tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52977890414819348282024-03-17T23:11:54.100-07:00Quilty FolkPeople who truly love quilting for the fabric, the process (over & above perfection), the color, texture, and cheap therapy. Life is stressful. It's good to have random discussions about a quilt in the hoop and the thread on the floor.audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.comBlogger1075125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-67996965299998643592024-03-04T14:19:00.000-08:002024-03-04T16:30:57.771-08:002nd Border Prompt for Bramble Blooms QAL {BBI}<p>Are you ready for the next prompt in the Bramble Blooms QAL? So fascinating to have others along for the journey and see where people end up, even when we all start at exactly the same place! Life is full of interruptions around here as usual, especially now that my husband is feeling just good enough to be antsy, though still not quite good enough to be back at work. We're getting there! This post ended up being miles too long. Consider yourself warned. Just too much information that I keep thinking <i>someone</i> might need.</p><p>Back to the reason you dropped by today! For this specific phase of the BBI Medallion quilt, the challenge is as follows: Put together a border that includes adding 4-patch, 9-patch, 16-patch or even larger patchwork blocks. You can set your blocks side by side {continuous block layout} or 'on point'. This border can be any width you like. It does not need to have the patchwork blocks throughout--use as few or as many patch blocks as you think will look good! Totally up to you if the blocks are improv. style or traditional-look.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJWYFYko94AGG_zvMAlOuGMtjDENyukA8lOiES0OHSydHMFda7qBBrOgOJvvfTq0DU0F5-3H5wjdeQtE03y08_tuT9IrxomPPkGmoQhCQ2_760y_i3ky-IHLiu3U7qhxsm2vKnB0B3RbOovcWWw_Rx9SGEzG4esMnJHGz7qjnXhhKFm6rsWMqMmvhSo/s4032/bramb_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UJWYFYko94AGG_zvMAlOuGMtjDENyukA8lOiES0OHSydHMFda7qBBrOgOJvvfTq0DU0F5-3H5wjdeQtE03y08_tuT9IrxomPPkGmoQhCQ2_760y_i3ky-IHLiu3U7qhxsm2vKnB0B3RbOovcWWw_Rx9SGEzG4esMnJHGz7qjnXhhKFm6rsWMqMmvhSo/w300-h400/bramb_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first Bramble Blooms quilt top is done!</td></tr></tbody></table>That's it. Now go forth and create! I deliberately used these style blocks as they are a simple, time honored use of unexciting fabrics and also, they adapt well to the make-do look. If you're wanting a little more information, maybe stick around for a walk-through of my own Bramble Blooms creative process. I'll attempt to thoroughly bore you and ultimately, share some border guidance tips and tricks as well. To be perfectly clear, I'll be happy with any and all of your quilts that deviate from the prompt. Your creativity should <i>always</i> supersede whatever guidelines I suggest throughout the duration of this series.<div><br /></div><div><b>GETTING STARTED WITH BORDER #2:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Most of us started with a pre-determined fabric stack that we specifically set aside for BBI. At this point in the project, you'll probably be noticing a specific color in that stack that hasn't been used very much. Unless the quilt is adamantly demanding a specific color for the next go-round, try starting with the left-behind color {or colors}. You might not even have to spend a lot of time auditioning, as we know the fabric in the initial stack already looked relatively good together. All the remaining pieces have the potential to fit into this quilt <i>somewhere</i>. In fact, this could very well be your last opportunity to include it into the quilt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhhnKuiDfAv4Mfz5-vssVEtEVc8quEI0sGFVrPFyo6SSY_XEHCvAMfExZF6-pbLPuYTidIJ4Ot891kmmSMeBsRcUFKUSzcpZTw-lEwA2J5qkHm818DHgfRRBGFMP4A1MA3qK46hLTcDStdclk4muaVpSvqK8WAW6RmTfxzkcL06GK-DHAJ3yRYkcD-y0/s3018/bramb1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2713" data-original-width="3018" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhhnKuiDfAv4Mfz5-vssVEtEVc8quEI0sGFVrPFyo6SSY_XEHCvAMfExZF6-pbLPuYTidIJ4Ot891kmmSMeBsRcUFKUSzcpZTw-lEwA2J5qkHm818DHgfRRBGFMP4A1MA3qK46hLTcDStdclk4muaVpSvqK8WAW6RmTfxzkcL06GK-DHAJ3yRYkcD-y0/w400-h360/bramb1_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting with the patchwork blocks</td></tr></tbody></table>Now, you can dither for a while and possibly overcomplicate things, or you can just dive in and test out a couple patchwork blocks. For the purposes of this prompt, these are blocks made up of equal sized squares, usually sewn up in units of 4, 9, or 16, depending on what size the finished block is intended to be. </div><div> </div><div>I generally start with some basic questions such as: Do I want smallish blocks or larger ones? How many squares needed to make this block hold its own in the border? Is a 4-patch too simple? Can I make a 9-patch block work out properly in an on-point layout if I only use two colors? Hmm.. I'm not sure that I want to use every single color in the blocks. Will a 16-patch be too busy for this particular quilt? Do I want scrappy or something more controlled merely using two or three fabrics? And on and on. It's all very stream of consciousness and you'll find yourself automatically narrowing down your preferred look in no time at all. Don't worry if you don't have all the answers. Just go with your gut.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>THINKING ABOUT MAKING AN 'ON-POINT' LAYOUT:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually you find yourself with a tentative plan. For me, it was this: Scrappy look border using only 2-colors {pinks and creams} in the blocks, but many different fabrics. A 16-patch traditional cut block with a finished size of 8". On-point setting. Mixed fabrics in similar tones of rusty browns for the setting triangles. Still considering whether there is enough larger fabric pieces to cut out enough setting triangles. Might have to consider doing something else? </div><div><br /></div><div>A quick check in with the chart below {from my quilt book 'Great Sets' by Sharyn Craig} and I could see for sure that the diagonal measurements would work. No doubt your plan will be totally different, as it should be.</div><div><br /></div><div>A helpful tip for determining a pleasing width for an on-point border: The blocks in the on-point border shouldn't be much larger than <i>the width of your previous border</i>. They can be smaller, that seems to look great. Any larger and the border tends to get a little awkward looking {proportion-wise} very quickly. Of course this is just an<i> opinion</i>, not a rule or anything! My decision to sew up 8" blocks means that I am making the patch blocks exactly the same width as the previous border. The diagonal measurement {using the on-point layout} will then be 11 3/8". It feels like a good balance to me, but of course your discriminating eye might want something totally different.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqGXzMfhUyuB2s8EZ05aLESFShAkteQ1sE-GvPdATsGC5EkHquI8VchC4eJnhfuy0P5wqrMcMgZFcMtEqfFY46ulwNp__d9q5aabS5b5oJybXGEeaMiIJgjY5v-iyqlELZirn0Ua_e2WPmhMzdXB9QiWEotmgdzAxBxjAEtHfEP03igT-A6bLtI6gpTc/s3582/bramb2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3582" data-original-width="2676" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqGXzMfhUyuB2s8EZ05aLESFShAkteQ1sE-GvPdATsGC5EkHquI8VchC4eJnhfuy0P5wqrMcMgZFcMtEqfFY46ulwNp__d9q5aabS5b5oJybXGEeaMiIJgjY5v-iyqlELZirn0Ua_e2WPmhMzdXB9QiWEotmgdzAxBxjAEtHfEP03igT-A6bLtI6gpTc/w299-h400/bramb2_Fotor.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick chart for diagonal measurements</td></tr></tbody></table>Armed with this knowledge and a tentative plan, I cut out and sewed up a handful of 16-patch blocks. Just enough to do a good, solid auditioning. You can absolutely cut out and sew up all the patchwork blocks you think are needed. Dive right on into the deep end if you're ready. Go for it! Sometimes that's what our instincts are shrieking at us to do--to have confidence and own it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other times, we'll find ourselves with the feeling that hmm... ' I'm not sure yet. <i>Maybe</i> it would be good to leave space for those variables that might possibly need adjustment?' <b>Listen to that</b>. <b>Do not ignore!</b> Even if it's the smallest niggle. It invariably means that our subconscious has picked up on something that hasn't been quite realized yet. We still have to forge ahead in order to get anywhere, but maybe with a more cautious commitment. Often it simply takes auditioning the blocks. That's all. We have to actually <b><i>see it with our eyes</i></b>, not just our imagination, and then we'll be feeling confident in our choices once again. The plan is ON!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEQiNBYJ4eRYwpYVYr7PkFunELtLfozJZNX7gVwS4FiihLQYtVGEQCxRwQOgIwVzKfawky9UELIr-VL31OAqrzESuKieumbVbfHszbZBVTqhedwwXpgKgSWCghg2z3GkckyF9xOP2bP0Ut5mruVMuvTVWrOGOgXmCnKYEHS5eSz8kUBeWBspLl5BX76E/s3615/bramb3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3615" data-original-width="2688" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEQiNBYJ4eRYwpYVYr7PkFunELtLfozJZNX7gVwS4FiihLQYtVGEQCxRwQOgIwVzKfawky9UELIr-VL31OAqrzESuKieumbVbfHszbZBVTqhedwwXpgKgSWCghg2z3GkckyF9xOP2bP0Ut5mruVMuvTVWrOGOgXmCnKYEHS5eSz8kUBeWBspLl5BX76E/w298-h400/bramb3_Fotor.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick chart for cutting setting triangles</td></tr></tbody></table>If you've made up your mind to do the on point layout, reference the chart above for help with cutting out corner and/or setting triangles. I use it all the time. Or you can check out this blog post at <a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/setting-corner-triangles-for-point-quilts-2821061">Spruce Crafts</a> for further information. No one should ever be afraid of an 'on point' layout.</div><div><br /></div><div>If your fabric choices are running low from the ordinal BBI fabric stack? You clearly have to address that. Dig around in your stash fabric for more options. Don't shy away from expanding on the chosen color palette if needed, going lighter, darker or brighter. You might need to go shopping. Or, may I suggest deliberately making everything a bit scrappier? </div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, making the uncomplicated choice of adding corner triangles to <i>all of the patch blocks,</i> instead of only cutting out larger setting triangles, has a lot of advantages. These advantages include making the math easier by virtue of squaring up all of the blocks, being able to cut into <i>much</i> smaller {previously unusable} pieces of fabric, and not least, easily making a limited fabrics and/or color palette stretch even further. Giving your quilt more depth and interest. How? One seemingly out of place fabric looks very wrong, two--kind of questionable and three or more--like it was purposeful. Do the purposeful and 'make-do' like you mean it!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h-Eq2bSVw9KRHRHQG4nuYMLS94iccD7VPfbXmefwaqnTKZWxSTLTHI_ACwEI7zzIjQUxfSATU4zlIqqnl7MhOD6Z-dgl9HRH5UcCsImSdzmjaqU7Xf027AhfN8w_aZppXkIL1kiO_ccd5PR3CogcflRlr7JdAzGZYX1VWwQfwrW0xtjn1eAYQ42vOII/s3024/bramb4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="3024" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h-Eq2bSVw9KRHRHQG4nuYMLS94iccD7VPfbXmefwaqnTKZWxSTLTHI_ACwEI7zzIjQUxfSATU4zlIqqnl7MhOD6Z-dgl9HRH5UcCsImSdzmjaqU7Xf027AhfN8w_aZppXkIL1kiO_ccd5PR3CogcflRlr7JdAzGZYX1VWwQfwrW0xtjn1eAYQ42vOII/w400-h399/bramb4_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to audition setting triangle fabrics & color</td></tr></tbody></table><b>WHEN THE PLAN STARTS TO FALL APART:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>If the plan starts to fall apart, like mine did, don't worry. Working improv. is a process full of seeds of inspiration. You just never how they will present themselves. We tend to look at our plan 'failing' as a problem needing a solution. In reality, it's our brains way of saying, 'Hey, something else might look a lot better!' It's our instincts kicking in. Many of us like to say, '<b>The quilt is talking to us</b>'. Don't worry, it always lets you know before it's too late to make proper adjustments and it hardly ever yells.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the case of my Bramble Blooms, it was the color choices that started looking wrong first. It just crept up on my awareness. Here I was, busy adding fabrics and 16-patch blocks to the design wall and then, the quilt started saying, 'Yuck! Things are starting to look really mushy. Why is my lovely applique border starting to disappear?' Ugghh. Not gonna let that happen! Being me, {we all have our default}, I threw some dark fabric up on the wall between the borders. The thought was, 'Ok, that clearly defines the edges of both borders. Problem solved!' Right? {I'm all about the coping borders as a first run at fixing those borders arguments.}</div><div><br /></div><div>If I was <i>deeply</i> invested in the on-point layout, there could have been new patch blocks made out of different colors and probably cream fabrics used for the setting triangles or whatever. Any number of choices are possible at any given phase in a quilt. You gotta remember, there are normally always <i>way</i> more than one or two ways to resolve things in a satisfactorily manner. It's not like you're trying to find a single grain of brown rice in a bag full of white rice.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvq3uVR-TIp3ja5bKmEkxkFcXLRXbXodXQLmTw_flXuQ9oYbAVR0PJdJ2jFwB_ZV9UlCNJGPVxYFyu4ZGpiIueJDvFAE-RHr8_rgSQ1U2zbk-CezekKsCYQ4isnaePwYHFu1Bi8vwztFEvlkGOuuwpeNYp-qnWRnQ7Zua2YDUsoOMFeYMTPFLJHU_B-I/s3601/bramb5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvq3uVR-TIp3ja5bKmEkxkFcXLRXbXodXQLmTw_flXuQ9oYbAVR0PJdJ2jFwB_ZV9UlCNJGPVxYFyu4ZGpiIueJDvFAE-RHr8_rgSQ1U2zbk-CezekKsCYQ4isnaePwYHFu1Bi8vwztFEvlkGOuuwpeNYp-qnWRnQ7Zua2YDUsoOMFeYMTPFLJHU_B-I/w336-h400/bramb5_Fotor.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe a coping border will make it all better</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>CONSIDERING MAKING A CONTINUOUS PATCH-BLOCK LAYOUT: </b></div><div><br /></div><div>On to the continuous block layout. Because why not? It might have been in your plan from the beginning, but I just sort of stumbled on it for my own Bramble Blooms. I admit to being fairly tunnel-visioned about using the on-point layout. At first. It just seemed obvious that it had the potential for infinitely more room to use the leftover pink, cream and rusty brown fabrics in my stack. Sometimes we get an idea in our head and it crowds out any other thinking. Don't mistake what I'm trying to get across here. That resolved version {with the inclusion of the darker coping fabric} would probably have resulted in a satisfactory looking quilt. It wasn't <i>wrong</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, the prompt did mention two options. Of course I was curious! I went ahead and auditioned the patchwork blocks the other way--in a continuous border formation. Uh oh. No one was more surprised than me. The whole quilt lightened up and gave me the sort of instant warm <i>glow</i> that makes my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. Darn it. Cannot ignore the warm and fuzzies no matter how much I wanted the on-point layout!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh659qMlJa7DmrEmvTRds_9zuGmGJJus5FAtF3C6K3w0gwQGtkUTF5nVJV7akUFT_ZjdGh_Sj-UGanxMUDwVQcXUU5KmMGQhkBn84KRbkYjXZ_Pdsdq5HTI4ZpI9rUD7GMYPZlt-cbHH4_e8g6abB3YTUJsWHzM3h8T6N9aeI6RvmvtGTEEqfnJJ9q3NNY/s3024/bramb6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="3024" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh659qMlJa7DmrEmvTRds_9zuGmGJJus5FAtF3C6K3w0gwQGtkUTF5nVJV7akUFT_ZjdGh_Sj-UGanxMUDwVQcXUU5KmMGQhkBn84KRbkYjXZ_Pdsdq5HTI4ZpI9rUD7GMYPZlt-cbHH4_e8g6abB3YTUJsWHzM3h8T6N9aeI6RvmvtGTEEqfnJJ9q3NNY/w400-h375/bramb6_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This layout is the one for me afterall</td></tr></tbody></table>And that's exactly how good, personal-to-you changes happen. You just switch plans midstream because <i>the quilt has spoken</i>. And it speaks to your heart. In order to make the 16-patch block border fit properly to the larger quilt, I only needed to add a single extra row {not a full block} on the left and right side borders. This made it possible for the cornerstone blocks to fit <b>exactly</b> in pattern with the every-other pink/cream patchwork look. See the picture below? Ta da! It seemed serendipitous. Always a great feeling.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSMGX4g_ds0vX77Pq7xxVQ7IpUMyH3FJrzVNXRkLZMaxzZa0OKtFH57KorsV07_MCNQWFtBJV914_Am-DuARi2NAX4lJMA53kSi6CRGbIr8TV3y9NfL3a199rQTAYGops8Cu2BguUnqOaeaw_PwQNbHZ1rastWPk1GCuyEYDcJIBgrGna_EqellxmO2E/s4032/bramb7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2725" data-original-width="4032" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSMGX4g_ds0vX77Pq7xxVQ7IpUMyH3FJrzVNXRkLZMaxzZa0OKtFH57KorsV07_MCNQWFtBJV914_Am-DuARi2NAX4lJMA53kSi6CRGbIr8TV3y9NfL3a199rQTAYGops8Cu2BguUnqOaeaw_PwQNbHZ1rastWPk1GCuyEYDcJIBgrGna_EqellxmO2E/w400-h270/bramb7_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the corner blocks in the correct pattern formation</td></tr></tbody></table>It was a simple matter to measure the outsides of the quilt and count out how many more blocks were needed. Then I took a few minutes to mourn the lack of using the rusty, tan fabrics in the stack and second guess myself. Is this really how I wanted to continue? Which very quickly led to a lightbulb switching on. Hmm... How about cutting out and sewing up <i>simila</i>r, but darker, cornerstone patchwork blocks? </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sQ21V0kEOwoXLWmLtpNoEcII5IlvpMwNOZ4T0hbqMnT3GXRekFhO9bWpU222Rs8GZnYfxGePwzbtzuaKRYs2RXPI2z__yOPDkqjzDJn4ZhMGGEBuCmWHqtQkdgYagiVLNorcL1-EjN-8fhIAKZHDqlG0s2YpENPMZ_Th3XOGw_EAoFjIHcvhjyG1aKk/s4008/bramb8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2129" data-original-width="4008" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sQ21V0kEOwoXLWmLtpNoEcII5IlvpMwNOZ4T0hbqMnT3GXRekFhO9bWpU222Rs8GZnYfxGePwzbtzuaKRYs2RXPI2z__yOPDkqjzDJn4ZhMGGEBuCmWHqtQkdgYagiVLNorcL1-EjN-8fhIAKZHDqlG0s2YpENPMZ_Th3XOGw_EAoFjIHcvhjyG1aKk/w400-h213/bramb8_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then I looked at them like this...</td></tr></tbody></table>Which is how those came to be. As you can see, the red in the cornerstone blocks is much more distinctive looking than the lighter pink and ties back into the centerpiece very nicely too. I loved the red squares echoing the X lines from the previous border, a <b>very</b> unexpected result. Once I noticed that, I couldn't 'unsee' it. Uh oh. How to get the pattern to work out properly in the border surround?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQCRWH46KbVm-Izi9TceMJOMZ4LqnSjHakaSq0PIunHPDlBapleHxFaBmF9nCNs638TYerxlDOdd9cr8bs5vGU101jTqi-LV5gRsafRs2r8c_z1ypBEm6pb7-ZHY7_FhYlD60mn0SevmmX8SYUJI12K73LVUyZBAFtPscBp8aP91LJ2GovPEaH7CmK4w/s4032/bramb9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQCRWH46KbVm-Izi9TceMJOMZ4LqnSjHakaSq0PIunHPDlBapleHxFaBmF9nCNs638TYerxlDOdd9cr8bs5vGU101jTqi-LV5gRsafRs2r8c_z1ypBEm6pb7-ZHY7_FhYlD60mn0SevmmX8SYUJI12K73LVUyZBAFtPscBp8aP91LJ2GovPEaH7CmK4w/w300-h400/bramb9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The close-up view of the cornerstones </td></tr></tbody></table>As you can see from the close-up picture above, there is an odd, awkward looking area where the dark red squares meet up with the lighter colored pink ones. The pattern is interrupted for sure. I could have perhaps flipped the borders on the top and bottom, but do I honestly care? </div><div><br /></div><div>The weighted look to the corners just make me happy for what it does for this particular quilt. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone else! The echo of the X blocks there in the corners, subtly creates energy and encourages the eye to move around the quilt. I also like how the pink squares form a diagonal line across the corners of the quilt, at the juncture of those corner blocks. Is there any part of this look/feel/vibe that I am willing to give up in order to 'abide by the plan or stick with the pattern formation'? This is what improv. does for us. It frees us from the <b>have to's</b> and gives us permission to think outside of the box. Be curious. Let yourself be surprised!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi6wcdCiAmWVV4dV0V1rKEIFyeKsfTWRssTYXTyNpDq9VRy2LAA1G7e2sdjFmdicUjUMhQnkG-opqcNzivoObo48r8ljotvVTp4ucB1Mr1G8my49MC4f9wDBusz-jMh_8fdcHmv_I7fqT2gMqGmvyuQgxE9hl_PKa-U9kDWAwRXcIpOCGuZay52Wnja4/s4032/bramb91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJi6wcdCiAmWVV4dV0V1rKEIFyeKsfTWRssTYXTyNpDq9VRy2LAA1G7e2sdjFmdicUjUMhQnkG-opqcNzivoObo48r8ljotvVTp4ucB1Mr1G8my49MC4f9wDBusz-jMh_8fdcHmv_I7fqT2gMqGmvyuQgxE9hl_PKa-U9kDWAwRXcIpOCGuZay52Wnja4/w300-h400/bramb91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed BBI quilt!</td></tr></tbody></table>Okay, here's all the tips and tricks you've been searching the post for. Hopefully one of these suggestions will resolve an issue for you and your quilt.</div><div><br /><div><b>TIPS FOR FITTING A CONTINUOUS PATCHWORK-BLOCK BORDER TO THE QUILT:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Improv. comes with its own challenges and one of them is making new border lengths fit to odd quilt measurements. Do not be discouraged. There are several different ways this disparity can <i>easily</i> be overcome. For the best fitting borders, always measure the sides of your quilt and plan on attaching a border in the same exact size, pinning well before sewing together. </div><div><ul><li>Add an extra row {or two} onto the length of a short border. Does not have to be the full size of a block.</li><li>Remove an extra row {or two} from the length of the too-long border. Does not have to be the full size of a block.</li><li>If the border length measurement is too long to match up with your quilt, by less than the width of a single square in a patchwork block, go back and sew some extra large seams. Spread it out over the length of the border--doing it to several seams. Don't sew the extra large seams side by side or the 'fix-it' will be a little more obvious. Usually moving the needle over one or two spots will be enough to take up the extra length necessary. Keep measuring your border until the length has been corrected.</li><li>Can easily split the difference if the overage on a border length is only 1/4" or less. Trim 1/8" {or less} off of each end of the border length. Nobody will even notice.</li><li>If perhaps the border length is 1/4" <i>too short</i>, simply pin the quilt and border together at the middle points and gently stretch to make up the difference. Warning: Anything more and you're likely to have a wavy border and a sloppy looking quilt!</li><li>Add precisely measured Coping Borders to make your patchwork block border fit perfectly. A little more work, but sometimes it feels important. See <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2014/05/measuring-for-coping-border-when-you.html">tutorial</a> here for guidance with that.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;">*****************************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><b>TIPS FOR FITTING AN 'ON-POINT' PATCHWORK-BLOCK BORDER TO THE QUILT:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>These are similar to the tips that were given in the first border <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2024/01/next-prompt-for-bramble-blooms-qal.html">challenge</a>, but I will list them here for continuity:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Sew an extra block to a border of pieced blocks and chop off the extra. Very utilitarian</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">. </span></li><li>Add little narrow strips of fabric between each pieced block to stretch the row in order to make the length fit with the quilt. Add wider or narrower strips at the very ends of the pieced blocks, as needed, to finish up and get to the correct border length.</li><li>Deliberately piece less blocks than needed. Add on extra fabric at both ends of the border length until you have the correct length.</li><li>Make <i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">quite a few less</i><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333;"> pieced blocks than necessary, then arrange them tight together at one side of each border, say at the left side of each border moving around the centerpiece. Sew on a long piece of fabric to only one side of the blocks, making up the extra till it fits the centerpiece measurement. Do this similarly for every border length. There will be pieced blocks on every side of the quilt, but the arrangement will convey a certain symmetry.</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #333333;"><span><span style="background-color: white;">Sew</span></span> all of your blocks in a row {per border side}. Then add in a precisely measured coping border cut for the express purpose of fitting <i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">perfectly</i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> between the centerpiece and your newly pieced border length. See this </span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2014/05/measuring-for-coping-border-when-you.html" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none;">tutorial</a><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">for guidance with that.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #333333;"><b>JUST A COUPLE MORE PICS FOR THE VISUAL LEARNERS:</b></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzP_Gwr2Xh-b_7MlIOYmq-G7IWC344lrEI7rbchYLo_BhIqVCTaV4iufA_V_2S399S6qb8gwZRYn2yk8wgsJh0ooFES3KJhIDSs2v63nly695Y5JB6Ua4XNtuW68rFh5WGeSt3x76d_naY1UifvszSAweWUzv2X561BkmuelSG6tITIlUJEi7YDXgzwc/s3098/bramb92_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3098" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzP_Gwr2Xh-b_7MlIOYmq-G7IWC344lrEI7rbchYLo_BhIqVCTaV4iufA_V_2S399S6qb8gwZRYn2yk8wgsJh0ooFES3KJhIDSs2v63nly695Y5JB6Ua4XNtuW68rFh5WGeSt3x76d_naY1UifvszSAweWUzv2X561BkmuelSG6tITIlUJEi7YDXgzwc/w390-h400/bramb92_Fotor.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the on-point blocks have corner triangles</td></tr></tbody></table>Sometimes the on-point border layout is easier to play with if you can add corner triangles to the patchwork blocks, instead of trying to wrangle large setting triangles. The square-in-a-square blocks are just easier to move around and find a 'make-do' solution if/when the quilt measurements aren't being particularly cooperative. If you feel uncomfortable with these make-do solutions, that's okay. We're all wired differently! Just be prepared to do a lot more math and pre-planning before you end up with a finished quilt top. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cool thing about improv. is that it's wonderfully receptive to 'fix-it' solutions. Consider it a 'work around' for dealing with the side effects of flying by the seat of our pants. The more of it you attempt to do, the easier it is to find the coping strategies that make sense with the way your exceptional brain works. As long as your quilt lays flat and you're satisfied with the look? Who cares about the details?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DD7393qWnxnxSrT-Oard8ruZplamp8HGwu0YS0xM03kP4RRR-lWg-HOxXhG1fB9rstAZmyKMO3ozb1r3sJ3nNRktURF8b87nGnOgvvjmNVRW6DJqaRWovnO74lYu6dzzqhGibRZJ5nHKOmiwmtDQkyQ01QPU7wQ__jLdVDTUZPIpsB9dwWrj-640doo/s3289/bramb93_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3289" data-original-width="3017" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DD7393qWnxnxSrT-Oard8ruZplamp8HGwu0YS0xM03kP4RRR-lWg-HOxXhG1fB9rstAZmyKMO3ozb1r3sJ3nNRktURF8b87nGnOgvvjmNVRW6DJqaRWovnO74lYu6dzzqhGibRZJ5nHKOmiwmtDQkyQ01QPU7wQ__jLdVDTUZPIpsB9dwWrj-640doo/w368-h400/bramb93_Fotor.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another border idea</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Along with the tips and tricks mentioned above, a 'mirrored' block arrangement can often be a really fast and easy solution to the on-point border arrangement.--for those times when you don't want to spend time figuring out the math for setting triangles. It's not cheating, it's improv.! And it doesn't take very many blocks set 'on-point' to give the quilt the same kind of energy. </div><div><br /></div><div>It usually looks better to arrange blocks in unequal amounts per corner. In the picture above, there are two blocks on top and three at the left side, not counting the corner block. With this arrangement, I would add fabric to finish out the needed length of the border, keeping the pieced blocks relatively spare. You can repeat this look at the lower bottom right of the quilt only, {reversing the unequal block positions as to sides for the mirror}. OR you could do every single corner. An arrangement like this definitely needs to be auditioned, as it can make all the difference in the world where the last block falls alongside the previous border. </div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTfxrMUjAkBXeBnSld6ndDak0Zy2jVVyHbJEMRoQ13iiamdDW0tTNQeu_20w1HptpFVZP_V1v3LMwVLEgHplUaYfIe9X9Fpw0ROd5KAuc6IaBiSQEBWVn6Hg4_qfhsj4AYU8xCuIja9kIBIB4Ets3Tzm0GnKhzJ8iua4I5Qoob2lr6UWBoFWLPJIXrB0/s3661/bramb94_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3661" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTfxrMUjAkBXeBnSld6ndDak0Zy2jVVyHbJEMRoQ13iiamdDW0tTNQeu_20w1HptpFVZP_V1v3LMwVLEgHplUaYfIe9X9Fpw0ROd5KAuc6IaBiSQEBWVn6Hg4_qfhsj4AYU8xCuIja9kIBIB4Ets3Tzm0GnKhzJ8iua4I5Qoob2lr6UWBoFWLPJIXrB0/w330-h400/bramb94_Fotor.