Update 7 – In Jest 2015

Fern Quilting – Back of In Jest

Work is continuing on the quilting for In Jest. I was having trouble transferring my fern pattern to the quilt without spending too much time peeling the pattern paper off. Here’s what I came up with that is working well:
First I redrew the fern so there was a smooth stitching path from leaflet to leaflet, alternating sides. This simplified the sewing by eliminating backtracking along the stem. Two motifs fit on an 8-1/2 X 11 page.

Alternating leaflets

Then, I ironed freezer paper onto sheets of copy paper, trimmed it so the edges matched, and ran the sheets, one at a time, through our copier. The copy paper served as a carrier sheet to keep the freezer paper on track. Next I peeled the freezer paper off and trimmed the copies to fit in the diamonds of the quilt. There was still enough plastic on the freezer paper so I could iron it onto the quilt top.

Quilting on Freezer Paper Pattern

Next I reduced stitch length to 1.0mm and stitched first down the stem, then back on the leaflets, alternating sides to end when I began. And yes, I’m using my even feed foot and have feed dogs up to keep the stitch length consistent. That means rotating the quilt often, but the consistency is worth it. The short stitch length perforates the paper, so it’s much easier to pull the paper off.

There are only eight unquilted diamonds left, so the main part of the quilting is close to finished. Then on to the embellishment and little additional pieces.

 

Update 5 – In Jest 2015

Working this week on a method to construct pleated fans.

Pleating

Here are experiments in pleating fabrics for “In Jest.” The three in center and lower right have been sewn together to help set the pleats. The two on left, held together with binder clips, are small versions of what I hope the fans will look like when set into the quilt edge.

Pointed Edging Basted with Pins and Binder Clips

I’m also using small binder clips to set the points along the quilt edges. This is after attaching the backing and batting with a pillowcase edge.

Points in Pillowcase Edge

Next step: the quilting.

Update 4 – In Jest 2015

Here are some updates on my current art quilt project, In Jest.

In Jest – Sashing Complete on Background

The area of dark, solid diamonds in the lower left will be covered by the inverted star of the harlequin face and cap. Work is progressing on it as well.

In Jest – Embroidery Begun on Face

Sandwiching the top with batting and backing is next. The finished size will be approximately 36 x 60.

Update 3 – In Jest – 2015

In Jest – Face Draft 5

I’ve decided on this version of the face. Here’s why I’m using a 72 degree rather than a 60 degree diamond.

Update 2 – In Jest – 2015

I’ve chosen a different black for narrow sashing. This will help define the diamond blocks.

In Jest – Beginning to Add Sashing

Still undecided about how to finish the edges. Should they be squared off or should I keep the serrated edges? Sides different from top/bottom?
And another draft of the face – working on idea of an open-mouthed smile. Too goofy now.

In Jest – Face Draft 4

Update – In Jest – 2015

The experiment with 72 degree diamonds continues. The name has been changed from “Harlequin” to “In Jest.”

In Jest January Update on Design Board

Still experimenting with the diamond for that empty space. The personality could be that of harlequin, jester, joker, maybe green man.  So far . . .

In Jest Face Idea 1

In Jest Face Idea 2

In Jest Face Idea 3

Still not right. More to come.

Harlequin – 2014

This is the beginning of an idea, on my design wall. Aiming to have something by May 2015.

Harlequin Beginning on Design Wall

Updates of this design will be under its new name “In Jest.”