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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Making Connections Blog Hop

Welcome to my stop on the Making Connections blog hop!
Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!


I first met Dorie of Forever Quilting this spring at Quilt Market. She actually lives less than an hour from me, but we had never met in person! After spending some time together, she said, "I have a book signing I need to go to." I initially thought she meant that she was attending a book signing, but then I spotted an "author" ribbon on her nametag! Fast forward a few months, and I'm so excited to tell you about Dorie's new book, Making Connections!

Making Connections is a free-motion quilting workbook designed to teach how to quilt using fewer starts and stops. The workbook increases in complexity throughout the book, each design building on the previous ones.

Making Connections by Dorie Hruska

As I read through the book, I was fascinated by the idea of quilting an entire quilt with only one starting point, then ending in the exact same spot!

I was already planning to make a Lonestar quilt for my September Island Batik challenge, but when the cutting method for that quilt resulted in 3/4 of a second Lonestar, I decided to experiment!

I quilted the first Lonestar quilt with straight lines using my walking foot on my domestic sewing machine (a Juki TL-2010Q). Even with my super fast Janome walking foot, it took several hours to quilt. (Read about that quilt here.)

Lonestar quilt with straight line quilting

For the second Lonestar quilt, I wanted to try out Dorie's "one start, one stop" method for free motion quilting.

Both quilts use Empress Garden fabrics from Island Batik. The second quilt uses a purple batik from Jo-Ann's for the background fabric, but I would have definitely preferred to use an Island Batik fabric.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

Using my Juki, I started quilting with Aurifil 50wt #2235 Orange. I used my walking foot to stitch in the ditch around the 1/2" border around the star, then I continued as if the star was complete.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I switched to Aurifil 50wt #2540 Medium Lavender and my free motion foot to quilt medium stipples in the purple background fabric around the star.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I began following the simplest design in the Making Connections book to quilt the star using Aurifil 50wt #2455 Medium Carmine Red. Even though the design is continuous over the entire star, I ran out of bobbin thread a few times. If only I could invent a never-ending bobbin...

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I used my Hera marker to mark the "seam lines" on the ghost half of the star, then continued the same design.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was able to quilt the design! I was even more surprised that after just two sections, I knew I would be able to do the whole thing with just one start and one stop!

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting
Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I ended at the exact spot I began! And it took less than half the time of the straight line quilting!

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

Once finished, I loved the texture of the quilt! However, the ghost quilting really wasn't that noticeable unless photographed in the right light.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I decided to add a second color of quilting (Aurifil 50wt #1148 Light Jade), right over the first on the ghost half of the star. This was also a test to see if I could quilt the star in a continuous line for a second time, or if the first time was a fluke! (It wasn't!)

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I really do love the added color, but it still didn't make it any easier to photograph. In fact, from afar, you can't even see the ghost half of it at all.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

I still love the outcome though! I really love finding ways to shave time off of the quilting process (so many quilts I want to make and so little time!), and this "one start, one stop" technique is definitely going on that list!

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting
Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

This quilt finished at about 48" square. The back is pieced from the Empress Garden scraps, and the batting is Warm 100 from The Warm Company.

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting
Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

Making Connections is a game changer for me! I can't wait to try more designs from the book!


Making Connections by Dorie Hruska


Be sure to visit all the stops on the hop!

Friday, September 1, 2017
Monday, September 4, 2017
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Powered by Quilting
Sweet Little Stitches
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Friday, September 8, 2017
Monday, September 11, 2017
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Friday, September 15, 2017

Lonestar quilt with free motion quilting

Linking up with TGIFF at Devoted Quilter and Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts.

 This post contains affiliate links.


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89 comments:

  1. AngieSeptember 7, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    I just use my domestic machine. I love the quilt you made and the ghost quilting is super!! Have a great day!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

    ReplyDelete
  2. SarahSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:06 AM

    Domestic--and so far only quilting with my walking foot. One of my (many) quilting goals is to get started free motion quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sherry VFSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:19 AM

    I quilt on a domestic machine. However, my church quilting group recently acquired a long arm and I'm anxious to learn how to use it. My hope is that some of the skills are transferable. The book sounds very intriguing. sjvonfumetti at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. MonicaSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    I quilt mostly on my doemstic machine. Sometime I rent a longarm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MarySeptember 7, 2017 at 7:22 AM

    I quilt on a Sweet Sixteen which is sort of like a giant domestic machine.
    Love your Lone Star quilts!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KathleenSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:37 AM

    Laura, I quilt on both; prefer my Bernina for machine quilting and rent a longarm for larger quilts. Your design, as usual, is just great. I applaud your desire to make that quilting show and while it may not show up in photos, I bet it is stellar in person.