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy with the cozy look to this</td></tr></tbody></table><b>WRAPPING IT UP:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Okay, that's it. Let's go get creative! This will be the end of the prompts for Bramble Blooms I quilt. Getting this top together will hopefully give a better idea of how the process will work with Bramble Blooms II as well. This first quilt sets the tone for rest of the series. It establishes a common color palette and/or elements that we will change up and tweak here or there as we move along on our adventure together. </div><div><br /></div><div>The idea is that we start with a base of ideas and let our innate creativity expand, flourish and grow from that particular place. As each quilt progresses, we will try to push a little bit more, drawing from our well of experience with the previous Bramble Blooms {whether the experience feels successful or not}. We will probably not LOVE every single quilt that we make in the series, but hopefully we will end up with at least one quilt that rocks our foundations. Wowsers, did I really make that? Out of a stack of fabric that I'd grown so tired of? </div><div><br /></div><div>Wrapping this us, please remember that this is YOUR quilt. If you feel that it needs another border or two, then absolutely feel free to continue on with your journey. Look for a Link Party for all the completed Bramble Blooms quilt tops towards the end of April. Shortly after that post will be the start of Bramble Bloom II. Looking forward to seeing all of your wonderful progress!</div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-86057675492794322582024-02-19T22:00:00.000-08:002024-02-20T00:03:16.635-08:00AHIQ:Sun Quilt Top and Autumnal Tulips #2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I seem to have fell down a rabbit hole this past little while. So shocking. This quilt top was a result of an AHIQ <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2022/07/ahiq-prompt-july-2022-sun.htm">prompt</a> from July 2022. I was really late getting going with my response and then even later getting it to finished quilt top stage. I was dragging my feet initially because it's just so different for me! Most of the applique pieces have been cut out and ready to go since sometime last fall though, and I've been positively antsy to see the end result.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ONS0uwNy-rJ4KLV4GTHKfL7Upq2Rdr7s_J1ne9f3DJNi33dxdv3Foge09CjUvMlox8ZUx8NzZF4QMWWdt55WnJTOCgWz1tn3AE0E75eICq6FDLmU8BoR68zdzkfpZFBkE-BUgb9XGcvsoVbttxDdlfsGCHoykar7UdICer-q7ER-WtQ7L7noFIsbR-A/s4032/sun_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ONS0uwNy-rJ4KLV4GTHKfL7Upq2Rdr7s_J1ne9f3DJNi33dxdv3Foge09CjUvMlox8ZUx8NzZF4QMWWdt55WnJTOCgWz1tn3AE0E75eICq6FDLmU8BoR68zdzkfpZFBkE-BUgb9XGcvsoVbttxDdlfsGCHoykar7UdICer-q7ER-WtQ7L7noFIsbR-A/w300-h400/sun_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a sunflower or a daisy?</td></tr></tbody></table>So yeah, it was time. Might as well take advantage! Working with quilt challenges is such an interesting way to grow in our quilting endeavors. To be quite blunt, a lot of the time my initial feeling is a bit of frustration. Why would I deliberately want to think about adding a 'sun' into one of my quilts? Or work from the point of trying to add in that distinct vibe? Or whatever the challenge happens to be--I'm truly not picking on that particular prompt! <div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrWw3Mxn8Ien61mjvUh-V8-N0QsmZ7Fo7GVbhtqHA_g70plbOnp_Qtjwbl49xDZfZ_YPtrj5HkrZV-JkRjW_I88odEotbuI1iQuR5r9ZFJ3pAfarvm7JtK0P3INAgoNnoqazNZSsfggpEGTZWyPGj3NTvQ8xXYgNBtzpoN7tQHXbNpfZFMOPLnK7Y7A/s3218/sun1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3218" data-original-width="2993" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQrWw3Mxn8Ien61mjvUh-V8-N0QsmZ7Fo7GVbhtqHA_g70plbOnp_Qtjwbl49xDZfZ_YPtrj5HkrZV-JkRjW_I88odEotbuI1iQuR5r9ZFJ3pAfarvm7JtK0P3INAgoNnoqazNZSsfggpEGTZWyPGj3NTvQ8xXYgNBtzpoN7tQHXbNpfZFMOPLnK7Y7A/w373-h400/sun1_Fotor.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun of My Life a new quilt top!</td></tr></tbody></table>The thing is, I don't generally <i>love</i> to be told what to do in regards to quilting. Most all of the new challenges take some talking myself into. {Yes, I'm telling on myself.} It certainly helps that the <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/p/previous-challenges.html">AHIQ challenges</a> have been so open ended, but let's just say that it always seems to take a bit of an attitude adjustment. Gah! To willing embrace making a quilt from somewhere other than what I would consider to be 'organic' inspiration is just <i>hard</i>. Especially when I have an abundance of quilty ideas already bouncing around in my brain. Who has time to make something they have little to no interest in? But hey, wait a minute. How do we nudge ourselves out of our comfort zone if we never seek out a different perspective? <div><br /></div><div>I've learned to let these odd places of inspiration simmer in the back of my mind for awhile. Give them a lot of space and encourage my subconscious to take plenty of time to explore the many, many different ways that the idea could possibly be applied. Discarding most of them of course! And through the years I've realized the most fun is when the ideas can be <i>manipulated</i> to work in my favor. Like using one of the already marinating fabric stacks sitting around the quilt room or whatever. Or do a little play on interpretation. I try my best to work with {and answer} the prompt and yet, still convey something that resonates strongly as a <b>me</b> look, feel and vibe. That way, I will more likely follow through on the challenge to completion, maybe even <i>enjoy</i> the project and, bonus, sometimes end up with something amazingly better than ever expected. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGpp9CCsoCg0mfoU0o_AuGU7YEGgOyMQ9NQyB8bmi-mA9RyeNRV-IB7pXCnH3KTyj4-70vnqBtSZnLDDsYJ8N6E65rsHzwBUQgvc-UiXqgHTXOEMZZ4Kmq_rEjWDrOCC9mRlUJmtlA4MzSW155cDuUcH3XcknnaDy_Y4uU4eYjShHBhrLG2oJ02wLdeI/s4032/sun2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGpp9CCsoCg0mfoU0o_AuGU7YEGgOyMQ9NQyB8bmi-mA9RyeNRV-IB7pXCnH3KTyj4-70vnqBtSZnLDDsYJ8N6E65rsHzwBUQgvc-UiXqgHTXOEMZZ4Kmq_rEjWDrOCC9mRlUJmtlA4MzSW155cDuUcH3XcknnaDy_Y4uU4eYjShHBhrLG2oJ02wLdeI/w300-h400/sun2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the quilt top is always fun</td></tr></tbody></table>Sometimes it's a big fat fail, but it's so very beneficial to try! Take this quilt. I couldn't think much past using up yellow fabric, of which I have oodles of. So lots and lots of ideas about using up that. Meh. Not interesting enough on its own. Then I stumbled upon a block idea that seemed vaguely interesting. Yeah, not nearly good enough for the effort required. Everything seemed quite unsatisfactory and blah when thinking about in conjunction to this 'sun' challenge. Scratch it all!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D1vPbr7qgy6wJAiMNQ6uNmP3P-krdCz3q_54HihmAMauLaQVo5lN0lkErJx78Ikbia-GAPrqkh_aCoaD3zgRs7zvbd864P5nGHMT44LZOHoOkYuD1cwMygseUadTyFdXh040yZdnpxJXMhkGET7m_nRbviE3lSdQ6iZJU5P3yJIRxv3MlWMeCELkZNo/s3797/sun3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3797" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D1vPbr7qgy6wJAiMNQ6uNmP3P-krdCz3q_54HihmAMauLaQVo5lN0lkErJx78Ikbia-GAPrqkh_aCoaD3zgRs7zvbd864P5nGHMT44LZOHoOkYuD1cwMygseUadTyFdXh040yZdnpxJXMhkGET7m_nRbviE3lSdQ6iZJU5P3yJIRxv3MlWMeCELkZNo/w319-h400/sun3_Fotor.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could the sun look any more<br />happy to be there?</td></tr></tbody></table>And so it went. Me drawing up a potential foundation pieced sun block, pouring through antique quilting books, and looking for rising sun etc. blocks. Stretching my thinking even more and then finally, out of desperation, doodling a rough drawing of a large scale floral design with a big 'ol sun hanging out over the top of it. At first it felt kind all kinds of desperate. So obvious and over the top.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2s-IPEZ6Qr9Vl1OJxXrIHWsgDFlJMxCh2mdhclcTqZWA0xNNpP-qMw4o1ve76u6enWO2L0T5mqjvuJRzns01ZAEyockYR4o0bb7NDKJxQluQgowzcy8lRpLjwivlKZVJBuCYUH3FToKx0j2n0VYQRDsMU-CoUM5piFR8MsSWvq9VjazxhyphenhyphenQDRs4d1n0/s4032/sun4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2s-IPEZ6Qr9Vl1OJxXrIHWsgDFlJMxCh2mdhclcTqZWA0xNNpP-qMw4o1ve76u6enWO2L0T5mqjvuJRzns01ZAEyockYR4o0bb7NDKJxQluQgowzcy8lRpLjwivlKZVJBuCYUH3FToKx0j2n0VYQRDsMU-CoUM5piFR8MsSWvq9VjazxhyphenhyphenQDRs4d1n0/w300-h400/sun4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the viny, bold flowers</td></tr></tbody></table>A funny thing happened. Just the act of drawing the oh-so-improbable idea opened up my thinking even more. I remembered the times that I have wanted to <b>deliberately</b> piece backgrounds for applique and got mired in the details. Didn't gain any traction. Huh. Could this be the answer? Seeing the doodle in black and white made me contemplate how this could actually be accomplished with improv. piecing. Which of course I love doing. Would it, could it work? Maybe I could even add some orphaned parts and pieces too.... <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdDNkBl-S_65xf7nqPbDJcpbVNAi9nNWeptpPCNjBEe7CoJD68kykzkPkg6bIeVM4293prs2jLcERdc8L0498kO6n2VcQ-7VVfxT2F7xiRavfSbUUHnVXxJvnxsf2NlBvNO3sbq_XAkg6iEU_dOl7ZcA4lYFjwvEnmjMm_KsEPWTmwSR-Vy11WMP2-S8/s4032/sun5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdDNkBl-S_65xf7nqPbDJcpbVNAi9nNWeptpPCNjBEe7CoJD68kykzkPkg6bIeVM4293prs2jLcERdc8L0498kO6n2VcQ-7VVfxT2F7xiRavfSbUUHnVXxJvnxsf2NlBvNO3sbq_XAkg6iEU_dOl7ZcA4lYFjwvEnmjMm_KsEPWTmwSR-Vy11WMP2-S8/w300-h400/sun5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subtle additions to the larger tulip</td></tr></tbody></table>Eventually I combined all the good ideas and.... despite my very squirrely feelings of discomfort, made a plan of attack. Who cared if it was ridiculously large and naive in concept? I tried to consciously tweak each and every obvious detail into something that felt authentic, going over the details over and over till it felt right. Then, and only then, I dove into it with lots of nerves and a sort of steely resolve to see it through. No matter what kind of feedback I received, this was happening! And now, at the end of hand stitching the applique to this quilt top, I'm thinking it worked! It actually worked!! Wowsers, do I love this quirky, funky looking quilt already!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a long journey with <i>lots</i> of hesitation and second guessing. It's wonderful to see the quilt really coming alive this last week with every single piece of applique that got sewn down. I just didn't want to quit, it was so quietly satisfying and yes, exhilarating! After all the larger applique was stitched down, then I had to add a few pieces of smaller things like the skinny leaves. Just for good balance and subtle definition.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWghOyKACwOQNfHnie1fqOvTcGDAFxRwaIt7d74LCDB_Sa0-2gB3jir2sZry7fLs-TCZ_14kbdIXMSDAMu9XCZg4pjx06AlC2RMZxPlzUBx3473vQ5TqSZBkg3EVVRU58MsC94WJKhrfC0KRZJ4zO-haORFPRNSS0ehzi3E-AP72e3vKkBjjzfONj9Pg/s4032/sun6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWghOyKACwOQNfHnie1fqOvTcGDAFxRwaIt7d74LCDB_Sa0-2gB3jir2sZry7fLs-TCZ_14kbdIXMSDAMu9XCZg4pjx06AlC2RMZxPlzUBx3473vQ5TqSZBkg3EVVRU58MsC94WJKhrfC0KRZJ4zO-haORFPRNSS0ehzi3E-AP72e3vKkBjjzfONj9Pg/w300-h400/sun6_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the value changes in the sun....<br />Looking so sweet to me</td></tr></tbody></table>As an aside, the second {pink} sun has always felt like a rather silly addition. Why oh why did the quilt demand it? I so wanted to ditch the entire idea and find something else to substitute. Nope. It was the ONLY thing that looked right in that corner. And this week I think the answer made itself known in the new name for the quilt 'Sun of my life'. It sort of speaks for itself when paired with the applique design. In a surprising move, the quilt also decided that it doesn't need any sort of border whatsoever. Okay! I guess that's a wrap for now! Yay for challenges that steer us to good places!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz-3tV7A81Eg9VdCUizOKodKvSezJ0vSa-TZuAu-YXsDDk_0y9Zdso_prWp-1yYz3PuJEiCPbx0HpCfRzKwnByGdBc-OmDVA3loSwx4YmGu42IVIpPkDlS3f50LwzB_6qPjr-dF9EoAEkCTEtS64Qkdy951BtZVdXXlrpAxNXyK92pjwinNNCN85Xews/s4032/sun7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz-3tV7A81Eg9VdCUizOKodKvSezJ0vSa-TZuAu-YXsDDk_0y9Zdso_prWp-1yYz3PuJEiCPbx0HpCfRzKwnByGdBc-OmDVA3loSwx4YmGu42IVIpPkDlS3f50LwzB_6qPjr-dF9EoAEkCTEtS64Qkdy951BtZVdXXlrpAxNXyK92pjwinNNCN85Xews/w300-h400/sun7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished commission quilt top</td></tr></tbody></table>I also remembered that I hadn't shown the results of the commission quilt that I had agreed to make last fall. If you think this looks like my <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-gift-of-free-autumnal-tulip-applique.html">Autumnal Tulips</a> quilt, you would be correct.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshcONk36wE0a30m_u5Ytuhaa7pqTNFhtTsI-K8xxIvZdQ9hr2MvchEQ-tz5bufz_tfmkcm8vLy4c7MunE5DFlRNdOMgFM-Fn6zoA4c_lagGnP13km8iqcsMt_yKz5mBjeT-3M08XomNjldeWpVj9od-DLhsIPQ8w3qB6yo02K-cKJgVsFAwrvTO0Fr6E/s4032/sun8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshcONk36wE0a30m_u5Ytuhaa7pqTNFhtTsI-K8xxIvZdQ9hr2MvchEQ-tz5bufz_tfmkcm8vLy4c7MunE5DFlRNdOMgFM-Fn6zoA4c_lagGnP13km8iqcsMt_yKz5mBjeT-3M08XomNjldeWpVj9od-DLhsIPQ8w3qB6yo02K-cKJgVsFAwrvTO0Fr6E/w300-h400/sun8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a tiny bit darker than the original</td></tr></tbody></table>A quilty gal had previously contacted me for the pattern, then later on decided not to make it after all. When she sent me the first email inquiring about me making a commission quilt {for her but for her daughter]} I instantly decided that it would be waaay to much work. Right? Then I decided to think things through a little better. Maybe give it a couple minutes to try to figure out what might make it worthwhile.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLf8lKzMX39dFcQAP6hTuP_8SHjtTlYCHC9Zm3LeqrpkG6yvF6OtMG6WubDUGdQTeoz8GmYT6txj0Q0U7UVqLeH3D5d2lT4PvGe0o8FoKXcu60ElS6uLRfvEJlimC3prCVHdypFh6n-xZ8YiR9A84DrWw9AJ4vdbXvC5ScnlyMAt7c6tUfiFhxletlY8/s4032/sun9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLf8lKzMX39dFcQAP6hTuP_8SHjtTlYCHC9Zm3LeqrpkG6yvF6OtMG6WubDUGdQTeoz8GmYT6txj0Q0U7UVqLeH3D5d2lT4PvGe0o8FoKXcu60ElS6uLRfvEJlimC3prCVHdypFh6n-xZ8YiR9A84DrWw9AJ4vdbXvC5ScnlyMAt7c6tUfiFhxletlY8/w300-h400/sun9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumnal Tulips #2</td></tr></tbody></table>A bit of back and forth and surprisingly, we came to terms. I tried to be very straightforward about what the whole endeavor would entail--what we could expect out of each other. And Linda was super accommodating. So sweet! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a smaller version of the original, but it does actually have some of the exact same fabrics included. {It was requested to be in very similar colors and fabrics.} I had to comb through the scrap bins looking for some of it, but eventually found all the important pieces! </div><div><br /></div><div>Like most of my quilts tend to end up, it's perfectly imperfect. Huge sigh of relief. Nothing like a bit of pressure to feel insecure about our work! And even though it's the 2nd version, it still has a nice, cozy, comfy vibe, very closely resembling the one her daughter fell in love with. You can only imagine how nervous I was to make a copycat quilt when everything I do is so scrappy looking! We only contracted for the quilt top which means I've been anticipating see the true blue completion some day in the future.Will it still look like a Quilty Folk quilt without hand quilting? Hmm... We'll have to see! Thank you Linda for being a gold star customer on my very first quilt commission! And no, that's not gonna be my new thing. This is something out of the blue and just turned into an interesting experience! </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay. This time around, I'll really try better to put the bulk of my quilty efforts towards Bramble Blooms. It's not forgotten, just moving at a snails pace!<br /><br /><b> </b><p></p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-32946649101179478722024-02-14T13:57:00.000-08:002024-03-05T00:14:05.788-08:00A Couple Good Finishes To Start the Year Out Right<p>So I actually finished two quilts in past couple weeks. Crazy days. The first one 'Positive Thinking', just needed the binding sewn on. It's been in that state for a couple months now and finally all the planets lined up or something. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcNmkhAIDAxde2N-_1cFxyCxggcGVzyhp1OkHX4KhaWL_Cp-kim1ifxD6QZv0qXTMS_XDWJFCNtLr_-AXTYGyNUt-EPj0E5rzbF_z-SBzKv1G0nBPr5vGSBK8i0u8VqldYzbgEREN8c1EN1KQG_5N3HKnUOloawgdHwzuqVi2FCUOnunG7NaoROYgul4/s3457/she_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3457" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcNmkhAIDAxde2N-_1cFxyCxggcGVzyhp1OkHX4KhaWL_Cp-kim1ifxD6QZv0qXTMS_XDWJFCNtLr_-AXTYGyNUt-EPj0E5rzbF_z-SBzKv1G0nBPr5vGSBK8i0u8VqldYzbgEREN8c1EN1KQG_5N3HKnUOloawgdHwzuqVi2FCUOnunG7NaoROYgul4/w350-h400/she_Fotor.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright flowers for the win!</td></tr></tbody></table>This was an AHIQ challenge from <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2020/05/june-challenge.html">2020</a>. I took the prompt and ran with it, using part of a biblical verse as inspiration. It had been pinned to my inspiration board forever, just waiting for the right moment to be included in a quilt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt7Y9fWQPtOjvRg1WcrNxw3jia4apKx7ep7QSt5pPTffIv_MyEJ00a3Xih3l__JkUgHDSNfdCsT9GXlQXZ3iWaxKqIlJ8kx9mBrPEkeseYIlLGRQkxjfW67cGbOgt3EfAeEuVsHy2IZAWmRkWRgiJaRHqDE_w2aK_ruybmWdxWSXJHSieECe0sIWArYk/s3766/she1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3766" data-original-width="3008" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWt7Y9fWQPtOjvRg1WcrNxw3jia4apKx7ep7QSt5pPTffIv_MyEJ00a3Xih3l__JkUgHDSNfdCsT9GXlQXZ3iWaxKqIlJ8kx9mBrPEkeseYIlLGRQkxjfW67cGbOgt3EfAeEuVsHy2IZAWmRkWRgiJaRHqDE_w2aK_ruybmWdxWSXJHSieECe0sIWArYk/w320-h400/she1_Fotor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Positive Thinking is a true blue finish!</td></tr></tbody></table>With this particular challenge, we were encouraged to use some of our own clothing. It's something that I've been having fun with for quite awhile now, slipping a piece of my husbands or sons shirts into most every quilt. In this case, I used a couple of my shirts too. Some old favorites that had started to get a little worn around the collar or maybe too small.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5FGwzTe6RyFRg_a1YIfdIhzPND2cF8mWD0fy-SPgv567WcDmj5habChHBQAFWgxbyQp-0yzBI2u1lFQyBOeb-4p9kP6vCT2D3gZpaTKBKVbDvITJ8ceiXHiyLhEJO0NKPTM_8TnMgcPnWrJ35nblis5_b-uT_YpCEW-QbmOHOioAWPtg3BjNG982Xl4/s4032/she2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5FGwzTe6RyFRg_a1YIfdIhzPND2cF8mWD0fy-SPgv567WcDmj5habChHBQAFWgxbyQp-0yzBI2u1lFQyBOeb-4p9kP6vCT2D3gZpaTKBKVbDvITJ8ceiXHiyLhEJO0NKPTM_8TnMgcPnWrJ35nblis5_b-uT_YpCEW-QbmOHOioAWPtg3BjNG982Xl4/w300-h400/she2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a pleasure to look across a freshly<br />finished quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>While I don't <i>love</i> sewing letters and words together, I absolutely adore the look in my quilts. A necessary evil I guess you would call them. It's well worth the time and effort to do any and all of the things that make a quilt sing for you!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uHILiHIsTsRxjX2g0eSdHcW7e2_36w258M3u0ZqXZBpwMI42BzYzRjrZnp9xoToUSiTXn9Vu6NWvGgqmDHHXbnvuM4Or10W4-XEcvWdiZfOXKBu5F6kNv6umP2Eug_2RIXEIugrBWkJNi_GCrXxKDAsYc6pKYKfO9lVH6nQo_FnflRSAt4lpaBU2rWs/s4032/she3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uHILiHIsTsRxjX2g0eSdHcW7e2_36w258M3u0ZqXZBpwMI42BzYzRjrZnp9xoToUSiTXn9Vu6NWvGgqmDHHXbnvuM4Or10W4-XEcvWdiZfOXKBu5F6kNv6umP2Eug_2RIXEIugrBWkJNi_GCrXxKDAsYc6pKYKfO9lVH6nQo_FnflRSAt4lpaBU2rWs/w300-h400/she3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still wondering why these flowers didn't<br />need or seem to want leaves on the stems</td></tr></tbody></table>I wanted a strong, lively border for this quilt and pondered quite a few different variations of appliqued vines and flowers etc. Then I contemplated a pieced border or two. Eventually, I stumbled upon an idea that was well past its time--a clamshell border. Hmm... I love the look so very much but have been pretty much terrified of the idea. Why? I'm not really sure. I've been pinning clamshell quilts on Pinterest for years. Drooling over most every one. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEhf0w3SxxrQ4GZLyMXA9foeS3XG56kPqr9nugNIggUGtRRIpzuaLNjgxKNuSMcQxR2SNRgaV6_wvbMXnKS2s6HQUBYRQq0T8RQrERaESZM6nACdjX1U4Jnv4CLnoz7fuzE-j9ZO9myd1cl6rETzFFYqBegvtdlf55Bz3qG8TvTBHuwia93fHDi_2Lgc/s3699/she4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEhf0w3SxxrQ4GZLyMXA9foeS3XG56kPqr9nugNIggUGtRRIpzuaLNjgxKNuSMcQxR2SNRgaV6_wvbMXnKS2s6HQUBYRQq0T8RQrERaESZM6nACdjX1U4Jnv4CLnoz7fuzE-j9ZO9myd1cl6rETzFFYqBegvtdlf55Bz3qG8TvTBHuwia93fHDi_2Lgc/w328-h400/she4_Fotor.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very cozy look</td></tr></tbody></table>And this quilt jumped up and down for the idea and then wouldn't really allow anything else. Okay. Fine! Thankfully I found a tutorial or two that helped me get started. Once again, it wasn't nearly as difficult as my imaginations made it out to be. I didn't get it perfect or even close to perfect, but it works. It does the job. And I love what it does for the quilt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KYWHq8aEDHObdHbU5pDDPpwR9pzs9c_FA2ToZRsHf40j9i_HItZoVcrXi68msqfHnDBRs0DhiXnezD4meuzC1GvO4jTlmvzVALnuywXGPaEmWgwCjhJY4eA6935Po6bqeIkEDH_mhipqqIJ0133OIoVkonjhdVSxf12gghh126WYfx8nozOm5tuGrdw/s4032/she5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KYWHq8aEDHObdHbU5pDDPpwR9pzs9c_FA2ToZRsHf40j9i_HItZoVcrXi68msqfHnDBRs0DhiXnezD4meuzC1GvO4jTlmvzVALnuywXGPaEmWgwCjhJY4eA6935Po6bqeIkEDH_mhipqqIJ0133OIoVkonjhdVSxf12gghh126WYfx8nozOm5tuGrdw/w400-h300/she5_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The words here are so good</td></tr></tbody></table>This has become one of my very favorite quilts that I've ever completed to date. Just so much to love about it! The hand quilting ended up being straight lines and a basic shadow quilting in the border. Nothing fancy. Nothing pretentious. Just a cozy, lovely handmade vibe throughout. Lots of old, languishing fabrics included in this quilt too! Weird colored blue fabrics that I was unsure if they could ever find a proper home. Isn't it so much fun to find the perfect pairing of inspiration, fabric and heart in one of our makes?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqXoerxfqG-qyJuHqUeWVEsf6-EWwo9dk0AlwIdKNkH16AQ0koyUiac0t_IkesOqAQPRURXmjVhxmmou9DH4bpAs8zdbt3N23a5OpbVkbgXPvPv_gmKQNUlbKG1b6NQrXKF6c-NrxvPQo9ausr5rZQcB-yEruq2JTRoJ9YdtLUqeaLwMbrgK5dpQjy_w/s3218/she6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3218" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqXoerxfqG-qyJuHqUeWVEsf6-EWwo9dk0AlwIdKNkH16AQ0koyUiac0t_IkesOqAQPRURXmjVhxmmou9DH4bpAs8zdbt3N23a5OpbVkbgXPvPv_gmKQNUlbKG1b6NQrXKF6c-NrxvPQo9ausr5rZQcB-yEruq2JTRoJ9YdtLUqeaLwMbrgK5dpQjy_w/w376-h400/she6_Fotor.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another finish for 2024</td></tr></tbody></table>The 'Improv. HST Medallion' quilt is the second quilt to be completed this winter. I have been slowly, slowly plugging along on the hand quilting for the past couple months. The center area of the quilt was a bit intimidating, so I went ahead and did a free hand {repeat} circle pattern. It's a little wobbly in a couple areas, but I think you have to be fairly critical to be bothered by that. I'm definitely not.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnifuO4gX2aYwMe4c49f2eJ_NRK0JsbM3Wy4Wh8H6R4pLFEzAD24DIrwg495lyVoWUTcM_R6GHlh99sZH4djf1OC33cJaP3PgZUPWeWZKiaK2OTn_kujiUHRwwTB9X1QY241perrTb638WD5Cp8P2ofU82pM5ROceVc7vZQW8cV1aVLL5Bx5xDB5O8SI/s3828/she7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3828" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnifuO4gX2aYwMe4c49f2eJ_NRK0JsbM3Wy4Wh8H6R4pLFEzAD24DIrwg495lyVoWUTcM_R6GHlh99sZH4djf1OC33cJaP3PgZUPWeWZKiaK2OTn_kujiUHRwwTB9X1QY241perrTb638WD5Cp8P2ofU82pM5ROceVc7vZQW8cV1aVLL5Bx5xDB5O8SI/s320/she7_Fotor.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's got the good vibes too</div>This quilt was started from {an almost expired} stack of marinating fabrics and <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2021/02/here-little-there-little.html">a rebellious sort of inspiration</a>. Do you ever get the urge to make a looser, wilder version of something you've already made?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1S66H2U0SDxr9EJFVThCsRqXYLigrIkdjzkDpz0KbaT6HJjZFigPYMo_Lrj1Ku0BZJIoN7D1JMVKK4zD809cZqCi_ltlIHTypR1l3YAnCVutcLoa-AdWq-EYys_de5HtEMEn593vBZfrPskef2hHKPfTb0X19ionIBDYy14BUD5OczWCL-K52qYaP54/s3790/she8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3790" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1S66H2U0SDxr9EJFVThCsRqXYLigrIkdjzkDpz0KbaT6HJjZFigPYMo_Lrj1Ku0BZJIoN7D1JMVKK4zD809cZqCi_ltlIHTypR1l3YAnCVutcLoa-AdWq-EYys_de5HtEMEn593vBZfrPskef2hHKPfTb0X19ionIBDYy14BUD5OczWCL-K52qYaP54/w319-h400/she8_Fotor.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't imagi8ne this one without the applique</td></tr></tbody></table>I love when inspiration hits so sure and true for a certain stack of fabric. I mean, seriously, where else could these purple and cheddar fabrics have played so wonderfully well together? Without looking stodgy and staid like the unmarried aunties? This quilt is a perfect example of why I'm often so very reluctant to send oldish, simmering fabric stacks right back to the totes. What if they just haven't reached their prime together yet? What if there is something bright and shiny just waiting to burst into being and we're simply waiting on the key?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjXgeJicD1lKPfyD0hClc01SW-bazEGAruFGIiDbZobyI_p6L5foPkyhrX_-P9AhKDvgjTFmg_O8lMbWc2MZBEj-kEU0NInyT3_x_662YTbCTzv7YuTQkXllrHLdpDP2ewr66IqdU-pvy1F10g0l8fzjZcOvsOOGilQw3X7xVxA-t7w3qWY-0uxKg6oE/s4032/she9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjXgeJicD1lKPfyD0hClc01SW-bazEGAruFGIiDbZobyI_p6L5foPkyhrX_-P9AhKDvgjTFmg_O8lMbWc2MZBEj-kEU0NInyT3_x_662YTbCTzv7YuTQkXllrHLdpDP2ewr66IqdU-pvy1F10g0l8fzjZcOvsOOGilQw3X7xVxA-t7w3qWY-0uxKg6oE/w300-h400/she9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little bit of pink makes it all better</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm often blown away by the influence of working on older quilts and then starting the new ones. The fact that my skills, mojo, confidence, stubbornness, secret quilt longings and <i>timing</i> seemingly all come together to spark some of the <b>best </b>quilt ideas! It's not coincidence at all.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Pak79T9J4MwOcL6c1Wyflqx9iwZRxfOHx_bQCU97NobMBM3rb0bKfUzAWttMlmDXP_o9e7nkIKYa5IXJmEGUjoItA2IQsSmie4E__pmey07pzxsvznZNj7-Rt7H5kwCJKf3DHdJjKGiy6oExyd3t6Xioc2VdQxTKS32w19D76-Ie64XJgZwrWJ5rbrc/s4032/she91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Pak79T9J4MwOcL6c1Wyflqx9iwZRxfOHx_bQCU97NobMBM3rb0bKfUzAWttMlmDXP_o9e7nkIKYa5IXJmEGUjoItA2IQsSmie4E__pmey07pzxsvznZNj7-Rt7H5kwCJKf3DHdJjKGiy6oExyd3t6Xioc2VdQxTKS32w19D76-Ie64XJgZwrWJ5rbrc/w300-h400/she91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter light makes it look more blue</td></tr></tbody></table>This quilt is also a recipient of my late crush on working with tulip motifs. Does it ever get old to hand stitch sweet little tulips to a quilt? I have to practically force myself to use alternate flower shapes, but then, unerringly, I come back to the tried and true, beautiful little tulip shape.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26STdgE4eyIo8DCkoRUjcsCo3w3puvDtLgnSABqAlwXT92NGl7pNvqkTLhMgOh0YmLM3I0l28uH-6Q0-Tt207iIFkfrm6BPzmfhbAN8NknPhLAu6UnLM-PSfsexEvsxfYvvfp6RvrmWoyBlEZEAUqALrYFlijvn3DbcOabQNVJK9SMDqDuvotgHhhIS0/s3935/she92_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26STdgE4eyIo8DCkoRUjcsCo3w3puvDtLgnSABqAlwXT92NGl7pNvqkTLhMgOh0YmLM3I0l28uH-6Q0-Tt207iIFkfrm6BPzmfhbAN8NknPhLAu6UnLM-PSfsexEvsxfYvvfp6RvrmWoyBlEZEAUqALrYFlijvn3DbcOabQNVJK9SMDqDuvotgHhhIS0/w308-h400/she92_Fotor.