Quilting a Dream Big Panel
It’s been a few years since these panels came out. And, there are so many of them shared on social media already. But, Dream Big panels are still very attractive to me. This is my 3rd one, and I have 3 more to go! I will share why I like it so much, and how I quilt them.
Perfect Bridge between Practice and Performance
I consider quilting as a type of art performance. I studied classical piano music at a college for a couple years. As a music student, my ultimate goal was playing music for the audience, and the school helped me getting prepared to become a pianist. Of course I practiced a lot at home and school. But, was it enough to perform at a stage? Answer is NO!
Before a big event, I was looking for any opportunities to play at a small setting where not so many people gathered, but still enough number for you to notice, such as a church, family gathering, or a wedding. In quilting, Dream Big panel plays as a parallel role to help you getting ready for a big project such as quilting on a costumer’s quilt or your own masterpiece after practicing on scrap fabrics!
I found that for the Dream Big panel, both traditional and modern design look great! Also, you can practice basic ruler work on it too. What a perfect panel for quilters! I highly recommend quilting on a couple of Dream Big panels if you feel overwhelmed to make a transition from practice to project!
2. Sharable
As many quilters are asked, I’m often asked what I do with all of my quilts! I am not going into details on this question. But, I want to answer what I do with Dream Big panels!
Long story short, I donate them to organizations I support whenever they have auctions. I think this is kind of new to non quilting people, and seen as “art” than a quilt. Even though it is actually easier to make than pieced quilts, people are amazed by its look and texture. And, I quilt a couple for myself as well.
3. Fun to Quilt!
Batting
Yay! If you decided to quilt one, here is how I do. First, I like to use 80/20 on the bottom, and wool batting on top. Adding 80/20 helps holing the shape better than just using wool batting.
Threads
I have used Aurifil 50, Glide 40, and SoFine 50. All works well, but I like to use Aurifil or Glide.
Basting
First, I baste around the edges using 1/4” basting stitch, then using 1” stitch baste horizontally every 6-7 inches to prevent puckering. I take off the baste as I go.
Quilting & Design
I look for the inspiration on IG. There are so many motifs you can try on this panel that you are never going to be out of ideas. (I really like how Julia Quiltoff did her panels!)
Note that this is a great way to practice all sorts of filler designs too! If you follow Angela Walters, this is a perfect opportunity to practice her designs. And, of course feathers! You can literally quilt the entire panel only with feathers, and that is my goal for my next one!
When I quilt each petal, I like to trace and echo (1/4”) on each one. Also, I found that adding another echo inside (about 3/4”-1” depending on the petal size) gives richer and more distinguished look.
I also quilt from the middle to the half top, and move to the half bottom to keep it squared, and no surprise at the end.
I hope you find this post useful, and have fun with Dream Bigs!
Thank you for reading!
Kate
