Mojo, Meditation and a New Mod Mandala

Believe it or not, but on occasion, I do lose my quilting mojo.  Just last week, I found myself seriously lacking energy or inspiration to head into my studio and quilt.  While I have several projects in the works, they were all in a "time out" for one reason or another.  Luckily, I remembered a Mod Mandala quilt top that was pieced, layered, pin basted and ready for quilting.  I tried not to overthink the quilting and kept it simple by using Aurifil White (#2024) 50 weight to stitch out a variety of loop de loop and C-curve designs.  There was very little planning and as I worked my way around each ring, I would figure out what design to fill in each of the various shapes created by the bias tape applique.

As you can see, I opted to avoid quilting that large void in the very center of my mandala.  Big spaces, especially ones that make up the focal point, can be intimidating.  Once all the other quilting was complete, it was time to tackle that center star.  Earlier that day, my Aurifil Artisan Welcome package arrived and provided some colorful inspiration!  There were 12 large spools in 50 weight, 40 weight and 12 weight (along with some samples of their long arm 40/3 weight and Floss)

99% of my piecing and quilting are done using Aurifil 50 weight threads.  As a returning Aurifil Artisan, I want to start venturing out of my 50 weight comfort zone and start exploring the other Aurifil threads in my quilting:  12 weight, 28 weight, 40 weight, 80 weight and more!  There is no reason to be intimidated by these different weights as Aurifil does a fantastic job of providing helpful information on their website about each of their products and how best to use the different weights in terms of use of handwork as well as in a machine.

For the center, I opted to include some free motion quilted lettering.  Quilting mandalas is very meditative for me, so opted to stitch my favorite meditative mantra into the very center:  Om Namo Narayanaya.  It is a Sanskrit chant for peace, health and happiness to all.  

Here was my opportunity to experiment using a thicker weight thread to help the mantra be more prominent.  After reviewing Aurifil's website for machine quilting tips and tricks, a 90/12 needle was used with White (#2024) Aurifil 28 weight as my top thread, and a matching 50 weight thread used in the spool.  Aurifil's website indicated that tension may have to be adjusted, but this was not necessary in my case.  To help guide my spacing and remind me of the spelling, the words were printed out onto paper and taped just above the area to be stitched.

I am really pleased with how easy it was to use Aurifil's 28-weight in my machine and love the finished result!

Here are all the Aurifil threads used in both the construction and quilting of this Mod Mandala:

• White (#2024) 28 weight
• Orange (#2235) 50 weight
• White (#2024) 50 weight
• Clear Monofilament

This was the perfect project to help me find my mojo and to experiment with different weight threads.

Meditative Mandala, Finishes 22" x 22"

I have several Mod Mandalas workshops scheduled for 2019 (and always open to adding new workshops)!  Join me and see how you can add some Modern Zen to your quilting.  I will unlock the secrets to creating your very own modern mandala that will sparkle and shine!  Constructing a mod mandala is both meditative and exciting, especially as they begin to take shape and bloom into a starry design!

1/15 - Friendship Quilters Guild, Poway, CA
1/26 - Road to California, Ontario, CA
4/6 - Westside Quilters Guild, Los Angeles, CA