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad for the outside border. This quilt <br />definitely needed the last little bit of darker color</td></tr></tbody></table>Because, why not? And looky, looky what they did for this bold, graphic look quilt? Almost instantaneously turned it into a 'me' quilt. Isn't that cool? Gotta love when our quilting voice comes through load and clear no matter the colors in the quilt. I may lean hard to the more mellow colors in most of my makes, but even the craziest color palettes can end up with this cozy, comfy, cuddle-up-with-me vibe that makes this quilty heart melt....<br /><div><br /><br /><p><br /></p></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-39142957402294717642024-02-05T15:28:00.000-08:002024-02-05T15:28:08.125-08:00All the 2023 Quilty Finishes {Finally!} & A Little Bramble Blooms Progress<p> A belated look-back at all the 2023 finishes here at Quilty Folk! Once again, life has gotten in the way of my quilty forward progress. What a shock and surprise, right? I must be human.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS7JSqcH7MuTnJa1AihCxCqWzMKpoKazehNVIEjmJrEds7RYuS7uMeZJHgy2zi7XBQu_3wy-qP6VVt101q_YO7nzjnGfXLwVsW5VMMZSifRZRO4CIVVECMTUW5oXO3fubYq2R2feX6ry6Z8lYAmKKu5NqmpiZIKKc0LVd4hRQZdtiw-W8XC9vUe86K1M/s2800/Collage_Fotorcollage2023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS7JSqcH7MuTnJa1AihCxCqWzMKpoKazehNVIEjmJrEds7RYuS7uMeZJHgy2zi7XBQu_3wy-qP6VVt101q_YO7nzjnGfXLwVsW5VMMZSifRZRO4CIVVECMTUW5oXO3fubYq2R2feX6ry6Z8lYAmKKu5NqmpiZIKKc0LVd4hRQZdtiw-W8XC9vUe86K1M/w640-h640/Collage_Fotorcollage2023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2023 Finishes--A</td></tr></tbody></table>It was a very slow year for quilt finishes, coming in at 10 quilt total. Considering all that went on last year though, I feel like it was an amazing feat. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3pHBZcQo_WNeqKRQWfs9l71qCY9aHBX8gsH0TCjBUGQEIRuACcpFHOm8AQnm5ALT4GGbaBJtBUkIGElsCSFY9sDEWiCjt-9Xelz36Q-ZCpPOjhGaxLhE1C3AsVFmTPBHQ4PEYQMcemBvYcwrld9XnYrwK4Qeqf7aH4hDali5xJlEU-0lVhH3ojBDJLQ/s2800/Collage_Fotorcollage2023B.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3pHBZcQo_WNeqKRQWfs9l71qCY9aHBX8gsH0TCjBUGQEIRuACcpFHOm8AQnm5ALT4GGbaBJtBUkIGElsCSFY9sDEWiCjt-9Xelz36Q-ZCpPOjhGaxLhE1C3AsVFmTPBHQ4PEYQMcemBvYcwrld9XnYrwK4Qeqf7aH4hDali5xJlEU-0lVhH3ojBDJLQ/w640-h640/Collage_Fotorcollage2023B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2023 Finishes--B</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since I'm throwing this up on the blog for my own benefit, it's probably best to keep it brief.<div><br /></div><div>The 2023 Finished Quilt Details:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 Baby Quilts</li><li>1 Lap sized Quilt</li><li>6 Bed sized Quilts</li><li>9 Quilts totally Hand Quilted</li><li>1 Quilt mixed Hand and Machine Quilted</li></ul><div>As a note of interest, I gifted 12 quilts last year, which is more than I finished. Hmm... You'd think the stacks would be smaller by now? But no. That's not how it seems to work. Gifting quilts is really good for the soul and making friends though, so I guess I'm fine with that! Another item of note is that the quilt top drawers are getting easier to shut. By the end of 2023, there was only 20 tops left and 2 of them were donations from my sister a few years ago. Not really something that I'm stressing about ever finishing if you want to know the truth of it. Like I've mentioned before, they will probably end up as quilt backing some day. I'm just not that invested in them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Another interesting thing is that I finished quite a few larger quilts last year. With lots and lots of hand quilting. Even if hardly anything else got done, I still managed some hoop time. That's NOT been the case this year. My hand quilting time has dropped to just a couple evenings a week the last couple months. So many things are getting in the way of my quality hoop time. Just drives me crazy, but what do you do? </div><div><br /></div><div>Just for the record and journaling purposes: I started out 2023 sicker than I've even been and of course that took awhile to power through and catch up from. Then we had our youngest sons wedding at the end of April. Our oldest daughter had her first child in August and somewhere in the middle was two wedding weekends for a niece and nephew who we feel quite close to. Lots of family shenanigans to attend to as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the year also ended with my husband being sicker than he's ever been and now, somehow we're already in February of 2024. Whew. I'm still right smack in the middle of caretaking, which is <i>not nearly as fun as quilting</i>. We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel thankful for any improvements as they are all quite hard won. Thank you all once again for your many messages of love and encouragement in this hard time. Priorities definitely ebb and flow throughout our lives don't they?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovlWuCWcEs98tmZzB34gayjLgGv_R5CpQ-0adhv0geWuJyCc84L73ClpEXmFFaY8pPWxl-Y5cLl1KY3CEExgD-aykxcx_95Zdk3L8bPZTIP8gpDRp0KziKMuqCn5j-QBTKAzVTO3avN-rrVxJoQNH0MIV-CDWd2dcqx4THEp-o4lZ5c7zC4MByPu_9Dk/s2519/b_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2519" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovlWuCWcEs98tmZzB34gayjLgGv_R5CpQ-0adhv0geWuJyCc84L73ClpEXmFFaY8pPWxl-Y5cLl1KY3CEExgD-aykxcx_95Zdk3L8bPZTIP8gpDRp0KziKMuqCn5j-QBTKAzVTO3avN-rrVxJoQNH0MIV-CDWd2dcqx4THEp-o4lZ5c7zC4MByPu_9Dk/w366-h400/b_Fotor.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving along</td></tr></tbody></table>Starting the Bramble Blooms QAL seemed like an exciting adventure back when the momentum was carrying me along with the inspiration and initial drive. Now, it's one of the few quilty things that I can think about without feeling completely overwhelmed and uninspired. Most days. Maybe just a little bit blank around the edges of my brain sometimes? Or panic that I might be letting you down? Uggh. There's so much to appreciate though: Using up the Oldy moldy fabric, an easy-peasy medallion quilt plan of attack, Improv-ish, open-ended, loosey-goosey style? Nothing to fret about or bother getting overly excited about, right? Except for the issue of time.*sigh</div><div><br /></div><div>So yeah. Time is definitely problematic these days. Both for finding enough time in the day to do the applique work and then the computer time for posting. Wowsers, has that been a tough one! I keep telling myself that I did in fact warn everyone about the slower pace of this QAL. It's either bag the whole project or just keep plugging away at it and find the joy where it comes. You know me. Gonna keep after it until the challenge runs cold.</div><div><br /></div><div>The picture above is the current state of my BBI. Both the top and bottom borders have been stitched down and all that is left for stitching on the side panels is the leaves. I have them pinned where they will probably stay. Still deliberating whether or not to remove a leaf or two from the top and bottom border and thinking yeah. Might as well leave them alone now. Afterall, it's extra work to take them off! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I keep making these flaky little mistakes {so surprising considering my state of distraction these days}. Right now the quarter triangle corner blocks are just a wee bit too small for seamlessly sewing onto the centerpiece. I've already cut the coping border down once, but may have to trim a little more off. Or maybe trim a bit of fabric off of the outside of the applique borders? Regardless, this phase of the quilt is very, very close to being done. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I'm really liking the end result thus far! As per usual, I am a little shocked and dumbfounded by how interesting this older fabric can be made to look. It's nothing new to me as I've had this result before. But it always, <b>always</b> amazes me because in the fabric stack, the whole thing just looked pretty dismal if you know what I mean! </div><div><br /></div><div>I managed to squeeze in enough time to scroll though all the blogs and instagram accounts that have been linked up to the QAL. Very exciting work! Many lovely, exciting creations to contemplate and be inspired by! Wish I could be more present on the blogs especially but maybe later. I'm very encouraged by the creativity and courage many of you have displayed in branching out with this strange little QAL. I'm hoping that if you manage to push through with the details in the first quilt, then my thoughts pertaining to inspiration and the connection to series work will start to coalesce in the 2nd and 3rd. It's a bit of a slog at first I know, but we have to get some foundational work in place before we can begin to build on anything personal.</div><div> </div><div>I can't promise any hard and fast date, but my plan is to move directly into action with the next border phase of BBI. There is quite a bit of organization involved so please bear with me. Crossing my fingers I'll have all the details together before the end of February at the very least if not the six weeks I was originally hoping for. Don't be afraid to email me if you have a late start and want to be added to the link list!</div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-36009317481347101312024-01-05T19:57:00.000-08:002024-01-05T19:57:18.850-08:00Next Prompt for the Bramble Blooms QAL<p>I'm back! XXXX Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and prayers, well wishes and check-ins. My husband is doing marginally better and we're very thankful for any and all progress. It just seems like time to throw some energy at this QAL. Avoiding leftover Christmas calories and cleaning up after the grandkids {though we adore them} is just not doing it for me! Please bear with me through this next phase as I'm a bit frazzled and wooly headed these days. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjammjDP9ni-_zyKizkJQot1CiuplICXbLqxLnFCvQynzRoEsde-LQF5cCOZKGdirGrTCnrvXZW9l1qN6OFPRBHkIVyxGGebJ_17ad0fsAT91sWe0w8spINcm_rNNdD1Nayd2rIjLPZYx0cqotN5MKinrNjogTAa5eGFqxNtgJ-z5AqgdX56M_-pVE664U/s4032/bram_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjammjDP9ni-_zyKizkJQot1CiuplICXbLqxLnFCvQynzRoEsde-LQF5cCOZKGdirGrTCnrvXZW9l1qN6OFPRBHkIVyxGGebJ_17ad0fsAT91sWe0w8spINcm_rNNdD1Nayd2rIjLPZYx0cqotN5MKinrNjogTAa5eGFqxNtgJ-z5AqgdX56M_-pVE664U/w300-h400/bram_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the start of border #1--<br />still have some decisions to make</td></tr></tbody></table>Okay, here we go: The Bramble Bloom QAL is a very free spirited, improv. sort of endeavor as you all know. That makes it extremely interesting to try and convey that same message, all while setting up a structure for the less confident of you to follow. Ack!! Please feel free to take what you will from what is presented and know there is zero pressure to conform.<div><br /></div><div>BRAMBLE BLOOM 1ST BORDER: </div><div>The next prompt for BB1 is this: Add a border with repeat applique motifs to your centerpiece, with quarter-triangle style cornerstone blocks. This border can be absolutely any width you choose. If you can't bring yourself to add more applique to this 1st quilt, then I suggest making a border of extremely simple (yet bold looking) pieced blocks such as the chunky cross blocks.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you do applique repeats, they can be as simple as turning a leaf on its side or using a circle shape. Let's not delve into vines just yet as they will be a feature in the 2nd quilt.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adding a coping border is totally up to you, but completely secondary. It will always be an option to add coping borders to any of these Bramble Blooms quilts without counting as an official border. </div><div><br /></div><div>The cornerstone blocks can be any version of quarter triangles you like. Make them simple, scrappy, free-style or whatever else you come up with. Put fabric strips through the middle or not. Sew applique over the top if that appeals! It's completely your choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, go forth and make your fabulous border! Or... follow along for a little bit more guidance and hand holding. I'm good with either.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9wF_sHy5WYu5L6xswzkfNmexuRTrCbF2KiP8C8JZc6zpBcXoFQcY18fWXv7EWebUIbTHP1QvOrrN9DR_Z70Hc_2oiK0-0sWH-jiXU5iqi3GiyBiw1po9lVwXyWUtEA3HwMW4aPvTx35_A2kpF40DK_KF8KvBokWmRQqNM3Boh9DOy3vqmUoURMifY48/s3198/bram1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3198" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9wF_sHy5WYu5L6xswzkfNmexuRTrCbF2KiP8C8JZc6zpBcXoFQcY18fWXv7EWebUIbTHP1QvOrrN9DR_Z70Hc_2oiK0-0sWH-jiXU5iqi3GiyBiw1po9lVwXyWUtEA3HwMW4aPvTx35_A2kpF40DK_KF8KvBokWmRQqNM3Boh9DOy3vqmUoURMifY48/w379-h400/bram1_Fotor.jpg" width="379" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a pink border?</td></tr></tbody></table>GETTING STARTED WITH A BORDER PLAN: Let's start with color. With a project like this, where I'm starting from an intentional fabric stack, I tend to spend quite a bit of time 'auditioning' fabric colors. You can see that I played with pink as the next surround.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_-1Q1yiDxXiS5fiVX5jWwzL-w5udLPuJUA1Vt8VTxq5cUQHlxk6K_SRu6ogN4TBbcIlUobAE-CVs7hLRbBebbZw0Hogbq2s019GntgYO-khHo_qu-Jx691nqz9rnd014LubTPDXTzAEzEBa7jCK3Nv7fhjEFG_pd_ExZ7CMxRqmiQMWKdCMp6qrBsoc/s3485/bram11_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3485" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_-1Q1yiDxXiS5fiVX5jWwzL-w5udLPuJUA1Vt8VTxq5cUQHlxk6K_SRu6ogN4TBbcIlUobAE-CVs7hLRbBebbZw0Hogbq2s019GntgYO-khHo_qu-Jx691nqz9rnd014LubTPDXTzAEzEBa7jCK3Nv7fhjEFG_pd_ExZ7CMxRqmiQMWKdCMp6qrBsoc/w348-h400/bram11_Fotor.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really thought this would be it!</td></tr></tbody></table>Then I looked at the rusty tan fabrics. Honestly, this was what I had my heart set on using here, but then I was supremely unimpressed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikKe0hnwU7p7wGZuHGfH5O53CjSY9e7Em_eiBUGayDwrAfIMTsXCDv5f9RLvJNsabscInNvd0Sdm-Cz281R7hByN0CDjPOvwiFlBub8Q1fcS5VxrWlfcvuU21HzJqaiE3-C29IDQWQs8cznuGqb8Fp_DDomNW4KVFaT1mYB768qTFEWx4NYea-1XB-eg/s3676/bram12_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3676" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikKe0hnwU7p7wGZuHGfH5O53CjSY9e7Em_eiBUGayDwrAfIMTsXCDv5f9RLvJNsabscInNvd0Sdm-Cz281R7hByN0CDjPOvwiFlBub8Q1fcS5VxrWlfcvuU21HzJqaiE3-C29IDQWQs8cznuGqb8Fp_DDomNW4KVFaT1mYB768qTFEWx4NYea-1XB-eg/w329-h400/bram12_Fotor.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was always pretty sure this wasn't it....</td></tr></tbody></table>Then there was the dark brown, because you just never know!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96bj319Hz4JFeeup_6aqJf3NndFxNHXuFwtzryNrsKgAat-2LnZOkIGnbGjFqsgTG4cutZjowBrBMFqQU_p-6cp4AadF6qa-5P3UesGI_rKfq4h5hGW2i0WW3vW0lZsXdwuyTCW6AXPzBD7133PAIw0fISuGbQMkWXErv4zCw5o7wQqxXKmGOHNr6tLM/s4032/bram13_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96bj319Hz4JFeeup_6aqJf3NndFxNHXuFwtzryNrsKgAat-2LnZOkIGnbGjFqsgTG4cutZjowBrBMFqQU_p-6cp4AadF6qa-5P3UesGI_rKfq4h5hGW2i0WW3vW0lZsXdwuyTCW6AXPzBD7133PAIw0fISuGbQMkWXErv4zCw5o7wQqxXKmGOHNr6tLM/w300-h400/bram13_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A green border is a total surprise to me.,..,</td></tr></tbody></table>And then I threw the light green fabric up on the wall and found myself feeling all the feels. So surprising, but the quilt made it clear that it actually had a preference! I didn't even bother to audition the red fabrics as my mind was made up just that quickly. If you don't get that particular vibe, then just go with whatever fabric you want to use up right away. There are no right or wrong answers here. You can also wait and go with what makes sense after you decide on the applique or piecing plan. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pJpJSZ4kEk_0DmP3XEFMbSAizRlbYizNzqgm5h4DKWLD6Jd8fCFrzZCiqL3Lkv44c0SjWs1oALFSmk7BnXE6eKWGQkYb1SKPaRDoYCFlHbzWI00KlZzXrW8cpyLhmOgaahTRJWcqbz_aH6v1aRg6SG6T8W9vPobFQhAlquEJG75uM2Y_g6-kV80hHs/s3273/bram2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3273" data-original-width="3020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pJpJSZ4kEk_0DmP3XEFMbSAizRlbYizNzqgm5h4DKWLD6Jd8fCFrzZCiqL3Lkv44c0SjWs1oALFSmk7BnXE6eKWGQkYb1SKPaRDoYCFlHbzWI00KlZzXrW8cpyLhmOgaahTRJWcqbz_aH6v1aRg6SG6T8W9vPobFQhAlquEJG75uM2Y_g6-kV80hHs/w369-h400/bram2_Fotor.jpg" width="369" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking about a coping border</td></tr></tbody></table>COPING BORDER OR NOT? </div><div>Since the potential 1st border fabric is already up on the wall, then it's a good time to play around with the idea of adding in a coping border. You can do this before or after making a plan for the applique. All of our minds work differently! To be clear, we don't need a coping border for the traditional role of making this border fit well. There's not going to be any measurement issues whatsoever if you're doing applique repeats on the border. It would only be needed as a color accent or perhaps for a subtle framing of the centerpiece. Only you and the quilt can decide if this will be wanted or necessary!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see that I contemplated using a chocolate brown fabric for a coping border in the picture up above. It looks kinda blah. In the picture below, I mulled over the benefits of using a busy, cherry red fabric as coping border. I'm not even sure the quilt needs it, but sometimes I'm a sucker for trying to use up certain fabrics <i>just because</i>!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9x7TW_9HiQUX_B0fcTs6J0uSyPv7rYiM5mcSfjLldu5wobMKai7S6ikIMfgBOyC-7ZWuRyIwsvxxnKlvlWFw1YTcEFjyquefQrCv2_ABHTEFChe8raWBNSsGfpOdAQkCRruvxeB7unGv8mC6zrfN3QvUx5LWsTaSQBaavXQL8ygoUgV4fPlfGXzq1TA/s3523/bram21_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3523" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9x7TW_9HiQUX_B0fcTs6J0uSyPv7rYiM5mcSfjLldu5wobMKai7S6ikIMfgBOyC-7ZWuRyIwsvxxnKlvlWFw1YTcEFjyquefQrCv2_ABHTEFChe8raWBNSsGfpOdAQkCRruvxeB7unGv8mC6zrfN3QvUx5LWsTaSQBaavXQL8ygoUgV4fPlfGXzq1TA/w344-h400/bram21_Fotor.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking myself into one so I can use this<br />specific fabric.....</td></tr></tbody></table>DECISIONS, DECISIONS: I am a big fan of auditioning color and fabric at different stages in the improv. quilt making process. That's partly why I love this approach so much. Comparing and contrasting what makes certain color combinations sing just gives me a thrill. I absolutely can and do experiment at whim! All you have to do is change the amounts of which color or value you use and wallah! Something in the quilt wakes up and starts making everything around it look so much better.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuLYOVD0x_BFAklnXh8nzsF1JJ4jJOov9hxoTSrsmM9defdiejORXx3FR4KdCDC3hllehRtT5AsN7h42P6AHVTbcfcBalB-mDtc88VB2JcYe4boeCw33TOqJspLcHIc8v3LgYEn29m4LMZROGYEEjRWeKJwHdtohhLd-566f9-U5UO_Pf9OlzqBWFTK8/s3461/bram3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3461" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuLYOVD0x_BFAklnXh8nzsF1JJ4jJOov9hxoTSrsmM9defdiejORXx3FR4KdCDC3hllehRtT5AsN7h42P6AHVTbcfcBalB-mDtc88VB2JcYe4boeCw33TOqJspLcHIc8v3LgYEn29m4LMZROGYEEjRWeKJwHdtohhLd-566f9-U5UO_Pf9OlzqBWFTK8/w350-h400/bram3_Fotor.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with the possible applique shape<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />BORDER APPLIQUE:</div><div>I settled on these twigs with berries and leaves for my border applique as it suits the Bramble Blooms theme. I've admired them forever which makes it super easy to figure out a quilt that desperately needs them! {Inspiration pic is several pictures below because I'm working on my husband's Surface Pro in the living room instead of my familiar desktop. Uggh.} </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course I won't be making exact copies of the original. How boring would that be? Instead, I doodled a slightly chunkier version of them and then cut out a paper template {see <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2023/11/bramble-blooms-qal-applique-centerpiece.html">this post</a> for tips}. You can see that I went ahead and cut the template out with the leaves attached, just until I get a good idea of how much room they will be taking up on my potential border. Go ahead and draw up some ideas for your border applique and play with how they might look on various widths of the potential border fabric. You could make a very narrow border here as your first border or something quite a bit wider like mine. Don't be afraid to draw up different heights of your potential applique motifs tool. It's whatever you think the quilt needs or maybe, whatever you're in the mood to sew on at this time.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CJChFPW3kwVCCMItp-SBEXA73yXbyJ9D4ijaF-ci-2T_0K1clXpU2pmvQQAllbU3Ro8Le0DrkzOZSEsFXAVC_-_YPXPQPGOrxLpzgFIlbORT8OTqXVld9otDGVYPbwhBuWJFId_fK2hPxwMcAUX3ba71PHVgaaNSiN-9TldbRqRsUqFc6jFWsJo68TI/s4032/bram4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CJChFPW3kwVCCMItp-SBEXA73yXbyJ9D4ijaF-ci-2T_0K1clXpU2pmvQQAllbU3Ro8Le0DrkzOZSEsFXAVC_-_YPXPQPGOrxLpzgFIlbORT8OTqXVld9otDGVYPbwhBuWJFId_fK2hPxwMcAUX3ba71PHVgaaNSiN-9TldbRqRsUqFc6jFWsJo68TI/w300-h400/bram4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This width is what I liked best</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As an aside, after I measured the border width that worked best for my applique motifs, then I went ahead and measured for the possibility of an added coping strip. Will I? Still not sure, but there's no time like the present to take that measurement.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPnp-tFUU9EWQg74G477hCviIRF3OtPp0FNhQKy8r-q0zWcHWdfRMoz7ciwEkgC9scK0nXOAROJ-CgLK7dM8w0FrAfpp8xs-LV9V7Vkn9MTwa8ZyY2HyFFmCBp0aKvG6LoKa15FIAJZHTJPKMRpneBpzB_9luZHqtY8G3xhkIW_duzNz6bbLAwKyCMLI/s4032/bram41_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPnp-tFUU9EWQg74G477hCviIRF3OtPp0FNhQKy8r-q0zWcHWdfRMoz7ciwEkgC9scK0nXOAROJ-CgLK7dM8w0FrAfpp8xs-LV9V7Vkn9MTwa8ZyY2HyFFmCBp0aKvG6LoKa15FIAJZHTJPKMRpneBpzB_9luZHqtY8G3xhkIW_duzNz6bbLAwKyCMLI/w300-h400/bram41_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I do a coping border, I like this width here</td></tr></tbody></table>BORDER FABRICS:'</div><div>Next up, you'll want to figure out exactly which fabrics will be included in your border. I put the dark red and darkest brown fabrics up near my applique template thinking they might would work nicely for the applique repeats. I'll put them together for future perusal, but remember, I'm still in auditioning phase, nothing is settled yet. Only working on my plan of attack. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't have a single large piece of yardage for the border lengths, it's easy enough to use several pieces of smaller yardage in different, yet similar-look fabrics. Move them around until you get a nice flow or a perhaps a lovely blending. Don't get stressed about fabrics matching perfectly! So unimportant. This is another moment in the quilt to add energy and spark in a casual way. Notice that I like to keep things interesting and stretch the value quite a bit in terms of range. Might not be your cup of tea so don't push this if it makes you feel uncomfortable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I have the fabrics arranged approximately where I think they will land, then I start cutting the chosen border fabrics out in the intended width. Go ahead and cut them out longer than the intended use. The measurements I am using here are 7 1/2" wide {7" plus seam allowance} x however long the piece of fabric is. If I have two fabrics picked out for a single border length, then the combined piece will at least have to measure the side of the centerpiece that I'm sewing it onto.</div><div><br />Before you cut out your border lengths, do make sure you've included allowance for the coping border addition if that's part of your plan. Believe it or not, it does add inches onto your centerpiece once it's sewn on! Don't do like I did and put that decision off until afterwards and then think, 'Hmm..., how is this going to work?' It's hard sometimes not to get caught up in the flow of ideas and thoughts, jumping ahead and missing a critical step.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO1pkzXFL_O1lW9Ibq5VZUs3tCNKQpJEQdCvWmAJv6fXUw5G3icNLTgBnKXt-4v6GUuaI8xUX5uUlBU1TmAhnyjzyz_5edadJ7R_Ee2XEmZxVDxZBAUUS3HmHGm604djm1qpa-sNKYa5jTwCHI-sSHvyO0JItgv2KIswyi5dL1abZyPgLSXej9FUwN7Y/s3371/bram5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3371" data-original-width="2974" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO1pkzXFL_O1lW9Ibq5VZUs3tCNKQpJEQdCvWmAJv6fXUw5G3icNLTgBnKXt-4v6GUuaI8xUX5uUlBU1TmAhnyjzyz_5edadJ7R_Ee2XEmZxVDxZBAUUS3HmHGm604djm1qpa-sNKYa5jTwCHI-sSHvyO0JItgv2KIswyi5dL1abZyPgLSXej9FUwN7Y/w353-h400/bram5_Fotor.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The berries will probably look better if they're<br />slightly different than the red in the center</td></tr></tbody></table>When {or if} I include a coping border into the quilt, I'm going to have to make sure the cornerstone blocks are as wide as the border width and coping border widths combined. I somehow got ahead of myself and did the cuts based on the centerpiece measurements alone without any coping border add-ons. Ha! That's the kind of 'oops' that often happens in Improv. quiltmaking around here, espcially when there are lots of distractions. While frustrating at times, thankfully it's not usually a game changer. Just a matter of figuring out how to address the situation, either fixing it or making do.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUfYGVhSJEs1HqviBSGmtVZJD1tkMMhtWiGyw50DWYFyioSQB9UOJwWp0wcvj2zOxxM-WMKHXNQD_HtDF4_tOFRlOYmJJvmgVTOvn63vYG10SMc9cuDS7J9YZJBaMUuPtS64V1gAWOw9hcU3YDCoRtEwDGg7REy9VdER2jOgm_zS-5OkOvM-zJtdeIiE/s4032/bram51_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUfYGVhSJEs1HqviBSGmtVZJD1tkMMhtWiGyw50DWYFyioSQB9UOJwWp0wcvj2zOxxM-WMKHXNQD_HtDF4_tOFRlOYmJJvmgVTOvn63vYG10SMc9cuDS7J9YZJBaMUuPtS64V1gAWOw9hcU3YDCoRtEwDGg7REy9VdER2jOgm_zS-5OkOvM-zJtdeIiE/w300-h400/bram51_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skinny strips are very sweet on <br />this quarter triangle look block</td></tr></tbody></table>So now you'll want to come up with four cornerstone blocks in a basic quarter-triangle arrangement. You can add in strips of fabric through the middle with a little connector square. Or maybe no to the connector square? Totally up to you! </div><div><br /></div><div>For this cornerstone block, I cut a square of brown fabric just larger than the green border widths, on the diagonal both directions. Not worried about precise measurements as I can easily trim to size before adding to border panels! I only have enough of this brown fabric left to cut two squares but I love it enough to try and work it into the quilt regardless. This means I'll have to cut two more squares in a different brown fabric {if I want to keep the brown throughout}. Will probably sew a combination of the two fabrics into all four blocks so they look uniform, it's easy enough to do! I'll sew the longish pink strips and a green connector square through the middle and iron carefully. After that, I'll have to trim the blocks somewhat in order to achieve the correct measurement.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again, feel free to make up your own quarter triangle block using a pattern, formula or whatever else works well for you. Make it improv. and wonky, all the colors in the quilt or sedate and traditional looking. You can even sew them together in the same fabrics as your border panels. We'll be using a version of this block in future Bramble Bloom quilts, so keep good notes if you like what you end up with!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpjAtDnjqxmPVfryZIH8V_nZhoLAYktiRAJMsu3lwaN7d3lHe0_6pC3KUYh22TxrztPvEEMmufpMSuzo7jeHzCTY3sdbYp5qrhNPn1ehcIOLh0WPhS8d8CHEkk-NWytJgHqrBvQoSL1kFUpEHhYX2vYV_quOlTCyxZizGZuzkZX3vKY9XumLNuNlpbSY/s3856/bram6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="3012" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpjAtDnjqxmPVfryZIH8V_nZhoLAYktiRAJMsu3lwaN7d3lHe0_6pC3KUYh22TxrztPvEEMmufpMSuzo7jeHzCTY3sdbYp5qrhNPn1ehcIOLh0WPhS8d8CHEkk-NWytJgHqrBvQoSL1kFUpEHhYX2vYV_quOlTCyxZizGZuzkZX3vKY9XumLNuNlpbSY/w313-h400/bram6_Fotor.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inspiration picture--<br />totally in the wrong place in the post<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At some point, you should have a firm grasp on most of the variables needed to move forward. Once you do, go ahead and start cutting your border fabric lengths. If you get in the habit of cutting {and sewing} the combined lengths extra long, you can play with them arranged right next to the centerpiece. This seriously helps in determining where to make the first cut, which then allows you to easily measure out the proper border length from <i>that specific point</i>. This is so much more straightforward {to me} than trying to figure out the exact, perfect measurement {per fabric} prior to making the initial cuts. Also, when using multiple fabrics, you don't usually want the seam to fall dead center. It just looks odd. Shift the panels from side to side until there is a more pleasing vibe.