How to Draw Free Form Quilting Feathers

I have recently worked out how to quilt feathers. I can't tell you how excited I was when it finally clicked.

Being a busy mum to 4 young children I just don't get as much time as I would like to sit down and practice quilting on my machine. Thats why I decided to try and practice drawing my quilting designs.

I usually have a good hour at night when I'm sitting in front of the TV (keeping hubby company), I find this time in front of the 'box' a bit of a waste because I really could be doing something... useful. So the other night I pulled out some A4 sheets of paper and a pencil and started practicing.

It only took a few nights and finally the shape of the feather just clicked, it's hard to explain, but a few other friends have said the same thing. All of a sudden you just get it.... After that the actual quilting is so much easier!

This was my very first attempt at free form feathers on a project, after just 3 or 4 nights of practicing on paper.

Applique design by Kellie Wulfsohn of 'Don't Look Know'

I had this cushion top sitting in my UFO pile for at least a year, so I thought I would put it to use and practice some free form feathers. Its not perfect, but ohh my goodness I can't tell you how happy it makes me to look at the quilting and being able to say 'I did that!'

If your interested in having a go, I have put together a video on how I draw my feathers.

I'd love you to come back next 'HQ Sweet Sixteen Sunday' when I will stitch out the feathers for you.

Hugs Paula