Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Loving My Scrappy Tulips Finish

Scrappy Tulips is finally a finish! Yay! I opted to hand quilt this one a little more intensely than I usually do of late. It seemed like it just soaked up the texture like a sponge, so it was a good call.
Scrappy Tulips a new finish!
This one was started back in 2014 sometime, but I can't find the original post. The paper pieced tulip pattern was found in an older quilt book I picked up at a guild yardsale for $1--Quick & Easy Strip Quilting by Helen Whitson Rose. Such a great find!
Loving the hand quilting texture....
The tulips turned out to be a very fun way to use up some of those languishing scraps in the scrap basket. Of course if I'd have known the background color they would end up on, none of the tips would have been red! Which just goes to show that pre-planning isn't always the best way to operate. How could I have known how very much I'd love the fade-in, fade-out effect of those red tips?
Might have to keep this one for myself!
The stipey background choice was pure luck as I was auditioning every color under the sun and not feeling any love. Then I remembered a funky, striped backing fabric I'd bought and thought 'why not?' And the quilt just continued to develop with a mind of its own, like so many of my quilts do!
Such a fun quilt
I worried and fretted about the color of the triple blue, center sashing. Thought it was a bit too dull and 'meh'. Tried to fix it with the next border and then later with a bit of applique. The snowball border was an impulse decision made while I was currently infatuated with the idea of making a snowball quilt. That quilt never happened because apparently this border got all of that out of my system. At least I thought it did! Now I'm wondering if it should be made after all? Those scrappy little bits sparkling in the corners of the snowball blocks really make me happy!
Scrap bin quilts make the best sorts of quilts!
In fact, the entire quilt feels like happiness. It's just one of those that came together very well in spite of all the worries and concerns. Just the right amount of scrappy, great colors and a happy, fun vibe. What more can we ask for? If I'd have only known this kind of result was possible 15 years ago, I'd have pushed myself to be much more adventuresome a long, long time ago!

Linking up with Linda and Julie over at sew-stitch-snap-share!

36 comments:

  1. I whole heartedly agree with every emotion you said about this quilt! I just love it...happy and the texture draws you in!

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  2. Congratulations on a happy delightful finish! Lots of learning along a 15 year journey.

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  3. Lovely finish! I love the fade in and out tips, too!

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  4. I've loved those scrappy tulips from the very beginning, and this finish is just superb. The blue sashings and stems just pop so beautifully, and the snowball blocks are the perfect 'frame' for the picture! Love! May I ask what size is the finished quilt?

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  5. The whole story behind this quilt, makes it sound as though everything was made and bought for it. I love the blue sashing and all the colour and texture. Thanks for linking to Sew, Stitch, Snap, Share.

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  6. It is wonderful. A lovely finish. Love the colors, the patterns, the texture.

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  7. Love, love, love this quilt! I've seen pics in books of similar flowers and always thought I'd like to give one a go. The background is perfect and I love the blue sashings. And the snowball border is inspired! I just want to run my fingers over it!!!!

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  8. Such a lovely finish! Great colours too!

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  9. Beautiful scrappy quilt! Really enjoy the quilting

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  10. I love everything about this quilt! I think I say that about all of your quilts. Thanks for inspiring me to be a bit more "adventurous"!

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  11. Just a lovely piece; love how the snowball borders really spark the whole thing...congratulations on your finish. hugs, Julierose

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  12. I remember when you started those tulips - the quilt turned out beautifully!love the snowball border too

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  13. O.K., this is my new favorite. I adore that background and I love how the reds fade into it. The quilting just adds more warmth and texture. It is a keeper for sure!!

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  14. I love the work you are doing - the colors, the textures,the designs . . . all of it!!

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  15. I LOVE this quilt! Those scrappy tulips are fabulous and the colors of this quilt are so happy 😍 The quilting is marvellous.

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  16. Classic, great contrast and the hand quilting is the perfect effect.
    Nice finish.

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  17. What a great pattern and your interpretation is very appealing!

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  18. A wonderful quilt! I love the quirky background for your tulips. And those little sparkles of colour in the snowball border really caught my eye, tempted to make a snowball quilt too!

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  19. This is one of my favs of yours! I love those string tulips and the background is perfect for them. Congrats on the finish! Seems you've had several lately. Good for you!

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  20. Audrey preciosos tulipanes
    Me encanta!!

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  21. Quilty finishes are always a happy time!

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  22. So beautiful. I love four block quilts and this one is very special. The outer border snowballs always look like yoyos when I first look at them. I'm convinced I need to add some snowballs to my quilts. This one, though, is extremely special with the fabulous fabric combinations.

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  23. Congratulations on your finish Audrey ! The striped background is really perfect.

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  24. It is a lovely quilt, beautiful pattern

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  25. Congratulations on such a beautiful finish, it looks fantastic!!

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  26. Even though your border blocks are snowball style, they remind me of yo-yo's (something which I dislike making).
    I know it feels good to you to have finished your tulip quilt. I have enjoyed watching the process with you.

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  27. I'm crazy about that stripy background. I think this quilt is my new favorite! (At least, until you make the next one...)

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  28. I love that snowball border ; looks little litte gems sparkling around the center. Beautiful quilt as always! :)

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  29. Great finish - it's the best kind of scrappy quit, lots of improvisation and lots of love!

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  30. I don't think blog time works the same as real time. You seem to finish things rather fast and I'm still plugging along on the same project. Maybe the key is posting more and then it will feel like I'm getting more done. Very nice finish and so creative.

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  31. Looks great! And I particularly like the way you quilted the snowballs. They have a wonderful texture. :D

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  32. I LOVE this quilt!!!!! You have a great sense of color and texture when you pick out your fabrics! I envy your creativity :) The border is to die for:)

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  33. Oh, Audrey! This is so good. The texture of your hand-quilting sends it over the top.

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