Back in February I rushed to finish the top (post here), then set it aside because there was no rush. Now rush is approaching as the show set up is May 10. And it is finished.
Still showing quilts on my sofa until I find a willing quilt holder. Wondered if pillows under the quilt would improve the photo.
Don’t think it did. Back to the old way.
ETA link to the flat view hanging at the show. 5/22/18. And while I’m at it, I’ll link to Clever Chameleon’s Tuesday Colour Linky Party.
For the “sky” I was debating whether to do elongated meander as I ended up doing or some windy, cloudy swirls. I chose the meander because I didn’t want to detract from the bubbles. I’m not sure it was the best decision. It does look a little better now that the quilt is bound, though.
The other decision was whether to quilt concentric circles as if the letters were not there. I had wanted the letters to be obscure, something to be found on closer inspection. I decided they were hard enough to see, so I quilted around them. The problem with a design detail for closer inspection is that there has to be something to invite that inspection. I’m not sure this quilt has that. I’ll try to watch viewers a bit, if I can be subtle.
Here are some views of the quilting.
I used “pebbles” to make “bubbles.” I used concentric circles in the big circle; I’d usually do concentric circles with the walking foot, but the position was such that turning would have been too much wrestling, so I tried free motion. Maybe I need to learn ruler work. Wonder if there is a ruler foot that fits my Featherweight? (Don’t worry, I won’t mention flaws to people viewing, but my blog is for the good, the bad and the ugly and reflections thereon.) The circles also look smoother from a distance and a washing will do more smoothing yet.
I think the letters are clear, but not too clear. And the quilted words:
While realism wasn’t part of the plan, I though a nod to perspective was in order, so I used the differing sizes of the phrase to suggest distance. Maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t.
I’ll like to Connie’s Freemotion by the River and to the Friday finish linkies if I remember (buttons in sidebar).
knitNkwilt 
I really like how you’ve put all those different quilted textures together, and the thought behind them. Works well for me!
I agree with Kate — the different textures of quilting help highlight the fabric colors. I like that the water has a different and fluid nature to it because of the fabric pattern. Well thought design. Good luck with the show.
I am impressed with your quilting too!
That is wonderful! I love the textures created by your quilting!
Now that it’s completely finished, I still like it. LOL I think the pillows helped a lot, actually. I got more of a feeling of bubbles or drops of water hanging in the air in that one. I do believe this is one of my favorites of your quilts.
This is gorgeous, I love the colors. Tip: cloths pin the top to your house gutter or garage door. Only thing that works for me and you have natural light as well.
Beautiful. I’m so glad you edited to show a hanging shot of this quilt and also brought it over to the Chameleon’s party. Thanks. I like to watch people looking at quilts if I can do it subtly. It’s interesting how everyone reacts differently to each quilt in a show.