![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwO_T4zqAV15S2Ys186TLDOl6z00xa_5Rgtgzan0UOTfszFS3FAN0hU9WQ5mo6y8_H7ChIV3GYLCVIdCxviReLr0jBsqFcFlcoDAav8bEZhbhvHp6rqThvrqh77LJJOUxlMUPk5z9x1I/s400/porchid1.jpg)
I started quilting Purple Phalaenopsis this afternoon. Here are a few shots. I am using drapery-weight cotton fabric for the backing, and Matilda batting (40 percent wool/60 percent polyester) inside, and it is staying nice and flat, despite the heavy quilting in some areas. I used this combination on Lepidoptera earlier this year and was very pleased with the results. My friend Nancy G. Cook suggested it.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V71eywvhEqA2wHMT6cy8W6gToMy45E2cqKsQlGWoadO3R8i64wRmreRxBy4a1Rlcbcyg2nx2CYs97a_jXHAlGrZ8pVnq2S7Dy3nfmmjlyMsABUKobtKJ_BeWHyCuj8JTvq9xxsm3XwI/s400/porchid3.jpg)
The challenge here is to add interest, color and texture with the quilting, but still make some petals and flower parts appear to come forward. I may go back in with a bit more paint, or even some permanent markers, and add some additional shading, as I am not entirely pleased with this aspect of the piece right now.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-L29E1K9ZpQKyIagifHVLYkwEMaYo_J4Lr3eQEtl5-BriAZv1HE5JUoK2uIKdvc6BD2uKtqg-9SS2JrhOSVrwe2arW8maMnuOUjYnHhr6RvTauYr6oRFuSG72yzx3MgLkBQsPRmy6ik/s400/porchid2.jpg)