Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Blue Plumes

This applique was intended to be used alongside some wide coin sashing. That didn't work out and so I went in a totally different direction. Basically split that project into two and brought the blue applique into a lighter, more serene looking setting.
Blue Plumes getting sewn together into a quilt top
Some would say it's boring, but there's just something about the cream and blue, plus that blue/white ticking fabric that seems peaceful to me. After getting the initial foundation piece of the applique stitched onto each individual block, then I sewed sets of two rows together. This helped me to easier manipulate the long pieces of quilt as I hand stitched the 'plumes' onto the overlap areas. Saved me a lot of hand cramping if you want to know the truth of it! Once they were all stitched down, except for the top applique units, then I sewed all the rows together into one large quilt top.

At this point, it was time to determine the fabric for borders. Yes I know some of you most often vote for no borders, but this is my quilt. Most quilts around here end up with something extra on the outside edges. Once again I was drawn to that blue/white ticking fabric. Is it that old fashioned, vintage-like vibe? It makes me want to curl up with the quilt already and it's not even done!
Auditioning border fabrics
But it needed something more. I played around with options and finally determined that it needed a thin blue sashing. This peppered cotton isn't the exact perfect color, but I kinda like it anyway. It clashes just enough to give some much needed energy to the quilt. I do hate to be predictable, plus there was enough left without having to make a run to the quilt store. That decision always implies that there is something out there more perfect and 'making do' isn't good enough anymore. I hate that feeling. That making do has somehow become second class.

I had already took a dive into that shallow pool early on, broken one of my most steadfast rules. This is, quite seriously, the first quilt in a very long time where I had impulsively quite deliberately went and bought fabric specifically for a particular project. I mean a lot of it, like all the ticking and small floral fabric. Not that I'm judging what you do! And yeah, I do buy binding and border fabrics all the time, when absolutely needed, but rarely ever go buy a large chunk that helps make up the look of the entire quilt. It just makes me feel queasy. I much prefer piecing a bunch of smaller stuff together to try and make that scrappier look.

Normally, I buy {or have odd bits of fabric given to me} for the stash and then make directly from there, challenging myself to blend and use what is already loved. Around here, the stash is KING. The theory being this: I'm convinced that it helps me make more unique quilts. Also, I love the occasional odd result, which is what 'making do' often leads to! Making from what I have already acquired as 'fabulousness' or at the very least, 'interesting', will ensure that whatever is made will be appreciated down to each and every fabric included. That is the necessary connection to me--loving all the little bits and pieces, bringing them together into a brand new, hopefully more charming unit! Somehow though, this project seemed to demand a little more continuity than making from those random pieces of stash fabrics and honestly, I couldn't let the project go. No matter what. It was just too intriguing and different.
Considering sashing fabrics
Okay, sorry about the sidetrack. So then I was back at the question I've been mulling over and over in my mind. Do the top applique pieces need to be continued even if they extend over into the top border? For the entire time the stitching has been happening on this quilt, I've been convinced they would need to just like the other blue plume units.
Auditioning having the applique extend into the border...
Now I'm not so sure. It feels forced to me and makes the quilt look a little awkward. Maybe if I leave off the plumes on those top blocks and add a few plumes in the corners of the quilt? It's definitely something to think about while I fuss about with adding on the sashing and outside borders.
Or maybe doing something altogether different!
There is just enough of the blue/white ticking fabric for outside borders if I make them narrow, which is really all it needs. Just enough to tie back into the center of the quilt and make for a more cohesive looking quilt. This has turned out to be such a surprising departure from my usual quilting, such a quiet looking quilt. And it all started from a motif I saw on a piece of fabric. So interesting where we get the seeds of our inspiration!

Linking up with Linda and Julie at Sew, Stitch, Snap, Share #7! They asked an interesting question this week 'What's in a Name?'  We often wonder don't we? I first started blogging with my family back in 2006 and of course had to come up with a name for my blog. Everyone had these cute names that tied back in with their individual interests and personalities. They all knew I was the obsessed quilter lady in the family and so 'The Quilty Folk' was an obvious choice. Later on when I wanted to start a blog strictly for my quilting, it simply became 'Quilty Folk'. You can read my first Quilty blog post here. I obviously STILL like to talk and talk and talk about quilting. It seems pretty funny now, but I didn't start getting regular comments until two years in. Who says blogging is easy?

28 comments:

  1. this does look like it will be a comfy quilt. So pretty... I like the plumes going over into the border, just saying...hugs, Julierose

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  2. I like the plumes extending into the border. Adds a bit of whimsy.

