June 21, 2011

Free Motion Quilting Designs: Kissing designs

After talking about the all-over starburst I tried to file it in with my other quilting designs, and it just didn't seem to fit anywhere. That means: new category!


Kissing designs are patterns that flow from one shape to another. Each shape is connected to the next at a single point. The path the shapes take is up to you. Supreme versatility.



I don't know why it never occurred to me before to connect things this way. But it really does change the way I think about planning my stitching. Previously, if I wanted a row of hearts, or a block letter word, I would have connected them with a line on the bottom:



But a line isn't necessary if you have your designs kiss! I love the difference. It take a little more attention  to stitch over a line that I've already stitched, to get to the place I want to start the next shape. But I think it's worth it.


To test the theory that kissing can connect anything to anything:   


My favorite is still my first kiss, the all over starburst.


I am having fun with this family of designs. I hope you try sketching or stitching some too!

See more Free Motion Quilting designs and tips on the Free Motion Quilting page.

14 comments:

Catskill Quilter said...

Loved the photos! This may help me with my machine quilting challenges. Thanks!

Theodora quilts said...

loving all of them especially the kitchen utensils !!!

The Vegetarian Hunter said...

Another home run! I really like your kitchen one! I have been slowly collecting kitchen themed fabric and this idea is something I will be most likely trying for projects I make with it.
I just ordered my first ever roll of quilting paper. You know, the stuff you draw on and then pint to the quilt to stitch through? lol, obviously my first roll right? If Canada Post could figure out how to solve their issues - I would have it already!! Fingers crossed its soon.
Cheers from your friend,
Carolyn

Wendy said...

Lots of good ideas there to stimulate my old brain and inspire me. Thank you!

felicity said...

"First kiss" - I like that. And I love this idea for connecting motifs!

Leah said...

Lol! I call these "Stacking Designs" but kissing sounds so much better!

Here's a few other ideas to play with that might lead you to even more interesting textures:

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/365fillerdesignmainstacking.htm

Enjoy!

Leah Day

Suzanne said...

Ah, you are sending me back to the drawing board but here, it's a good thing. :-)

Gene Black said...

I love the kissing concentric circles.

Kay Lynne said...

I love the idea of calling the patterns kissing designs. The star burst is a really neat design!

Sand and Sunshine said...

Nice, the kitchen utensils are especially great.

Mary Marcotte said...

Love, love, love it! The idea to call the family kissing designs is inspiration, indeed. Thanks!

Pattilou said...

This is so great! Many ideas here for a quilt ready to sandwich! Thanks!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

I really like the circles that look like clam shells, they look like something I might be able to pull off. I tried doing the starbursts a few times on a fourth of July tablerunner I made, but I had a hard time making each arm of the star somewhat alike. I ended up just doing jigsaw, which was okay, but the starbursts would have elevated it to the next level. I also tried drawing it several times and then taping a picture on my machine as a guide. Do you do your quilting on a regular machine with the feed dogs dropped, or do you have something fancy? I am kind of at a crossroads and debating what to do. My piecing has really improved and now it's time to take my quilting up a notch. But I should put out this disclaimer: I was kicked out the art club in 5th grade because my teacher determined I didn't really have the talent. So, should I just keep to the simple and forgettaboutit? I love the new flickr group, too, and will be joining!

Helen in the UK said...

Loving the whole new section of designs! Thanks for sharing them and inspiring us all :)

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