharp looking long armers!! 🙂 I like the geometric one on the first one!! I usually think of rounded quilt lines but I liked that. Good Luck with this new venture!!! So excited to have it available.
I sure do tap my long arm quilter for her knowledge. After all it is her business and she has more experience and has seen more than me. But I do sometimes share my thoughts with her Leading to a discussion. She is just plain good at her job. Thank you Lisa for this post.
Thank you so much for your thoughts on quilting the quilt. It is a very difficult thing for me to figure out, so any input is welcome!
Happy Birthday Nick!
I love all your quilts and the quilting is lovely on them. I love red and white quilts. Have a great day!
Great advice on selecting threads for 2 color quilts! As a long arm quilter for 13 years, in my opinion selecting the thread color and weight of the thread can be a daunting task at times. You are spot on with your advice and gave great tips to keep in mind when choosing a thread! I cannot wait to see your new shop in Wisconsin next year!!! Happy Birthday to Nick!!
Lisa – Thank you for the information on quilting. I always seem to struggle with what to do and this gives me some ideas on how to look at a the quilt.
Lisa, thank you for the “show n tell” on the quilting of these quilts. More info the better.
That’s exciting news! Even though I live in Texas, I would definitely ship a quilt to you guys for quilting. So excited about all the upcoming changes!
I can’t wait for a road trip up there when the new shop is open!!
And, I think it is just SO awesome that your boys LOVE their MAMA’s passion of quilting❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations on entering the longarm business. Many times when someone sees a quilt they want one
“ just like that”. Includes the quilting.
Excellent advice on quilting choices and colors. Good luck on your future ventures. You Rock, Lisa and Nick!
I love your recommendations in quilting! I always have mine quilted by a long arm quilter but sometimes it’s hard to pick the design and color of thread. And it’s always more expensive to change thread color too so those tips on color were great! Thanks for helping us again with your tips 😊
Thanks for all the information on quilting—some things I’d never considered before. I’ll be better prepared next time I need to have quilting done.
Your suggestions about thread color were very interesting as well as selecting a quilting design to complement the quilt top. Like many, the quilting decisions are the most difficult part of the process. I have many quilt tops hanging in my closet because I don’t know how to finish them.
Great ideas about thread color and quilt designs for these beautiful 2-color red vintage quilts. Some things to consider that I didn’t really think about before!
I always struggle with how to quilt my quilts besides in the ditch quilting.You’re examples are very, very helpful & plus the color threads ideas. I feel more confident in attempting some all over designs & trying some colored threads. Thank you so much!
I love that there are so many options when it comes to getting your quilt quilted. Computerized is always great for a quilt where the quilting is not going to be the focal point.
Great explanation on your quilting choices. Thank you!
Thank you for the quilting information on two tone quilts. I have a hard time deciding what quilting would look nice to pop my quilt. Looking forward to more information to come. Anxious to receive my red and white order in August. Thanks for all you willingly teach us.
Simple, to the point, and easy to understand your explanation of the different quilting techniques. I look forward to more information on your quilters and your quilting service! Thanks for all you do for us quilters
So informative! I have only had one of my quilts quilted by someone else on a longarm. It turned out so beautiful! I really appreciate the talent they have! Once the quilting is done and then washed, it is like the icing on a cake!
Love the idea of you doing quilting. That is exciting news for sure. Most of all, no right or wrong way….just sharing how/why you do what you do. Appreciate the insight.
All of these red work quilts are stunning! Cannot wait to get my fabric!
Thank you for this information. Now, when I talk to my long-arm quilter about quilting my quilt, I’ll be able to give her my ideas on what I want the quilt to look like. I enjoyed seeing your red and white quilts. So much inspiration!
PS Your sons are very good looking young men – but I’m sure you know that!
Thanks so much for this post. Reading your commentary and seeing the photos of the quilting is really helpful.
Thanks for sharing your thought process in making choices about quilting design and thread color!
I feel so inadequate when trying to decide on how a quilt should be quilted. Your post was full of some very insightful information! I have done both your BOM 2018 and SBOW 2018. I knew when I took Twilight Gatherings to the quilter that I didn’t want the quilting to be the first thing that you see when you look at it, but I wasn’t sure that was something “normal” so I’m glad to see your thoughts on that. I also really appreciate your discussions on thread color and I will definitely give that some more thought next time. Thanks for all your videos and contributions to the quilting world Lisa! You really are so helpful!
I really like it when you put lots of pictures in your blogs and email…real eye candy!
