Monday, December 12, 2016

My Beautiful Pickle Dish Quilt is Finally Completed!

I told you I was on a finish-it-up roll this year! Still another finish to come if/when I get that other binding on, but enough about that. I finished my Pickle Dish Quilt! So very exciting. This quilt. Yeah. This quilt. Words almost fail me.
My beautiful Pickle Dish Quilt
Whew! This was one of those quilts actually made from a pattern: Material Obsession 2 book, the 'Gypsy Kisses' quilt. It's been on my quilty bucket list forever and one day back in December of 2012, I impulsively decided to go for it. My knees were quaking and I couldn't even totally understand the pattern {a frequent problem with me when it comes to more complex directions}.
It's all done!
I think what tipped me over the edge was the fact that once again I had pulled almost the same exact selection of fabric from out of the depths of my totes. Three times over a period of about six months. Yep, there they were again, demanding to be made into something wonderful. In a moment of weakness, I checked the fabric requirements for that gorgeous pickle dish I had been eyeing and somehow that led to today.

Hanging off our unfinished upstairs deck
I won't say it was easy for me. That foundation piecing absolutely drives me insane. Totally bonkers if you know what I mean. I had to commit and then recommit myself to the task. The work of getting this quilt together was about more than I could endure at times and so it slid to the very bottom of the list, over and over and over. In fact, it took almost two years to get to the quilt-top stage and many times that little bit of progress was in 15 or 30 minute bites of progress. Hey, even that eventually leads somewhere promising!
Loving the applique touch....
I was determined to bring it to a true blue finish this year as I was tired of it languishing in the drawers. This was an incredible quilt journey for me overall. Every tough quilt is a learning curve that we simple cannot undo and greatly adds to our repertoire of skills. I won't say this quilt is a mastery of any particular skills, but I made it through. Learned. Followed through. And now look at the results!

It was entirely hand quilted with mostly #8 Valdani Perle Cotton thread as I just couldn't imagine anything less. I adore the crinkly goodness that was immediately apparent after getting it washed and dried and I just kept looking at it thinking, 'I made this? Me?' Wowsers!
Where the real sewing gets done....
It's a wonderful feeling and I feel so proud. My quilt family has a brand new addition.*wink

56 comments:

  1. I think it looks fabulous!! Pat your very brave, determined self on the back :0)

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  2. Congratulations! I love how you used the plaid. This is a pattern I need to tackle next year.

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  3. Wow! It is a pretty amazing quilt and you should be over the moon about it!

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  4. You should be proud! It's awesome! Congrats on a fine finish.

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  5. Wow! This quilt is gorgeous!!! I love it! Congrats on the wonderful finish!

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  6. Such a satisfying finish!!! It turned out to be a beautiful reflection of all your effort. So very pretty.

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  7. A simply stunning quilt. You should be proud, very proud!

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  8. Beautiful finish - your hand quilting adds such a lovely texture. This is the sort of pattern that I never thought I would be interested in making when I started quilting, but is now more and more calling my name.

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  9. Yay for you!!!! It's gorgeous and I do so love this pattern.

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  10. wonderful and I love that bit of applique that of course you had to add to make it you!!! perfect!!

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  11. And what an addition it is - beautiful! I love the aqua and red combo. I have a quilt that is languishing too and you have inspired me to get back to work - thank you!

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  12. Woo hoooo! What a great finish. I am so glad to hear you say, this quilt was hard, but I stuck with it, even 15 minutes at a time, and now it's done and I love it! I think it bears repeating -- quilting can be hard work, but it's totally worth it.

    I really love the crisp colours you chose for this -- no wonder they wouldn't stay in the bag. Enjoy!

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  13. Wow and woohoo and wowzers! I'd been admiring it in the "In the Hoop" section of your sidebar and anxiously awaiting the big unveiling! It's absolutely stunning!
    This is a quilt on my bucket list, too, and now even more so after seeing this one. Thanks!

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  14. It's beautiful! Now I want to make one!

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  15. I agree. Toot your horn and wave a flag. Your quilt is awesome and took you on a long and amazing journey. It's been on my list. It might have to jump up the list. It's a beautiful finish.