    ReplyDelete
  7. CeciliaSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:54 AM

    I quilt on a longarm and love the fact that I don't have to baste! Your quilting looks great and I can't wait to try this idea. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kathy HSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:27 AM

    I use a domestic machine for my smaller quilts and a longarm for bed size quilts.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nancy @ Grace and Peace QuiltingSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    Great job quilting! And quilted twice no less!!! You know me--longarm for 5 years now. I did quilt on my domestic machine for many years before that.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:35 AM

    Kathy R.
    I quilt in my domestic machine. If the quilt is large I take it to be quilted.

    petuniakr@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. amySeptember 7, 2017 at 8:52 AM

    Just learning on my domestic machine-larger quilts go out to be quilted since I'm only doing small items like table runners, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Vicki HSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    I use my domestic machine for my quilts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Slice of PiSeptember 16, 2017 at 1:13 PM

      Congrats, Vicki! You've won a copy of "Making Connections!"

      Delete
  13. PaulaSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:07 AM

    I love seeing all the designs from the various artists. This book has inspired many great designs.

    ReplyDelete
  14. rosemaryschildSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:10 AM

    Your quilt is just delightful! I quilt on a domestic machine-walking foot so far- FMQ very intimidating! Thank you for sharing, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  15. LauraSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:13 AM

    I use my domestic machine. Thanks for showing the closeups of your quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kathy E.September 7, 2017 at 9:32 AM

    Loving that purple in your quilts! Purple makes everything better, doesn't it? So far, I have quilted all of my projects myself on my domestic machine. Maybe someday, I'll venture out to make something so big I have to find a long-armer.

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. I would like to include this book with my others. I have trouble trying to figure which path to take when quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  18. JANETSeptember 7, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I use the DSM. None of my quilts have ever been on a LA. They look like fun to use, though.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anita Jackson @ Domestic FelicitySeptember 7, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I quilt on a domestic machine and would love to read the one start method.... Looking forward to the future----- learning the long arm technique!

    ReplyDelete
  20. mumbird3September 7, 2017 at 10:25 AM

    Wow - I love yoru thread choices - they really add to the quilting design! Thanks for sharing! I quilt using a domestic machine!

    ReplyDelete
  21. @lutzcatsSeptember 7, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    I've been intrigued by this book! I FMQ on my domestic machine. lutzcats (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Alison V.September 7, 2017 at 10:58 AM

    I quilt on my domestic Janome! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnnetteSeptember 7, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    That ghost quilting is amazing! Beautiful quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnnetteSeptember 7, 2017 at 11:05 AM

    Oh and I quilt on my domestic machine and would love to do it all in one pass.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Noreen TSeptember 7, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    I quilt on a domestic machine! trotskyn@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  26. SewgirlSeptember 7, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    I DIY on my domestic machine...love the ideas I see coming from Dories book. Thanks for sharing, and for the chance at the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  27. KathySeptember 7, 2017 at 1:58 PM

    I do both. If they are small on my domestic. Big ones I do in NY frame with a juki tl98q.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Quilting in the SouthSeptember 7, 2017 at 2:42 PM

    I quilt on a Juki sitdown long arm.

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 2:51 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 2:53 PM

    Hi Laura,your Quilt is so beautiful>quilting is awesome!I quilt on a domestic machine+loving FMQing,but I'm not quite that good yet>LOL!
    Thank You for your Blog+Giveaway too! msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. QuiltsmilesSeptember 7, 2017 at 3:02 PM

    I would love a long arm but with space limitations make my domestic purr when I come up with a doable design. This book could help with grid possibilities which is super difficult for me but I'd love to gain this knowledge.
    Every one is thrilled with this book, sounds like it's a go to for your home library.

    ReplyDelete
  32. lizardcreekquilterSeptember 7, 2017 at 3:40 PM

    What great colors in your quilts!! I am a long arm quilter--so finding a continuous path is what I try to do on a daily basis. Sometimes I don't find the path until the last section of a queen sized quilt!! But yes when the light bulb moment comes it is just amazing!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. chrisknitsSeptember 7, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. But hope to take a long arm class soon!! I love Lonestar Quilts. I think I have made 4, in my past life as a quilter.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Susan September 7, 2017 at 7:45 PM

    I think it's an amazing quilt and an amazing job of quilting it! I may have to buy that book if I don't win it. Thanks for the chance to win and save my budget!

