<![CDATA[SIMPLE WILD ROOTS

<![CDATA[SIMPLE WILD ROOTS - Blog]]>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 10:44:04 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Patriotic Quilts & Pantographs]]>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:04:27 GMThttps://www.simplewildroots.com/blog/patriotic-quilts-pantographs

There is nothing more patriotic and rich in tradition than a quilt.

For generations, quilts have been a part of our history and represented some of our most beloved heirlooms. Even entire museums are devoted to preserving and displaying this traditional art.

The National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY

Let's take a closer look at just some of the ways quilters connect their textile arts to the American tradition.

A huge theme in quilting is creating homage to this patriotic spirit. Americana, in it's popular Red, White, and Blue colors, is present is many designs and unique patterns. Stars, stripes, iconic symbols of eagles and military branches, are just some of the ways quilters showcase their love of country.

There are many piecing patterns devoted to this theme. A quick online search will bring up thousands of talented pattern designers with step by step instructions on how to create your own patriotic quilt. Fabric panels are also available and a quick, easy way to craft a large quilt without all the time to cute and sew.

This quilt pattern by Coach House Design is called Flag Day. It is a quilt I started a while ago but have yet to finish on the longarm. Each of the stripes is created using a variety of smaller blocks in different red prints. I was drawn to the traditional blocks, set in a way to create the flag. I chose fabrics with more traditional shades of red and blue and kept the prints simple. I'm looking forward to finally quilting this one - hopefully in the next month!

"Flag Day" quilt top

One quilting organization, Quilts of Valor, is a wonderful way for quilters to use their talents to honor those who have given so much to our country. Their mission is to "Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor."

Handmade or machine quilted, these quilts are then awarded to say, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.” Often, these quilts are made in patriotic splendor and recognize certain branches of military. Each quilt is made specifically for a nominated individual and is presented to them with great respect and honor.

These quilts were pieced by members of my local guild for Quilts of Valor. I was honored to contribute by finishing them on the longarm.

To learn more about getting involved with Quilts of Valor, visit their website or your local guild.

One way to compliment, your gorgeously pieced and patriotic quilts, is to finish with a patriotic themed quilting pattern on the longarm. There are many designs available that can add that final touch. Stars, flags, you name it, there are endless creative pantographs that help add texture, theme, and even color with the longarm.

Here are just a few of the longarm designs I have available.

Star Struck

This all over, edge to edge design, is great for all kinds of pieced quilts. It combines scrollwork with stars, giving it a great blending texture.

Waves and Pearls

The movement this panto creates is stunning. It gives the appearance of a flag waving in the wind.

Star Spangled Banner

Using different color threads is another great way to add interest to your quilting. A red, blue or even a variegated thread is beautiful combined with this panto.

Stars and Stripes

Simple and not over powering, this panto takes a back seat to the fabrics and pieced blocks in any quilt.

Have you created a patriotic quilt? I would love to know how you have taken on the tradition of quilting in the spirit of americana! Feel free to share your favorite patterns and photos!

Ready to get your patriotic quilt finished?

Looking for a Longarmer? Simple Wild Roots quilting studio works with quilters throughout Zanesville, Ohio, and the U.S. with drop-off or mail in services. Browse more designs and pantographs. Then message me or fill out a request for service form to get your quilt scheduled today!

Longarm Services

]]><![CDATA[Top 3 Things to Consider when Choosing a Quilt Design]]>Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:06:53 GMThttps://www.simplewildroots.com/blog/top-3-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-quilt-design

You’ve spent hours picking out fabrics to go with that new quilt pattern. Then you measured, cut, pieced, and sewed it all into a lovely display of shapes and colors. Now your quilt top is finished! You stand back to look at it, awing at the fact, you made this!

Then you hear the quilty voice in your head reminding you,“It’s not a quilt until it’s been quilted.”

Ok. It’s off to the longarmer. You are NOT leaving this one to sit in the UFO pile. But how do you decide what to quilt?!

That’s the question many quilters get stuck on and the reason for so many unfinished projects in the closet. Today, let’s tackle some of the top 3 things to consider when choosing a quilting design.