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62zXNm2_FbgdqeNvV2ZxULhPDS5xf2p6NAfhLBmE4RySWHsyEQNYYA1ScRpw1XgWVtW6-HpzubT2JfT09YKJY0kp5PaDKYb8puQTXU9wXQM-k0WCSNssrenBVU77wymwUx-8lr5CZwndwclWmT4bNSuk8OfS_5aXMFlEpzBwLAGxH9UWgh5Bc6cVOd2c/s3758/bram7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3758" data-original-width="2941" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62zXNm2_FbgdqeNvV2ZxULhPDS5xf2p6NAfhLBmE4RySWHsyEQNYYA1ScRpw1XgWVtW6-HpzubT2JfT09YKJY0kp5PaDKYb8puQTXU9wXQM-k0WCSNssrenBVU77wymwUx-8lr5CZwndwclWmT4bNSuk8OfS_5aXMFlEpzBwLAGxH9UWgh5Bc6cVOd2c/w313-h400/bram7_Fotor.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the border lengths are cut--<br />trying to determine the appropriate color<br />for the applique and still wondering<br />about the coping border</td></tr></tbody></table>After the border lengths are finalized {or maybe 1/2" longer for ease with the applique stitching}, then cut out a potential applique motif. Maybe audition it in the chosen fabrics if you have enough to play with. Do you like the look? I've cut mine out with the seam allowances included, but occasionally, you'll need to see one in the <i>literal finished size</i>. Just be careful not to use up too much of precious leftover fabric pieces! Count out how motifs you might need per side, and then cut out and arrange totally by eye. It's not nearly as stressful as you might think. Make a crease in the middle of the border if that helps. As you can see, I'm still trying to decide on the lighter brown fabric versus the darker brown fabrics. Or I can use both. Once I make up my mind, I'm pretty sure there will be four twigs and berries per side borders and three on the top and bottom. I like the idea of plenty of space between.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH96ei58arAw6wMaNfaofyXdKqKq_fod-9thxT0pTgCtsgqysXIEgoEQjmUhjKd8f7Qj95-qvQGVpAPSLLuNaaA-SpfypSIIMKbxWRBffa3x5sgbh_XOcQG1HWEVO6kiFf6jrIpy8KsMY3pBlcJsNqgQ-_7BIn8UZc4xB2XG8S3reYcyZmxiO5V39xaV0/s4032/bram8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH96ei58arAw6wMaNfaofyXdKqKq_fod-9thxT0pTgCtsgqysXIEgoEQjmUhjKd8f7Qj95-qvQGVpAPSLLuNaaA-SpfypSIIMKbxWRBffa3x5sgbh_XOcQG1HWEVO6kiFf6jrIpy8KsMY3pBlcJsNqgQ-_7BIn8UZc4xB2XG8S3reYcyZmxiO5V39xaV0/w300-h400/bram8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe just leave the coping border off<br />and make the strips more narrow<br />on the quarter triangle block too?</td></tr></tbody></table>Sill pondering whether I want the coping border hmm..., so tiresome, but some decisions don't come quickly. The good thing is that it won't change the length of my already cut green borders unless I decide to <b>fix things. </b>I can definitely move along with the hand applique details now regardless of either decision. At least I don't have to worry about what fabric to use for the coping border corner squares as they are totally a non-issue now.*sigh Anyway, it's time for me to cut more applique motifs out and start sewing. My mind will mull things over while doing the busy work.</div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO DO BORDER APPLIQUE?</div><div>Obviously, if you choose to machine piece blocks together for the border, you will also be choosing the width of your border by default. Whatever the width of your blocks are will ultimately be the width of your border! But what about the length? Your centerpiece has a set measurement, probably a very unhandy one for precise matching up. Luckily with improv., you can smoothly make adjustments in several different ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. You can sew an extra block to the row of pieced blocks and chop off the extra. Very utilitarian.</div><div>2. You can add little narrow strips of fabric between each pieced block and stretch the row in order to make the length fit with the centerpiece. Add wider or narrower ones at the very ends of the pieced blocks as needed to finish up.</div><div>3. You can deliberately piece less blocks than needed. Add on extra fabric at both ends of the border length until you have the correct length.</div><div>4. You can make <i>quite a few less</i> pieced blocks than necessary, then arrange them tight together at one side of each border, say at the left side of each border moving around the centerpiece. Sew on a long piece of fabric to one side of the blocks making up the extra till it fits the centerpiece measurement.</div><div>5. Or you can piece all of your blocks in a row {per border panel} and then add in a precisely measured coping border cut for the express purpose of fitting <i>perfectly</i> between the centerpiece and your newly pieced blocks row. Whew! Lots of work for you, but that's okay if that feels best! Here's a <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2014/05/measuring-for-coping-border-when-you.html">tutorial</a> for help with that.</div><div><br /></div><div>WRAPPING IT UP: Okay. That's the new Bramble Blooms prompt guide, such as it is. Wish there was time to make it more polished and put together! I have a wonderful daughter who has graciously helped out so that we could get to this point, scattered though it might be. I know there are those who will be disappointed not to see my final version of border #1 yet, but actually.... this might work better as you can more readily see how the creative flow/decision making might happen. Be brave! This is the real improv. We're making it up as we go along! This portion of the BB1 quilt will be finished in about six weeks to two months. Fingers crossed, things should be back to normal here at the home front.</div><div><br /></div><div>I probably won't be responding to comments very quickly at all, so please don't take offense. Many of you have done lovely, amazing work with your centerpieces. I am in awe! Just know I'll be lurking every chance I get and cheering you on from the sidelines.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who have asked, each Bramble Blooms quilt will have: some sort of centerpiece {different prompts every time and not necessarily applique} <i>plus</i> two main border prompts before we move on to the next version. After the second border is finished, you can absolutely add more as you like on each separate quilt. After all, it is <i>your</i> quilt, not mine! Very understandable that you might want something larger or perchance more customized than where the QAL leaves off.</div><div><br /></div><div>In an effort to keep our creativity engaged, I'm attempting to keep the medallion look very basic and concentrating more on playing with variables as we move along. Keep in mind that everything you do in this quilt has the potential to be included in some way or another in your very next version. Maybe not in the exact proportion or color, but fully expect to be asked to refer back to previous BB1 choices made throughout the span of the QAL! And don't worry if you end up not liking some choice you made. The improv. method assures that we can all gleefully change how each element or motif is represented as each new prompt is introduced.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hoping this isn't too freewheeling and/or overwhelming for the more timid at improv. Just take each decision as it comes and <i>try not to overthink</i>. As things move along, your instincts and intuition will begin to kick in and most decisions won't feel quite so fraught. Promise! </div><div><br /></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-47168645065973873442023-11-29T11:24:00.000-08:002023-11-29T11:24:56.332-08:00Bramble Blooms QAL Update<p>The Bramble Blooms QAL is going to be put on pause for a couple weeks. Sorry for the letdown in momentum, my husband has been very ill the past while. Quilting time looks to be practically non-existent until things improve.</p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-90554207672186685002023-11-17T21:29:00.000-08:002023-11-17T21:29:10.678-08:00So Many Projects<p> I've been in a flurry of getting things prepped and ready for 'the next phase' this past couple weeks. With the holidays right around the corner, I know the quilting side of things will slow down and then, if I'm not careful, all the momentum could be long gone.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74TNuslnj6hQ3nDHLwnNO-K4wYlgaWD1SGSljDrsyixES1dJhJm3NTb0wV8Kbs2c4G-BUKd5j8lcoTgMjLLXMBe2Us1p_9vgWVtYxmru1a5BkroTaqiLY2R4kK0GQ5Drwd2-GREllvbYaRb0JSa5EkAnwPqzopNaUMc4nG5x3_gRmeaDCIfFH_RP2ZIo/s4032/com_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74TNuslnj6hQ3nDHLwnNO-K4wYlgaWD1SGSljDrsyixES1dJhJm3NTb0wV8Kbs2c4G-BUKd5j8lcoTgMjLLXMBe2Us1p_9vgWVtYxmru1a5BkroTaqiLY2R4kK0GQ5Drwd2-GREllvbYaRb0JSa5EkAnwPqzopNaUMc4nG5x3_gRmeaDCIfFH_RP2ZIo/w300-h400/com_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the prep work for another<br /><a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-gift-of-free-autumnal-tulip-applique.html">Autumnal Tulips</a> quilt<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Right in the middle of all this busyness, there was an email asking me to consider doing a commission quilt. It was a very sweet request which made it hard to say no. After some serious deliberation and a little back and forth with the customer, we settled on a plan of attack. The timing isn't the greatest with everything else going on in our lives, but it's a good challenge! Thankfully I will only be doing the quilt top, so that feels helpful in limiting the overall amount of time involved in reaching a satisfactory conclusion.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JXsmJiM455M77_fBnWvqFcJHpIngKYICv2Q8M8i7T6jJjTNC5UKB6ksIIsmX2fmEjLPSNsiMZH9SiHCQ5pCfGgNP5e4eTf9NiCcYjHaM1cPc-BnLG3hbw0vIi2aDO-rbP_m_xIsYqmWGsnzCp_DV6dRGM7erCVIEN5zqR1hgic643P69Ed2G8C5AG94/s4032/comm_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JXsmJiM455M77_fBnWvqFcJHpIngKYICv2Q8M8i7T6jJjTNC5UKB6ksIIsmX2fmEjLPSNsiMZH9SiHCQ5pCfGgNP5e4eTf9NiCcYjHaM1cPc-BnLG3hbw0vIi2aDO-rbP_m_xIsYqmWGsnzCp_DV6dRGM7erCVIEN5zqR1hgic643P69Ed2G8C5AG94/w300-h400/comm_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auditioning fabrics</td></tr></tbody></table>One of the projects that has been nagging at me for a very long time, is the <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2023/04/a-quilt-top-marathon.html">Improv. Hourglass Abstract</a> quilt. I'm one of those people who have a LIST {or two} of open ended projects, which makes it extremely difficult to sincerely 'forget' about any one quilt. It's hard to believe this top has been ready for applique since April and I've just been steadfastly ignoring it.*wince<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyUbH4mt1v9iduN4xjwds4mhDobyq7hCCyjpwD_lCRF9TjCk6Cfe89Y4Pm2IEsGDmuP48k6xTcSXsAHvhUDq7FqIC3xsgSV6B3Ri6wefE2FCVPFnzTLhIXf8Ot6UwG_GnhvIAAMfw8CYVrivs1R0u8is10CuOvF5ZH9gj3ZUPY5C1sJ_FaqGgeww5jmU/s3396/comm1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3396" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyUbH4mt1v9iduN4xjwds4mhDobyq7hCCyjpwD_lCRF9TjCk6Cfe89Y4Pm2IEsGDmuP48k6xTcSXsAHvhUDq7FqIC3xsgSV6B3Ri6wefE2FCVPFnzTLhIXf8Ot6UwG_GnhvIAAMfw8CYVrivs1R0u8is10CuOvF5ZH9gj3ZUPY5C1sJ_FaqGgeww5jmU/w356-h400/comm1_Fotor.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auditioning color and shape</td></tr></tbody></table>I finally got the mojo to dig it out of the project totes and start figuring out the details for the larger applique motifs it always seemed to desire. I knew if it could just get to the point of being ready for hand stitching, then most of my agonizing would be gone. The problem was, this was a <i>large</i> applique endeavor, taking over most of the top of a quilt. It's a time thing really. Did I actually have hours and hours to dedicate to figuring out <i>this one quilt</i>? And eventually, yes. Yes I did. Because I wanted it to happen too badly to let it fade away at the back of a shelf forever.<div><br /></div><div>In transferring ideas from the original drawing into templates, some of the units were large enough that I really struggled with wanting to unnecessarily 'waste' too much freezer paper. It was kind of funny when I happened upon an old roll of Christmas paper and the light bulb went off in my brain! Oh yes! Much better than using smudgy old newspaper sheets!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMVstPJx0Dk9PTGOzF6b1zAntbhkxYow6PwbwWWS_7GnfItVWxTALRoz92VBGDUIB3T0Qcvd-FTbFHo4GpZ9wIkzmC-wrs0BqZW0wW8Dw9W9iPmBngiCpCkUUcIfDgSA2tE-x0q7Iv11XNHro6gJsxURUReu30-4KTLxoP8GwZCF3DcIIsWdyPiKdxZI/s4032/comm2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMVstPJx0Dk9PTGOzF6b1zAntbhkxYow6PwbwWWS_7GnfItVWxTALRoz92VBGDUIB3T0Qcvd-FTbFHo4GpZ9wIkzmC-wrs0BqZW0wW8Dw9W9iPmBngiCpCkUUcIfDgSA2tE-x0q7Iv11XNHro6gJsxURUReu30-4KTLxoP8GwZCF3DcIIsWdyPiKdxZI/w300-h400/comm2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas paper works too</td></tr></tbody></table>And it's always kind of interesting cutting out the individual pieces of fabric and laying them onto the quilt. Placement here? Or there? Will this work better? Definitely not that fabric... etc., etc. The process is a little uncomfortable at times, requiring decision after decision after decision. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPmomlVTKfK-wEtNJjpX_-rujEijmwfqucWQHNqGQYxqBMk2uCRjGynFYLKa49Am4qhBakFJKHBkRKHftzEEs6Ub7LR5liurzcfiopLCRHILO_LLCNP3OjJDCZOQSkxdXZMNxsj0Hg_01CW9JlQSkKmTxaUyACjpjzIBjzENxC3w4pN05fRCKkWe8U_4/s4032/comm3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPmomlVTKfK-wEtNJjpX_-rujEijmwfqucWQHNqGQYxqBMk2uCRjGynFYLKa49Am4qhBakFJKHBkRKHftzEEs6Ub7LR5liurzcfiopLCRHILO_LLCNP3OjJDCZOQSkxdXZMNxsj0Hg_01CW9JlQSkKmTxaUyACjpjzIBjzENxC3w4pN05fRCKkWe8U_4/w300-h400/comm3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figuring out the details</td></tr></tbody></table>It can be the silliest of things that take <i>oodles of time</i>. In this case, it was the slivers of narrow fabric over the top of the sun. I'm just not sure if they will look right if they match up too exactly with the lower sun rays. Hmmm...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYhc_QAPPeu02xfnsh6F1NzHXx7vTx6o5TrI1HOB_di57btOQhxKyUQgcPcLljOyiO3AHq8GQu3xZTz0hEnavXHGQAX2hmM7Us93jq4-Z4-l-euuSFMFHmRh2SaYi6ptzSLwezKrV4VoVf7uK_XcDZtjW0Yb3Du8aFYtUKX1EsiXABg4WtkEi1LEwAQ/s4032/comm4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FYhc_QAPPeu02xfnsh6F1NzHXx7vTx6o5TrI1HOB_di57btOQhxKyUQgcPcLljOyiO3AHq8GQu3xZTz0hEnavXHGQAX2hmM7Us93jq4-Z4-l-euuSFMFHmRh2SaYi6ptzSLwezKrV4VoVf7uK_XcDZtjW0Yb3Du8aFYtUKX1EsiXABg4WtkEi1LEwAQ/w300-h400/comm4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very small change</td></tr></tbody></table>But then I sort of love the way it pulls the eye right into examining the sun so much more closely! It gives a better energy in some ways. Ah..., those dreadful decisions. Love them and hate them. It feels marvelously good to have all the prep work done on the largest sun here, and the vine plus lower leaf units. I won't actually be doing any handwork here until the commission quilt is done and mailed off but this feels like a weight off. I'm so relieved that my procrastination didn't end up making the whole effort feel flat and uninspired. You know how some ideas have an expiration date and you don't even realize it until you're knee deep in trying to successfully implement it? I've learned the hard way that some quilts won't wait forever.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ss64N5Wt7abUZKGNr2crs9GpXiiuyQzTXQ0kLOjlr-u2JIIp4hTV7ZN91Fr4JPvM5V6UOhrVFI4eo0-RxUhlEOvqxZfUDYPyhitXzj7hTO0c6Cfc_m-L56XeTniqes4Fo36lnq6IHdxfO5p2cn5Qz8WoZ4d8hIOgf8EHsk53Ej5wjEnEC3MGBbqFzSI/s3024/comm5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="3024" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ss64N5Wt7abUZKGNr2crs9GpXiiuyQzTXQ0kLOjlr-u2JIIp4hTV7ZN91Fr4JPvM5V6UOhrVFI4eo0-RxUhlEOvqxZfUDYPyhitXzj7hTO0c6Cfc_m-L56XeTniqes4Fo36lnq6IHdxfO5p2cn5Qz8WoZ4d8hIOgf8EHsk53Ej5wjEnEC3MGBbqFzSI/w400-h369/comm5_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applique prep ready to go!</td></tr></tbody></table>In case you're interested, here are the two doodle drawings that ended up competing for design details. As you can see, I chose this first pic.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13EU-Kf4H4dWKoHMxKpwYCe6o5BXK5iaD94LlvHKvNCSIQlXlJF5NwCOJ2aBZV3wyxjFeaAWir0VNf35USe4i8FQrZhoInRUckDkIXBIVMcgymbd5oueTQUMyjeh_OJoegJyFNAPa6OCCRVUuAX9o13WnlHhyH6tHTT6NvzPyO8-i4SrtJBQsWVMs4sI/s3836/comm6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3836" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13EU-Kf4H4dWKoHMxKpwYCe6o5BXK5iaD94LlvHKvNCSIQlXlJF5NwCOJ2aBZV3wyxjFeaAWir0VNf35USe4i8FQrZhoInRUckDkIXBIVMcgymbd5oueTQUMyjeh_OJoegJyFNAPa6OCCRVUuAX9o13WnlHhyH6tHTT6NvzPyO8-i4SrtJBQsWVMs4sI/w315-h400/comm6_Fotor.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration doodles</td></tr></tbody></table>The second one was very tempting, but I so wanted to have more options for using up the yellow fabrics especially. Also, this sun applique will nicely dovetail with this <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2022/07/ahiq-prompt-july-2022-sun.html">2022 AHIQ Prompt</a>. I am very, very behind on completing that particular challenge because there was<i> way too many ideas</i> floating around in my head. Many of us are <i>too aware</i> of how often that can make a sort of paralysis happen in the decision making department. I've been contemplating the merits of both of these designs for literally months now!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQyj_VHoLo_CsxrMVqW9oxjAL77Xio_nzD1l4x4gNgqBqnFcJpi64ZFMu-5VpJ23fe1LWL4IPOmrjhU9zGzdhert1q8fShI8uym9dWf57LJXB42xGfcLZ0RnYGF1ctzZlv9iuIL0Q5XDTOS-NIP_1ieoqH8TJ0dyS5-F67GsajkCLMOLB-cBuCC0aQQY/s4032/comm7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQyj_VHoLo_CsxrMVqW9oxjAL77Xio_nzD1l4x4gNgqBqnFcJpi64ZFMu-5VpJ23fe1LWL4IPOmrjhU9zGzdhert1q8fShI8uym9dWf57LJXB42xGfcLZ0RnYGF1ctzZlv9iuIL0Q5XDTOS-NIP_1ieoqH8TJ0dyS5-F67GsajkCLMOLB-cBuCC0aQQY/w300-h400/comm7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration doodles</td></tr></tbody></table>Another quick applique project that needed attention was this 'worthy' block. It will probably be the only applique in a entire quilt made up of improv. piecing, but this time I wanted to start here, not with the piecing. This pineapple motif was lifted from a previous quilt made in <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2021/06/plodding-along.html">2021</a>. That quilt was gifted to one of my DIL's so I get to see it often when visiting. Lets hope the rest of this quilt will be half as interesting as the first one!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnN3K2dRMF6Uf9wF7AWS-gHsQf0JiiM6X8e9NTuzEY1RL-ZjzUiqD6oc1Tfi_w-c4EqTJZKs2-1FWJUVZtha2U6dGfIvkuTe-05RamRqSI1d_ZTLq6Bl4CHZj1T30oSNmWeHYN56hWg6PluU5zxMiV6CiZXfwQ1FdOPY9mwW_EoyAyBPpYZBbQ3-SySg/s4032/comm8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnN3K2dRMF6Uf9wF7AWS-gHsQf0JiiM6X8e9NTuzEY1RL-ZjzUiqD6oc1Tfi_w-c4EqTJZKs2-1FWJUVZtha2U6dGfIvkuTe-05RamRqSI1d_ZTLq6Bl4CHZj1T30oSNmWeHYN56hWg6PluU5zxMiV6CiZXfwQ1FdOPY9mwW_EoyAyBPpYZBbQ3-SySg/w300-h400/comm8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worthy quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>Also happening in the quilt room was this 'Good Vibes' quilt top coming together. I have wanted to make another awkward tulip quilt for years and years after completing this <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2014/05/spring-forward-2014-spring-bloggers.html">Spring Forward</a> quilt. There's just something so quirky and endearing about the clumsy lines in an out-of-proportion-tulip-look. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PnVNqjkwo2Bs_GBvzjQJE2u4l_cdRGd4t39opANrIfuopfSkV9omtq2snTcF8V-FTMkVxgTHix429ti1zbjrxyeb8slMYE0We4V7cvj-xm-PpK3rNhYt5N2Yzz1duTt8nQ-yQ3k87VbCm1M2fuanlgzaKaLouD0IgPTl-iIaWYixZdgGS6mLQgW1mBM/s3656/comm9_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3656" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PnVNqjkwo2Bs_GBvzjQJE2u4l_cdRGd4t39opANrIfuopfSkV9omtq2snTcF8V-FTMkVxgTHix429ti1zbjrxyeb8slMYE0We4V7cvj-xm-PpK3rNhYt5N2Yzz1duTt8nQ-yQ3k87VbCm1M2fuanlgzaKaLouD0IgPTl-iIaWYixZdgGS6mLQgW1mBM/w331-h400/comm9_Fotor.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Vibes quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>Now that I'm looking at this picture though, I am deeply regretting not putting the purple and coral center piecing directly inside of the tulip petals. Wouldn't that have looked sweet poking out of the middle of the flower? Oh well. Not fixing it now! Next up will probably be some sort of outside border because of course I can't resist that particular challenge.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSwyFm3K6qkCeOX4sqcuIH6fgpL0ez6kwU_bXF7-M5Z01Ds-_182axomq-l2b-8ZoxMb2eXlXMqkXkhLKWlP-DpFWb7Ao9NCgVKFMJ7jeoI328PjkjIQe5243Xgsp88AyvX09dwsmPXBSWSS8cVSBkog5VQMtRaRC9vbFoji3mPYsbOu0Y3P6uwCsauE/s4032/comm91_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSwyFm3K6qkCeOX4sqcuIH6fgpL0ez6kwU_bXF7-M5Z01Ds-_182axomq-l2b-8ZoxMb2eXlXMqkXkhLKWlP-DpFWb7Ao9NCgVKFMJ7jeoI328PjkjIQe5243Xgsp88AyvX09dwsmPXBSWSS8cVSBkog5VQMtRaRC9vbFoji3mPYsbOu0Y3P6uwCsauE/w300-h400/comm91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the large tulips</td></tr></tbody></table>Something completely unrelated to recent work, but just too cute too pass up.... I happened across this picture of an <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2013/01/looking-back-at-my-2012-finishes.html">older quilt</a> of mine with some little hooligans wrestling around on it. This quilt was gifted to a close friend of ours years and years ago. After she passed away, earlier this year, it found its way to one of her sons family home and that's how I stumbled across it on Instagram! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHDRFyEpajAmtUY2ULf2yR3H7mtpxY0NAAgoc21vuNdN7_leL6xi9hiKfGFfcOA4BUlgaM228L8yGit1rHRuPxr50wCCPmYO5qf3UXm4KhwJ0HnRfIevO6a6ABGwK2uqw_BP9a1UJIZB0wcFecBc3P1cM62bUF3ny4KhYse2SgRTFgTX80S4JuDtks9g/s952/comm92_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHDRFyEpajAmtUY2ULf2yR3H7mtpxY0NAAgoc21vuNdN7_leL6xi9hiKfGFfcOA4BUlgaM228L8yGit1rHRuPxr50wCCPmYO5qf3UXm4KhwJ0HnRfIevO6a6ABGwK2uqw_BP9a1UJIZB0wcFecBc3P1cM62bUF3ny4KhYse2SgRTFgTX80S4JuDtks9g/w315-h400/comm92_Fotor.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey Wrench quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>I love that her family wanted to hang on to the quilt as so many times, the younger generation doesn't have the same attachment as the original recipient. Once, years ago, one of my gifted quilts ended up in a dumpster! Ugghh... Why not give it to a second hand store? And yes, I got permission to post the picture if I made sure not to add names and physical address etc. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JvU7DvMPOguK5ckS8dFEpAybkKNUoo4dfySMCJtgVcvIKBUFhliUNyNa19Vyg-QqffD5NSv3a64RXs34dRDvXZSB7-AegaA9bew-zXwrIe0BHXF7lve8WscC7pfGFqsmhxHFyOERiToEWVwVefX_2SVFxNBgu7MpbXoTN6mDfdpleleT02v_T-7fOrU/s2995/comm93_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2995" data-original-width="2660" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1JvU7DvMPOguK5ckS8dFEpAybkKNUoo4dfySMCJtgVcvIKBUFhliUNyNa19Vyg-QqffD5NSv3a64RXs34dRDvXZSB7-AegaA9bew-zXwrIe0BHXF7lve8WscC7pfGFqsmhxHFyOERiToEWVwVefX_2SVFxNBgu7MpbXoTN6mDfdpleleT02v_T-7fOrU/w355-h400/comm93_Fotor.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBI centerpiece</td></tr></tbody></table>BRAMBLE BLOOM QAL: All of the stitching is now done on my centerpiece which helps me progress on details for the next prompt. I've been working on it, but unfortunately, most of that will have to wait until after the Thanksgiving holiday and all of our out-of-town guests leave to go home. As before, I'm not quite sure how much information to try and provide without dulling things down to the point of exhaustion for the more experienced improv. quilters. It might be best to break it up into two different posts? We'll see.<div><br /></div><div>Anyone who has posted a comment requesting to join the BBI participants list and NOT received a reply back from me via email needs to privately send me an email or drop your email address into a comment here on the blog. Anonymous commenters are a real thing here at Blogger. Please check too as your name might be at the top of the comment, but the email link will have been disabled due to your privacy settings I believe. Which only you can change! Very frustrating for all of us. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the confusion, but the participants list is <b>only</b> for those quilters who choose to publicly share their progress so as to give other participants the chance to go take a look and perhaps receive encouragement /and/or get inspiration for their own work. There are many other quilters who have notified me that they too are silently working on this QAL, but choose not to have social media for whatever reason. I do not and will not ever have a master list of every single quilter who chooses to take part in this--though of course it would be very interesting!</div><div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, my husband has been sick for the past week. Naturally, this is absolutely wrecking my schedule, both in preparing the QAL posts and also, getting ready for our holiday company. Boohoo. So, so thankful that our daughter gets to come home for Thanksgiving and we finally get precious grandbaby hugging time! In fact, all of our kids will be home this year. Love it! I've been trying to pre-bake the rolls and get them all in the freezer this week. So ambitious of me. Using a recipe where you only partially bake them and then cook them more fully the day of? It has to be better than the absolute chaos we usually endure trying to prepare a holiday dinner with only one oven! <br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-70119997069068320392023-11-08T16:25:00.002-08:002023-11-08T16:25:44.914-08:00Can't Believe It's Already November!<p>I've been trying to make a little bit of progress on the growing list of applique projects. Why oh why does it never seem to shrink by much? Hmm.. Maybe if I'd quit adding to it so cheerfully?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJbs149keFuIfgURlyKoA3uZr7HohmdCRTowNoPWaBpt_q4m-qncvlIWrgIbk2FOWxZwBQnZOUdPuxCCpObrMP6gSriHKZgqPHxsLtknWi-fKXImzZwlJHsgY7jVaTqMruQRlkNKKyMaU864uCWcNSkZ0F6U011UYM1oN-HxPGS_zX7gMqaPv1d0DvW8/s3024/mp_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2867" data-original-width="3024" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJbs149keFuIfgURlyKoA3uZr7HohmdCRTowNoPWaBpt_q4m-qncvlIWrgIbk2FOWxZwBQnZOUdPuxCCpObrMP6gSriHKZgqPHxsLtknWi-fKXImzZwlJHsgY7jVaTqMruQRlkNKKyMaU864uCWcNSkZ0F6U011UYM1oN-HxPGS_zX7gMqaPv1d0DvW8/w400-h379/mp_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the applique in the sashing this time!</td></tr></tbody></table>I finally got the first section of the Melon Patch Blossom quilt sewn together this week. It's not very wide so of course I will probably want to add on a border. These blocks are quite simple, but the orange fabric felt like a good choice to help make the applique pieces pop. I'm not sure what the little circle things are. At first the idea was to make little pomegranates and then this shape came into play. My daughter says it looks like a tomato which now, I cannot un-see!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj297tobzzmEkL0jNq46KdtU1w9jcDnikcMh15kO4fxXuI7PxFutdc2dK0bpAXMZ-ARwLE_R-avLj-RSwMPQmBEFhGfufSZ2IXGwZcvLa1DXjV7t1wNYpdyUi9xPWyWKugXzYbJQFV74QZFwkbNOyS4hirfnOuWi03nfLv5It1KafKgnjkaBrngDaJFI/s4032/mp1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj297tobzzmEkL0jNq46KdtU1w9jcDnikcMh15kO4fxXuI7PxFutdc2dK0bpAXMZ-ARwLE_R-avLj-RSwMPQmBEFhGfufSZ2IXGwZcvLa1DXjV7t1wNYpdyUi9xPWyWKugXzYbJQFV74QZFwkbNOyS4hirfnOuWi03nfLv5It1KafKgnjkaBrngDaJFI/w300-h400/mp1_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the happy colors</td></tr></tbody></table>The 'petals' in the sashing are some leftovers from the original <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2021/08/scratching-this-long-term-project-right.html">Melon Patch</a> quilt, of which there had been many changes even getting up to that point! In fact, as many of you know, this will be the third Melon Patch quilt using up parts and pieces. The second one in the series is <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/06/id-say-theres-never-too-much-applique.html">here</a> if you'd like to take a look. All I know is, all three quilts together are already much, much more interesting than the original quilt idea ever would have been. Nothing at all like what I expected to end up with though!<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMY9Evb9raaezqz1x_yM1Yy64bI6KEPDYUQy3ZCL2HKCxOZG97odlQd4QIZSTdoo6upGLgAf1zfRcZtsr8qNy9z2hiEcoq29yD_vWtbc9raiHHCOh_vovJLpRWa47DfuV9LtTcl2yKFwZR47UscpC6uJ8niI5TAIJqsHK6X8irX6RFGmWtcfKBZtXaxU/s3164/mp2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3164" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMY9Evb9raaezqz1x_yM1Yy64bI6KEPDYUQy3ZCL2HKCxOZG97odlQd4QIZSTdoo6upGLgAf1zfRcZtsr8qNy9z2hiEcoq29yD_vWtbc9raiHHCOh_vovJLpRWa47DfuV9LtTcl2yKFwZR47UscpC6uJ8niI5TAIJqsHK6X8irX6RFGmWtcfKBZtXaxU/w383-h400/mp2_Fotor.jpg" width="383" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking about a border solution</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm getting closer and closer to a quilt top with Good Vibes, another of the <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-whole-lotta-yellow.html">Circle Game</a> quilts. Each quilt is made out of the cut-out circles from behind the one before. Some day I'll have to post my series quilts in order at the top of the blog just so I can keep track! These blocks are 19 1/2" inches so I may be making Circle Game quilts for a long time as it will take a very long time for there to be nothing decent left to work with. It's definitely been an intriguing bit of play, but sometimes it feels hard to be increasingly creative with large circles. Still have a couple ideas left in the tank though and of course, all the doing will undoubtedly generate something more. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?<br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Dw1g_kjSMKZoA3Uj0fCAPz9XDQQrryOsli8MvRO2t7GOEQldiPAi39AN2x45vpzAtIizBi09hFoy6c84bEVmtjZZe5LXLeXJ1W6oJwF3Q6if3P9e6P867k1OXjGLq7iWlt_KpWE3K4MkqZaVSReeGQ3H8VtpiBhbg1yWi4PJl_o33IgLGFwK5a3B9U/s4032/mp3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1Dw1g_kjSMKZoA3Uj0fCAPz9XDQQrryOsli8MvRO2t7GOEQldiPAi39AN2x45vpzAtIizBi09hFoy6c84bEVmtjZZe5LXLeXJ1W6oJwF3Q6if3P9e6P867k1OXjGLq7iWlt_KpWE3K4MkqZaVSReeGQ3H8VtpiBhbg1yWi4PJl_o33IgLGFwK5a3B9U/w300-h400/mp3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to sew some sashing to the blocks</td></tr></tbody></table>I've also been trying to get the hand sewing done for the centerpiece to <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2023/10/getting-started-with-bramble-blooms-qal.html">Bramble Blooms I</a>. Several projects waiting patiently in line right behind it. Most all of the leaves and stems are sewn down and then next up will be the flowers. At this point I'm very seriously considering cutting the flowers out just a skootch bigger as I like them just this way. Don't want to lose any impact when the seam allowance is sewn under! It happens so often around here, you'd think I'd be prepared, but nope! Always surprises me to think I have to cut out another, slightly larger set.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4OQ8kCiwEnhOR70OAvRrPBCEa3MlhVPxBNq1mlEuRXfWKcMqUHFIBgT28_hE3UxxaE-lRQ8hMDTfBA0Oh0llKRGT4qWdSujRhodpo6sSVKwcAxQKpbGxmUvog7omtLiMIx2reIuj_pn0P74SwC4KfjMrMi5U9dsr0Ymm_PJjSNJ2zGa3kX4RAbEVn_A/s4032/mp4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4OQ8kCiwEnhOR70OAvRrPBCEa3MlhVPxBNq1mlEuRXfWKcMqUHFIBgT28_hE3UxxaE-lRQ8hMDTfBA0Oh0llKRGT4qWdSujRhodpo6sSVKwcAxQKpbGxmUvog7omtLiMIx2reIuj_pn0P74SwC4KfjMrMi5U9dsr0Ymm_PJjSNJ2zGa3kX4RAbEVn_A/w300-h400/mp4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBI centerpiece</td></tr></tbody></table></div>And, I finally, finally got all the hand quilting completed on the <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2021/09/another-difficult-quilt-top-all-wrapped.html">Positive Thinking</a> quilt. Don't know why, but the hand quilting was not quite as soothing and meditative as it normally would be with this particular quilt. Love how it looks now that it's finished up, but I think the thread didn't show up quite as well as I generally prefer. So pleased to have it almost wrapped up now. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2020/05/june-challenge.html">2020 AHIQ Challenge</a> that started the whole idea and I am quite, quite <i>positive</i> it would never have happened without that particular prompt. Still running a little behind with the other challenges. There's a sun I need to do {working on the applique prep right now} and now, an Improv. border to incorporate into a quilt. Hmm.. I can totally envision creating an entire quilt just to play with a special Improv. border!...... <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-jCAFzdgD6yf4V8NZQpNj_aqtSQpK9NGG6COpy01ZQzJAqH2xi9o9VtX3dffha-M96fy5wNT4VtbBLJrSPItBEAYVdNtmx8C3-cfXYVkModeXy1BtcQBZ4hr1HKZQ7OP6UwJWBvtJ4BcwUovVID6ti41a18A1ITdWx3YyO2PObAiYHgyVfyrYqF0gB0/s3547/mp5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3547" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-jCAFzdgD6yf4V8NZQpNj_aqtSQpK9NGG6COpy01ZQzJAqH2xi9o9VtX3dffha-M96fy5wNT4VtbBLJrSPItBEAYVdNtmx8C3-cfXYVkModeXy1BtcQBZ4hr1HKZQ7OP6UwJWBvtJ4BcwUovVID6ti41a18A1ITdWx3YyO2PObAiYHgyVfyrYqF0gB0/w341-h400/mp5_Fotor.jpg" width="341" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up is the hand sewing on the binding</td></tr></tbody></table>I was super happy to find all the binding needed in the leftover binding tote. It has pink, blue and purple binding sewn on now and doesn't seem to be the least bit bothered by the scrappy, make-do look. Kind of goes with the upcycled shirts already used in it! Always thrills me to be able to use up any of the leftover bits and pieces of binding, applique parts and/or quilting blocks. Yay for frugality and making do!</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, that's the quick wrap up for what's been happening in the quilt room around here. I have been spending boat loads of time getting the posts figured out for the Bramble Blooms QAL. SO much work. I don't know why I didn't think about how much time the posts alone might take! Hopefully everyone participating is finding the QAL fun or at the very least, maybe being coaxed out of their comfort zone? I am absolutely blown away by all of the interest and creativity happening by the participants. Wowsers, how amazing is that we have close to 25 Bramble Blooms quilters on the list already? Love it! </div><div><br /><br /><br /></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-91060512571348528582023-11-03T00:10:00.006-07:002023-11-03T01:13:18.660-07:00Bramble Blooms QAL--The Applique Centerpiece<p>Are you ready for the next BBI QAL prompt? It's pretty much what you'd expect: <b>Add simple floral applique to your centerpiece background.</b> That's it. Easy peasy! There are a couple options here. No doubt there are patterns at home you can browse through to borrow applique elements for this exercise. Or, you can do something much more fun and interesting. Learn how to implement it in a freehand, free-spirited way! Whatever you do, try to keep the final applique relatively uncomplicated so as to not spend unnecessary hours attempting to get the pieces sewn down. We want this stage to be finished up in approximately a month or so--six weeks if the holidays interfere too much. </p><p>Also, keep in mind that this is the first element being adding for the purposes of series work. Make sure it's something you might be interested in expanding on, repeating, or playing with in a slight revision. I am assuming you have, at the very least, a rudimentary knowledge in basic applique skills or are interested in pursuing the details on your own.</p><p>If you think that I'm being a bit bossy about the applique having to be 'floral', let me explain. This is not a 'mystery' QAL per se, it's much more of a nudge toward getting comfortable with improvised quilt-making. By narrowing the choices, it's serving to provide gentle guiderails for the less experienced. Trying something new and out of our comfort zone can be a bit terrifying. Our mind often reacts with stress and/or complete overwhelm. When I suggest make something with a 'floral' look, then it immediately eliminates literally thousands of ideas you don't even have to contemplate anymore.</p><p>Neglecting to give you the blueprint for this quilt isn't me being difficult. This is me helping you learn how to be <i>open to</i> <i>the process</i> <i>of figuring out what might come next</i>--after this phase is totally finished up. Then you can more readily {and organically} react to <b>what came before</b>. I don't want to enable anyone to plan too far in advance! Also, floral applique is a rather lovely way to find that cozy, comfy feel so many of us seem to admire and aspire to. Lets get to it, shall we?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf3v2wHqUxNeHyRlcH10ivksraT5aqO5DFbaz5Heb8Z61E4ZkZMY_S0X15iR3HjMuORlBWMZBoU3Bp1NIQ1sX1n6is-WniW5mzKqohoEGF1rn4JP8v0jGy9dhfbCtJOgT9pymSx6lwiux3qZULADGnqNZqTLMCNT_yAfZD_zxDbpWT2BNnLo8ATnDdTM/s3700/brambleA_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3700" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf3v2wHqUxNeHyRlcH10ivksraT5aqO5DFbaz5Heb8Z61E4ZkZMY_S0X15iR3HjMuORlBWMZBoU3Bp1NIQ1sX1n6is-WniW5mzKqohoEGF1rn4JP8v0jGy9dhfbCtJOgT9pymSx6lwiux3qZULADGnqNZqTLMCNT_yAfZD_zxDbpWT2BNnLo8ATnDdTM/w328-h400/brambleA_Fotor.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of some of my applique doodles</td></tr></tbody></table><b>The definition of Improvisation</b> {Improv.} according to Wiki: The activity of making do or doing something not planned beforehand; using whatever can be found. <div><br /></div><div>So... Freehand Applique? Any takers? I'll walk you through the steps of how this happens over here at Quilty Folk. Often, the very first thing I do is get out a notebook and start doodling. No, I'm not a trained artist. However, there is something really fascinating about the way the brain communicates with our hands. It's important to trust this instinctive thing that helps give us a visual to our thoughts. With barely any practice, you'll be able to draw up wispy little doodles of the ideas and elements percolating in your very own head. After making this a regular habit, you'll be able to do this quite unforced. </div><div><br /></div><div>You're the only one who thinks like YOU do, so it makes sense that these drawings will most reflect that--no matter how naive or primitive they might initially appear. If you're having trouble conjuring up ideas, maybe browse through quilt books, quilt magazines or even Pinterest. I personally find antique quilts to be some of the very best inspiration!<div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN0avuoHTb1EmOsCPkm0Fc-Tcg8BWwpbsph0mi6YOI2jfihxosDFReBtrS0I_jFO2iVcQjhZWFa51Z_cWp9K6pXJhhsw10UwL-Bg63pTyoz7HcAOY_xsXd3M4Nho21ZCBuLK6ELbuQ6p5UVcwijNxwcV7jUfNhHGJXSB7SQfOkqJBiSA4gblJooZrwvI/s3586/brambleA1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3586" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN0avuoHTb1EmOsCPkm0Fc-Tcg8BWwpbsph0mi6YOI2jfihxosDFReBtrS0I_jFO2iVcQjhZWFa51Z_cWp9K6pXJhhsw10UwL-Bg63pTyoz7HcAOY_xsXd3M4Nho21ZCBuLK6ELbuQ6p5UVcwijNxwcV7jUfNhHGJXSB7SQfOkqJBiSA4gblJooZrwvI/w338-h400/brambleA1_Fotor.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the one that gets to shine this time</td></tr></tbody></table>Choose out the favorite drawing to turn into a quilt or perhaps a portion of a quilt--in this instance the center of a medallion quilt. Now it's time to somehow make these little doodle shapes become the right size and proportion needed! It's not nearly as difficult or scary as you might think.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Free Cutting Applique Shapes:</b> At times, it's easiest to pick up a pair of scissors and just start free cutting. Use scissors and do that mind/hand thing just like you did with the doodling. Uh huh. You'll be surprised at some of the results, especially if the intended outcome is a simplistic shape. I have massacred many a stack of fabric scraps in pursuit of the perfect leaf, berry or flower! And it's easier than you think once you get the hang of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Free cut leaves can be cut straight from random widths/lengths of rectangular sized scraps and berries are super easy to cut from rough cut squares. No, they won't be exactly identical to other elements in the quilt, but the shape will be similar and the human touch will definitely shine through. Flowers are a bit more complicated, but with practice comes a lot of interest and personality. Don't practice on your 'good' fabric unless you have a lot of it and don't particularly care about waste. And don't be surprised when your scrap bin leaves end up finding a place in your quilt after all. They can be fairly charming at times!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP2XxxX7_2P9JOa4PSrA3kQ-8MxYd-k8E3gjgVDpCxs89JlTIaKEHAGG0Ibt-i_La2emyOzU6UMKVPOd8oE6BowA-tR0q-3_uK-fME7Q0PlZQdmr_pag3EwaeIFaPQvcgnf1AOc0Py33hnfBZJwi2_IpMVGOvaw8j7zy2POqS9_u5lEHUi32Ddo4GN-8/s3735/brambleA2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3735" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP2XxxX7_2P9JOa4PSrA3kQ-8MxYd-k8E3gjgVDpCxs89JlTIaKEHAGG0Ibt-i_La2emyOzU6UMKVPOd8oE6BowA-tR0q-3_uK-fME7Q0PlZQdmr_pag3EwaeIFaPQvcgnf1AOc0Py33hnfBZJwi2_IpMVGOvaw8j7zy2POqS9_u5lEHUi32Ddo4GN-8/w324-h400/brambleA2_Fotor.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to figure out proportion</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Making Paper Applique Templates: </b>The other method that I use quite a lot is to cut paper templates first--before cutting and/or wasting good fabrics. Can you tell that my frugal side takes over sometimes? Referring to your doodle picture, {I'm using notebook paper primarily as it's cheap and the lines can be helpful}, draw each individual shape over and over until you get something decent. Surprisingly, this CAN happen as you're only copying at this point. I promise it gets easier and easier with practice, and eventually you'll get to the point of only having to draw a shape one to three times before getting it right!</div><div><br /></div><div>If it's a tricky shape {or a larger size} and you're worried about proper proportion, here's a good tip. Cut out paper squares, rectangles etc. in the approximate, intended size and place them onto the made background fabric. Step back from your design wall or floor and take a look. Keep going until you think the proportions are within the desired range, then try drawing the wanted {planned} shape onto those same papers. You're still <i>copying</i> a pre-determined shape, but now you have a box to keep it inside of. Sometimes that feels helpful and other times can be annoying. You'll want to take the papers off of the background of course, before drawing. For very large sizes, I've used everything from freezer paper, butcher paper, light weight cardboard and even the back of gridded Christmas paper! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrLf_jsq3EgeB-gSVdWxM1MSVP8w33GUbFLwn2LmW1YGpQcuwM4FtoCcZKUOg8ihL57td_XNhXza7-shZD_E6o4PSLcK0e-Eti4HfT4HnEu8NtQ6L_9s5hH1kOxMrS73FuCyYdKmaJMoprlS3xtXayHqxJXd56XCao0J0_9Xe1by6YvhnBAZ0KeqEH18/s4032/brambleA3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrLf_jsq3EgeB-gSVdWxM1MSVP8w33GUbFLwn2LmW1YGpQcuwM4FtoCcZKUOg8ihL57td_XNhXza7-shZD_E6o4PSLcK0e-Eti4HfT4HnEu8NtQ6L_9s5hH1kOxMrS73FuCyYdKmaJMoprlS3xtXayHqxJXd56XCao0J0_9Xe1by6YvhnBAZ0KeqEH18/w300-h400/brambleA3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing, cutting and more drawing</td></tr></tbody></table>When there is finally a shape that seems satisfactory, go ahead and cut it out in paper shape. Don't worry about seam allowances at this point! Also, remember that this shape doesn't have to be <i>identical</i> to the one in your doodle. In repeated drawings, your hand/mind connection will make constant little adjustments and revisions to make it ever more pleasing to your discriminating eye.</div><div><br /></div><div> Place all the shapes onto the background fabric in as close to the right spot as possible. Move shapes side to side and up and down until everything looks fine. Be sure to step back and look at it with some distance too. Sometimes there will be a small adjustment needed that's not immediately obvious when looking at close range.<br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz0NHdscKYtQDGM1VdkhnwaogzNtN-TFNmvDEggmgwukzOluayxEf85flesAIv5rWaXZpaDr-aAhyTFQISdWngMjdbx70zMNhf4xXTCbsHwlK6GOibyMg_bbBjX4iAu_tPR2PIn2RB_WQrdVR2kabdkx5wqnskMFF64w8X5-t3Grp6VOAMeTrbuUmI4c/s3140/brambleA4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3140" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwz0NHdscKYtQDGM1VdkhnwaogzNtN-TFNmvDEggmgwukzOluayxEf85flesAIv5rWaXZpaDr-aAhyTFQISdWngMjdbx70zMNhf4xXTCbsHwlK6GOibyMg_bbBjX4iAu_tPR2PIn2RB_WQrdVR2kabdkx5wqnskMFF64w8X5-t3Grp6VOAMeTrbuUmI4c/w385-h400/brambleA4_Fotor.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paper template audition</td></tr></tbody></table>If certain shapes are bothering you {for whatever reason} then it might be necessary to make small tweaks to them. Use your scissors judiciously at this point. Sometimes it's better to keep a shape that <i>almost </i>works than permanently ruin any hope of ever achieving it again! If something needs to be made a little bit larger or smaller, then washi tape might be your friend. Extra paper can be added behind to stretch a design, careful folds can be introduced, another triangle can be taped into just the right place.... Play until you can relax and smile or take a break and come back later with fresh eyes.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhOjJV4z7nZGJipea4mHHsVfv8vbP6tTi829K3l1qVzMg74RTTMpplHEAAMlTyjbaxkWDdtruXVvbUHW0_cHMGN9wS6nwhH2IRSpj5dctHhS5YpXI_nDHxeuzbw-vngF9QuOGOoaF-RE_iPNezmK7DOzdMlgY0fTut5KHjcej7zn-mUqeKB1WBN9lrEs/s4032/brambleA5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhOjJV4z7nZGJipea4mHHsVfv8vbP6tTi829K3l1qVzMg74RTTMpplHEAAMlTyjbaxkWDdtruXVvbUHW0_cHMGN9wS6nwhH2IRSpj5dctHhS5YpXI_nDHxeuzbw-vngF9QuOGOoaF-RE_iPNezmK7DOzdMlgY0fTut5KHjcej7zn-mUqeKB1WBN9lrEs/w300-h400/brambleA5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making adjustments to paper templates</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Choosing fabric for applique:</b> Probably want to get your fabric choices sorted first. For a centerpiece in a medallion style quilt, look for slightly bolder, darker, brighter or perhaps lighter fabric blendings than might be used in the rest of the quilt. Doesn't have to be more than a degree or two, but you want these applique elements to 'pop'. <i>You want them to matter</i>. Using all medium value prints just won't pull off enough of a look-at-me vibe here in this spot! Look through your fabric stack and deliberately use value changes to your advantage. Might be a good idea to dig deeper in the stash if there seems to be any lack. </div><div><br /></div><div>Occasionally a fabric will seem to be way too obnoxious to be added into a marinating stack of fabric, but will work really, really well here. I often lay fabric options right over the top of those paper shapes still resting against the background fabric. You can kind of scrunch the fabrics around or fold them into smaller pieces to get an idea of how they might look in the proportionate size.</div><div><br /></div><div>I much prefer the scrappy look for applique. Lots of different fabric use for leaves and flowers especially as I love the subtlety of 'similar but different' and the opportunity for highlighting minor value changes. It can effortlessly add lots of spark, energy and soul to a quilt by mixing things up. In this case I used three different fabrics for the stems. If the quilt seems to need specific areas of calm, then try a single-fabric use for all the stems or whichever element needs to be more in the background.</div><div><br /></div><div>The method for which you intend to apply your applique might determine the fabric you choose for applique too. Many people will recommend using Batik fabrics as they are very resistant to fraying. Ughh. They are horrible to hand sew. Don't use painted on fabrics either unless you are applying your applique by machine. Soft, supple fabrics, upcycled fabrics, wovens--all of these will feel and handle ridiculously better if sewing by hand, and the time spent stitching will be cut in half.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the picture below, you can see my first choice fabrics cut out in the designated applique shapes and sort of thrown onto the background fabric. All of these are cut out with a seam allowance included, so of course after sewing, they will shrink slightly in appearance.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQA6cJkEKdtr3UkVdBeN8Nv3qBDnyVfTtYwHz8hrRobwKvebKdwknYONP3vvREjQDVFr6HvlcyR7Scd6UnVyrlDUOjDhrReoXWUNdvNAhWWAEqzeApgA3x-YnthA4qrN7L5mQBZBt6ZJZ31wf_ZIaBClXQ4G_IuACyzxDoUbHlo7GMaJxo2jEIb6l76I/s4032/brambleA6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQA6cJkEKdtr3UkVdBeN8Nv3qBDnyVfTtYwHz8hrRobwKvebKdwknYONP3vvREjQDVFr6HvlcyR7Scd6UnVyrlDUOjDhrReoXWUNdvNAhWWAEqzeApgA3x-YnthA4qrN7L5mQBZBt6ZJZ31wf_ZIaBClXQ4G_IuACyzxDoUbHlo7GMaJxo2jEIb6l76I/w300-h400/brambleA6_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting the shapes cut out into fabric</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b>Three common methods to transfer paper shapes onto fabric:</b></div><div>Draw your paper shapes directly onto the backside of the chosen fabric {ball point pen is perfectly fine} and cut out, adding a scant quarter inch extra for seam allowance. Remember to use the reverse side of the template when marking the template lines so the applique shape will present the right way!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Another common way to transfer the template is to draw the paper cut-out shape onto the top of freezer paper {dull side}. Cut freezer paper out exactly at the marked lines and then iron over the top of the appropriate fabric. Don't slide the iron back and forth, but try to cover the shape with the iron and hold still for a moment. Pick up and move the iron again if needed. When the freezer paper is sticking to the fabric, then you can cut out your fabric shapes, once again adding the scant quarter inch extra for seam allowance. Gently peal off the freezer paper and use over and over again, if necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>The third way to transfer a paper template, is to draw the paper shapes directly onto what's called 'template plastic ' sold in sheets at JoAnn Fabrics etc. Carefully cut out your new, more long-lasting templates and proceed the same as with the paper templates.<br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mnD_OYfisgP9lC8et_bSjG2I5zwfk-NP0ANYSuXYmSEtsS2JY4AQcYfp4fwTiw6RUhF_c3XR-po3S9XXh5EvVDyAUwEtPmN1wIC_SkCpcyA2Q4uubcYAkiEek5CGQ8oSDZqq7udvDX0WSbEZYJg6HmXqWamDpJxAanjvAi7z4xxC5_Vpgr-ka9Llwps/s4032/brambleA7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mnD_OYfisgP9lC8et_bSjG2I5zwfk-NP0ANYSuXYmSEtsS2JY4AQcYfp4fwTiw6RUhF_c3XR-po3S9XXh5EvVDyAUwEtPmN1wIC_SkCpcyA2Q4uubcYAkiEek5CGQ8oSDZqq7udvDX0WSbEZYJg6HmXqWamDpJxAanjvAi7z4xxC5_Vpgr-ka9Llwps/w300-h400/brambleA7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Option of smoothing the look of applique</td></tr></tbody></table><b>You can simplify applique shapes: </b>Occasionally you will find that an applique template is just the right size and proportion, but maybe a little too complicated for your skill level. Or maybe it's going too take up time spent sewing that you're not wanting to commit to at the moment. Perhaps you want a naive, prim look. It's easy enough to smooth out the sharp, trickier edges with a pair of scissors, either directly on the paper template or the cut-out fabric shape itself. This goes for applique templates you've borrowed from other patterns, or even ones you've made yourself. There is no shame in simplifying the look of any applique design. In fact, altering templates in this way can serve to heighten a cozy vibe or quickly personalize a look.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fine tuning the applique representation before sewing: </b>In the picture below, I still haven't positioned or pinned things in the exact spot for sewing. Before doing that, I often take a deeper look. Is it doing what I want or need it to do? Matching up to what I had envisioned in my head? Here, I was questioning the look of that first flower stem fabric, which I still didn't like. You probably didn't notice, but this is my 2nd choice fabric. Sometimes you have to actually <i>see it</i> cut out in the true size, then <i>place it</i> in the intended spot, before you say 'meh!. That won't work either.'*sigh In this case, I went back to the first choice and called it good.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC-uo9ZJdN9aOyU9b2-gGu0YyMgcc8Fs5atezRfXqxuQv_1f1Z5_qGkIPtr-vjsC_dAunPhpM37_MPG8atQiyOBNXWH42zborkSzBLtMMIdVJey8NC5-a66y1rw0gsA-kcP5nf0D7jRhLBb3S0oQ8fL1IA8lcPtIffAAz751wKzFLjJESNqIOimdf8Qo/s4032/brambleA8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC-uo9ZJdN9aOyU9b2-gGu0YyMgcc8Fs5atezRfXqxuQv_1f1Z5_qGkIPtr-vjsC_dAunPhpM37_MPG8atQiyOBNXWH42zborkSzBLtMMIdVJey8NC5-a66y1rw0gsA-kcP5nf0D7jRhLBb3S0oQ8fL1IA8lcPtIffAAz751wKzFLjJESNqIOimdf8Qo/w300-h400/brambleA8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at a stem in different fabric</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Making Simple Straight Grain Stems: </b>My basic rule of thumb for making straight grain stems is to cut out the intended width x 2, plus a quarter inch extra. These particular stems ended up being cut out at 1 1/4" x whatever length was needed. Each long, rectangular fabric unit is then folded in half with wrong sides together. Sew those wrong sides together with a <i>very</i> scant seam {move your needle over if possible}. Next, iron the thin tubes of fabric flat, making sure the seam ends up in the middle of the back side. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can skip this step and cut out stems with seam allowance only {like how you sew flower shapes etc.}. The trouble is, inevitably, long straight applique pieces want to ripple and warple even with good pinning. Sewing a tube of fabric helps stabilize things and give off a sharper appearance. I will endeavor to explain a simple method for making bias stems at a later date.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFHjLTlawfAafI8FriDZ1PlHOvmq2jpLaVnUBuS6G3SNU1ilC93O4Amyq1j0IMgyASx4L2yqukGbH4TcZr9fpFNznttIGlUYOE9BlCgBAxuoJl6sKUFr3Fpg5OnrHzDsFWXp97R40S1ddJrKTICJKsYXNoakBKtEQZrXTwXPFC2s_tCYv8B0TzXGDj90/s4032/brambleA9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFHjLTlawfAafI8FriDZ1PlHOvmq2jpLaVnUBuS6G3SNU1ilC93O4Amyq1j0IMgyASx4L2yqukGbH4TcZr9fpFNznttIGlUYOE9BlCgBAxuoJl6sKUFr3Fpg5OnrHzDsFWXp97R40S1ddJrKTICJKsYXNoakBKtEQZrXTwXPFC2s_tCYv8B0TzXGDj90/w300-h400/brambleA9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Figuring out how add another color</td></tr></tbody></table><b>Letting your intuition do its thing: </b>Improv. works best when you pay attention to the little niggle of feeling that says '<i>You know, this could probably look a lot better</i>'. It's not usually some majorly complicated thing. Many times, in fact, it's a relatively easy fix that involves <b>more</b> of something or <b>less</b> of something. Perhaps one of the elements simply wants for a slight value change or hmmm.. a completely different color or print of fabric used altogether? Tiny adjustments can have a big impact. Play a little but don't ever think you have to start completely from scratch. If you're willing to cut up a little bit of fabric, do a little 'trial and error', you'll no doubt find the answer.</div><div><br /></div><div>As to my centerpiece, a bit of contemplation helped me understand that the overall look was clearly too bland. It needed a spark to lift the look. Rifling through my fabric stack didn't conjure up anything exciting, and so back to the stash totes I went for inspiration. Finally, I pulled out this much lighter, kind of blue-ish green fabric that didn't feel specially complementary to the original fabric pull. Funny how it seems to work fabulously in this setting though! In the picture above, you can see where I cut out little triangles and tried placing them at the base of each flower. Hmmm... that's better, but still not quite right. What else could I do?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNUv_7D0S3ZKc_9_1EGBSbTWR0A_54j6LQZ8ESAH1quTRfUAVRbwsD6GYLxrWOI6Pl5C8rv2T6ke5QtwOd1-2OlrMIo4vK01YiWVvj5wD9IZQjqyhhaB8ASrfIjS7sVOjwSPdcoUMH8SMJ3zBAeRvdKVDRQgviP4UApt6rihE4RwJzhg3vLth9a4MvWY/s4032/brambleA91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLNUv_7D0S3ZKc_9_1EGBSbTWR0A_54j6LQZ8ESAH1quTRfUAVRbwsD6GYLxrWOI6Pl5C8rv2T6ke5QtwOd1-2OlrMIo4vK01YiWVvj5wD9IZQjqyhhaB8ASrfIjS7sVOjwSPdcoUMH8SMJ3zBAeRvdKVDRQgviP4UApt6rihE4RwJzhg3vLth9a4MvWY/w300-h400/brambleA91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally getting the look I want</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I left the composition up on the wall and ignored it for the evening. Much, much later in the night, the thought casually popped into my head that many natural flowers have little, barely-there leaves up near the base of a flower. Replicating that look could hopefully {fingers crossed} make a little, much needed sort of magic start happening. Just a miniscule addition and now the whole thing resonates incredibly better. <div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJVbdT2R2P4i9i-W06vtGccz90sQFk2k6SCUDEpThE102JPDUuDtJtbu_AGGAO0QzspWYen0AA1vkP_5xic5T-a3-nKTL9hXB6Xl8tnL0KcHKVvJcGLKHWXYMwkX0J4iMth42FaZFpVHIT31O8T1k10Oqz-ijnqeeM6z8QkEQYxONFAkDa4jk1jAwHSg/s4032/brambleA92_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJVbdT2R2P4i9i-W06vtGccz90sQFk2k6SCUDEpThE102JPDUuDtJtbu_AGGAO0QzspWYen0AA1vkP_5xic5T-a3-nKTL9hXB6Xl8tnL0KcHKVvJcGLKHWXYMwkX0J4iMth42FaZFpVHIT31O8T1k10Oqz-ijnqeeM6z8QkEQYxONFAkDa4jk1jAwHSg/w300-h400/brambleA92_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with minute changes to an applique element</td></tr></tbody></table>Another thing you might have noticed that I tinkered with, was the pink motif at the base of the flowers. I kept cutting out slightly different, but similar shapes until finding the ones that had the just the right energy. One of the shapes was basically the same size/shape, only in reverse! Such a simple thing, but it helps to keep playing until a quilt says '<i><b>enough</b>'</i>! And there is definitely a time to stop and move on. No sense in driving yourself crazy!