    ReplyDelete
  35. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I quilt, very badly, on a domestic machine lol. I need all the help I can get!

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I quilt, very badly, on a domestic machine lol. I need all the help I can get!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Cathy L WilsonSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:24 PM

    I use my domestic machine. I would love to win this book as I hate quilting myself into a corner!
    cathylouwilson@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:25 PM

    I agree with Melissa, I 'try' to quilt on a domestic machine, lol!! Yours are beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. GranChrisSeptember 7, 2017 at 8:52 PM

    I have a MidArm that I am learning to use. I love your color choices.

    ReplyDelete
  40. OhioLoriSeptember 7, 2017 at 9:06 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine...& would LOOOOVE to win this Awesome Book!! Thank you for the chance! :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Karen HootmanSeptember 7, 2017 at 10:26 PM

    I quit on a domestic sewing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  42. BethSeptember 7, 2017 at 10:33 PM

    I quilt on a domestic machine. Like you, I have many quilts I want to finish. This sounds like a step in the right direction--thanks for a great review.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousSeptember 7, 2017 at 10:56 PM

    I quilt on a domestic sewing machine.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tu-Na QuiltsSeptember 8, 2017 at 12:04 AM

    I quilt on my domestic sewing machine but also rent time on a longarm at my local quilt shop and when I get to my winter home, I'll be using the quilting group's longarm. kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Rochelle aka Bella QuiltsSeptember 8, 2017 at 12:12 AM

    I like both quilts. Quilting ghosts is like whole cloth quilting and it seems like a lot of work but can be rewarding. I like the look of both of your quilt. And I like how well your marking with the hera marker worked. I sometimes have problems making my marks and I can't always see them in the sewing machine light. I quilt on a Baby Lock domestic machine.

    ReplyDelete
  46. tac73September 8, 2017 at 12:53 AM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. Thank you for showing your projects.

    ReplyDelete
  47. HavplentySeptember 8, 2017 at 2:52 AM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. On my learn something new this year, I will rent a longarm and practice using one. I do plan to buy a sit down midarm some day.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Sarah September 8, 2017 at 4:24 AM

    I do all my quilting on my domestic machine. Your quilts are lovely. I love the ghost quilting and think the addition of the light jade color really pops in the closeup. So glad I found your post on TGIFF, I was not aware of this book and have now added it to my list.

    ReplyDelete
  49. JulieSeptember 8, 2017 at 6:23 AM

    Domestic. I have the same Juki as you do. Love to improve my quilting skills

    ReplyDelete
  50. AllisonSeptember 8, 2017 at 7:01 AM

    I quilt on my domestic sewing machine. The ghost quilting turned out very well! I think I need this book.

    ReplyDelete
  51. cbg1September 8, 2017 at 7:17 AM

    I quilt mostly by hand. When I quilt by machine it is with my domestic sewing machine.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Afton WarrickSeptember 8, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    I use a domestic machine.

    ReplyDelete
  53. VASeptember 8, 2017 at 8:16 AM

    So far I've quilted all my quilts on my DSM, but I dream of owning a long arm someday.

    ReplyDelete
  54. works4meSeptember 8, 2017 at 9:05 AM

    That half Lone Star with the ghost quilting is very effective. It's gorgeous. I quilt on a domestic machine - Janome MC8900.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Leanne ParsonsSeptember 8, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    I love quilting with fewer stops and starts! I think it's kind of fun that the ghost quilting doesn't show up well from a distance...then it's like a little surprise for anyone who looks closely :) I do all my quilting on my domestic machine and dream about getting to try a longarm sometime.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Judi DuncanSeptember 8, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    I have a long neck domestic. I would love to have only one starting point while doing FMQ!

    ReplyDelete
  57. LorraineSeptember 8, 2017 at 12:00 PM

    Domestic...and not done nearly as often as I should!! I am more of a starter than a finisher....maybe I need the inspiration found in Dorie's book??!! Gorgeous quilt and quilting!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. UnknownSeptember 8, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    I don't have a long arm machine so I quilt on my domestic. 😉

    ReplyDelete
  59. teachpanySeptember 8, 2017 at 1:26 PM

    Great quilt. I use a domestic. I also agree that Island Batik is great! I can't even look at JoAnn's for batiks, they just don't compare.