Hi, Lisa! I loved this post and I have been longarm quilting for 8+ years. Finishing the quilt is my favorite part of the quilting process (other than shopping for new projects!) so starting my Lady In Thread, LLC business was a no-brainer. My idea was to start the business while still working full-time and then have a nice part- time job when retired from my career. That just happened in March, so I’m enjoying the quilting I am doing for others. Thank you for blogging about the thread choice…that can certainly make or break the finished quilt!! Sharon
I love your explanation of the different types of quilting on these quilts. I always obsess on the color thread to use for quilting. Your explanation was very helpful. I have ordered one of the quilt kits, so now I have an idea as to the finishing ( if I ever get it finished!😉).
Thanks for very helpful information, and it really helps to see the pictures too!
Great suggestions on blending in vs standing out and when the quilting should make a statement or not. I like the idea of 2 colors in 55 and Life…
This post is definately going in my “Keeper” file. Quilt as desired in directions is always so confusing, so to see your thread choices and design choices and to know why you chose them, on actual quilts is a valuable resource to have on file
Wow what a great post!! All the quilts are beautiful. I think my favorite is the Redwork or last quilt. I never knew you could request color changes with custom quilting. I am excited about your new shop opening. Where????
Thread color and designs are difficult choices and your post covered potential options for both. I enjoyed the closeups of the finished quilting illustrating the options.
What an eye opener! Learned a lot in a little bit of time. Thanks so much! Love red and white!
So much exciting news for you and your company ! Congrats! Loved seeing all the quilting designs and the thought process for each quilt!
Hi Lisa (I’m not on Facebook -so Happy Birthday, Nick!) I always love to know the “methods to your madness”. Deciding on the quilting – thread color and design is the HARDEST part for me. I have 5 quit tops waiting!!!! I have a Tiara mid-arm that my husband bought me used a little over a year ago. So I’m learning. It’s easy to drop them off and have someone else finish them, but it can be costly. I mostly do all-over meandering because it’s what I’m most comfortable with, but I bought a book and some rulers in Houston and I’m trying to find time to practice getting better….LOL. Usually my goal is to hold the three layers together…….so they look pretty from an airplane! I know I need to invest more TIME in the quilting process, especially since I take the time to cut and piece it. I think your explanation on picking thread helped the most:) Happy Mother’s Day and thanks again for yet another chance to win:)
Thank you for all your thoughts on Quilting the Quilt. I struggle with all the decisions that need to be made so this was very helpful. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day! And Happy Birthday Nick!
Thank you thank you thank you It helps to have guidance on thread choices and quilting patterns There are so many choices and it is confusing
Thank you so much for your tutorials! I can usually pick the thread color however I am still new to quilting and I am learning new and different techniques on quilting! I love the different aspects you are using. Thank you Lisa!
Nick
Is so cute- know you two have a lot of fun together! I have been blessed to have a hand quilter to send my quilts to. Saying that, I also feel some quilts look better machine quilted. For instance, my first Moda blockheads would have taken a long time to hand quilt. It looks fabulous machine quilted. The thread choices were interesting. I usually do the lighter or darker creams. Thank you. For all the information.
I really appreciated your comments and close-ups of thread colors for the quilt. I do struggle with choice of color and seeing how the colors worked on your quilts was very helpful.
You always give us very useful information., thank you… I cant wait to use your new line of fabric in a quilt…
Also happy to see your son’s working those longarm machines…
This was very informative. I would love to hear more about the quilters you use.
Loved reading your descriptions of various quilting options!
Wow, talking about the jilting process is so informative. Makes choices easier. Thank you for taking the time to teach us about it. Really appreciate it and love your quilts!
Lisa, thank you for sharing your thoughts on how to pick the color thread to use when quilting. I’m definitely still learning there! I was fascinated by the idea of using multiple colors when quilting.
I love “take it Easy”. Nice pattern.
Your demos on these beautiful quilts were outstanding! Didn’t realize picking out just the right thread can make such a difference! Really appreciate you taking the time to share all these tips with us!
Thank you for the information on long arm quilting and picking the right thread color. Very informative.
Hi Lisa, I’m an amateur when it comes to quilting so this was extremely helpful. I’ve never given it much thought as to the thread color. I absolutely love this line of fabric. Thanks again for the chance to win some. And, did I miss something….a new store in Menasha?
Happy Mother’s Day!
To own a Bernina Long Arm.
That is a dream of mine!
I love to choose a quilting pattern and my Long Arm quilter seems to know the perfect pattern even if I don’t.
Can’t wait to see what happens when you start offering these services.
