Day 199 - Abstract Leaf

Whoa! Is it day 199 already??? It seems like just yesterday I was launching this project and now we have almost 200 designs to choose from.

So let's celebrate with one of my favorite pivoting type designs. It's a combination of a line, a triangle, and a tear drop which can only be called Abstract Leaf.

It was a terrific weekend in Greensboro, NC at Ye Olde Forest Quilt Shoppe. I traveled up a day early on Friday so I could hang out in the store and play with some of their Janome sewing machines.

I must say, I'm extremely impressed with what I've experienced so far. In fact, I taught my class on Saturday stitching on a Janome 6600.

Of course, you all know my experience with sewing machines, but after talking with Kelley, the dealer and servicer of the machines, I'm definitely considering a computerized machine for my main workhorse.

So is a new sewing machine in my future?

All I can say is don't hold your breath that I will be keeping my Juki and Bernina's much longer!

Now enough about machines - let's learn how to quilt Abstract Leaf:

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Difficulty Level - Beginner / Intermediate. After Saturday's class, I've seen with my own eyes how easy it is for a beginner to pick up pivoting designs. They really are easy once you get the hang of how the design works.

If you need to make it easier you can eliminate the first single line and instead stitch the triangle first and then pivot with your tear drop shape around it.

Filler Design Type - Pivoting. These designs are created by starting on a point, stitching a shape, pivoting, and echoing that shape. Because you're always returning to the same starting point, this seems to be a good design for beginners to play with.

Directional Texture - All Directions. I love the multi-directional texture that you can get from pivoting designs. This one in particular is a little more graphic because of the straight lines of the triangles.

Suggestions for Use - This design will work big, covering your whole quilt really quickly, but it can also work really small in tight areas. That's why I love these pivoting designs so much - they're so versatile!

I think this one would look the best stitched over a guy quilt because the triangles add a nice bit of graphic texture that isn't flowery or girly. Maybe not all guys are worried about that kind of thing, but it's nice to have a design that doesn't scream "flower power!"

Back of Abstract Leaf
Feel free to use this free motion filler designs in your quilts,

and send in a picture to show it off.

Let's go Quilt!

Leah Day

Click Here to find the tools and supplies needed for
beautiful free motion quilting

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Have questions about this design?

Ask Leah for advice in the comments section below!