Sunday, July 20, 2014

Crosshatching


Did you know that crosshatching is a method used by artist?  I found this site that gives a good explanation.  Unlike line drawings that artist do, quilters use crosshatching as a background.  It adds texture and works well as a background behind applique. I think it helps your eye move across the quilt. 

I am using a 3/4 inch crosshatch on Simple but Not!  This quilt is very simple in design. Just large pumpkin seed shapes made up of scraps of fabric  They are appliqued on top of a solid background.  I am adding feathers around the applique to accent it, and tying it all together with the crosshatching. 

A couple of years ago I really concentrated on what type of quilts I wanted to make.  I found that I was always drawn to the process of applique.  I am so happy I followed my heart.  I love using  colored backgrounds and having negative space to fill with hand quilting.  That balance of hand quilting and design is crucial for me.  I have never been one to use a lot of busy prints and I find when I do I turn to big stitch to achieve the balance that is so important to me.  Do you find yourself making the same category of quilt?
 
 

 So today I will be linking up with Kathy and adding a few more slow stitches to Simple but Not!

34 comments:

  1. The cross hatching is perfect between your feathers. I did some cross hatching on my hand sewing project this week too.

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    1. Yes, I think so too, I saw your house block, love the way it turned out!

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  2. I love the combination of feathers and crosshatching. ...and I think your name for this project is wonderful.

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  3. I wouldn't say I always am drawn to doing the same type of quilt but I do a lot with little pieces and/or applique I love cross hatching, but I rarely use feathers

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    1. I must admit I am a feather junky! They really appeal to me. They do take a bit longer to stitch, but I think they are worth it.

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  4. That quilt just makes me swoon every time I see it! I'm not a fan of big prints either ... but when I've used solids to create some negative space, I've used white/off-white/light tan. Seeing that lovely cheddar you've used for the background has made me re-think that.

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    1. I have used cream a lot, have never been able to use white. But I really love using fun colors. With scrap quilts, you can almost use any color that you want and they really help the scraps to sparkle.

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  5. Applique has never been my favorite thing to do, but I admire the gorgeous work of others like you!

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    1. I can say the same about piecing, that is why we need to follow what makes us happy.

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    1. Thanks Deb, it is fun to work on it! Hopefully it will finish before the years ends.

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  7. I love this quilt don't think I remember seeing it before . I hope you will share a full picture of the quilt someday. I am in awe of your hand quilting, it is just beautiful, such small stitches as well as the perfect design to really make this quilt come to life. AMAZING! thanks for sharing and enjoy quilting on this quilt today
    kathie

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    1. It is from the book Small Pieces Spectacular Quilts by Mary Elizabeth Kinch and Biz Storms. I used the reproduction scrap bags you are always promoting. In the book the background is a shirting fabric, I think, but I wanted to use the cheddar. I will continue to post my progress and hopefully a full quilt will emerge. Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. Beautiful. Which reminds me that I wanted to buy that book and haven't yet.

    Well, I used to make what they call low volume quilts now or quilts with lots of brown- kind of like how I dress...don't want to stand out in a crowd. And now that I'm old I seem to be making quilts with lots and lots of color and fun fabrics. My heart doesn't really say applique but it does say "challenge yourself".

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    1. I have always used muted colors but RSC has opened my eyes to using bright colorful scraps. I agree that quilting is all about challenging oneself to learn and try new things and each journey can be so different. I do know I no longer want to make every quilt I see, I am much more particular.

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  9. thinking about exactly what type/kind of quilt making one wants to do is SO important. I am in a low spot--not liking what I have made so far. (Other than baby quilts for my grand girls). I'm trying out a lot of different types of things: Crazy Quilt blocks. landscapes, smaller pieces, etc. all I know is that you do have to follow your heart...hugs, Julierose

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    1. I have always gotten my inspiration from antique quilts. HIgh contrast is a must. I also love the challenge of learning something new. I hope to do a crazy quilt too some day................the details one can add to a crazy quilt are just fabulous!

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  10. Your quilting is beautiful. I have always loved cross-hatching in between larger quilted motifs.

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  11. Crosshatching adds such nice texture to the finished quilt. You are making great progress.

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  12. I LOVE the look of crosshatching...but have never tried it myself. Yours looks fantastic!

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  13. l love the look of hand done cross hatching. I'm always drawn to pieced blocks. In a show of a modern and traditional quilts I'm always drawn to the traditional xx

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    1. I have always been inspired by antique quilts. But, I also l love the negative space and simplicity of modern quilts. So for me I love the balance of quilting and design

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  14. This is gorgeous, Carla! I love the look of scrappy quilts...they're always my favorites. I'm just getting back into quilting after many years away from it...and I find hand piecing...slow stitching...so nice & relaxing. Thanks for sharing your quilt!

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    1. So glad you found way back to quilting. I hope you will link up on Kathy's blog and share your slow stitching regularly. I enjoy hand work the best too! Scrap quilts are the best, I like to compare them to God's flower garden. All of the them work together and the more the merrier

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  15. Oh your quilt is so beautiful, it gave me goosebumps!! Well done!!
    Kerry

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  16. I have this one started too! I love the background color you chose. I've been thinking of using red whenever I get that far.

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    1. Red would look great. I love using a colored bacground with scrappy quilts.

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