1. Match the quilting design with the pieced pattern.

There are many styles of quilting. When trying to pick a quilting design, one thing to keep in mind is the style of quilt you have. Determining this can usually help clue you into the ideal finishing design. For example, a modernly pieced quilt with solid colors and bold shapes is usually complimented with equally sharp lines and angled stitching. While a period civil war era quilt would benefit from the feathers and motifs reminiscent of hand stitching from the past.

Some quilts have a theme that you can take a hint from. Pairing a Quilt of Valor with stitched out stars, flags, or other patriotic symbols, is a great way to create a beautiful overall look.

Another helpful tip is to look at the fabrics within the quilt. Are there flowers or animals in the print? Maybe you would like to include that in the quilting design as well. Shapes and lines from the piecing and print look great when mimicked throughout the stitching of the quilt.

This simple jelly roll quilt with an orange peel design is well loved and used daily.

2. What or who is the quilt intended for?

Many professional longarm quilters will tell you that there is more purpose to their quilting than just the design. After all, without the final quilting, your quilt will not hold together. You need something to keep that top, batting, and backing together and that is a longarmer’s main task!

If your quilt is going to get a ton of use, which I hope it does, you are going to want it to last. Choosing a design pattern that will crossover those seams and points will really help stabilize and secure them from coming loose. You’ll also want your quilt to be cuddly and soft. While batting plays a big roll in this, quilting density does too. A quilt that has a ton of tight stitching can really have an effect. You’re essentially quilting all the air out of the quilt which not only decreases the level of warmth a quilt provides but you also risk getting that over quilted or stand on it’s own look.

Truth be told though; I love a densely quilted quilt. Especially, with a more modernly pieced style. The good news is, there is a way to create balance between design and utility.

One solution is to use a lighter weight thread such as Wonderfil’s 80 wt DecoBob or 100 wt Invisafil.

This modern pieced pattern from Eudaimonia Studio is quilted with pantograph design called, Arris. Texture and shadow is created by using 80 wt DecoBob thread in Dove Grey while the overall quilt maintains a lovely soft drape.

These are two of my favorite threads when quilting. They provide the texture and appearance I desire while still allowing that flow and drape that helps a quilt to remain cuddle soft. Working with your longarmer to find the right batting, thread, and quilting density for your quilt is the best way to be sure you are happy with the end results.

Spools of DecoBob and Invisafil for Longarm Quilting

Wonderfil 80 wt Decobob and 100 wt Invisafil come in a variety of colors

3. What do you want to highlight?

It’s often been said that the quilting can either make or break a quilt. This is why it takes many of us quilters so long to decide what to do for that final design aspect. It’s an important decision.

If you’ve worked hard on getting every point to match up or paper pieced beautiful and unique blocks, the last thing you want to do is have it over shadowed by a quilting pantograph. The same can be said for applique and embroidery work. It needs to draw attention - not get lost in the background. In this case, custom quilting with techniques that echo your blocked shapes, enhance the borders, and compliments but doesn’t cover up, might be a good choice.

There are definitely edge to edge designs that can achieve the same effect. Look for designs that match your blocks sizing and have a less busy pattern.

In the opposite scenario, sometimes a quilt top needs something more. It may be too open and have a lot of negative space or you just may not be completely satisfied with the overall look. I tell my clients all the time, you will be amazed at what the longarm can do for your quilt. With a well-placed edge to edge pattern- shapes, colors, and prints can really be brought all together in a wonderful effect.

Thread color and weight can play a huge role in creating depth, texture, and shadow as well. Again, your longarmer can help you determine between those choices.

This Half Square Triangle quilt needed something "more" before quilting.

The quilt design helps blend and draw your eye to the overall quilt rather than the chunky solid shapes.

Finally, you are the designer!

This is your quilt and your style and preferences should take precedence. You want to love and enjoy this quilt so whatever you choose to have stitched out should be something you will feel good about.

There is also something to be said for breaking the mold and letting creativity guide you. That’s how trends get started. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Remember, a finished quilt is better than not so pick a final design and get that quilt done!

Ready to get your quilt finished?

Looking for a Longarmer? Simple Wild Roots quilting studio works with quilters throughout Zanesville, Ohio, and the U.S. with drop-off or mail in services. Browse designs and pantographs. Then fill out a request for service form to get your quilt scheduled today!

Request Service & Finish my Quilt!

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