barbm Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I'm working on a new quilt for my show booth - hand-dyed bright stars on black background, with dimensional flying geese in the borders. I'm trying McTavishing for the first time (emphasis on the trying, can't say I'm succeeding......) Problem here is that I can't seem to find a lighting solution that makes this any easier. I've tried sidelighting - usually works when the thread matches the background, especially with black on black, like I'm using now. But then I can't see to backtrack along the previous element to go in a new direction, which is key in McTavishing, I think. Anyone have any experience with this kind of stitching situation? Suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbigailE Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 have you tried a black light? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb I'm having the same problem on the quilt I'm working on now but it is a white on white. I ended up using my hubby's big spot lights and angled them so that I got the right shadow. The black light didn't work for me. You also might want to try using a magnifier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lym95 Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 From what you have posted, you are definitely succeeding with your McTavishing, looks fabulous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IBQLTN2 Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 maybe it is time to find some night vision glasses to try:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newellyn Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Hey Barb, I think what you've done so far looks great but if you still need a light, try one of those Bendable Lights made for domestic machines. They are fabulous, I couldn't be without them. You can order them from Schenck's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoryJM Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I know where you could get some night-vision goggles:D What about one of those bendable bright lights that are for DSM's? They're very direct and you can get them almost anywhere. Your McT looks great! I think you're doing a terrific job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyJo Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 You guys are funny! I was going to mention the night vision goggles too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb, you don't need to backtrack. You can do what I do... I just do another echo but stop halfway and start a new line in a different direction. No backtracking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Shana...how cool! I never thought about that. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltmonkey Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I am always cheating and have to do it the easy way. LOL! (I need all the help I can get) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Not cheating...innovative! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I've just had to put my dried bean brain to work on a similar project. First I stitched the element, then lightly marked it with a white pencil and use that as a guide back. I Only used 3 or 4 marks, but then kept the McT short, only about 2 " in length. It helped and worked. Hope you can find something similar. RitaR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witha'K'quilting Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 I don't backtrack either. I echo 3 or 4 times the first line of stitching...then just change directions. Barb...your McT looks great from what I can see of it. You might ask Shannon to borrow her night vision goggles to help you see more clearly the fine job you are doing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowe3ccc Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb maybe you need those APQS lights that I want and then after you finish the quilt you could sell them to me at a "used" price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nettie Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb....Here is a quilt I finished about a month ago....I almost went blind also!! I ended up turning my overhead lights off and used only natural light from my windows. I know you can't see any quilting in this pic......sorry! Janette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary Beth Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb, I'm afraid you might go blind too I think Janette is right. Turn off the lights in your room and if you don't have natural lighting, try the light from just your machine. That is what I do when quilting white on white and it works perfect. Haven't ever tried black on black....and don't plan to start. But it looks beautiful so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb, your McTing looks great! And Janette, your quilt is beautiful! Would you post more photos for us admire? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Barb I forgot to add that I did turn all the machine lights off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted August 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Well, I don't have the overhead lights (sorry, Michelle!), the bendable lights -- or night-vision goggles! Natural light isn't much of an option here in my "dungeon" - I get sunlight sometimes, but today it's raining, so no joy. I'm making progress - halfway done with this quilt, which is good, since I'm expecting to display it in my booth next weekend...... Thanks for all the compliments, ladies - sooooo glad you can't see the rest of the quilt, with all my bobbles..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbigailE Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Barb it is a beauty and really only you are seeing the bobbles. I hope on e of these solutions is workable for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraC Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Wow, Janette!!! that's a beauty! Is it your own?...and what pattern is it??? Love it:P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazel quilts Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 What a lovely quilt Janette so bright the black really sets it off. I love the border:P hazel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nettie Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 The quilt is not mine....I quilted it for a first time customer. She was very happy with it.....she worked on the applique for 2 years./ I do not know what the pattern is but it is the most beautiful, almost perfect applique I have ever seen. I was very intiminated about quilting it!!! Janette Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheri Butler Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 http://www.apqs.com/quiltboard/viewthread.php?action=attachment&tid=17210&pid=194781 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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