</div><div><br /></div><div>When everything looks just right color-wise and design-wise, then it's time to position the applique <b>exactly</b> where it needs sewing. Pin in place and stitch the bottom layer first, then the next layer, and so on till it's all finished. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq2xw5lG1FwUWdhsPfnqUD2YV_7neOXJkDY5PC1MNaRoE2or0K04_1RD-cT09ObKpwkbIuE-t1sOMltzMgbfmPkBwTDC88676qhu_SF667YT7ljTkdNk_hTkk88I6VxwjCGGUe7hbGnOiCCvKsDf54xf-yIt1bXv93I-Nh52M1hC4lVzSd9kb2uXGzqM/s3833/brambleA93_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3833" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiq2xw5lG1FwUWdhsPfnqUD2YV_7neOXJkDY5PC1MNaRoE2or0K04_1RD-cT09ObKpwkbIuE-t1sOMltzMgbfmPkBwTDC88676qhu_SF667YT7ljTkdNk_hTkk88I6VxwjCGGUe7hbGnOiCCvKsDf54xf-yIt1bXv93I-Nh52M1hC4lVzSd9kb2uXGzqM/w315-h400/brambleA93_Fotor.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBI templates all ready to go</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>Feel free to apply the applique to your quilt in any manner you like, be it hand sewing or machine sewing. I use a form of needle-turn applique as I love the slight imperfections that seem to organically happen, but you do you. Lots of good tutorials and options floating around on the Internet these days. Also, I have the templates converted to pdf's for anyone who doesn't have the time or energies to dive into Freehand Applique right at the moment. Please request these in my email at audkateaster at gmail dot com, NOT in the comment section. This QAL is generally free to all, but I respectfully ask that you consider dropping a couple dollars in the tip jar if you are specifically wanting the pdf's. Hopefully this will be set up by next week if my un-techy self can figure things out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it's a rather lengthy post about the process of Improv. when it comes to applique play. It's kind of my passion! Such a wonderful way to add lots of personalization and the also the charming benefits of the human touch to our makes. You did want to know how to do things the 'Quilty Folk' way, right? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Next up </b>{after some normal quilty posts}, will be another prompt in the QAL. Which incidentally, is the first border to our medallion design. For those just joining up, please send an email when you have posted your start to this QAL. <i>That email is the only way I will add you to the link list of participants.</i> If you're not especially interested in being included in the link list, but want to follow along with the QAL regardless, that's perfectly fine too. I get it! Stepping outside of our comfort zone and sharing our work at the same time can probably feel somewhat brutal. Ughh Don't know how many times I've winced when pressing the 'publish' button. As per usual, sometimes I'll need a couple days to respond. </div><div><br /></div><div>**There are still comments on posts where I am unable to link back to the person or specific blog. Sharon from Pflugerville and Chel Smith from Texas--Sorry, I don't have a way to contact either of you. Please email if you want to join the link list. Sorry, don't have a clue how to make the commenting easier for everyone without opening the blog up to mountains of spam. </div></div></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-70143856997634139962023-10-26T22:12:00.003-07:002023-10-28T11:36:15.208-07:00Getting Started with the Bramble Blooms QAL!<p>Welcome to the Bramble Blooms QAL! Right from the start, I want everyone to know that this is an informal quilt-a-long, meaning there will be no hard dates for posting from phase to phase. It could take anywhere from a year, to possibly a year and a half to complete. If that drives you crazy, then maybe rethink joining up! Beyond any other measure, this will be a <i>process based QAL</i>, as that is where I believe creative quilting truly grows and flourishes.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXsV_rw1TpPE5OMcKsJhgfngk1F9Y6UwBb5qRG4sPPP324UwpIktPK-zVqkJUO1ev-usyO-rlmRLB1RlrU-t_gqlDzruv_jJBmEShw8PsyKuz1Q5wnAqC3YzRxS4AOUh0ZSzVQjA0nY1Ub2lna2cULgGpTM4YrS0-vkxzWNIFERdj-hzAvcRU7ddlfOQ/s740/bramble_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="740" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXsV_rw1TpPE5OMcKsJhgfngk1F9Y6UwBb5qRG4sPPP324UwpIktPK-zVqkJUO1ev-usyO-rlmRLB1RlrU-t_gqlDzruv_jJBmEShw8PsyKuz1Q5wnAqC3YzRxS4AOUh0ZSzVQjA0nY1Ub2lna2cULgGpTM4YrS0-vkxzWNIFERdj-hzAvcRU7ddlfOQ/w400-h253/bramble_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure who wrote this, but it says everything!</td></tr></tbody></table>Everyone is welcome to play along, beginners, intermediate and experienced quilters alike. For those who have more practice in the improv. approach to quilting, feel free to skip through the wordy babbling and get straight to the heart of the matter! <div><br /><b>THINGS TO KNOW:</b><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This is a structured, yet unquestionably, Improv. style QAL with the intention of using older, languishing fabrics from the stash.</li><li>It will be presented in the form of series work with emphasis on <b>process</b>--three quilts being the ultimate goal. Why three quilts? Engages the curiosity, plants seeds of creativity and makes it easier to see the results of playing off of similarities and differences as each successive quilt takes shape.</li><li>Every quilt will involve some sort of applique, piecing, medallion quilt layout, and an intuitive approach to decision making. Traditional or improv. piecing are both acceptable. </li><li>Your quilts will have the ability to look almost exactly like mine, but also the potential to look much more like a <b>YOU</b> quilt if so desired.</li><li>Expected quilt size is intended to be in the range of a throw quilt. Small or large? We'll see, but that's ultimately going to be your choice based on decisions made along the way.</li><li>There will be a Bramble Blooms page at the top of the blog linking to all relevant QAL posts in the event you fall behind or need more time for ideas to marinate.</li><li>There will hopefully be a link party at or near the finale of each quilt top {3 total}.</li><li>There will be a Bramble Blooms {QAL participants} 'link list' at the sidebar here at Quilty Folk. The focus of this entire exercise should be the personal journey and not a competition for 'best of'. Visit who/what strikes a chord and don't feel compelled to visit everyone in an endless loop. Due to the lengthy nature of this QAL, it seems best to support and inspire without excess obligation involved.</li><li>Above all, my hope is to practice mindfulness, make space for personal voice and let go of pre-determined outcome wherever possible {bearing in mind the predetermined medallion quilt layout}.</li><li>This project is absolutely free though I intend to set up a tip jar for the pdf's that will be shared throughout the QAL. I get that some of you might not want to dive into the deep end of making your own applique templates and that's totally fine. Hoping I can inspire a few of you to try though!</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm8PvsG-yMF7RAKLT7T11UlUsuvAi_WcCrtCHMmxCr1RBQzJNcVDHdG4TK9QrRFYHPX_LOLz6gjN_2I_O8wDKYebi1gfQh6I4blxQD-IwhQdt2d90omAasmezh1AY9WEPOeGHmm5B03ha0xIcF5P8MU5bdyQyOLJIJEUqNywH-hLycgWdf6WIYayJNIg/s3730/bramble1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2564" data-original-width="3730" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm8PvsG-yMF7RAKLT7T11UlUsuvAi_WcCrtCHMmxCr1RBQzJNcVDHdG4TK9QrRFYHPX_LOLz6gjN_2I_O8wDKYebi1gfQh6I4blxQD-IwhQdt2d90omAasmezh1AY9WEPOeGHmm5B03ha0xIcF5P8MU5bdyQyOLJIJEUqNywH-hLycgWdf6WIYayJNIg/w400-h275/bramble1_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric stacks for three quilts in the series</td></tr></tbody></table><i><b> </b></i><b>GATHER FABRIC STACKS FROM OLDER STASH FABRIC<i>:</i></b></div><div>If you'd like to try for the goal of three quilts in the series, dig through your stash and gather together three fabric stacks that are similar to each other in color palette. They don't have to be similar in color to my fabric stacks at all, feel free to do your own thing! If you'd like to begin with a fabric stack for one quilt rather than three, that works too. Just don't have such a large fabric stack that you get easily overwhelmed. Don't worry about how much yardage per stack, this is mostly just a starting place. We can always search for more later! For those interested, these stacks are made up of primarily whole and partial fat quarters, third of a yard cuts and random larger pieces of yardage. Very, very few pieces of larger cut fabrics, which yes, sometimes becomes problematic in the outer borders of a quilt top. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Try to focus on the color palette as a whole {per fabric stack} and don't worry about how uninspiring individual fabrics might be. With older, stale dated fabrics, it really helps to zero in on how the fabric colors work together rather than how boring it might feel. Make sure there is a good range of light, dark, medium and bright fabric in each stack as this will provide the needed spark to help make things work well overall. Be sure to have a good mixture of fabric prints as well, really don't want <i>all</i> polka dots or whatever your fave is. And try not to have stacks of truly hideous stuff! Do throw in a newer fat quarter or two to make it more palatable as needed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLozHbm305eWCySawHA9jonvK9DcYwkfX3Oqi9bLQ-EPahrewLNDOpIJi-Kav5mZhO8Ss660Kptb-9pK3qCPo3qLc5jbCQlpMz3L8pDKIeqsFxz8mWrg-bYY6zFQCb4yU0ZVGWqt2y0wbeiifTm_lG3JnoSEZuzpPQzI-63qQCZru3nQfu_ogLCxttpU/s3480/bramble2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2931" data-original-width="3480" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLozHbm305eWCySawHA9jonvK9DcYwkfX3Oqi9bLQ-EPahrewLNDOpIJi-Kav5mZhO8Ss660Kptb-9pK3qCPo3qLc5jbCQlpMz3L8pDKIeqsFxz8mWrg-bYY6zFQCb4yU0ZVGWqt2y0wbeiifTm_lG3JnoSEZuzpPQzI-63qQCZru3nQfu_ogLCxttpU/w400-h338/bramble2_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the fabric stack for Bramble Blooms I</td></tr></tbody></table><b>IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PROCESS:</b></div><div>I've found that series work is an excellent way to use up oldy moldy fabrics because inevitably, the structure encourages focus on the elements at play, rather than the fabric itself. There is a momentum that naturally happens as we meet each particular quilt challenge, greatly helping to kick in our curiosity as we move along. We start out with a basic, almost <i>going-through-the-motions</i> sort of quilt idea for quilt #1. Then, if we follow small moments of interest, usually something a bit more interesting and personal begins to come into being as we gain confidence in trying to implement our ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pairing series work with using up long neglected fabric also helps takes the initial pressure off of us to try and make something impressive. How many times do we start with the assumption that our project needs to be 'worthwhile' for the amount of money that we've hitherto invested? This distraction, if you will, lets us focus in on color or value for purposes of design rather than how dull a fabric might be. It increases our odds of being willing to take risks and gives permission to cut things up willy nilly or perhaps 'waste fabric'? meh! Who cares! It wasn't being used anyway!</div><div><br /></div><div>I encourage everyone to dig deep, try extra hard to MAKE-DO and always be open to surprising possibilities for the older fabrics. No doubt there's <i>something</i> lovely and comforting about a few of these pieces that inspired us to buy them so long ago in the first place? That being said, please feel free to go buy something brand new later on if your quilt is adamantly insisting on something special in regards to color or fabric print. If you need to. No judging or shaming here!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>GETTING STARTED WITH THE FIRST QUILT IN THE SERIES {BBI}:</b></div><div>First off, you'll need to prepare a background for the centerpiece of the first Bramble Blooms quilt. Grab the first fabric stack and tuck the other two away. This will be the foundation for your first quilt in the series--your base and your color story. In regards to color for a background, I'm going with a fairly reliable {old-faithful}, kind of a pinkish, cream color. You can start with whatever color strikes your fancy, doesn't have to be traditional at all. Cut out something in one piece of yardage, or perhaps piece together some smaller pieces like what is pictured below. Whatever you do, don't sew it out of four identical sized pieces of fabric! An odd number of fabrics generally works much, much better in this instance.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3zJY4QGsE-k5H2oCvAqVbMnY6AiJ42EeVbbQv5jcIEqYaQ3RFoBN0kewqH0p9mmvCZaJTz0gb8S-JLySkJmlWyUU86T5tuFuAI2FhzTyqFpl2sZLC_F8SKmyyl5txHxa-TcDCcnsx6IXIrpNAYK2OmX-1LbY2rG6Bm1dpvxikXC_oO1gU7QuCrNNjLY/s4032/bramble3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3zJY4QGsE-k5H2oCvAqVbMnY6AiJ42EeVbbQv5jcIEqYaQ3RFoBN0kewqH0p9mmvCZaJTz0gb8S-JLySkJmlWyUU86T5tuFuAI2FhzTyqFpl2sZLC_F8SKmyyl5txHxa-TcDCcnsx6IXIrpNAYK2OmX-1LbY2rG6Bm1dpvxikXC_oO1gU7QuCrNNjLY/w300-h400/bramble3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These odd, not so blendy fabrics make <br />for a decent looking background</td></tr></tbody></table>This centerpiece can be whatever size you want to start with. Seriously. There are absolutely no 'have-to' measurements it needs to be. Simply ensure that it is something that looks and feels right to you. Think about how large of a quilt you might end up with if you start <i>very large</i>, or perhaps how very small it might end up if you begin <i>in the miniature</i>. I recommend something around 20-25". After sewing, my centerpiece {below} measures at 22 1/2" x 26". See how I did that? Already breaking the rules!*wink Do you want to end up with a square or a rectangle shaped quilt? Much easier to make that choice right now than try to fix something later on, though of course it can be done.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV1nJAqv7lFd4byWqsIts-avyunZ6Tdc0r_I-PFxy5LkCAGQiqJCdNwQFSs2uChGcc0QhlSdTiB6pvuBso0E5XEQaDWHs4Wq9tiBt5rTgUuroU7zAjqQzPoi4EixI6rcMPnrdcQfLLczgPcFImtzvMVZZk3Kd0jTa7ajn3FVVM0Zh9jd6VWacH_jVwW8/s3211/bramble4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3211" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV1nJAqv7lFd4byWqsIts-avyunZ6Tdc0r_I-PFxy5LkCAGQiqJCdNwQFSs2uChGcc0QhlSdTiB6pvuBso0E5XEQaDWHs4Wq9tiBt5rTgUuroU7zAjqQzPoi4EixI6rcMPnrdcQfLLczgPcFImtzvMVZZk3Kd0jTa7ajn3FVVM0Zh9jd6VWacH_jVwW8/w376-h400/bramble4_Fotor.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's okay for there to be a slight value change <br />in your choices. Gives instant depth to your quilt!</td></tr></tbody></table>If you're very new to this approach to quilt-making, it might feel a bit fake-ish to purposely cut and sew together for a make-do background like shown above. I remember that feeling so many years ago, of thinking that I was trying a little too hard. In this case I honestly didn't have to expend much effort at all. One fabric was used 'as is', another made it easy to take advantage of the skinny remains, and the other fabric simply made up the difference needed to get to a good measurement. {Part of the bottom fabric was tucked under while I was auditioning the look.} The thing to remember is that 'make-do' is oftentimes a great start for a quilt purposefully built around limitations. Don't overthink it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If this feels a little too open ended, this might not be quite the right QAL for you. I'm trying something a little different with this invite, and it probably makes some of you want to break out in hives! However, if you're looking to join me for a journey of creative play and doing things the Quilty Folk way? That's the way this entire QAL is going to be, a little loosey-goosey as to measurements etc. Might as well start out the way we're going to keep going! </div><div><br /></div><div>There are almost definitely going to be times in this particular QAL when you will run out of a certain fabric and have to make substitutions. Why do you think I start with a fabric stack and not exact yardage? Hmm? Self imposed limitations can make for very interesting quilts! Why not start now with a good strong vibe committing to the <i>art of making do</i>? </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Next up</b> will be a post about free-style applique. {Probably in a couple days to a week from now.} You had to know what this centerpiece was for! After your first post showing off your fabric stacks or centerpiece background, let me know so I can add your name to the Bramble Blooms QAL participants Link List. It looks like I can link to Instagram accounts too, so doesn't have to be a blog. My email is audkateaster at gmail dot com. Always give me several days to respond as life gets pretty busy around here.<br /><p><br /></p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-17067872559567501492023-10-16T16:25:00.004-07:002023-10-19T16:15:46.800-07:00Orphan Annie is a Finish and Other Things in the Lineup<p> Orphan Annie is a completed quilt top now! So nice to get another one finished up. Still hopeful there will time for another two or three to get knocked off the list before the end of the year.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsphblRAy0XLno094e6n-J2LoUbKAMyQni28nzLDb_qduPY3ae1UdIBUoLcpiMlXupkcoW0aht3HoYqLwsMhdiCXVINMp66DViedMiYQNi5xCrxkX5vKY3nry3DD2dlrF_b0x1JOJEc_2x1JnzUscwNEyV_e5O8pw6Px-BqYL_bZ7PpmUZokW4IR2HJJs/s3297/annie_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3297" data-original-width="3020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsphblRAy0XLno094e6n-J2LoUbKAMyQni28nzLDb_qduPY3ae1UdIBUoLcpiMlXupkcoW0aht3HoYqLwsMhdiCXVINMp66DViedMiYQNi5xCrxkX5vKY3nry3DD2dlrF_b0x1JOJEc_2x1JnzUscwNEyV_e5O8pw6Px-BqYL_bZ7PpmUZokW4IR2HJJs/w366-h400/annie_Fotor.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orphan Annie all crumpled and cozy looking!</td></tr></tbody></table>The next picture made the quilt look a little bit washed out. The actual color is more intense like the previous picture. I really love this whimsical quilt with all its imperfections. Somehow this one ended up being so very blue. For some reason I thought it would feel like a green quilt, but nope. Its one hundred percent got the blues!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mfbQ6TlvSlpWc9I8qZtI_JT3owwUyZ8ftPtM_il0t3AjEy1_qn2m6h-xUhSRZkbhf1jQF33eDNNGnHaA19jKKRUh-3bEB3Fi2wN5tVxPAaX0O39IbDEi6arTZJtmSn8JJX2eQ0P84Rhc08hiaiuW2D1ByBN9WeoQjV3X6pfmBkw95ckzORs4OjoAZm8/s4032/annie1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mfbQ6TlvSlpWc9I8qZtI_JT3owwUyZ8ftPtM_il0t3AjEy1_qn2m6h-xUhSRZkbhf1jQF33eDNNGnHaA19jKKRUh-3bEB3Fi2wN5tVxPAaX0O39IbDEi6arTZJtmSn8JJX2eQ0P84Rhc08hiaiuW2D1ByBN9WeoQjV3X6pfmBkw95ckzORs4OjoAZm8/w300-h400/annie1_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the mixed print background in <br />the blocks</td></tr></tbody></table>The tulips were cut-outs from behind another quilt {<a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/04/all-hiccups-in-process.html">AHIQ Hourglass Tulip</a>}. I just couldn't throw them away. Really interesting to see the flatter looking tulip, all cut out of only two fabrics, made up into something that really shows them off. I just have to smile at making an entire quilt out of a less than wonderful looking tulip shape. Because why not? Don't they deserve a moment to shine too?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHqwyqnanOfpeXr0gRwrI1VX0wY9l1D9PzBARnu0x8s-_dC_A7hhI9-yGjJsQ2KrKjdbJ8doAU2UM94-1eAhBuZe_-3HZRwiZdtY8m3yAeyrZPwqUBaLqT7884jv5w07u_-UrivaKpragyItpbM7OWcJbuR_4mljWAv5_BMRVOb7JZveg9BTvoOOZC8s/s4032/annie2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHqwyqnanOfpeXr0gRwrI1VX0wY9l1D9PzBARnu0x8s-_dC_A7hhI9-yGjJsQ2KrKjdbJ8doAU2UM94-1eAhBuZe_-3HZRwiZdtY8m3yAeyrZPwqUBaLqT7884jv5w07u_-UrivaKpragyItpbM7OWcJbuR_4mljWAv5_BMRVOb7JZveg9BTvoOOZC8s/w300-h400/annie2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somehow very blendy looking</td></tr></tbody></table>And then there's the improv. quarter triangle border. It was kind of hard to cut the triangles off at the ends and just let them be. Made for very odd looking corners for sure! Wouldn't change it for anything though as it distinctively comes across as a 'make-do' sort of look and vibe. My all time fave look these days plus it goes very well with the unpretentious look to the tulips.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzWriZKwVRvKmCf2YicplEfwBNWEOIStSGtrW1xPg9gquGb3Qzl_1Qpf_6Q9fOhyphenhyphenWcXWF4n-YviQ4-RIZLNYa-Fmv4uuKK39Ze-5HwkzgZB9X5KRJtvA1HAM9VPd2EOt7dTdCYXrQwpRhzEOp7u5QYTX0qxJLtlSMEjC4MLwKrjVFgrQRXwEbTErfgks/s4032/annie3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzWriZKwVRvKmCf2YicplEfwBNWEOIStSGtrW1xPg9gquGb3Qzl_1Qpf_6Q9fOhyphenhyphenWcXWF4n-YviQ4-RIZLNYa-Fmv4uuKK39Ze-5HwkzgZB9X5KRJtvA1HAM9VPd2EOt7dTdCYXrQwpRhzEOp7u5QYTX0qxJLtlSMEjC4MLwKrjVFgrQRXwEbTErfgks/w300-h400/annie3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whimsical corners!</td></tr></tbody></table>Next up in the hoop is my 'Positive Thinking' quilt. It's an <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2020/05/june-challenge.html">AHIQ challenge</a> from 2020 involving using old clothes and of course positive thinking. One of my favorite quotes although I'm quite sure the 'willingly' part would not always apply to me in every context of my life!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SM7_T2RLGY8heDSvcgwgiK0E0sptg6sbj9fFSwG6mnDC5Wa4Dd1TGRzCp8l5h9S9LLBwbX3XM5nLmB0_SYPNGPtaASRKiuq2ZI_XmjUAk52_YG4mN4PevRm3OeU7M6A7tdXgnyDE1HTBpXrpcJnUG5iZ-QDzpa4kDj9XuAeNv82scUMkZ3jep3abNmo/s3004/annie4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2960" data-original-width="3004" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SM7_T2RLGY8heDSvcgwgiK0E0sptg6sbj9fFSwG6mnDC5Wa4Dd1TGRzCp8l5h9S9LLBwbX3XM5nLmB0_SYPNGPtaASRKiuq2ZI_XmjUAk52_YG4mN4PevRm3OeU7M6A7tdXgnyDE1HTBpXrpcJnUG5iZ-QDzpa4kDj9XuAeNv82scUMkZ3jep3abNmo/w400-h394/annie4_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up in the hoop!</td></tr></tbody></table>I've been dreading doing the hand quilting on this one 'cuz, how to properly stitch the middle of the quilt? But as always, it's merely a case of getting it into the hoop and simply getting started. I tend to make things bigger in my head than reality warrants.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh5OJptddTvj368G6jGwWq1DGoaWWyP9Dqgwe0jof-9KI_op9hphkIB0F6I64UiALldSKbf5zYgICRF36bSahHjFwlOY0Fk7aS-LBSjoFNe1xS68LzVT5D9DSyIeubHNMDCci8TDHFdJnmasRCZKAmMUxP63MpJAC13qxUkU4MBw-vj7nauCFQVOTRjs/s4032/annie5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh5OJptddTvj368G6jGwWq1DGoaWWyP9Dqgwe0jof-9KI_op9hphkIB0F6I64UiALldSKbf5zYgICRF36bSahHjFwlOY0Fk7aS-LBSjoFNe1xS68LzVT5D9DSyIeubHNMDCci8TDHFdJnmasRCZKAmMUxP63MpJAC13qxUkU4MBw-vj7nauCFQVOTRjs/w300-h400/annie5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So odd to have flowers without leaves....</td></tr></tbody></table>I also managed to get Tatterdemalion to a finished quilt top stage.*sigh All that needed doing was to to sew the last little bits of applique to the middle border.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8Cx-79-ELvCcvnNgPSkseUbxpvkIw2zMUFIwqyw6xr84UpIma-TcYNivieitmUy2xNSDK0QwsQvuTqoRZWsB0W8mg3jvzvNsISj0p5MrqAGcs_ln4DRd-U0ku4-7TA5ljswZsNVYPd97GaPaLSaloLgn_WjzSOiEEJJwB2VSJb9kQndbG21gOPrMWpU/s4032/annie6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8Cx-79-ELvCcvnNgPSkseUbxpvkIw2zMUFIwqyw6xr84UpIma-TcYNivieitmUy2xNSDK0QwsQvuTqoRZWsB0W8mg3jvzvNsISj0p5MrqAGcs_ln4DRd-U0ku4-7TA5ljswZsNVYPd97GaPaLSaloLgn_WjzSOiEEJJwB2VSJb9kQndbG21gOPrMWpU/w300-h400/annie6_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a completed quilt top!</td></tr></tbody></table>This was one of the faster quilt tops that I have made in years, all of it sewn together in about six weeks or so. I am loving the unusual color palette and the overall moodiness!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4OqEqu-wOgmoIrnsU8DmXNLuou_4YQg2HCaG0oyc7FmJ1eWuwHj1t9CXeDc7u4Wwbvch3-_fEO9ywtzO4MXaYZu1fpAtDVF_pYkJX4o80ixq79net41tPelyamIyNXONUo4I6twPYUBo3i_FlBoxjIUkR-Q0skzcx0Ki223eYB7TE_IQWCzTfsKmUeI/s4032/annie7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4OqEqu-wOgmoIrnsU8DmXNLuou_4YQg2HCaG0oyc7FmJ1eWuwHj1t9CXeDc7u4Wwbvch3-_fEO9ywtzO4MXaYZu1fpAtDVF_pYkJX4o80ixq79net41tPelyamIyNXONUo4I6twPYUBo3i_FlBoxjIUkR-Q0skzcx0Ki223eYB7TE_IQWCzTfsKmUeI/w300-h400/annie7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oddities of Tatterdemalion!</td></tr></tbody></table>Definitely a quilt that is not ever going to take itself seriously. I suppose that's the beauty of starting with orphan blocks, parts and pieces! Absolutely not anything that I would ever have 'designed' if I was sitting down to draw out the details of a brand new quilt project! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5ijKaRBY4BMXTKJ559NG41mfxgMTuCEgdVnwSdGEunIW3pVVaKLhit3BQBWir6QgyVu4LKKXAD1o0rpwQf0P-SMogtYpcbCFVwa1UnS_hLmcLPs377Xj9-ctEj9A_Cw5gwSKlX_dbYMB7xLti9inWk5FdBu80i_n-xDfCdrcPQ2Y5xlsISxo3lYDPrY/s4032/annie8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5ijKaRBY4BMXTKJ559NG41mfxgMTuCEgdVnwSdGEunIW3pVVaKLhit3BQBWir6QgyVu4LKKXAD1o0rpwQf0P-SMogtYpcbCFVwa1UnS_hLmcLPs377Xj9-ctEj9A_Cw5gwSKlX_dbYMB7xLti9inWk5FdBu80i_n-xDfCdrcPQ2Y5xlsISxo3lYDPrY/w300-h400/annie8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good use of the orphan bits</td></tr></tbody></table>Really happy to have found a good place for some of those brownish violet and purple fat quarters that have been piling up in the stash totes too. I can only wish there was enough left to sew the backing together! There's something deeply cozy about a dark backing on a utility quilt like this one.<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPY_kdkuGUVvmfHHG6aKbuOnRbflU3NsNsEAInNvcR2x43EIY5D5iBvuBpgFLISRRQ3yUMF2WMOUfKeCIcmmNtiE0jNitshi2EYK7ZFSrjrQKUqF5fIptObCVkozrv_4H_yyjnGPkveC7UXJv6xTrUSAmCTtDJOkJp8nMLhEiUAYY-Yt0erSw8SoOXsU/s3024/annie9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2937" data-original-width="3024" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPY_kdkuGUVvmfHHG6aKbuOnRbflU3NsNsEAInNvcR2x43EIY5D5iBvuBpgFLISRRQ3yUMF2WMOUfKeCIcmmNtiE0jNitshi2EYK7ZFSrjrQKUqF5fIptObCVkozrv_4H_yyjnGPkveC7UXJv6xTrUSAmCTtDJOkJp8nMLhEiUAYY-Yt0erSw8SoOXsU/w400-h389/annie9_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to see this one quilted</td></tr></tbody></table><b>QAL details</b>: I've been thinking non-stop about the QAL idea that was thrown out there in the last post. Like I said, the odds were good that I would proceed regardless of interest, but some of the comments definitely got me to thinking about how to move forward. {Thanks for the lovely amount of interest! I am honestly blown away!} How to make it interesting for both beginners and more experienced quilters? Gathering my thoughts and trying to collate them into a semblance of order here. I recognize my hodgepodge way of throwing a quilt together might not make sense to just everybody!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6ergZBjdKuHf3t0uovetRBcpyNcTx-Bf9rpcnvEvYeN9QnKGkZXWCyyp-UMQNhyphenhyphen7byxFtuQ0JXCykbaAXoNEfEq0Tb5P1hEAe6h_pPm8E4ufVFnPZj_zBoiK_9n924PrPN6jniBaQzR6g2CTQt1DjKvYwrPjnu1MCrywWeQYLIn3Lg9cTeEoP8TBAIc/s4032/annie91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6ergZBjdKuHf3t0uovetRBcpyNcTx-Bf9rpcnvEvYeN9QnKGkZXWCyyp-UMQNhyphenhyphen7byxFtuQ0JXCykbaAXoNEfEq0Tb5P1hEAe6h_pPm8E4ufVFnPZj_zBoiK_9n924PrPN6jniBaQzR6g2CTQt1DjKvYwrPjnu1MCrywWeQYLIn3Lg9cTeEoP8TBAIc/w400-h300/annie91_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potential fabric stacks for the QAL</td></tr></tbody></table>Also, now I'm a little antsy because what if the entire idea bombs and you all end up with hideous quilts? Ughh. Anyway.... That's the completely compelling thing about making an improv. style quilt right? It's like rooting for the underdog. The outcome <b>could </b>be amazing, but there are no guarantees! All we know is that if the outcome turns out to be wonderful, we'll be even more excited than if we were betting on the sure thing. Or something like that....<div><br /></div><div>So. If you think you might want to do this with me, go ahead and get digging through the stash fabric lurking in the corners of the quilt room. I've come up with these three perfectly normal looking stacks of similar looking fabrics--<b>{you'll want stacks similar to each other, not necessarily to my fabric stacks!