Beautiful quilting on beautiful fabric and very good basic information I needed
Thanks for all tips and any guidance from experienced quilters is so helpful
The pictures are great and am looking forward to seeing those reds in hand
Really appreciate your insight on quilting these quilts. It is always the biggest question and the reason some of my tops are still just tops. Thank you for your helpful blog.
I think it’s pretty impressive you will be a bernina dealer. I purchased a new 770 machine this year, but my classes were derailed due to COVID-19. It would be happy if it could sew alittle of your new line before August.
Cant wait to get my redwork orders this summer! And a place to send them for quilting?? Woohoo! I so wish I lived near one of your shops!
Wow! There’s a lot here to comment about. First, thanks for all the insight on how you decide how the quilting should be done. Very interesting! Second, I’ve had my Bernina for 35 years and still like it, so I’m glad to hear that you’ll be dealing with them. Third, I love that you’ll be offering quilting services! Woohoo!
Lisa, you are the best technician I know. Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the information on thread color and getting it to blend with two color quilts. After spending so much time piecing the quilt, you don’t want to spoil it by having the quilting overpower the quilt.
Thank you so, so much for explaining the selection process for quilting… This blog is a keeper for future reference!
As always very informative. One of the points you made is one that I have just recently begun to realize…that my quilting thread choice should influence my backing choice. I loved the explanation of how you choose quilting designs for your quilts.
I think that you are a teacher at heart! I love this post. So informative. Can’t wait to send you a quilt for quilting!
Very interesting. I like your idea of not having to send batting or even backing in some cases to be long arm quilted. The color of thread to use is always an issue for me. I like for the blocks and design to stand out and not the quilting.
I am so excited that you are planning to offer long-arm quilting services! Looking forward to this opportunity! Can not wait to make a red and white quilt with your new line when it comes in August!! You are the best! Thank you!
Thanks so much for all the quilting information, so much to learn!! So happy you will soon have a long-arm service!
I also let my long armer do as she wants with my tops. She is excellent at what she does. I know yours is as well.
This post was so helpful…I always struggle with pattern and thread color, and usually just leave it up to the longarmer. I figure they know a whole lot more about what looks good than I do.
My Longarmer is excellent. She does not have a computer. Usually if she has an idea she will speak up. She is also willing to try anything❣️
I really enjoyed this post with the tips on longarm quilting. I really struggle with how to quilt a quilt, & what color thread to use, your tips were really helpful! Thanks!
I love posts like this – learning about what you chose and why you chose it, seeing both the full shot and up close photos. The quilting is beautiful on all of them. The baptist fan quilt pattern has become one of my favorites! So excited for you and all your new quilt-related endeavors!
Really enjoyed your lesson on deciding how to do the quilting! Love your close up pictures so the fabric patterns and stitching show up so well. Your quilts are beautiful!
Thanks for your insights Lisa. They are very helpful!
Is the baptist fan considered a good choice for antique quilts or more traditional/ modern quilts. I am drawn to it, but have never used it. Thanks, Colleen
Yes…it is a hands down best choice for all of the choices you mentioned…
So much information and oh so insightful. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. Loved seeing the quilting and quilt blocks up close. I try to do small quilt projects by hand and am still learning. I’ve been fortunate to find a fabulous long arm quilter in our area who truly enhances the quilts I’ve made.
Thank you for sharing your ideas on how you decided to finish your quilts, that is sometimes a real chore for me and can delay the finishing of my quilts. All examples and insight on how to finsh is welcome to me.
So much good information and the pictures make it so easy to understand. Almost a tutorial on quilting designs. I am loving this redwork gatherings collection. Thanks for all the good info.
I’ve learned so much! Thank you for sharing your insight.
Great information and advice when quilting with two color quilts!
I enjoyed this machine quilting post… I really appreciated the thread color suggestions… thank you!
Thanks Lisa for the great information. I noticed that Jake is wearing a Syracuse University t-shirt. Go Orange!!
I love the quilting in all of the redwork gatherings quilts. Yes, quilting is always a hard decision, but your ideas are very helpful.
You’ve chosen well with both thread color and design. I think you’re going to be swamped with quilts needing quilting and everyone is going to want their quilt to look just like yours. So you need to get ready for the onslaught. I have so enjoyed this series of posts on red and white quilts, all with your special touch. Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you so much for the explanations which I know will help me in planning my quilting. That first question you ask is something that never occurred to me to ask myself when deciding how to quilt. But I’m still such a newbie and have a whole lot to learn on quilting, not to mention needing a lot more practice.
Thanks for the quilting info. Those three little words, “quilt as desired” can be very intimidating! I love seeing Jake and Luke at the longarm! They do a great job!
