Eeeeenyway, I've started to worry about my quilting pattern. The one I see most makes a circle around each piece, kinda like a DWR pattern, that makes the end of each piece into a melon. I. Don't. Like. It.

I always thought I'd just quarter inch quilt it to help separate the 'identity' of each fabric. Far and away most of the fabrics are lovely bits, prints picked out just for this quilt, many fussy cut, several with gold metallic, a few solids, bright rich colors, and carefully placed to flow color wise (to suit me, anyways.) Now I've been reading my books, and a couple of different authors think it's pointless and boring to quarter inch quilt a single shape quilt. They suggest ignoring the shape completely, and quilting whatever design you wish--as though you were doing a whole cloth quilt (maybe not so intricate.)

I want a solid backing since the top is so busy, and I could draw my design on the back and quilt it from the back. Then my top would get my "back" quilting, which isn't quite as nice as my top quilting but it's pretty good and all the prints would muffle any too teeny or missed stitches. It would be more fun to quilt, and good practice, too. I like the idea of a whole cloth quilt, and always really admire them.

I've been mulling this over for two months. I thought I'd settle on what I wanted--but I'm not. I'm just driving myself crazy. The time and effort are no factor--it's all one hobby for me, I just want to do what ends up the most pretty.

Can you guys vote for me? On which way you think would be nicest?

First, I'd say to ignore the authors that say it's pointless and boring to quarter inch quilt a single shape quilt - it's your quilt, what do you want it to look like?

Next, it sounds like the creative side of you is kind of excited about quilting it as a whole cloth quilt.

There is no 'right' answer to this - it is your creation that you have put your time, energy, thought into. What will make it more yours? Which method will challenge you/energize you as a quilter? Which one gets your heart pumping?

Don't agonize over it - have fun with it! And which ever method you choose, you will grow in your knowledge and skills. How was that for not being very helpful?!
Karlene

I'd go with the 1/4" stitching and then, if you think it could use more quilting, add another row of stitching 1/2"-1" inside your original quilting line, to further accent the shape of the "cores".

Donna

beverly

As for quilting the way the "experts" tell you, I agree with damascusannie: they're trying to sell their books, so who's to say their opinion is better or worse than your own, or anyone else's for that matter?

I say, if you want to do 1/4" from the seams, then go for it! I think it would be great way to make that apple core shape sparkle. (I hope you applique a little worm in the border for some whimsy!).

Odessa