} </b>Take a look, nothing stupendous and exciting! Not much in the way of larger yardage either, just a lot of whole and partial fat quarters and the occasional third of a yard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't worry about what you might or might not be lacking till something becomes a real problem moving forward. We'll dig again later if needed! Also, don't worry about coming up with three fabric stacks if you really can't wrap your head around more than one quilt at a time. Or if you want to make three different color palettes instead of the one? Go for it! {I get that not everybody can stomach making three back to back quilts in the same color palette.} The main thing is to try and get a little bit of value change, plenty of various, mixed fabric prints and yeah, yeah, the old adage, <i>lights, darks, mediums, and brights</i>. I really don't recommend stacks of truly hideous fabrics or stuff that makes you feel nauseous. Will try to finish organizing my thoughts and have the start of the QAL ready by the end of the month!<br /><p>Am still catching up to answering comments, but if you don't have a reply back by the end of this week, then you must be a no-reply commenter. Even if your name is on the comment, if you haven't received a reply from me, then I have zero access to your email address! Loraine Everard, you leave wonderful comments but I can't reach out to you! And there are several more. Apologies for how picky and proprietary Blogger is these days.</p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-54397304017141318062023-10-03T14:32:00.001-07:002023-10-03T14:32:35.719-07:00It's All About The Process<p>Lots of applique prep going on this week! It takes an enormous amount of time, but now there's several projects all ready for stitching attention. This is the first awkward tulip {out of three} in the Good Vibes quilt. The stem, underneath circle and one side of the petals are stitched onto this one, still have to stitch the other petal and both leaves.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14c0S01cOiOe1LRcRgRzkWZa0Bapt35Xl3ijQj_YqI8R4DliIkdmN5R79vqSNTSwpc1vdOcd0-GQlHPHsiyZda9IL_e1EiPxnx0-Ylcj7qr-7cBLvYHDDOc0JduUEfrqIMOkVi9VWn7ooajyPXHRUFcyfU-M6G4ijyPO3wX_6EAnXKT4oLwcuY5O0w0o/s3680/good_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3680" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14c0S01cOiOe1LRcRgRzkWZa0Bapt35Xl3ijQj_YqI8R4DliIkdmN5R79vqSNTSwpc1vdOcd0-GQlHPHsiyZda9IL_e1EiPxnx0-Ylcj7qr-7cBLvYHDDOc0JduUEfrqIMOkVi9VWn7ooajyPXHRUFcyfU-M6G4ijyPO3wX_6EAnXKT4oLwcuY5O0w0o/w329-h400/good_Fotor.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little more stitching...</td></tr></tbody></table>I'll need to stitch the rest of the circles onto their background blocks and then the quilt will probably take shape very quickly after that. Applique is sooo slow and then the quilt top often comes together lickety-split! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIiwppa1Xw1WJbXKHNb07hzLNrfV16ejft8sf27PSoJVy2o9jrEPS42iaF5yPuFuOU2XF00G5aBHdJieYk2CG64ETRTbibgw_A9Xb6rAJw9QWVaSVoTc-nWM3IJIMQnI_mnk8JrhI5B14d45cuxihkb4Wxx3Kje5BM1-MksAI9NXBiPYg3nV8U8mJh-w/s3187/good1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIiwppa1Xw1WJbXKHNb07hzLNrfV16ejft8sf27PSoJVy2o9jrEPS42iaF5yPuFuOU2XF00G5aBHdJieYk2CG64ETRTbibgw_A9Xb6rAJw9QWVaSVoTc-nWM3IJIMQnI_mnk8JrhI5B14d45cuxihkb4Wxx3Kje5BM1-MksAI9NXBiPYg3nV8U8mJh-w/w380-h400/good1_Fotor.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer to a real finish every day!</td></tr></tbody></table>I have another quilt with the hand quilting finished up. First phase of the binding is done, just waiting for time to hand stitch it down. Feeling very antsy as there isn't another quilt ready to put into the hoop just yet. I'm having to soak some of the backing fabric so as to ensure that it doesn't bleed all over the front some day in the future.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOt410UCaoR103L0hZYS-JhLWYHrQ0Rx163vJTiDdwbEiI_JULB5vyjmBW7p53DtmRz8obJXBpR3ajnJscM0SfL7JAbUw2c-bhFebvm080nvWOxliV3N20zGsV4NnqRwXMKO6pxnlx-CYIm51i6XwtcFoGkpHr0wR74Y6_KEnznE0cDgCaUey_AykAng/s3340/good2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3340" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOt410UCaoR103L0hZYS-JhLWYHrQ0Rx163vJTiDdwbEiI_JULB5vyjmBW7p53DtmRz8obJXBpR3ajnJscM0SfL7JAbUw2c-bhFebvm080nvWOxliV3N20zGsV4NnqRwXMKO6pxnlx-CYIm51i6XwtcFoGkpHr0wR74Y6_KEnznE0cDgCaUey_AykAng/w363-h400/good2_Fotor.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just felt like it needed something more...</td></tr></tbody></table>Tatterdemalion was at the stage of being a completed top when I decided that it probably needed a skootch more applique.*sigh Why oh why does this always happen to me?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSgffd6SJ4ZOrxJQdoKrQihSC_QEEwuUJZjzUONDyvb-wiDRXpwAZDMXhKFXSgK5dsVYWixzGXjIHFvFGiGqqYwvT2AjzjOdtDsIjO5Zvf-oSsOi-G4aTrAQF1wg4n6t-431mStGF0dEPBPPTpemiMP3LCg8o9p_EUxV9Jddj9ojTS-dmSAPI7GFylio/s3024/good3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3024" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSgffd6SJ4ZOrxJQdoKrQihSC_QEEwuUJZjzUONDyvb-wiDRXpwAZDMXhKFXSgK5dsVYWixzGXjIHFvFGiGqqYwvT2AjzjOdtDsIjO5Zvf-oSsOi-G4aTrAQF1wg4n6t-431mStGF0dEPBPPTpemiMP3LCg8o9p_EUxV9Jddj9ojTS-dmSAPI7GFylio/w400-h396/good3_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The layout I like best</td></tr></tbody></table>I found a piece of fabric that really resonated with me {such perfect colors for this quilt!} and decided to echo the shape of the flower over the top of the vase. Uh oh! It wasn't doing quite what I needed it to do, so then I had to hunt for a piece of fabric to go <i>underneath</i> and hopefully help 'pop' the whole motif. Which it does, wonderfully. Yay for progress. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUPx7Caueq7WNxIU6ZQm0jdRNlNNv3R3rR-eGlr0hEN_WKVBUgzWLISf3rLk5zoTfZhZg5GcYx-0GgScaDSuGHLCOoUVafYoGVl19ljWc3nOAB-uLepfL_0b99fSsAJ95CuSlW5CEt9XS1k_CH2WGxAxI5CZdgPpnN5cDU1S6DfD5LRCZPMXjAoFSRsE/s3516/good4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3516" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUPx7Caueq7WNxIU6ZQm0jdRNlNNv3R3rR-eGlr0hEN_WKVBUgzWLISf3rLk5zoTfZhZg5GcYx-0GgScaDSuGHLCOoUVafYoGVl19ljWc3nOAB-uLepfL_0b99fSsAJ95CuSlW5CEt9XS1k_CH2WGxAxI5CZdgPpnN5cDU1S6DfD5LRCZPMXjAoFSRsE/w344-h400/good4_Fotor.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with layout</td></tr></tbody></table>I played with a couple of layouts and finally decided on the flower motifs in the corners of the quilt. All going the same direction or some horizontal and some vertical? It was a lot of fun looking and weighing subtleties. I'm sure there are many of you who would rather see them anywhere else but on this quilt! Oh well. It's so interesting when personalities come into play with quilting.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx8lxVyPTu59YJGblK1Qy9o0Iqjo5hbNN-9PpUwU_ppGv9giN5gYmxZZMBU0tj3_pPdM_t7Z7s6C7FiOMFNW5Q3XANbPMtsM_eQeIuscaEt1B2qfYMdvSvGZ5sSWCRbmJ7OkqCKbAGl7Sq7OyjHhXaUDEax-qGS4n08WBUxRttpUPMxZpfa5G-LHYc20/s4032/good5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2434" data-original-width="4032" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx8lxVyPTu59YJGblK1Qy9o0Iqjo5hbNN-9PpUwU_ppGv9giN5gYmxZZMBU0tj3_pPdM_t7Z7s6C7FiOMFNW5Q3XANbPMtsM_eQeIuscaEt1B2qfYMdvSvGZ5sSWCRbmJ7OkqCKbAGl7Sq7OyjHhXaUDEax-qGS4n08WBUxRttpUPMxZpfa5G-LHYc20/w400-h241/good5_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the hand stitching</td></tr></tbody></table>Had to start a brand new quilt even though I had promised myself that a quilt top had to be finished up first. Tatterdemalion is sooooo close though! So this one is called 'Worthy'. A little bit of applique to start things out and then it will be all improv. piecing. I think. That's the plan for now, but we'll see. </p><p>On a different note altogether.... I'm also thinking seriously about starting a new, 3-part series with mixed applique, piecing and a little bit of the medallion look too. I have three stacks of very similar looking fabrics in brown, rosy reds, greens and creams. Oldy moldy stuff from years ago, but still, all good, lovely fabrics. The series would play off the similarities and differences of each successive quilt as it takes shape. And bonus! Give a reason to want to play with fabrics/colors that feel a bit tired and stale. Ughh. You know how difficult these fabrics can be when there is always luscious, brand new fabrics calling our name?</p><p>The tentative plan is to make it a very loose, casual QAL with simple guidance for anyone wanting to follow along. And I do mean <b>very loose and casual</b>. Like for instance, I will not be telling you exactly how much fabric is needed beforehand. How could I possibly know when I'm making the quilt up as things go along? When I do get things nailed down, then of course I will do my very best to relay that information. Applique shapes would be given in the form of a pdf after personal request in the comments or through my email. The whole project would presumably take a year or two as <i>of course</i> I'll be working on other quilts at the same time. Did you honestly think that I'd just focus on one quilt at a time? The horror!</p><p>All of the pertinent posts can {and will} be listed together at the top of my blog in the pages section so that people can take their time and move through the series at their own pace. Any likely takers? Don't feel that you have to respond yes or no, I'm almost definitely doing this regardless of interest, contrary person that I am! Blog reading has fallen way off in the past couple years and I'm super erratic at posting these days which doesn't help. Ha! Maybe this is too ambitious, but it's been something I've been thinking about doing for several years now and the idea just finally came together and clicked. It would be a great way for those of you who want to learn more about how/why/what it takes to work with older fabrics and maybe get the creative process moving and grooving--the Quilty Folk way. Often there is no big, bright lightbulb moments just getting down and DOING it. Changing up a couple elements and <i>playing</i>. Might as well jump on this and see where things end up!</p><p><br /> </p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-16550586926200010932023-09-23T15:26:00.001-07:002023-09-23T15:26:33.106-07:00September Progress<p>The past week has found me tackling the ongoing project list. With only six open ended projects, I figured it would be an easy task to make forward progress on most of them!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CjWTMFse4OJo9iY0wGOS5SSCrmrJM9VhWVd0Zpy1U5hSwQ6-FQDaD_yPqm3oUJWlo9CEn2oonsxl2D6FyNrF8kw-T5oYL4qzLjYKkph8toekXFnz1UERY-InauBEXWznvfrao3Cc8kurjyFU6lmNH1ojrz3sq5ak0yDRe8KFmblyjPIVoFcKPJc8j3Q/s3528/peace_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3528" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CjWTMFse4OJo9iY0wGOS5SSCrmrJM9VhWVd0Zpy1U5hSwQ6-FQDaD_yPqm3oUJWlo9CEn2oonsxl2D6FyNrF8kw-T5oYL4qzLjYKkph8toekXFnz1UERY-InauBEXWznvfrao3Cc8kurjyFU6lmNH1ojrz3sq5ak0yDRe8KFmblyjPIVoFcKPJc8j3Q/w340-h400/peace_Fotor.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace Always Medallion progress</td></tr></tbody></table>First off, the 'Peace Always Medallion' center needed a smallish border. I've been dithering over the colors for this, but when finally settling on the very light pink and darker blues? Yummm.... Love it so much! It was super tempting to leave it in the rough, slapped up on the wall, make-do look, but I resisted and tried to sharpen it up a bit. After the border was sewn on, the basket looked way too plain. Had to dig through the orphaned applique tote to see what might help! Now it has a much, much better presence and feels ready for the next go-round. Which is intended to be baskets, because, why not?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUeiXjzLcNoyWkVJCtXmy_pynz6Fz8pQBdYXucVfnDt36Nnr6dinwCJJe-fIWUv2UbmuDpHL-norE4PKI4cMa7qLI50UWQSUhstbcUYOXW268W0laeVsP6mHMit_FqnfRIp9k-i2BoaXEX086ST2K8c2VJBw4spkJT4IWrjQhRZRHb4UV7siw569XMJI/s2569/peace1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2569" data-original-width="1975" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUeiXjzLcNoyWkVJCtXmy_pynz6Fz8pQBdYXucVfnDt36Nnr6dinwCJJe-fIWUv2UbmuDpHL-norE4PKI4cMa7qLI50UWQSUhstbcUYOXW268W0laeVsP6mHMit_FqnfRIp9k-i2BoaXEX086ST2K8c2VJBw4spkJT4IWrjQhRZRHb4UV7siw569XMJI/w308-h400/peace1_Fotor.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking a lot better!</td></tr></tbody></table>I put my fingers to the grindstone and managed to get all the hand stitching taken care of for the petals on the 'Melon Patch Blossom' quilt. These units are going to be used as sashing. The orange rectangles and squares plus lighter peach triangles are the cut-out pieces for the blocks in the quilt. They will be a chubby X looking thing. Very simple, leaving the sashing to convey the vibe of the quilt. I'm also in the process of figuring out the cornerstone units. Will probably be little pomegranates, mostly because I adore the look of them! Have the cherry red fabric soaking as we speak! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqYhF7G9QWawtBbIriUccBPVLU7xxVxZdg3lz5Qg88tJn9Mmu3smcGuFMZvJe_TVyO3gQfvyHfadqySHfN6ze461_onP2MpJITSKxYXviLv6NPdJ72hf2q2gtXaTdrqRBQS58nUCVbKHCy7f3ynrOWHntcJoZxS6x2WfFYC8GLY-uTjMu4FhNWYcUMAQ/s4032/peace2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqYhF7G9QWawtBbIriUccBPVLU7xxVxZdg3lz5Qg88tJn9Mmu3smcGuFMZvJe_TVyO3gQfvyHfadqySHfN6ze461_onP2MpJITSKxYXviLv6NPdJ72hf2q2gtXaTdrqRBQS58nUCVbKHCy7f3ynrOWHntcJoZxS6x2WfFYC8GLY-uTjMu4FhNWYcUMAQ/w300-h400/peace2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see these petals moving on</td></tr></tbody></table>Another quilt that I've been having great fun playing with is 'Tatterdemalion'. It's the orphan parts and pieces quilt that quickly captured my attention after getting back from so much time away from home.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d0gMygxCbZKG34IjdjzTR43ehFEuEejox-Fz-b-s41JAXlKVV88dQ1tRQOLaNW8gLQfjt5PqeiVhKkObY9hnrO3YYiBjFq_dWBHHaDJYxdwatD_AlBZBMSBJC1iAX-ES7ti6vawu5v2Z-9GjZil69RWhTbzifBhWz2oJ8Joc-ntaySSEL4bXkU5NIoY/s3328/peace3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3328" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d0gMygxCbZKG34IjdjzTR43ehFEuEejox-Fz-b-s41JAXlKVV88dQ1tRQOLaNW8gLQfjt5PqeiVhKkObY9hnrO3YYiBjFq_dWBHHaDJYxdwatD_AlBZBMSBJC1iAX-ES7ti6vawu5v2Z-9GjZil69RWhTbzifBhWz2oJ8Joc-ntaySSEL4bXkU5NIoY/w364-h400/peace3_Fotor.jpg" width="364" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will have to do something good with this fabric</td></tr></tbody></table>The improv. 9-patch blocks had already been determined on, cut-out and sewn up. Then I stumbled on the older Ana Marie Horner floral in the totes. Yeah, it briefly got my hopes up with the lovely, moody, look and feel and the almost haunting combination of utility and large floral. You probably can't see it, but it almost gave me the shivers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfIxor9X0p1YPARSVbN-qo_nShkkfvsk1oBLe_jHkXRJE0N_hO6juv-ZjM8b5EQIcLE1hanOnv-xiLw5yrs-uiYeMhNkklALCgCQ17kuSH43Hj6ZRzn0h1L0E5KxumNzBO8U0u7r7P9DI61lSjq1RDZ9OR_pXoxgGkDiT6s3BmGHYsv8NfHdA5sXTho4/s3024/peace4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2366" data-original-width="3024" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfIxor9X0p1YPARSVbN-qo_nShkkfvsk1oBLe_jHkXRJE0N_hO6juv-ZjM8b5EQIcLE1hanOnv-xiLw5yrs-uiYeMhNkklALCgCQ17kuSH43Hj6ZRzn0h1L0E5KxumNzBO8U0u7r7P9DI61lSjq1RDZ9OR_pXoxgGkDiT6s3BmGHYsv8NfHdA5sXTho4/w400-h313/peace4_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gonna have to go with these colors!</td></tr></tbody></table>Then I threw the 9-patch blocks at the quilt and delighted in the lighter, easier look to the whole thing. It's like it <i>lifted</i> the quilt to a whole 'nother level of happy and I just don't want go down the road of moody and broody right now. Don't wanna at all! Feeling all kinds of pangs about this decision, but I know it's the right thing to do.*sigh<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizshJXJ2SD_hglRBgOJnvPmy5Dclsk1CWChoskqz8XGvvms13Ne2QVBr__afSDjbPdxD32Asueo1HZ9SiYYtg3onfq1M5QpfQYatDstbpAgqv7EzukYGhvFeA7Fv6g-5E4Vc2SjW13TVugw-niWBlzsHxWV3qPVlwnNS_UZFYV-LgN52S5h4gkAewmjf0/s4032/peace5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizshJXJ2SD_hglRBgOJnvPmy5Dclsk1CWChoskqz8XGvvms13Ne2QVBr__afSDjbPdxD32Asueo1HZ9SiYYtg3onfq1M5QpfQYatDstbpAgqv7EzukYGhvFeA7Fv6g-5E4Vc2SjW13TVugw-niWBlzsHxWV3qPVlwnNS_UZFYV-LgN52S5h4gkAewmjf0/w300-h400/peace5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have to cut new units</td></tr></tbody></table>All the blocks are trimmed up and ready to go. The only problem is, they ended up being quite a bit smaller than the 12 1/2" that I expected and hoped for. Nope. They all had to be trimmed to 10 3/4" because of the smaller improv. squares. Soo... Will have to add another two rows or so of 3-patch strips to each side of the quilt. Oh the joys of doing things the improv., fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants way!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HWVzOJu1tq-00xMSoIH5hqZAUzkoUWhigLs19rk-85JZFI3PxcVbVj6-44OreBdji6zUS5vksouGDSk8v9cdoA5suosorCtOnFUnUlYKx_g-vPI4UrjoHENfEbc4bMkYtWuR01Vgt5rAyqJ7WuwwrP5Nce6gIKrvmb4cH2b1S_uenXqxdAgdUF9VcvM/s3739/peace6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3739" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HWVzOJu1tq-00xMSoIH5hqZAUzkoUWhigLs19rk-85JZFI3PxcVbVj6-44OreBdji6zUS5vksouGDSk8v9cdoA5suosorCtOnFUnUlYKx_g-vPI4UrjoHENfEbc4bMkYtWuR01Vgt5rAyqJ7WuwwrP5Nce6gIKrvmb4cH2b1S_uenXqxdAgdUF9VcvM/w324-h400/peace6_Fotor.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This could be a good quilt someday</td></tr></tbody></table>Which brings me to the wheels quilt. I had these dresden wheels all ready for applique before taking the month of August off. Didn't sew a single one. They were a bit worrisome in the amount of stretch and how warped they were. Just didn't take enough time with the precision sewing like they so clearly needed! Anyway.... I finally got a couple of them sewn down to the background fabric and ughhh... Don't want to deal with this right now at all! {Are you sensing a theme?}<div><br /></div><div>Next up will see me using a seam ripper, getting them into the half circle shape once again. Then I will cut the background fabric in half and start working on the hand applique. After that is kind of up in the air as to the overall look of the quilt. All I know is, these wedges are just too darn cute to leave languishing in the orphan totes. My daughter calls this the 'Mistakes Squared' quilt, but I'm sure we will find it a more fitting name eventually.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIfxU8zJ3lSPf1E2QjJ_8GVodxlnIza7iFZ5D3nqPCZuv1O3Yd6kSa_8D_rfRZ-lYC3_YP-3rLN4HL87xv0SjOhvV9tketYhwVtcFxJJFB7mEcxJVNy5Dou5kwQvd8KTfc-Zn0mDdOyin_8mCH-cCej6uNhQ0OUnT6A0jnoitRgBqOJCcVYr77oAz4Ck/s4032/peace7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIfxU8zJ3lSPf1E2QjJ_8GVodxlnIza7iFZ5D3nqPCZuv1O3Yd6kSa_8D_rfRZ-lYC3_YP-3rLN4HL87xv0SjOhvV9tketYhwVtcFxJJFB7mEcxJVNy5Dou5kwQvd8KTfc-Zn0mDdOyin_8mCH-cCej6uNhQ0OUnT6A0jnoitRgBqOJCcVYr77oAz4Ck/w300-h400/peace7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving these fabrics together</td></tr></tbody></table>And the last project on the moving forward track is 'Good Vibes' from the Circle Game series. I'm thinking #3 in the lineup? These are big circles, needing background squares a slightly larger than a fat quarter {what most of the stash starts out as around here}. So yeah... pieced backgrounds are my new <b>go-to</b> as you've undoubtedly noticed! Good thing I'm learning to love and appreciate the look!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qc_2vs0PRD5DHLeWWXuULLgFEUyCTGlwyDCd9di42BDjWBUMbxI40p5UkRRy7OisakNzchW2zzMgR80UW2-GLxqwW7SLEICjEj_QLFg2nhtFyUNK7o6NqIUfAS-uT10ovIyUQOXa16yYcT3Hxz_iiUkP5umT6B63CdkervJ-o4LIMcsUA6XO8yh3o7I/s3407/peace8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3407" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qc_2vs0PRD5DHLeWWXuULLgFEUyCTGlwyDCd9di42BDjWBUMbxI40p5UkRRy7OisakNzchW2zzMgR80UW2-GLxqwW7SLEICjEj_QLFg2nhtFyUNK7o6NqIUfAS-uT10ovIyUQOXa16yYcT3Hxz_iiUkP5umT6B63CdkervJ-o4LIMcsUA6XO8yh3o7I/w355-h400/peace8_Fotor.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never take pictures in the evening</td></tr></tbody></table>Each circle will have a 9-patch circle shape stitched into the center except for three of the circles. They will have a rough, somewhat awkward looking tulip shape appliqued right over the top. It's been a whole thing getting the leaves and petal shapes figured out, but wowsers has it been a joy to work on this quilt! Will see how the quilt shapes up, but for now I'm positively thrilled with the way the colors and fabrics look together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes it doesn't even seem to matter what the design of the quilt is, we just need to sew specific fabrics and/or colors together and see them rest side by side in a quilt. It's like they belong together and our job is to facilitate that, no more and no less!<div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw42Bid-t8uyxRyLSPJdsEogBalCGlUKZTEzZOvgtuUsWm4q-kn1KbP_RIuwLQDAU5rz_Ytiz-KUxoeCwZ7rvg5SqYGiVjgUobK4hQGfir5_D4rdMTonQIxCJ6eBLSS4FCoiaMAR5dkoPQFw-gqepMqT6FdyvWZNloY5pPzJNNMezam8nHGNTEE4mstwk/s1334/peace9_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw42Bid-t8uyxRyLSPJdsEogBalCGlUKZTEzZOvgtuUsWm4q-kn1KbP_RIuwLQDAU5rz_Ytiz-KUxoeCwZ7rvg5SqYGiVjgUobK4hQGfir5_D4rdMTonQIxCJ6eBLSS4FCoiaMAR5dkoPQFw-gqepMqT6FdyvWZNloY5pPzJNNMezam8nHGNTEE4mstwk/w225-h400/peace9_Fotor.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying somewhere new</td></tr></tbody></table>On another tangent, I have belatedly decided it's time and past to order new clamps for my QSnap quilting hoops. Uh huh. Out of two 17" hoops, I am down to three clamps and even one of those is now showing a crack. Decided to take a chance on this company instead of Amazon like usual as their prices and references seem good. Isn't it nice to order from a smaller company instead of the huge monopolies? That's been my goal for the past year though there are a few things I can't seem to find anywhere else. In a couple cases, I've switched out the product brands normally bought {not usually quilting related}, and am trying to see how I feel about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, that's the quilting round up for what's been happening in the Quilty Folk quilt room {and living room}. There's one more project that needs lots of attention and then..... it's fair game. Gonna start a couple brand new projects guilt free!!<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-26247683572796003712023-09-14T18:53:00.001-07:002023-09-14T18:53:16.032-07:00A Late Summer Quilt Finish<p> It feels so very, very good to finish up with this particular quilt: 'The Mountains Are calling'. Not only because there's been so few finishes for the year, but because it's really ran me through the whole gamut of emotions from feeling rather blasé about the idea until now, when I'm actually rather proud of the cozy, warm vibe to it. Who would have ever expected it to end up this way? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgN_x4F-oCEiAfiE2KXRim5e_uw61VVG5iyeUY7ZRmzgPkMsqu4uAafMaUBiY0ONrB50Ubb6YXcmu2ThWli-ki3cc0IkVncIxgJYVI7qzyWtpuRRNpHO40PKq7kqbAj_ySPfjI6cq_0JAVe00PegUsUvf_f3slxniIrsz6oFaI40PZkHBFLTbbjQAUJI/s3672/nw_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgN_x4F-oCEiAfiE2KXRim5e_uw61VVG5iyeUY7ZRmzgPkMsqu4uAafMaUBiY0ONrB50Ubb6YXcmu2ThWli-ki3cc0IkVncIxgJYVI7qzyWtpuRRNpHO40PKq7kqbAj_ySPfjI6cq_0JAVe00PegUsUvf_f3slxniIrsz6oFaI40PZkHBFLTbbjQAUJI/w330-h400/nw_Fotor.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mt's Are Calling is a true blue finish!</td></tr></tbody></table>This was started in March of <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/03/is-it-really-march-already.html">2022</a>, always intended to be a quilt for our youngest son. In an odd twist, the back of the quilt was sewn first. Mostly because I didn't have a very clear picture of what the front of the quilt should look like. Masculine looking quilts? Not exactly in my comfort zone.... <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69rN4nr8MPrH6OjZC0EY3sTUK_-0CJ3IOZc6_56PtVLMKtls_ESgRMK0z8b_QWykLBgLZz3JBE3PEnisdR67bIGdnK-l93PFFdTQdBTHa8W_TPTsNPGbYtSJLR3m1htuG5YgcjQVlj5PsQyu-rkY8ZGHFThsqsqoBkz7ZSGj05WfQzaUKpoA9go8xDss/s3926/nw1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3926" data-original-width="3013" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69rN4nr8MPrH6OjZC0EY3sTUK_-0CJ3IOZc6_56PtVLMKtls_ESgRMK0z8b_QWykLBgLZz3JBE3PEnisdR67bIGdnK-l93PFFdTQdBTHa8W_TPTsNPGbYtSJLR3m1htuG5YgcjQVlj5PsQyu-rkY8ZGHFThsqsqoBkz7ZSGj05WfQzaUKpoA9go8xDss/w308-h400/nw1_Fotor.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad that I bought the blue woven fabric<br />for the centerpiece</td></tr></tbody></table>Our son loves living in the northwest and has always had an avid interest in hiking the high mountain trails. Though I always sort of knew that this quilt should be more of a blue, green and brown quilt, fabric and color options are pretty limited around here the last couple years. A lot of the green fabric languishing in the fabric totes is more olive in tones and I've been trying very hard to use up what I have. {Or at least dig through and start from there!} Olive wasn't doing it for me and this was second choice, these primarily blue and red fabrics. <div><br /></div><div>Always wonderful to see the spirit and vibe I wanted to convey come through regardless of material chosen for the foundation of the quilt. If I've learned anything in the past several years, it's to try and <i>try again</i> and never give up on what's available right here at home. This time I caved and bought the blue centerpiece fabric because I needed the simplicity of a single fabric background, but nothing else was purchased for this quilt! Making do can give off an authentic look almost impossible to achieve by running out and buying brand new for everything. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lp6USjMFq1cQbWfXLlqmzqo418IYEEkouGiF8Q17EP016fjeb260nMNCwc3eSEYjaNMs-0jyeoC9nDk7ggXmBNA2yWC2yepDM2hkGDn-urvsUYj-apNLzXweVQZoUe3dx-R0EpcfDvyFM55gn3M6waGSdRakXV17HUnKX3ukKph3wBiM50CYZhi2R-o/s4032/nw2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lp6USjMFq1cQbWfXLlqmzqo418IYEEkouGiF8Q17EP016fjeb260nMNCwc3eSEYjaNMs-0jyeoC9nDk7ggXmBNA2yWC2yepDM2hkGDn-urvsUYj-apNLzXweVQZoUe3dx-R0EpcfDvyFM55gn3M6waGSdRakXV17HUnKX3ukKph3wBiM50CYZhi2R-o/w300-h400/nw2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees are weird and quirky but just<br />simple enough to be fun</td></tr></tbody></table>This quilt was a long hard struggle to get to completion stage. Anyone following along knew that a long time ago. My heart was never really <b>in it</b> like so many of the projects that get started around here. Though I'm happy and satisfied with it now, it never took my muse on a thrilling little adventure the way the more interesting quilts do. Just not the style that I most prefer to work with these days! </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, by the time I had the details figured out for making this happen, our son was engaged to be married! After a lengthy time pondering, I decided to just finish it up as a 'marriage' quilt. Thankfully my daughter-in-law likes to go on hikes with him too so she wasn't being completely left out. And I did add more pinkish reds to the improv. strips at the front of the quilt after she was in the picture. Definitely more her than him so that's something!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXd28vCx1w313FHri0QzLvy_IlfEVR78zs9-vmK4bIH7E8g-899t8zVRaO8gH4ZwN97NUBrg7jcUMnw9JrHyy3ATI4qLqh8CdDvGnbUfBulDveCoIVmycj0Jte1iLcIIZmRW_Px5Oj80eVj9SEsuaqF7NnDPBCNQ4hGx7KP1noqQ1-ZpHZ5MajNTaaLE/s4032/nw3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXd28vCx1w313FHri0QzLvy_IlfEVR78zs9-vmK4bIH7E8g-899t8zVRaO8gH4ZwN97NUBrg7jcUMnw9JrHyy3ATI4qLqh8CdDvGnbUfBulDveCoIVmycj0Jte1iLcIIZmRW_Px5Oj80eVj9SEsuaqF7NnDPBCNQ4hGx7KP1noqQ1-ZpHZ5MajNTaaLE/w300-h400/nw3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the crooked compass works too</td></tr></tbody></table>And.... she has also managed to talk me into gifting her with a much more girly looking quilt in the meantime. Uh huh. DDIL2 already picked it out and hauled it to their new home. You know. Because the 'marriage' quilt was going to be belated! Funny how I can never say no to any of our kids....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBB0ov2BM2cgSk8J1VZt5W4L0NDBn0sw7z4GpvfZaePh54P2AVNNpjOpsqI4MJTpf3jIxB0NH26v8eixm1LUAr1Gb1uu8CIAv-nD0A8MQ6GhHCU9KiCiLWl0OSZ6LfT3B4-_Asz_3phygHgnzwCzXMx7Rp-CO5ieoo3QwzhIUN-AxHvWIkieQEaX_4eU/s4032/nw4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBB0ov2BM2cgSk8J1VZt5W4L0NDBn0sw7z4GpvfZaePh54P2AVNNpjOpsqI4MJTpf3jIxB0NH26v8eixm1LUAr1Gb1uu8CIAv-nD0A8MQ6GhHCU9KiCiLWl0OSZ6LfT3B4-_Asz_3phygHgnzwCzXMx7Rp-CO5ieoo3QwzhIUN-AxHvWIkieQEaX_4eU/w300-h400/nw4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home is where the heart is!*wink</td></tr></tbody></table>I am especially relieved by the texture on the front of the quilt as wide open spaces always fill me with terror. So dumb. They almost always look amazing when filled with the simplest of quilting lines such as the Baptist Fan motif. The way the lines pop instead of sink into the piecing {such as in the back of the quilt below} should be a lesson to remember forever.