Tool time

Remember this?  While cleaning out my sewing room, I've taken some time to finish up several tops that I had put aside when I hit those dreaded decision crossroads.  I really like this top and since it's fairly small, decided it's the perfect piece to ease myself back into hand quilting, something that I've sorely neglected (and missed) in recent years.  Unlike Tonya who quilts *freehand*, I've always marked my quilting.  And though I'd like to try her method soon, I'm going to stick with what I know this time, since I'll already be trying to regain my rhythm.

After fiddling with approximate border sizes (it's not trimmed, extra border is just tucked under), I could see that this quilt will need some fun quilting designs so I pulled out my flexible curve.  I forget where I first came across these, but years ago at the height of the Baltimore applique craze, I taught a quilt border class and used it as a basis to draft vine designs.

 

Especially helpful in working out corner curves, the flexible curve tool is easy to bend, holds its shape and sits flat on a surface.  Because it's a squared tube, once you've decided on a final curve design, it's very simple to trace along its flat edge onto a template.  Although loose, casual curves might work better on contemporary designs, it's sometimes difficult to draw a graceful curve freehand.  This tool can easily provide you with that first curve to work from.

You can find flexible curves in the graphic arts section of any art supply store.  Mine, 24", was $6.00, but I've had it quite a while so they're probably a little more now.  Warning...kids love these! 

Comments

[Carole]

I still love that quilt! And that's a really cool tool.

[Ruth]

Oh, I love the colors in that quilt. It just sings.

[Jeanine]

Gorgeous! LOVE the colors

[Cindra]

I'm so glad you've gone back to this quilt. It was always one of my favorites. So sunny and bright. Hand quilting on this will be a dream... de-stress time.

[Kathie]

Very cute and happy!

[Passions & Distractions]

I'm so glad you're working on this quilt again! It's so happy and it makes me smile! I had to get one of those tools for a construction management class when I was in college and then used it for everything in the world after that! I love love love it! I picked mine up at an office supply store (in case anyone's looking for another source).

[Lily]

Oooh I love this top. And that curve tool is fab!

[Tami]

I keep coming back to view this quilt top. I love the bright and happy colors! Hmm, somewhere I have one of those flexible curve rulers. I used it back in design school for pattern drafting class. A very useful tool indeed. :-)

[JudyC]

I have one of those. Mine has a little ruler embedded in one side so you can mark increments. Aren't the curvey lines so fun!

[Diane]

Charming, cheerful quilt. D

[Sue]

Just LOVE those colors!

[Chris]

I love that quilt, even though those are totally NOT my colors!

[Joanie]

Cool quilt! I love the colors, it makes me smile. I admire your work, quilting is something that I would love to try but I dare not begin another hobby. But seeing your colorful quilt top makes me want to rethink that decision! Go handquilting!

[Tonya R]

Glad to see you're working on the happy quilt. Hand quilting always helps me when I'm stressed out. I have one of those flexible curves and have never used it. That's a great way to make a sinous quilting line (when I do those freehand they always get flatter and straighter and boring). I'll have to try it.

[Cordelia]

I love them too. :-)
The quilt colors are wonderful.

[africankelli]

I have never seen that tool before. That makes such sense! Thank you!
And your colors remind me of ice cream sundaes for whatever reason. Pretty, cheery and sweet.

[Sally]

What a great use for that tool! I've always thought it was unnecessary, but now I see!!! And your quilt top is fantastic! Now I have to go dig in my stash for some bright orange and hot pink; the colors are super cheerful!