I recently quilted a large wall quilt in gold, and have been experimenting with gold dots and other things in gold paint.  Nothing of that to show just now,but today I came across this snippet I’d completely forgotten from a few years ago – with silver stitching along the edges of the slivers.  It’s unusually delicate for me – and unfortunately I don’t have any more of the grey fabric, but one or two other yummy bits would serve just as well.

I really can’t remember what I had in mind when I started it,  though nothing large I can assure you!!! since this piece measures approx .  15 x 25cm only, and those slivers are about 1cm widest and about 6-7cm long.  It’s set me thinking, though, about the next “Ebb  & Flow” quilt.

Martha Ginn  commented on double needle gold quilting (previous post) and I sent her  an email about using a triple needle threaded with gold metallic, too.  Then thought I’d post this rather technical post as there could be others interesting in using multi-needles with metallics sometime.  In the Schmetz brand they’re called ‘Drilling’ for some reason, and they are expensive – expect to pay at least US$10 per unit !!!  so take care when working with them.  And as for threads,  I have no idea of the brand of large economical cones I found ages ago in Australia, but Sulky and the YLI have worked well for me in the past.

Triple needling gives a great outline, as in this snippet from a recent work –

Whenever I use metallics I always follow these steps –

• Slow the machine’s speed a bit and never hurry
• Loosen the top tension a bit
• Use a larger eyed needle if possible
• Rub a little Sewer’s Aid on the metallic thread cone/reel
• Work on a sample piece front/batting/back first to get the settings right.

I love a bit of glitter, jewellery and so on, and when I quilt with metallic thread, gold especially, to me it expresses something about value or preciousness.

“Dreamtracks”, shown here, is my piece currently showing in the Kimberley Dreaming Exhibition at the WA Craft Fair, on in Perth at the moment.   The machine quilting is in gold using twin needles.  Inspired by the world famous Bungle Bungles, it is 30cm square.  It’s touched off the series that has been occupying me the past few months since I made it for the exhibition, and I’m currently working on  #7 with another idea in mind for after that.

If you have time this weekend, wander down to visit the fair and say hello to “Dreamtracks” in amongst what look like a totally marvellous collection of Kimberley Dreaming pieces.