Star of the Sea

Martha piecing the 'Star of the Sea' on the JUKI Exceed 600

Our friends had a new baby and invited us to the Baptism. So Emily and I decided to make a watery quilt to suit the occasion. We chose the fabrics together. This simple half-square triangle star top came together quickly.  I did the piecing and Emily did the quilting.

Auditioning threads from various Superior Threads ranges

Once the top was pieced and on the frame we needed to choose the threads. We narrowed it down to a variegated Rainbows and some of the silks from the Kimono Silk range of Superior Threads. In the end we chose the turquoise silk #343 Okinawa. It looked nice against all the fabrics in the top. The fine silk created a subtle texture but it was strong enough to machine quilt at high speeds. 

on the 6 foot Art Quilter frame

 The 6 foot Art Quilter frame gives 55 inches of quilting space and is a perfect size for baby quilts. This quilt top measured about 50 inches square.

Emily's free-motion feathers

 Ever since our April retreat, Emily's been wanting to try feathers. So she decided to quilt feathers in the central star shape and a waterery wavey pattern on the background.

free-motion quilting detail

 We think that the different styles of free-motion quilting created a good contrast.

machine quilting detail

Notice how the feather quilting stands out on the blue crab fabric and disappears on the Amy Butler paisley.

a good view of the JUKI TL98P

 Here's a good view of the JUKI TL98P straight stitch sewing machine. The extra length and height of the arm make it perfect for free-motion quilting on a frame.

a view of the quilt back

We used #633 Light Turquoise Bottom Line pre-wounds in the bobbin. The Bottom Line range from Superior Threads is designed especially for the bobbin and the fine weight is a good match for the Kimono Silk on top. We liked how the Turquoise thread showed up against the white of the backing fabric. Emily was so happy with how the back looked that she wants to do a similar pattern in a whole-cloth quilt. I do love the way that one quilt leads to another ; )

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off the frame ane ready for binding

Here it is all finished and thrown across the frame. The quilting just took 4 hours spread over 2 days. It's going to make a lovely present.