What an informative post!! Know some of the information seems pretty basic but love that you gave the basics with lots of information to consider with each project. Always enjoy hearing your thoughts on things!! =:)
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain your quilting choices for your Redwork Gathering quilts, so helpful and informative! I`m also looking forward to your future post about batting. Your “I Think I`m In Love “quilt is awesome! Thank you for all you do, please wish Nick a happy birthday!
Loved the quilting info. It’s nice to hear that whatever we do is fine…because like you said it’s our quilt. It’s also nice to know that quilting services will be available soon also. I’d much prefer to bring my quilt top in for quilting instead of mailing it. Thanks again.
I am almost overwhelmed by all that you said about quilting. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom on how to decide what to do. All your ideas are wonderful never ending words of “how to” for me. All the quilts are done with wonderful design——even the block in a block——one of my favorites in this fabric line. The colors of reds are amazing. Thanks so much. Happy Mother’s Day. You deserve so much.
Enjoyed the photos along with all the information about quilting. Puts it in perspective on choices to be made. Thanks for all you do…
The quilting is beautiful and so perfect for these quilts. Everyone is so talented.
Enjoyed the photos along with the information on different types of quilting. Puts into perspective on the choices that can be made. Thank You for all you do…
This was a great post and extremely helpful. I hope that you continue to do this on occasion, especially with a comparison between quilts. Thanks.
Lisa, love your re-work quilt. Traditional quilts are what I love. Im a country girl and its what I grew up with. I would send my quilts to you. The work you do is wonderful.
I love seeing how the different styles of quilting and varying the thread colors changes on the quilts. This has been a fantastic series of blog posts! Thanks so much.
This red a and white collection is just fabulous. What you don’t mention in any of your posts is that this that this collection and these quilts double as Christmas Quilts. My husband is gifting me this collection for Mother’s Day, he just doesn’t know it yet. !
Hi Robin…just wait…I have considered Christmas and Patriotic…just wait for those posts!!! We think alike!
These 2 handsome quilters are your sons right? I do believe there is an incredible quilting chromosome in your genetic makeup that got passed on – can’t wait to see what your grandbabies can do! All are beautiful!
Thank you so much for such a great discussion of the issues and decisions faced with quilting. I struggle with this and ordered Take It Easy. Great to see the differences thread can make.
Lisa, You are spot on with your quilting ideas!! I too, believe the scale needs to match the piecing and your thread choices are perfect. I love your work. Thank you for sharing.
Loved your informative post about the different choices of how to get your quilts done and how you explained the quilts that you made. I love those red and white quilts! All of them!
Enjoyed reading about thread color choices on two color quilts. Exciting news about upcoming long arm services!
Quilting my projects is always the hardest part for me. Right now I am struggling with how to quilt the Summer Banner. Thank you for your help and expertise.
I really appreciated your comments and visuals on thread color. It made me more willing to try color on my quilts.
You are so right Lisa. Choosing thread color I feel good about, but when it comes to quilt design, that’s a whole other story.
Thank you for sharing this post on quilting your Redwork quilts! Really appreciated your process in making decisions and why you choose specific thread/pattern options. Results are certainly beautiful. I especially love the Baptist Fan on Take It Easy.
Great advice on thread color. Always hard decision
There are so many things to consider when finishing a quilt. I generally leave decisions up to my quilter but I’m glad you covered your considerations. This post will definitely help me when I quilt my quilts especially your thoughts on thread choice.
Thank you for your insights on machine quilting. I longarm my own quilt, usually pantographed and as my machine is not computerized I do not have an option to scale. It is so difficult to decide on a pattern to compliment the top sometimes!
My quilt tops are sent to a longarm quilter. I really trust her, so I tell her to quilt it as she sees fit. They always turn out beautiful.
I always enjoy reading on what other Longarm quilters ideas and techniques are. I have a Gammill longarm but mine isn’t computerized and have thought about updating to do computerized work. I do love the Baptist fan quilting pattern, it looks great on your quilt.
Very informative post. I love the Take it Easy quilt with the lovely Baptist Fan quilting.
This was great info! I have quilted my own quilts, but am often tempted to consider sending them out.
Happy birthday Nick! My birthday is today-May 9th..I’m thankful for another year of health and life, but I am missing seeing my kids and grandkids today due to this lock down. Thank you, Lisa, for all the great information in your blog posts!
Happy birthday Nick! Thank you for this article. I usually hand quilt but may need to send some out. Loved the pictures best as it really showed the effect of the color of thread.