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  3. Very calming is your blue quilt, I fancy the idea of the applique laying on the borders............enjoy! I popped over from Sew Stitch Snap Share...........

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  4. I like how this is coming along, I'm really wanting to see the whole finish.

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  5. I love scrappy backgrounds! I actually like the plumes going on into the border - but hey it is your quilt!

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  6. Love the colors you are using!

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  7. I think continuing the top applique pieces into the border would work better if the blocks/appliques had all come from the center out but since they are directional and only the top border would have the extra appliques, I think it might look odd. But you have a good eye and a great sense about how you want your quilts, Audrey, so I'm sure you'll come up with something wonderful!

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  8. Well, looking at flowers that have multiple blooms on one stem (snapdragons, salvia, delphiniums, etc), the flowers open from the bottom up, so the top blossoms wouldn't be completely open. Which is a long winded way of saying that if you decide not to add the applique bits up there on the border, there's certainly floral precedent... 8)
    I love your quiet little quilt, and especially love hearing about how it grows. You'll make it just the way it's supposed to be!

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  9. I also like the plumes going into the border. Love the feel of the quilt. I also work only from my stash and buy some border fabric every now and then! It is a sport to get nice and different colour combinations this way.

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  10. really like the plumes in the corner and the flower fabric is lovely, your applique works so beautifully on the quilt. I too like to put a border on most of my quilts seems to finish them off but some do without a border depending on the size

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  11. I like borders and I love the colors of your quilt!
    And Thank you for your blog-posts!!
    Best wishes!

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  12. This quilt is lovely. Your comments about breaking away from your stash and buying fabric caused me to laugh. That is my vow this summer to tick with just my stash. It is hard sometimes. Thank you for sharing

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  13. Love that ticking! Like you I don't usually buy loads of stuff specially, but I guess the trick is to know when it's really the best option; this combination was just meant to be.

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  14. I love the serenity of his top too, especially those ticking fabrics. I've made the mistake of buying too much fabric for one quilt, but worse not having enough of a favorite. Buy very little now that we're both retired so those overages are often found in several quilts around here and then the odd leftovers finally go to the church quilt ministry stash. Not much gets wasted that's for sure.

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  15. No, I am not a fan of the plumes over the dark floater either. And Kaja makes a good point -- sometimes buying new fabric is just feels right. A big chunk of my Rose Boll fabrics were bought for the quilt, and I am SO happy with them!

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  16. Thanks for walking us through your process!!! I appreciate hearing how you think and test ideas. Love the quilt - the colors and especially the plumes! Have you looked at including both the bold plumes moving into the border and the small corner plumes for unity across all corners? Thanks for sharing!!

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  17. This quilt is looking great, love the blue ticking! I popped back to read a few of your early posts, very interesting but what really struck me was how short they were :) I enjoyed reading about your blog name too, thanks for sharing on 'sew stitch snap SHARE'

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  18. Love the ticking...good thing you purchased it! Reminds me of seersucker from here.

    The quilt feels very summery and cool. Must be the colors. Just looking at it cools me off a bit (no a/c here). Nice!

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  19. I really like this one, the plume flowers are so cute. Keep going, your instincts are spot on.

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  20. Love the blue ticking and IMHO I wouldn't have the plumes going over the border.

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  21. This quilt is gorgeous! Love the narrow border and the beautiful plume flowers. Sticking with your instincts is always the right choice. I too try to use my stash and try to add interest with some zinger fabrics. I really don't want my quilts to look like any other quilt out there - it is always a one of a kind production. I do like the plumes going into the border, but I don't think I would do all of them. How about just one of them as an extra interest. The ones in the corner are cute too.

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  22. Thre quietness of this project is sweet with the soft colors and soft gentle curves in the appliques.

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  23. Love your beautiful applique Audrey - I'm very envious! My applique days are over thanks to arthritis in my hands but I still admire the beauty.

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  24. Yes, beautiful applique but the inner pepper cotton border makes the quilt come alive for me.

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  25. I love the colour choices, certainly doesn't seem boring to me. I also love blue & white strpes, always stunning.
    Kay.

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  26. Another beautiful quilt, love the applique and like it going over the border. Warm greetings

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  27. I'm excited to see what you decide with the plumes. I do like seeing them go over the border (as plumes are wont to do?), but it will probably depend on the overall look of the row/quilt. I can see a reason for having them look contained as well with just the corner plumes. Anyway, such a pretty quilt in progress!

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  28. Gorgeous! I would never question blue and cream. It is such a beautiful combination. Your writing never disappoints!

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