Flutter!

Several of you have asked how to quilt the Flutter Motif and I promised to post a tutorial on how best to quilt it. I love this motif!

This is my first attempt to put on “paper” how to do a motif like this. Let me know if you have questions or if my directions are not clear. By combining two motifs you can get something spectacular-try doodling your own favorite combination!I “fluttered” the central area of my Lily quilt and I really like how it turned out. The blue marker is still in the quilt so that’s why the color is funny on the marked linesThe Flutter Motif is simply a combination of two motifs: a repeated Lazy S shape and the ripple-y lines-“Bouncing Bananas”. I learned the Bouncing Bananas from Diane Gaudynski and you will see them frequently used as a fill in many quilts in competition. Both motifs are fairly simple to do.

By combining these two motifs, you get the “flutter” effect which I love. It adds interest and texture to the fill areas of your quilt without detracting from the main focal point. If you use a skinny thread of a color similar to your fabric, it will blend in to provide this lovely visual texture without shouting “QTD” (Quilted To Death!).

I used Superior’s Kimono Silk thread on this piece and the fabric is Radiance by Kaufman Fabrics, a blend of 45% silk and 55% cotton. Radiance is so luscious to quilt on!

I’ll show how to do the two motifs in this post and in my next post, I’ll show how to combine them into a “flutter”.To start the Lazy S, start with this shape.Now echo back and repeat the shape.Continue on in this manner, usually 3 or 4 times in total. Simple, huh?The “Bouncing Bananas” in the Flutter are used to fill areas between Lazy S’s. I drew the lines on the sides to define the area I will fill with the bananas. Start out by creating a pretty curve between the lines, almost like a ripple of water.Now echo it back. Notice how the lines are parallel, the second line reflecting the curve of the first.Continue on, keeping the arc similar in shape as you move forward.

Try each of these on paper and practice until you are comfortable with them. I do this with any motif I am creating or learning-I do a lot of work on paper until I have the shapes imprinted in my brain. Only then do I begin to work it on fabric.

In my next post I will combine these two motifs and show how to “Flutter” them together.

And oh by the way, I suck at drawing. Don’t fret if  you don’t draw well-you’re just trying to get the shapes and thread path in your head. I find it much easier to quilt than draw!

Once you get this one down, it’s fun and relaxing to do.Hope you’re enjoying the last official days of Spring!