Saturday, January 17, 2015

Sunburst May Just Be the Forever Project I Didn't Know I Had

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.
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...
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.}
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.

19 comments:

  1. A great beginning for a great quilt!

    I'm running a fabric giveaway, come and enter if you like!

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  2. 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.
    Thanks 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.

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  3. I love it! I think the Easter egg leaves are wonderful. Just keep going :0)

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  4. I read the post you linked us to. Above my head, I'm afraid. Your creative writing is more understandable.

    I 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.

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  5. 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!

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  6. Your hard work and perseverance is paying off, it's looking great.

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  7. I like the way the trees are so joyful!!

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  8. Great job Audrey, I really like your interpretation of this pattern.

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  9. I like the flowers, especially the striped ones! About the bird, aren't there birds with knobs on their beaks?

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  10. I 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.

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  11. I 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!

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  12. I 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!
    That 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!

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  13. Love your pretty colorful leaves - the bird is so sweet and so tiny!

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  14. I'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.

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  15. I love applique...and yours is absolutely wonderful!

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  16. This reminds me of Easter colors the way it's going :)

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  17. I 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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