The quilts are beautiful and so is the quilting.
Happy Birthday Nick!! Hope your day is great. I liked the info on the thread. It definitely makes a difference when I looked at your quilts. love all of them.. You have some talented quilters.
Happy Happy Birthday Nick! Picking the right thread can be intimidating, thanks for the post!
Thanks for the great information on quilting and choosing thread. Love these red and white quilts!
Very informative! Thank you and congrats on becoming affiliated with Bernina! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your expertise. This post provided some much-needed information.
Really great information regarding quilting choices….very helpful! Thank you! Nice to know that you will be offering quilting services in the future!
Really appreciate your insight into your quilting choices and why you chose them-very helpful for future reference!
I ordered the materials for Take it Easy when your reds first came out…then made the mistake of showing the line to my husband who fell in love with 55…
Now I need more…not a bad problem to have.
Quilting the quilt can definitely be disconcerting and I love how you make the piecing shine using effective simple quilting. So excited to hear you will be carrying Berninia as I am a Berninia girl myself and will be interested to hear more about their longarm machine, as well as if you will be doing classes and demos on them.
Loving your Redwork, and appreciate seeing you daily during quarantine. Hopefully I will be able to make the trip this summer.
Thank you for the details on long arm quilting! I’ve always hand quilted myself…I love the slow pace and a quilt on my lap in the winter!
I do have a question….in long arm quilting is there a particular way to stitch it so the quilt isn’t so stiff? I love a quilt to be soft and cuddly but I often see in other people’s quilts that they too stiff.
Thank you for all you do!
Wonderful information!! I always struggle with how to have quilt quilted so your insight is very helpful!! Love your passion and energy!!
Thank you for the time that you take to help us all be better quilters and stitchers!
Happy Mother’s Day 🌷🌷🌷🌷 Finally got a chance to read this I’ve been so busy stitching. It will be great to have machine quilting even binding services available. Such a shame so many quilt tops are out there waiting to be finished and then gifted or put in a quilt show.
So I really needed that red work gatherings fabric, but called the only quilt store near me to see if they were getting it in. But, no. So I ordered the 55 and Life kit. Can hardly wait until August. I will be ready to start.
I have so enjoyed the back story on these quilts 🙂
This has been a very fun way to learn and obtain new information. I have enjoyed each and every post. AND the news that you will be offering computerized quilting to us is a awesome.
It was so nice to see that my favorite quilting pattern, the baptist fan is one of yours too. I liked your explanation of each quilt and why you chose the pattern for it. It is hard with 2 colors that contrast like red and white to know what color of thread to use! Thanks for the explanation and thanks for the close ups of each of the quilts again. They are all so amazing! I want all the fabrics! It was fun to see the guys at the machines too. Sounds exciting for the future. Thanks again- K-
I am a longarmer and I pretty much think the same as you on everything you discussed. Thanks for informing everyone else. Happy quilting.
This is the best explanation on what color thread and type of quilting I have seen. Always a big dilemma for me. Thank you!
Once again your post is extremely helpful! I learn SO much from you. Will you still sell Juki? Would love to see a post about your thoughts on machines.
Great info here Lisa. Love that you will be offering machine quilting and how exciting to be opening a new shop.. Love seeing your “boys” at work too. So nice that they are interested in quilting as well.
Really great information! Thanks so much! I need to send some quilt tops out to be quilted this would be great. All the best to you!
Thank you for the info! I have always thought your quilts were nicely done and it is often a dilemma …. what will look good???? The examples were really good.
Thanks for the ideas. It was fun to see how you approach the decision on quilting designs etc. you always have the answers.
Thanks for the information. I never know how to pick a design.
What I found most helpful was the information re: picking thread color for 2 color quilts. I did catch that little sentence about opening up a new store!! Can you share “where”?
Very exciting. I loved to hand quilt, but arthritis made this impossible. I’m looking forward to sending them to you.
I always have a hard time deciding on what color thread to choose. Thanks for your perspective. It was very interesting about using two colors.
Your ideas are very interesting. I learned about what quilting patterns to sue with the size of prints. I also like your thoughts on picking thread colors. Thanks!
I love the new redworks fabrics and those quilts! Thank you for all of the info on the quilting, it helps a lot to answer a lot of questions! I think I am finding I love the simple whimsical type of quilting! I especially appreciated the info on the thread color… I have had this struggle, so it was awesome info!
Thank you for the info. Never thought about the scale of quilting to pieces in the pattern. Good to SEE the thread colors difference as well.
Did you pick the winners yet? Where would I find the list? Thank you!
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