Facial features

[DebLou]

Hi

I'm outlining a nativity scene on a quilt with gold metallic thread on top and red for the back. What would you suggest for the facial features? If I don't outline them the back faces will be blank. Gold might show up too much. Should I change my top thread to beige? Or do you have any other ideas?

I appreaciate any insight to this.

Thanks

[SKQuilts]

I like the idea of the beige, lay the thread on the quilt and see which one speaks to you...not the figures...the thread.

[DebLou]

LOL

Thanks, Sheridan

I'll try that.

[LadyLake]

I would either match the thread color with the printed color used for the facial features, or use a clear thread, such as MonoPoly or Madeira MonoLon on top.

[Quilting Heidi]

If you use a shade just a tad darker it will add some depth to the facial features. You won't need much.

[DebLou]

Thanks, Joan

I wondered about the invisible thread. I've never used that before on my longarm, only the domestic. Is it hard to work with?

[Antoinette]

Mary Lou if the figure do speak to you, they will probably just go ahead and quilt themselves.

[LadyLake]

No, surprisingly invisible thread is easy to work with on the millennium. I've had no trouble at all. I use both MonoPoly clear from Superior Threads, and Maderia MonoLon clear from Columbia River Quilting. The Maderia is lighter weight and good for close to invisible stitching. The MonoPoly comes in both clear and smoke and works well too. My personal preference is to use Maderia only on a non-functional artistic wall quilt. I think it is too thin to hold up well to lots of washing, but it is a dream for artwork.

I thread it normally, but loosen the tension to almost nothing. I use Bottom Line in the bobbin. I generally use a small stitch length (12-14), which improves the tension.

[DebLou]

Thank you all for the good tips. They help a lot, I'm so glad we're willing to help each other.

Thanks again,