First 2013 Finish - New Red Bird FMQ

Whew -- Some of you may remember early in 2012 when I machine appliqued this piece - a variation of "Winter Holly" from Blackbird Designs "You're Invited" book.  You can click here to see the WIP post from 2012.




When 2013 arrived, Christmas Parties mostly over, no work for 7 more days (sorta), I put my mind to quilting this little devil.  

 Last year I had convinced myself to wait until my FMQ skills were perfect a little more honed - what I have realized is my expectations of my quilting skills are a moving target -- and this WIP needed to be classified as a Finish sooner rather than later.

A year ago I had completed the cutting, fusing, machine blanket stitch -- I had even prepared the batting and the backing... I just NEVER quilted it !!

All history now -- quilting done, binding done,  hanging sleeves on...  and it was all just in time for an "after Christmas" party in our home...

You can see around the bird that my tension was a bit "off"...  I promptly fixed that.

When I quilted it, I first used Aurifil Invisafil Invisible Thread to quilt around the applique (thanks Joanne Thread Head)!

I then switched to a 50wt Gutterman cotton thread on top and the bobbin for the remainder of the quilting. 

I did echo quilting with a little filler quilting here and there... and around the stars I quilted a subtle curve design.  I have a L-O-N-G way to go before I can jump into FMQ with confidence.

I consider it practice - and I love to Free Motion Quilt - so any finish is a step in the right direction.   Each day I learn more and more about my Janome Horizon -- and I get more comfortable with picking up a quilt and working on it ; )

I used the "Fast Finish Triangle" Sleeve that I learned about from the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. 

They go on so quick and easy -- and there is no hand stitching required.

I'm happy to report this first 2013 finish !

Thanks for stopping by. 

Hugs,
Karen

Linking up to Angie's Applique Thursday (on Saturday)