I've been working on this quilt for a long time. Mostly because I didn't know quite how to get my ideas transferred through the fabric and into a cohesive whole. Making an 'all applique' quilt is something very new to me and doesn't seem to come naturally. Evidently though, I must
really want to make this quilt, as I keep coming back again and again to see if it can be figured out to my satisfaction.
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| Prep for my Sunburst quilt |
I've had the fabrics gathered up for a very long time, the initial inspiration quilt posted to my wall and even the centerpiece stitched and ready for additions. The major roadblock seems to be upstairs in my mind. I do tend to second guess myself before attempting laborious efforts with uncertain outcomes! Well, that, and the fabrics I chose were getting brighter and happier with every single playtime. Did you know that leaves can look like Easter eggs? I know, shocking...
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| Getting the applique layout all figured out |
So yes, I've played with the leaves and flowers on this quilt more than I'm prepared to admit to. {Call me fussy or call me a perfectionist, it needed to be right.} And then I added a little bird. {Call me insane.}
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| Proof that I'm probably certifiable... |
The little birdy ended up with a piggy-like beak because the piece was so very small. No worries though, as there will be three more to practice on.*sigh I have been doing this like I do all my applique work, just 'eye-balling' the placement. I prefer the casual, slightly off kilter look to the whole as I believe it gives my applique a much more 'folky' look than the very precise, more formal placement would. Plus, I don't have the patience to get
that part just right.*wink We all have our
weaknesses preferences don't we?
Interested in an ongoing discussion about our diverse motivations to make? Check out this very interesting
post. I follow most of these quilters thru Bloglovin', but Cauchy puts it together very well.
A great beginning for a great quilt!
ReplyDeleteI'm running a fabric giveaway, come and enter if you like!
Hi Audrey, I too have really liked this quilt pattern for a long time, BUT the size and so much applique has meant the pattern just sits in the cupboard. Well done to you for being persistent, and working at it again & again to get the 'feel' & look you want to achieve.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link, I had a quick read, and will go back to it, when my head cold is not hammering away in my head.
Just a week or so ago, as I was giving my sewing area a clean up for the New Year, I pulled out a few UFOs, and I must say I felt despair for the little amount of sewing I seem to actually achieve. My thoughts turned to why do i bother, why put this self-imposed pressure on myself? How many quilts or wall quilts can one girl have in the house? Why do I stress that I am not making all the projects I want to try out...there are so many patterns out there on the market.
And I know that this year is going to be a challenge, as our business partner & his wife have left our business, so this means I go from working 4 days to 5 days....less time at home. But I have come to realize that I have to learn to set time aside for my creative time, as just bookwork & answering phones makes for a boring life, playing with fabric and making choices of what works or doesn't with a pattern is what makes me happy.
I love it! I think the Easter egg leaves are wonderful. Just keep going :0)
ReplyDeleteI read the post you linked us to. Above my head, I'm afraid. Your creative writing is more understandable.
ReplyDeleteI do a lot of informal placement with prim style applique. I do like a layout to go by when there are lots of pieces and all should fit in. But even then, I may move things a bit.
If I didn't have the freedom to do what I do with my quilting, I wouldn't do it. Freedom of expression in quilting is a gift and I couldn't quite see my life without it. I read Comfortably Cauchy earlier in the week - it's a great post - and it's been on my mind since. Definitely a conversation to continue!
ReplyDeleteYour hard work and perseverance is paying off, it's looking great.
ReplyDeleteI like the way the trees are so joyful!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job Audrey, I really like your interpretation of this pattern.
ReplyDeleteI like the flowers, especially the striped ones! About the bird, aren't there birds with knobs on their beaks?
ReplyDeleteI really like this - and not just because the layout stye reminds me of a 4 block eagle quilt! The happy colors give the quilt a playful feel.
ReplyDeleteI always second guess my designs as they never really turn out how I think in my head. And even when I try to line up applique pieces perfectly they always go akilter!
ReplyDeleteI really like this one Audrey. I've never tried a whole applique quilt like this, might be beyond my level of patience. I'm going to enjoy watching you make it though!
ReplyDeleteThat link sent me on a 15 minute journey to other links, comments and blogs. I just found out there was a Quiltcon last week, and here I am reading about it again. I would like to have gone. Maybe next year!
Love your pretty colorful leaves - the bird is so sweet and so tiny!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove it. Your colors are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI've never tried applique but this makes me want to try. I love the way you work, there's always such individuality and spontaneity in your quilts.
ReplyDeleteI love applique...and yours is absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Easter colors the way it's going :)
ReplyDeleteI have to admire your applique. That's one thing I just really don't enjoy for some reason. But applique makes for some beautiful quilts.
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