Free Motion Peacock Feathers

Inspiration for this  experiment in free motion quilting came from a book about Art Nouveau.  I was very taken by a picture of a vase decorated with a peacock feather design, and realised that it could turn into a fairly uncomplicated design for quilting.

I started with the eye of each feather, and worked outwards adding the concentric shapes. 

Then I did a line of stitching down to the base of the feather and worked back up adding the fronds. At this stage I was a bit worried that the whole thing may end up looking like fish skeletons, but I think the fronds are wavy enough to prevent that.

In the end I thought the quilted panel actually had an Art Nouveau look about it, which I was very pleased about.  I quite liked the feeling of having quilted it using a treadle machine, technology that was contemporary with the style of art.  Also, the feathers interlock well with each other, so this design would look quite effective over a large area.  Best of all, it was quick and easy.

Linking up again to Leah Day's blog for Free Motion Friday...
... and Sarah's blog Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Whoop Whoop Friday...
... and Nina-Marie's blog Creations... Quilts, Art... Whatever for Off The Wall Friday