Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Learning Curves Has Already Been a Journey and It's Not Even Quilted Yet

Learning Curves is now a completed quilt top. Whew! This one has been such a long process for me. I got my initial inspiration last fall from a gorgeous tree that totally stopped me in my tracks. I simply could not believe that nature could create leaves so vivid and dramatic. So colorful and yet real.
Learning Curves catching the light
Plus I had been working with my Big Stars quilt, totally frustrated by my inability to master curved sewing. I mean, they laid flat--kinda. But it wasn't great and I knew it. During my ensuing enthusiasm for bettering my meager skills, the two somehow melded into this insane quilt idea which I now call 'Learning Curves'. Now, strange as it may sound, after sewing 480 curved segments, I feel pretty confident about sewing a simple curved seam. Funny how that happens!*wink
Focal point of Learning Curves
But still, there were the stops and starts. The doubts along the way. The sheer tedium of sewing 480 curved segments. The deviation from original layout plans.
Full on Learning Curves
The weirdness of looking at my design wall and seeing something a little too contemporary for my comfort zone. Yikes! Is this reflective of the growth in me as a quilter? Or is this me being a crazy compulsive? lol
And another view of Learning Curves
Until finally, I have this. Wowsers. I am completely blown away that I actually got this far! I did it!! And wonder of wonders, I like it. Especially after I added the little whimsy of an appliqued flower in the center of the one completed circle. It sorta makes it more 'me', even if it is almost too cute for this particular quilt! 

This (80"x96") quilt top feels very done to me now. What do you think? Personally, I can't imagine adding borders or any more extra touches to distract from all those busy curved pieces....

21 comments:

  1. A really wonderful finish! I wouldn't change anything, especially the applique flower. I am in awe of the route your vision took and the persistence it took to make it happen. Brava!

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  2. Hooray!! So proud of you for seeing it through! It's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous!

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  3. I love it! the flower in the center really does something to it - very unique :)

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  4. Wow! Your quilt is amazing! I love the colors and the flower in the center really sets it off. On the picture it looks like the flower in the center is sort of creating a circular wave going out from it. Did you by chance take a picture of the inspiration tree? I'd love to see it.

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    1. Thanks! Sorry, no picture--it was a chance encounter and I didn't have my camera with me.:)

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  5. It's just beautiful and you should be extremely proud of what you did. Everything works in this top. It reminds me of the beautiful fall weather we have right now in Connecticut; the leaves are peaking, the sky is blue, the sunsets are perfect. That flower is like the last zinnia in my garden. Thanks so much for sharing this. Take care, Byrd

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  6. What fun! What a big project with all those quarter circles to sew. I, too, would love to see a photo of your inspiration tree. It's interesting how some quilts "insist" on a border and others tell us they're done without one. Congratulations on a beautiful finish, Audrey.

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  7. Yep, I would think this is done! Don't add borders or anything. This is great as it is. I admire your perserverance, I could not have done this myself, 480 curves? No way! Are you going to call it 'Learning Curves'? Great name!

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  8. Oh. My. Goodness! What an achievement! It is beautiful, Audrey, and I would call it done too. No border or anything else needed. It is very evocative of autumn. And I love the flower in the more-or-less center - that is the perfect touch! I would hazard a guess that no curve will intimidate you now. Great job!!

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  9. Congratulations, Audrey, you did it, and it turned out wonderfully!! I am happy to hear that you too like it after all that work.)

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  10. It's beautiful!!!! I love the little flower in the center. Congratulations.

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  11. That's a mammoth effort - and it's stunning!! The flower is so cute. So.....how are you going to quilt it??

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  12. It definitely doesn't need borders! It's wonderfully perfect!!

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  13. Audrey - it is wonderful! Don't think I'd do borders - won't add anything special. Well done with those great colours.

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  14. Love how this quilt top turned out... wish I had your piecing abilities... hope you hand quilt this beauty! Thanks for sharing :) I love it as is...hope you leave off borders and bind dark like your background fabric :) Kathi

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  15. You have such a knack for combining fabrics that I wouldn't think of putting together... and the results are always stunning! I love Learning Curves... the layout of the blocks, the fabrics, the applique flower... no border necessary on this beauty... IMHO!

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  16. Beautiful! A lot of work, I admire :-)
    Ajka

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  17. Yay for you to do something new. It really looks good.

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  18. nice one. I hate curved seams, but I like how you decided to tackle them head on....and lots of them!

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  19. That is a lovely quilt, I like the colors and the curves. After so many curves I understand that your confidence has grown. Maybe I should make something similar. Sewing curves is not my strong point. Greetings

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