Doing edge-to-edge or pantograph quilting is probably the best way to make a profit as a longarm quilter because the work goes faster than custom quilting. However I'm rarely asked to do that type of quilting, my customers come to me for custom work; it's what I am known for and also what I like to do best. One of the perks of doing that type of quilting is I get to quilt some really gorgeous quilts. People bring me their best work, the quilts they want to have quilted specially.
Donna's quilt is a good example of this. She spent a long time making this quilt and her workmanship is wonderful. Her applique stitches are so tiny! Smaller that the sewing machine stitch by far. This is a pattern called Fantasy Flowers by Pearl Pereira of P3 Designs.
I usually do a minimum of marking but since this is a smallish quilt, I was able to put it on my design wall and chalk in the feathered border so it would be symmetrical. The chalk I use is just plain old schoolroom chalk - it stays on long enough for me to quilt the stems and then brushes off with a damp cloth. It's amazing what a difference the lighting makes - this photo was taken with the normal ceiling lights, the rest use photography lights.
Donna's color choices are so pretty - I love the spark of the bright blue, in the swag border especially.
She made a nice wide border and requested lots of feathers - she also mentioned that she likes curved crosshatching. Hey - so do I!
I really enjoyed quilting this - Thanks Donna!