    ReplyDelete
  60. DarleneSeptember 8, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    I try to quilt smaller pieces on my Bernnia and send out larger quilts to a longarmer.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Lisa EnglandSeptember 8, 2017 at 2:39 PM

    I do both. I do big projects on the longarm, smaller ones I might do either or both. It really just depends what kind of quilting I'm doing.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Sherri @ RebeccaMaeDesigns.comSeptember 8, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    Wow, never thought about doing a star! Looks great Laura!

    ReplyDelete
  63. NancySeptember 8, 2017 at 7:22 PM

    I use my domestic machine. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  64. KathrynSeptember 8, 2017 at 7:35 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. I loved seeing how you quilted this star.

    ReplyDelete
  65. BarefootThunder September 8, 2017 at 8:49 PM

    I love your stars!! I quilt on a domestic machine.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Karen PropesSeptember 8, 2017 at 9:37 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. I would love to get a long arm. I did buy a larger throated machine which is a great help.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Donna WSeptember 9, 2017 at 12:58 AM

    Thanks for sharing your quilt with us. I quilt on my domestic machine.

    ReplyDelete
  68. WendySeptember 9, 2017 at 4:55 AM

    I sew on a domestic and i hate burying threads!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Dawn FSeptember 9, 2017 at 10:08 AM

    I use a domestic machine for my quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  70. EmilySeptember 9, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    I love both of your Lone Stars! I still do not have a good relationship with free motion quilting. I haven't totally given up but I'm getting close. I quilt on a domestic machine, a Pfaff ambition 1.0 named Willa the Wonder Machine.

    ReplyDelete
  71. eileenSeptember 9, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    What a pretty quilt! And great quilting...have yet to try on my domestic Singer.
    The book looks like a big help!
    ekmvalencia@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. ChristySeptember 9, 2017 at 4:42 PM

    I quilt on a domestic. I was just looking at that book last night, trying to decide if it was really worth the cost. Sounds like it is. I'll add it to my wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  73. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2017 at 9:18 PM

    I don't have a long arm machine but I do a little quilting on my domestic machine.
    Patty
    paweis at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Farm QuilterSeptember 10, 2017 at 1:03 PM

    I love doing ghost quilting too!! Yours turned out great! I can only quilt on my Innova longarm!

    ReplyDelete
  75. JayneSeptember 10, 2017 at 1:57 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine. I love the idea of your ghost quilting

    ReplyDelete
  76. BarbSeptember 10, 2017 at 3:45 PM

    I have quilted on both--my domestic for smaller quilts and then I rented time on a long-arm for a couple of larger quilts--Would love to have a long arm as so much easier to handle the quilt.
    barbkaup(at)(yahoo)(dot)(com)

    ReplyDelete
  77. DebbieSeptember 10, 2017 at 8:22 PM

    I use my bernina 750. My free hand isn't great but i love to practice drhodes9 @cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  78. Carol WSeptember 11, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    I quilt on my domestic machines.

    ReplyDelete
  79. SusanSeptember 13, 2017 at 1:22 PM

    Longarmer! Love the ghost quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  80. BecSeptember 13, 2017 at 10:04 PM

    I quilt on a domestic machine...my Janome 6600.

    ReplyDelete
  81. QuiltsmilesSeptember 14, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    Would you believe me if I told you I was a domestic quilting machine princess? I keep practicing on my DSM and am very comfortable with free hand meanders. This making connections book written by Dorie would be a huge bonus If I were the chosen one. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  82. DonnaSeptember 14, 2017 at 10:50 PM

    I quilt on a domestic machine, but I should say that I am learning. To start and stop in the same place and the quilting was faster than straight line quilting sounds amazing.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Krista WellsSeptember 15, 2017 at 6:22 AM

    I'm a domestic machine quilter but would love to one day own a long arm. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  84. DarleneSeptember 15, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    I usually send things out to a longarm friend. Hoping to learn domestic quilting soon.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Cynthia AllenSeptember 15, 2017 at 1:25 PM

    I quilt on a longarm machine. I'm always looking for new designs and techniques. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Cathy L WilsonSeptember 15, 2017 at 2:19 PM

    On my domestic machine and I really need to have this book!
    cathylouwilson@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. Danette September 15, 2017 at 2:54 PM

    I quilt on my domestic machine using my walking foot. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  88. annaSeptember 15, 2017 at 3:18 PM

    on my domestic, for now

    ReplyDelete

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