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  16. The quilt is marvelous - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  17. you certainly have one fabulous quilt here beautifully made and love the fact that you hand quilted it. I have seen this demonstrated on our craft channel using a template rather than FPP but far too complicated for me, well done a great job and so worth persevering with it. I think this is the first time I have ever seen one completed

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  18. Beautiful quilt, beautiful story. Who doesn't have a quilt like that at the bottom of a(very deep)drawer. Your story is inspiring me to be brave and determine to finish the hard ones.

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  19. It is so beautifull. That pattern is on my list as well. It will be se good to snuggle up under such a lovely quilt. Congratulations with the finish. Many greetings

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  20. Congratulations for this gorgeous quilt, quilting, colours & fabrics.

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  21. Congratulations on yet another fabulous finish! There are those quilts that just call to us from the very beginning, this one says country, home, comfort and love - a perfect combination!

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  22. Congratulations on another finish!! What a beautiful quilt Audrey, this is amazing!
    I always loved the Pickle Dish and not too long ago I started one; it was supposed to be a scrappy Christmas table runner, but I think it went down the drain as I realized it would end up being too big for that purpose and also the middle template was missing from the book ?!

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  23. Gorgeous! I love when a project pushes you to a wonderful finish like this. Love the colors of this too!

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  24. Just such a stunning quilt--isn't it amazing how sometimes one really surprises oneself? You did a wonderful thing here...love it hugs, Julierose

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  25. Congratulations on the beautiful finish. I love the colors and the hand quilted texture...such a beautiful pattern.

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  26. Yes! Congratulations on a fantastic finish! (DOn't ya just love Material Obsessions creative take on things!!) YOURS is a finish to be proud of !! ENJOY!!!!

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  27. You should be proud! This is a beautiful finish and I've so enjoyed following along the progress from the beginning. Your work always inspires me, this one especially.

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  28. It is absolutely stunning! I can't imagine tackling this one. I love everything about it, especially the little birdy in the corner!

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  29. Wow ! It's a gorgeous quilt Audrey and I love how you add your own twist on this beautiful pattern ;-)

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  30. So impressive! This is definitely an heirloom quilt. At my age, I need to start making some of those! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  31. So beautiful and striking!! Wow, congratulations on a fantastic finish!

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  32. As a fellow procrastinator, I am celebrating this finish with you! It's wonderful!

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  33. All I can say is WOW! That is a gorgeous quilt. Wonderful job and congratulations on the finish!

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  34. An amazing finish! I love your colours, and all that quiting texture is so welcoming!

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  35. So beautiful. You deserve to be proud. I m inspired to keep this pattern on my "someday list".

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  36. Beautiful finish. Live your fabric choices especially the blue and white stripe background. And the random bars on the side are an unexpected delight. Congratulations!

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  37. Yay!! congratulations on a fabulous finish.
    The color combination is so neat and the stitching is wonderful.
    Congrats on your new "baby".

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  38. I've been eyeing this pattern for a long time! Your colors are wonderful and inspiring!

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  39. Your Pickle Dish is truly awesome!!
    I love it and may need a "doable" challenge.

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  40. This is so beautiful!! I love the colors, and the hand quilting adds the perfect finishing touch! This quilt is one that I want to make...Yours is perfect!

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  41. I love this quilt! So beautiful- job well done! :)

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  42. Round of applause, Audrey! They must be bread and butter pickles because your quilt is sweet!

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  43. I love it AUDREY. Its on my "to Do" list also. Your colors are gorgeous!

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  44. You made an absolutely gorgeous quilt! I love pickle dish quilts and need to make one too.

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  45. I enjoyed watching this quilt progress over time...I know you're happy to have finished it and will enjoy the bits of you sewed in every stitch!

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  46. You must be pinching yourself Audrey - it's a beauty!

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  47. This is such gorgeous work! Talk about authenticity!

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  48. Wow Audrey!! It's a stunner! Love the fabrics/colour combo and with the hand quilting it looks so soft. Worth every moment of tedious foundation pieced stitching! A great finish for your year.

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  49. That is spectacular! I really enjoy your blog.

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  50. Quilty dance! Your quilt is fabulous and your colors are perfect! I've been following along (at intervals) and enjoyed your determination. It's a lesson on how small bits of work can lead to a beautiful finish for many of us. Congratulations!

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  51. Another finish? You really are on a roll - maybe all the other demands this year have helped you focus. This one is just deeply, deeply gorgeous.

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