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtS5owkzhBmTqApp4gJd9RnTUtufa3dNUNnqtEVdK5wvYWVKgTATQoKs7xtSE9QKhqKBVKKj5ise9JOPekfTgu3JNstfvTXF9po0c6h47N15inTOPYUsCpr9ruEANw0cCxvye8F9SkNIxtlymU02BuBobTSgDI5p02ybTYYAkytUpKxg5zGppRfG7voo/s4032/nw5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtS5owkzhBmTqApp4gJd9RnTUtufa3dNUNnqtEVdK5wvYWVKgTATQoKs7xtSE9QKhqKBVKKj5ise9JOPekfTgu3JNstfvTXF9po0c6h47N15inTOPYUsCpr9ruEANw0cCxvye8F9SkNIxtlymU02BuBobTSgDI5p02ybTYYAkytUpKxg5zGppRfG7voo/w300-h400/nw5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backing made up of lots of older indifferent<br />looking fabrics and a few mens shirts too</td></tr></tbody></table>Believe it or not, the back of the quilt looks much, much more cozy than it does in the picture. Quite honestly, I almost like the back better than the front, which is something that happens fairly regularly around here.*sigh Improv. seems to fill some need apparently?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFfLBIqoCVIxcEalGWHUcFvGDOExC8K0FJ6eFdXfmNyfWQAHpXgIVFzPwqIypcP4B1wYvXbsLvGpWDtCQY7GYQON1kjBCIqfs0LFF695gmbOONuBeFNimKVT9Jq31QNXnqhOhRYZM6GbubvL459vOa-In2f_pJE7ClYS_cdKmwxiEq95v9AA7K4ixO70/s3832/nw6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3832" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFfLBIqoCVIxcEalGWHUcFvGDOExC8K0FJ6eFdXfmNyfWQAHpXgIVFzPwqIypcP4B1wYvXbsLvGpWDtCQY7GYQON1kjBCIqfs0LFF695gmbOONuBeFNimKVT9Jq31QNXnqhOhRYZM6GbubvL459vOa-In2f_pJE7ClYS_cdKmwxiEq95v9AA7K4ixO70/w316-h400/nw6_Fotor.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd curl up in this quilt in a New York minute!</td></tr></tbody></table>Loving the crumpled, wrap-this-quilt-around-you-and-be-happy vibe to this quilt soooo much. I would have been ecstatic to have this as a finish about 10 years ago and now I'm just sort of bemused and smiling. Yep, I can do this! <i>Even when I don't know what I'm doing</i>. So exciting when the 'me' voice comes through regardless of all the doubting and <b>off perfect </b>color and fabric choices happen. That's where experience and trust in our intuition helps bridge the gaps if we lean into it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbhtQ5yORHEc6meviHCM3fgJIqWlG4bvGPxqySMEvl7HqRp9YLSym0L9bXY3CUEf4jqOhJn_0_ypHb4pvIdiL2BbEUTBPuRk2-uOgTfWqvk3N94V_6200nKSav8Df0D_ZUatVazuHfj-ujKDNSznd5e_pHLscaGqQQWJzJGrKstI7PmLfY6SnYPgDhlo/s3024/nw7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="3024" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHbhtQ5yORHEc6meviHCM3fgJIqWlG4bvGPxqySMEvl7HqRp9YLSym0L9bXY3CUEf4jqOhJn_0_ypHb4pvIdiL2BbEUTBPuRk2-uOgTfWqvk3N94V_6200nKSav8Df0D_ZUatVazuHfj-ujKDNSznd5e_pHLscaGqQQWJzJGrKstI7PmLfY6SnYPgDhlo/w400-h378/nw7_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up in the hoop!</td></tr></tbody></table>Next up in the hoop is a palette cleanser of serene greens and lovely pink pops of happiness. It's not a special quilt in any great sense, but the quirky spark to it makes me very happy to have in the hoop.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGybahTbmEeh7rdtkYozVjs_imNBO-Qku5mkt1YMayHkXxqs6xARnqexC9TgNl0wJ-DW1rO1WW8QdAZqGOLd0cqDl04X8dnhb8SjIcKWcw3s-uRJTVXcrcwtJlWL-KCLWtg1lHRXb7AZ4EMzenA9QAmUevxuQeZ4nBvl5BOgyV8qx_xIDgRAdBGK5Gzrs/s4032/nw8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGybahTbmEeh7rdtkYozVjs_imNBO-Qku5mkt1YMayHkXxqs6xARnqexC9TgNl0wJ-DW1rO1WW8QdAZqGOLd0cqDl04X8dnhb8SjIcKWcw3s-uRJTVXcrcwtJlWL-KCLWtg1lHRXb7AZ4EMzenA9QAmUevxuQeZ4nBvl5BOgyV8qx_xIDgRAdBGK5Gzrs/w300-h400/nw8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Should look a lot better with hand quilting</td></tr></tbody></table>Summer is not quite over here yet so I didn't want to dive into fall colored quilts if I didn't have to. Autumn just needs to wait for its turn. Thankfully my <b>have-to</b> list of quilts is caught up until mid November. Yay! Have I mentioned how grumpy have-to lists make me when it comes to quilting?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRuuimPBWweTO_ETrgx75osQuZJIhzlETuT3DbW20lhoEN5LEtQwLob1hMlWasZGD2NDISY9wPmsFJ-3D0dlz-1mTIIdgsF51HV2B2h5BnTq8RwkqlQUw4a63wG3V1kRTBLtYU_SvLOr6DhpK76Boe6y1CTLNKFzOOF0f9oh-P9TQh9OVQfDbaWpizbI/s4032/nw9_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRuuimPBWweTO_ETrgx75osQuZJIhzlETuT3DbW20lhoEN5LEtQwLob1hMlWasZGD2NDISY9wPmsFJ-3D0dlz-1mTIIdgsF51HV2B2h5BnTq8RwkqlQUw4a63wG3V1kRTBLtYU_SvLOr6DhpK76Boe6y1CTLNKFzOOF0f9oh-P9TQh9OVQfDbaWpizbI/w300-h400/nw9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working my way through the middle blocks</td></tr></tbody></table>Getting back into the swing of things quite slowly, but I'm beginning to accept that it's just gonna be that sorta year all the way till December. We had both of our boys and their wives come see us last weekend {for a long weekend} and had such a great time with the granddaughters especially. They are growing up too fast! Our oldest is making noises about moving back to the state and we are just so incredibly thrilled by that. Crossing our fingers that things work out where we can see them on a more regular basis. Funny how quilting drops down the priority list real quick when it comes to kids and grandchildren time....<div><br /></div><div>p.s. The Legacy of Gwen Marston Exhibition is now open at the <a href="https://www.neqm.org/">New England Quilt Museum</a>. Makes me feel like kind of a fraud, but they didn't send my quilts back with a 'sorry, these won't work' excuse like I half expected. So exciting to have two quilts on display there! My head is just whirling it seems so surreal. Big thanks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGCiRjuM2W/?img_index=1">Barb Vedder</a> for spearheading and helping to organize this event. If anyone attends, I would love to see pictures!<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-32852269991083015932023-09-06T12:03:00.000-07:002023-09-06T12:03:58.681-07:00Connecting to Creativity<p>Well, that month went by in a screaming hurry! I ended up spending most all of August with my daughter in Oklahoma. Waiting for her to have her baby and then helping out afterward. So thankful to have the time and opportunity to make it all work out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKallOqnYZrGXVkEGcPuTixZAJBvG0sgGoRikfNwGiS7Zia_RBjd6WfCmSf1hyNP55HWRti-zpcv5BRMxnBMzIBcrIiV0PtmCdqW0vhDUJYqnYIz7yq-rul6bLw5Ek6soI-ILxbCBKxemswpbvmCIgtBnMohNEpu1hJK8iaPXG1540C-OhSVk8GVGIqU/s4032/ba_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKallOqnYZrGXVkEGcPuTixZAJBvG0sgGoRikfNwGiS7Zia_RBjd6WfCmSf1hyNP55HWRti-zpcv5BRMxnBMzIBcrIiV0PtmCdqW0vhDUJYqnYIz7yq-rul6bLw5Ek6soI-ILxbCBKxemswpbvmCIgtBnMohNEpu1hJK8iaPXG1540C-OhSVk8GVGIqU/w300-h400/ba_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sweet new grandbaby</td></tr></tbody></table>Meet Miss. Gracelyn May! We just love her so very much. She's a little sweetie and definitely kept us all hopping for the first couple weeks. You know how some babies just take a little more time getting adjusted to the real world. Gotta get the mom and dad trained up properly! The picture below is with Ellie, another one of our {four} granddaughters. She was sooo fascinated with her new little cousin. We loved having her help too!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb--Bd5n9XP5EUwGyMAk9I0h8gxzH2_4OFuR-NKvYF2-WOgHNWFIz-N3IpHnvdG7XYfjFxs3FEWIfNe7lBlnOBLwHoAyJzSDrOcI43tckAWYw4m9POn6cCUln4wqAQaN7DiOk3Lp7gOlmwLCSsl-VLBZXlD5MCz6L8GlmRpZ6br5Rbbf7iH5OJO52OCQk/s1147/ba1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="747" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb--Bd5n9XP5EUwGyMAk9I0h8gxzH2_4OFuR-NKvYF2-WOgHNWFIz-N3IpHnvdG7XYfjFxs3FEWIfNe7lBlnOBLwHoAyJzSDrOcI43tckAWYw4m9POn6cCUln4wqAQaN7DiOk3Lp7gOlmwLCSsl-VLBZXlD5MCz6L8GlmRpZ6br5Rbbf7iH5OJO52OCQk/w260-h400/ba1_Fotor.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of love from her older cousin!</td></tr></tbody></table>Finally made it back home to my tired and grumpy husband. It's the longest I've been away for all of our married life, but he was totally on board with what I thought was needed. He actually survived fairly well and the house wasn't <i>too</i> terrible. Our youngest daughter had kept tabs on that. {If I could add heart emojis here, I would!} Still, I had mountains of laundry to do and some things that needed set to rights. Still do actually, but one thing at a time!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhglMo2N-HfBMv1wXkI7CGRWyoUX955iJ22cpbat8nd8WVyX4lnBWZ3UI_Y9FLSvmxgPVGUUJqowrZXDa20rNptIQ_-vFx4gvzCCx3L9TG-qSk9VNiJ2xqEwR5QoMFHYMKPmoNBD1bfgsnDecJNc5gjwexz8N-DctXpxSUGOAt9gmTKlhr8SA0Rt7NZ0/s3258/ba2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3258" data-original-width="2452" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhglMo2N-HfBMv1wXkI7CGRWyoUX955iJ22cpbat8nd8WVyX4lnBWZ3UI_Y9FLSvmxgPVGUUJqowrZXDa20rNptIQ_-vFx4gvzCCx3L9TG-qSk9VNiJ2xqEwR5QoMFHYMKPmoNBD1bfgsnDecJNc5gjwexz8N-DctXpxSUGOAt9gmTKlhr8SA0Rt7NZ0/w301-h400/ba2_Fotor.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably won't be using the scrappy circles after all</td></tr></tbody></table>I didn't get hardly any quilting done during the month of August {tiniest bit of hand quilting}, so you can only imagine my longing to dive right back into quilting. After a quick perusal of the quilting WIP's list, I decided what was needed most was something completely carefree. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ukqTWXH2cKbNW4bpveZE3RV0esIu93iDftl6H46bKHISbx5l577hrnMgLnauvWvYZTiUPaW-AOuwU55ty08aj2PGuQ-6ucCAVY2-_bcFAoyvFahya__sqnBso6PrYqxhnBUFT-_hOhodjXCNoRp5y1egGpRKcoGh22o1hSGjfu2KzNFwdrxhClilZsI/s3539/ba3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3539" data-original-width="2585" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ukqTWXH2cKbNW4bpveZE3RV0esIu93iDftl6H46bKHISbx5l577hrnMgLnauvWvYZTiUPaW-AOuwU55ty08aj2PGuQ-6ucCAVY2-_bcFAoyvFahya__sqnBso6PrYqxhnBUFT-_hOhodjXCNoRp5y1egGpRKcoGh22o1hSGjfu2KzNFwdrxhClilZsI/w293-h400/ba3_Fotor.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the centerpiece</td></tr></tbody></table>On impulse, I grabbed a bag of orphan blocks, bits and bobs that I had grouped together a couple months ago. The entire bag was thrown together based on color compatibility and not much else. Basically, I just started throwing things on the wall, moving things around until there was some good energy.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN40q-PWmm071CtZE1V4su_HgkkrS_4c4HJm418uLSIVrTXrl2u_oeTvLGWnymV2FclwapVipuLIecEu4GFfUXiriAqLWfwcxChrrKwy4tb5aw1Z-8HE59Al8Qyqbajr29YgVQt5XOhVhIPJTlH8tmSK6XHungGf0UiK-wugc7Es1lTtMEUoGQ0Ilvibg/s2754/ba4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2754" data-original-width="2297" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN40q-PWmm071CtZE1V4su_HgkkrS_4c4HJm418uLSIVrTXrl2u_oeTvLGWnymV2FclwapVipuLIecEu4GFfUXiriAqLWfwcxChrrKwy4tb5aw1Z-8HE59Al8Qyqbajr29YgVQt5XOhVhIPJTlH8tmSK6XHungGf0UiK-wugc7Es1lTtMEUoGQ0Ilvibg/w334-h400/ba4_Fotor.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top and bottom border sewn on, working on the sides</td></tr></tbody></table>Then I started figuring out how to sew it together! First the middle improv. strips went together. Lots of partial piecing and trimming up in order for it to lay flat. Had to introduce one similar-look light tan fabric and then later, a couple darker prints in the border, but otherwise, this entire quilt top is strictly made out of orphaned parts and pieces!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_P9LvHvHyq19fOq9Tzxq_fDwfm_pmU16lccuyc_aZfnCdUvCxsb3tX6pp31RTnTf8_e2AgbC7yWOLuB7AiuOAy9_Q0G17W54j7nDHfj0Pjf7Q9I_d-FQGzWGY6K_MOnQdpgquhhgj6oiMi1IjOkqIUQbQ7r6IU9xG9Dt9Tua4osFB0OVouf430CdmMw/s2863/ba5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2863" data-original-width="2828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_P9LvHvHyq19fOq9Tzxq_fDwfm_pmU16lccuyc_aZfnCdUvCxsb3tX6pp31RTnTf8_e2AgbC7yWOLuB7AiuOAy9_Q0G17W54j7nDHfj0Pjf7Q9I_d-FQGzWGY6K_MOnQdpgquhhgj6oiMi1IjOkqIUQbQ7r6IU9xG9Dt9Tua4osFB0OVouf430CdmMw/w395-h400/ba5_Fotor.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the completed background centerpiece minus a <br />thin piece of purple I'm gonna add up on the right corner</td></tr></tbody></table>After the middle part of the quilt was sewn together, then I made an executive decision to trim it to straight. I waffled about that for all of ten minutes or so and then finally flipped the top over and bit the bullet. Why flip it over? Mostly so I didn't have to worry about what was being cut off! ha! Just couldn't face trying to sew the outside borders onto the quilt if I had to do too much easing and coaxing. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDxtNItcgsEObHE-ctOqtaUaS2BDki_4FjMgoMsYbIXGi9l83YtSF0acEq9fq4TxTkK2GSdHc12vUi-nAk1sEZAhV0huvFdHoz0kMn746qL6Wlsu1Ng64NOptpQ0Mh5A5V2hs8J0rpJM36Oi1GPMyY-qnWjaEubJMtvz-jTg-rWRWerB8tvgHY9r4fv4/s3024/ba6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="3024" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDxtNItcgsEObHE-ctOqtaUaS2BDki_4FjMgoMsYbIXGi9l83YtSF0acEq9fq4TxTkK2GSdHc12vUi-nAk1sEZAhV0huvFdHoz0kMn746qL6Wlsu1Ng64NOptpQ0Mh5A5V2hs8J0rpJM36Oi1GPMyY-qnWjaEubJMtvz-jTg-rWRWerB8tvgHY9r4fv4/w400-h371/ba6_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the applique bits that look interesting</td></tr></tbody></table>Now I'm in a frenzy {<i>a very slow, methodical frenzy</i>} to add leftover applique bits and pieces to the center of the quilt. The whole process has felt <b>amazing</b>. I can't really adequately explain what this has meant to me! Very free spirited and fun just because of the loose, open ended determination for the outcome. It feels like it has woke up my sleeping creativity in just the right sort of way. Not sure what it's supposed to be or do or even end up looking like, but I'm totally okay with that. How about that? We're all good over here in this corner of the quilt world after all! Maybe by next week I'll have my head above water enough to finally go check out all the blogs I've been neglecting....<br /><br /><p><br /></p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-64884233108346482372023-08-02T14:06:00.001-07:002023-08-02T14:06:13.624-07:00Taking Some Time Off!<p> I've been puttering around, sewing the wedges together from a project that got cut too small. It just seems like a waste to have it sit in the orphan totes forever. The plan is to hand applique these wheels to a background block and then figure out a center circle fabric. Perhaps blue? Some of the Dresdens are a little bit wonky, but I'm crossing my fingers the hand work will ease it out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR7Emt62XwLfrAY8PsAWkQQjPtji298Qs6dchLYtxFVa-R66ecJXWeCyJKgRq9pSWra5kPkmH_59u9MsYUphlIbwfo87q7Kw3QQpuK0fChzNe5cSNONKzqQCncmlBINJik54nlsjsEA-TYbr02eG6q7m1hl1oPG08hlR-OEU6pRlz4ipCXmrAr370NZ4/s4032/grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR7Emt62XwLfrAY8PsAWkQQjPtji298Qs6dchLYtxFVa-R66ecJXWeCyJKgRq9pSWra5kPkmH_59u9MsYUphlIbwfo87q7Kw3QQpuK0fChzNe5cSNONKzqQCncmlBINJik54nlsjsEA-TYbr02eG6q7m1hl1oPG08hlR-OEU6pRlz4ipCXmrAr370NZ4/s320/grandma.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new applique project</td></tr></tbody></table>In other news, my mother got this lovely quilt in the mail a couple weeks ago. One of my cousins had found these old blocks when she was going through her late mothers belongings. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7YnzsIycIOqifngY9-Gk2v0dQWAUjTOJGpyiTefG0jEc6mgLGPf_qUfPmRT9I57EzTb-WglP-fC5xmh0qS1ufueeaLH6YYcLAoJwRxtEltdY--LmvZeHr4O6DFDElXIHNu_PbYKu_xAacKHw3t5hEYltbVpS2_F24fRgxkJgLmcSEDUd3IA9nc9falU/s4032/grandma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7YnzsIycIOqifngY9-Gk2v0dQWAUjTOJGpyiTefG0jEc6mgLGPf_qUfPmRT9I57EzTb-WglP-fC5xmh0qS1ufueeaLH6YYcLAoJwRxtEltdY--LmvZeHr4O6DFDElXIHNu_PbYKu_xAacKHw3t5hEYltbVpS2_F24fRgxkJgLmcSEDUd3IA9nc9falU/s320/grandma1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quilt made from my grandmothers blocks</td></tr></tbody></table>They were hand pieced by grandmother years and years ago, and had never quite made it to quilt top stage.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpL0p0F2QntRZJPHv5TsVlaXwLh4_fJJaUc4wgV7Uw8DH2TbVc1uHaf1i6liNv5cZaiwVKEyyfHpHmrO-FZ1wCy93LZiBD6cm58mg8gKSb7wrk5C4bt_hkt3_9sHGOoaeJXTZL8cWY-SLefpPGp0xD7qrt7hrTi9_Wfe7XA3JRMmBchJpxqc5aZ3da-M/s4032/grandma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpL0p0F2QntRZJPHv5TsVlaXwLh4_fJJaUc4wgV7Uw8DH2TbVc1uHaf1i6liNv5cZaiwVKEyyfHpHmrO-FZ1wCy93LZiBD6cm58mg8gKSb7wrk5C4bt_hkt3_9sHGOoaeJXTZL8cWY-SLefpPGp0xD7qrt7hrTi9_Wfe7XA3JRMmBchJpxqc5aZ3da-M/s320/grandma2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making do, making it work!</td></tr></tbody></table>My cousin quite generously paid to have someone sew these blocks together and then finished into a completed quilt top! Then, in the sweetest of sweet things to do, mailed it off to my mother. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTakmsQdxdaIb6pMcUuiuPlFToyDTlpW-F2M6BQkXoqR0h4ZMGdQLL0FA8hgPvhTMq9cX-xcDsH1BkOB5eNFDP4XxVWopR8nFSl0fLiW3hNwwOpCxolzZEyCBpp9i6_oOXlD2N_6wlblJ1ba2pAkL9R7OUd0GIh94EEOggM4_MJx6IOcI4d3416XZ-IBo/s4032/grandma3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTakmsQdxdaIb6pMcUuiuPlFToyDTlpW-F2M6BQkXoqR0h4ZMGdQLL0FA8hgPvhTMq9cX-xcDsH1BkOB5eNFDP4XxVWopR8nFSl0fLiW3hNwwOpCxolzZEyCBpp9i6_oOXlD2N_6wlblJ1ba2pAkL9R7OUd0GIh94EEOggM4_MJx6IOcI4d3416XZ-IBo/s320/grandma3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takes me back to the days of<br />fighting over my grandmas quilts<br />to sleep under....</td></tr></tbody></table>My mother was very appreciative and actually in tears as all of the quilts from her mother had burned in the 2014 fire. I especially love the 'mistake' block, don't you? Many of my grandmothers quilts used cut up remnants of clothing the family wore and greens were always a favorite of hers to make quilts out of. My mother said the Drunkards Path was one of her moms favorite unit to work with and that she had made several different quilts with it through the years. So many of her quilts have been lost, either to fire or to mildew from improper care of them after they had moved back to Oklahoma in the late 70's.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1wA50DAF8y9B9BM70itoDfEUFooyuPf1qZ3PH-nt92pIWJ7QBUAjPFvtKD4UplGnTIyAMOpAKVUu8yKq066BIjuCN85_aCrMVaYbASId98D1N8WdtHUWINE8luRBmyNvImY85mTE-ezIoVeZP6RnxRpz5-ceo0MX758kDQDx4LuxFxky44kc8GMgFo4/s896/grandma4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1wA50DAF8y9B9BM70itoDfEUFooyuPf1qZ3PH-nt92pIWJ7QBUAjPFvtKD4UplGnTIyAMOpAKVUu8yKq066BIjuCN85_aCrMVaYbASId98D1N8WdtHUWINE8luRBmyNvImY85mTE-ezIoVeZP6RnxRpz5-ceo0MX758kDQDx4LuxFxky44kc8GMgFo4/s320/grandma4.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>As usual, I have been a busy, busy girl this summer. Starting to sound a little whiny with it I'm sure! This is a picture of me after I had thrown together an apron to wear at another cousins wedding. A couple of my sisters and I had to man the kitchens and replenish the buffet table after the wedding. A little ironing and it was all set to go!</p><p>I'm taking the rest of August off from blogging as there is simply too much on the schedule to keep up. Take care and keep quilting! I'll probably check in on your blogs and lurk if I have a spare minute or two...</p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-80503931629981787652023-07-26T17:01:00.005-07:002023-07-26T17:01:38.299-07:00All the Baby Quilts<p>So I got all the baby quilts done this week, labels and all! It felt really good to get these checked off the list.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFJWrRgARm6NUgXzjpWbMREqk7LSaaJTSwLWrBuWh22ust5LKDbqQ0ToA-kvm9ipqYxK72NFnKZ9W5_wcZWPBB4RCb7fkijs74mtf_J6Bt0VtdDzepB0O-0pwXT3pkebcfdWwIdYyNHS_nyY4ShFK8XCddTIN-d2AQhP-PGBgDMOlnYPsrnvgxpJRUYA/s3704/bab_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2938" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFJWrRgARm6NUgXzjpWbMREqk7LSaaJTSwLWrBuWh22ust5LKDbqQ0ToA-kvm9ipqYxK72NFnKZ9W5_wcZWPBB4RCb7fkijs74mtf_J6Bt0VtdDzepB0O-0pwXT3pkebcfdWwIdYyNHS_nyY4ShFK8XCddTIN-d2AQhP-PGBgDMOlnYPsrnvgxpJRUYA/w318-h400/bab_Fotor.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prickly Pears is done!</td></tr></tbody></table>The first one is Prickly Pears, the baby girl quilt. It's made out of the cut-out pears from behind another quilt I made.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z_N8jG-gGRsY3CyVlg-l0fgFb6urHGGbHcgBxr5E6MPVdFPFE6M7VXZevJWwRRQImzaRSq6QoUV2L-zcY5kpLz30LdunWAVDindiCcTpGGvBh3cvYRoJvXMQ2_23gcYMWulBkAj153GILCWdjCJQuuJARbIu5Vm2jscYX9HnlUE8CUnyL7yRmaM02vc/s3386/bab1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3386" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z_N8jG-gGRsY3CyVlg-l0fgFb6urHGGbHcgBxr5E6MPVdFPFE6M7VXZevJWwRRQImzaRSq6QoUV2L-zcY5kpLz30LdunWAVDindiCcTpGGvBh3cvYRoJvXMQ2_23gcYMWulBkAj153GILCWdjCJQuuJARbIu5Vm2jscYX9HnlUE8CUnyL7yRmaM02vc/w358-h400/bab1_Fotor.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the floral</td></tr></tbody></table>You might think the gray pears are odd, but I really, really like it! I tried to use brighter, bolder prints for some of these blocks, even if they almost clashed. It ended up with a good cozy vibe and the backing fabric will hopefully make my daughter smile!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGRlbAv0IqWZOCjTUxM0HxdsyLdC8LnbNwexz1q_JTLP_9gs22Mbv8bvHuzyh-kqKigIMTLniqINh9L6JO7hv6JeN9OXXgwgOm0oBRKJ2-jDrn8mQsPDicI1kqanGfHDm5N7BABzZv4QLmaIx000qr0np1gWXjYXL6_blD9RJ9HeEZtPgSZklCx3yTFk/s4032/bab2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGRlbAv0IqWZOCjTUxM0HxdsyLdC8LnbNwexz1q_JTLP_9gs22Mbv8bvHuzyh-kqKigIMTLniqINh9L6JO7hv6JeN9OXXgwgOm0oBRKJ2-jDrn8mQsPDicI1kqanGfHDm5N7BABzZv4QLmaIx000qr0np1gWXjYXL6_blD9RJ9HeEZtPgSZklCx3yTFk/w300-h400/bab2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want bikes on the back?</td></tr></tbody></table>The second baby quilt finish is the Improv. Log Cabin quilt. The strips were not cut straight or measured at all. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_BmBR5xxzJRd1a8WF1SZM2kxyqezuiararLdO5zvpYaaOXwXPhYMHxdL1sVldR50op2vkW7Eo9nbc1Paef622G-7phSHvrtAEKNAcQDvn01NEidyjC8oJgjlKQowYsHma46Twi3nmUoy7k3D8W2ZD_wxpDk2fMe_Hlg_1iNtibp1v9wuy1VNXdOTm3g/s3024/bab3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2870" data-original-width="3024" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_BmBR5xxzJRd1a8WF1SZM2kxyqezuiararLdO5zvpYaaOXwXPhYMHxdL1sVldR50op2vkW7Eo9nbc1Paef622G-7phSHvrtAEKNAcQDvn01NEidyjC8oJgjlKQowYsHma46Twi3nmUoy7k3D8W2ZD_wxpDk2fMe_Hlg_1iNtibp1v9wuy1VNXdOTm3g/w400-h380/bab3_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improv. Log Cabin is done and dusted!</td></tr></tbody></table>And in fact, the center Monkey Wrench block was improv. as well and never straightened.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mj5_YZB0gKYG93sFcDaRznZpbIK_rR_g3m0XqqdBnOq-8yi8zWOZLFYGVmYhj-m648QUvy0CwWrqhMln1ixwz_5e9VOBwir74Z11S6kQyrNLAGlDAOdiCUeEqkjuUqVThM_-A91qyi0Zdmy0jt6I4OZeXxpRP2elbM2HdCyCuhR6prrv1OdCrmegOFA/s4032/bab4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mj5_YZB0gKYG93sFcDaRznZpbIK_rR_g3m0XqqdBnOq-8yi8zWOZLFYGVmYhj-m648QUvy0CwWrqhMln1ixwz_5e9VOBwir74Z11S6kQyrNLAGlDAOdiCUeEqkjuUqVThM_-A91qyi0Zdmy0jt6I4OZeXxpRP2elbM2HdCyCuhR6prrv1OdCrmegOFA/w300-h400/bab4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a fan of Log Cabin quilts</td></tr></tbody></table>If the quilt seems a little bit 'off' then that is why! Nothing to be ashamed of though, it just adds character. I did end up snipping a tiny hole in the backing fabric when pinning the quilt though. Just cutting a thread and missed and cut into the quilt.*sigh<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6e4m_0AADHSVmKyVvPsMynt6pMhzohwvvUTmgN9AeeH6nx3VWkld-GSGEzQsvJaZ9p5OWuPvbQ3RZPTyl5BOc_pqeA5EggWkAPownZhWVGbwNYRXr06KJ_i5hGvVO2p7XZK0xjL11EIM2HJxZjwr70XOZ30cAIXr-87rGAmrxqn8LHFK8swftBs6gHc/s3208/bab5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6e4m_0AADHSVmKyVvPsMynt6pMhzohwvvUTmgN9AeeH6nx3VWkld-GSGEzQsvJaZ9p5OWuPvbQ3RZPTyl5BOc_pqeA5EggWkAPownZhWVGbwNYRXr06KJ_i5hGvVO2p7XZK0xjL11EIM2HJxZjwr70XOZ30cAIXr-87rGAmrxqn8LHFK8swftBs6gHc/w378-h400/bab5_Fotor.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How bout the dark backing fabric?</td></tr></tbody></table>Thankfully, my daughter doesn't mind patches on things. Uggh. So annoying. The third baby quilt is made out of leftover blocks that have been languishing in the orphan bit totes.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaK98bYGJHG_D1GGKxmIksqUha4gRX6A_8nUJKVoRawpXpKrjAsSqMfQLKbgNGrXdgaZfQpBVpi9883ocZkheaR7MUH8mlZWxg3Amsuah_squKdzfCtRUBhH4cXoktdACD_m7eTrTjOXQyyx8ZZZpOxpDcjEB3BeySZmPdLdv3FCFP6k1YDS-1SANsyQ/s3024/bab6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="3024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaK98bYGJHG_D1GGKxmIksqUha4gRX6A_8nUJKVoRawpXpKrjAsSqMfQLKbgNGrXdgaZfQpBVpi9883ocZkheaR7MUH8mlZWxg3Amsuah_squKdzfCtRUBhH4cXoktdACD_m7eTrTjOXQyyx8ZZZpOxpDcjEB3BeySZmPdLdv3FCFP6k1YDS-1SANsyQ/w400-h356/bab6_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish Upon a Star</td></tr></tbody></table>It has a much softer look and feel, but it holds its own with the others just fine.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFJv6IuV21bPoRl3LiuS1XSjMK8q3QGvDGlfJ3mOdp4uRvSSjnfQC4jnqY9YANyhcu0Z0ba9P1nQT495jZtK9r7O0jizXIYDYhu3Ibu6a6gZxQkxbWaTVIQlDVl71SYuhjKzebpYhGJHykunsfg8i2plQpN39aZEA4UUb_z_6UvFIrbe0mKyY0snAHjY/s3704/bab7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2645" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFJv6IuV21bPoRl3LiuS1XSjMK8q3QGvDGlfJ3mOdp4uRvSSjnfQC4jnqY9YANyhcu0Z0ba9P1nQT495jZtK9r7O0jizXIYDYhu3Ibu6a6gZxQkxbWaTVIQlDVl71SYuhjKzebpYhGJHykunsfg8i2plQpN39aZEA4UUb_z_6UvFIrbe0mKyY0snAHjY/w286-h400/bab7_Fotor.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's finished!</td></tr></tbody></table>This one is being gifted to a long time friend of ours for her second baby. I rarely make or gift baby quilts to anyone other than family because our family is so very large. Well that, and I prefer making my big 'ol creative adventure quilts more.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufA1Fc9YI_XLANaPRTrmhQUsof0w3gqWZOHUthL41UqirTuAaa2o9ik1urK5stu9JVzDe7dpJ1IFLApahoz0mgpXRH2-SPGiHY9AlUpigB7Epdnipg_U8odHdC8GNItLjn76331yRVFCZfNmo6GljCSBukPO3JO337v06RuWSMmPuTGkPbi206gBHKFQ/s3016/bab8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="3016" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufA1Fc9YI_XLANaPRTrmhQUsof0w3gqWZOHUthL41UqirTuAaa2o9ik1urK5stu9JVzDe7dpJ1IFLApahoz0mgpXRH2-SPGiHY9AlUpigB7Epdnipg_U8odHdC8GNItLjn76331yRVFCZfNmo6GljCSBukPO3JO337v06RuWSMmPuTGkPbi206gBHKFQ/w400-h383/bab8_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backing helps add to the baby feel</td></tr></tbody></table>The backing fabric is a soft, babyish star fabric. Except that it had a surprisingly tough weave and was not the easiest to hand quilt. Got it done though! Yay!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtzxQalFAnBsfCtR4TBhZ81RcZsJIqGY639suVEotgfl7Vpa0zonKiR6fowG9vjWSFu8nOKcdlhbPkgbjRiHg4qXRvCZ9fkegJOXjNTVoqQOLHpIYVY2mAl4xOxOaiVlH_p_8UQMw1Kz-D37IijkHsCwCfVMgEe1sbgND1HUnhhFgtIQIJwv3CgGOAN4/s4032/bab9_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtzxQalFAnBsfCtR4TBhZ81RcZsJIqGY639suVEotgfl7Vpa0zonKiR6fowG9vjWSFu8nOKcdlhbPkgbjRiHg4qXRvCZ9fkegJOXjNTVoqQOLHpIYVY2mAl4xOxOaiVlH_p_8UQMw1Kz-D37IijkHsCwCfVMgEe1sbgND1HUnhhFgtIQIJwv3CgGOAN4/w300-h400/bab9_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging sleeves for the quilt show</td></tr></tbody></table>I've also been working to get hanging sleeves on a couple of quilts. Not something that I particularly enjoy, but it needed to be done....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6cjbzDt-X_3pcwTiKka4wd_-wSPoeqNvl9uRoz-O0zpES4ea2ZQDZs1SssmkkomC2GfjaULwZl1pbztpYype2IFe_pIKrQZK6r8any3Iel-kFKNhKR-F4klCRMxF1G1Qv09rfiaaK8xOP-09x4rEBUkzQs13DbRLcIOkadqNNK5qNrNwHO5FXeJ_lxY/s4032/bab91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6cjbzDt-X_3pcwTiKka4wd_-wSPoeqNvl9uRoz-O0zpES4ea2ZQDZs1SssmkkomC2GfjaULwZl1pbztpYype2IFe_pIKrQZK6r8any3Iel-kFKNhKR-F4klCRMxF1G1Qv09rfiaaK8xOP-09x4rEBUkzQs13DbRLcIOkadqNNK5qNrNwHO5FXeJ_lxY/w300-h400/bab91.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mountains Are Calling in the hoop</td></tr></tbody></table>And last but not least, I've finally dove into the hand quilting part of the wedding quilt for my youngest son and his new wife. It's more a 'guy' quilt and I'm crossing my fingers the new DIL won't mind too much! {I plan on giving her a girly looking quilt later on.} Feels good to get this much of the freehand Baptist fan quilting accomplished. I'm loving the texture already! No marking whatsoever here.<div><br /></div><div>Ok, that's it for now! We're just barreling through summer with hardly any time to breathe. Gotta get back to the to-do list and check a few other things off the list that aren't quilty related...<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-16304580748070836082023-07-08T14:31:00.008-07:002023-07-08T14:31:54.013-07:00Summertime Happenings<p>Towards the end of June, we left on a 12 day trip. Before leaving, there was {of course} a mad rush to get the quilting sorted out so it would be easier to dive back in later. You know how us quilters think! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp0bT8Ayv9jj12P7Ol0RVyD8-LhG-jj182ohczlcRvjB4eP_81UCtFZDzVm_anLlM9Mnv2ZZBdjyFvFPqES5zSd14v1oAqVUMNl_HIwS5TZiXXI4cWOgtCwijslPNToe25HHzmva3AP-skn67L0jrnvXScwvQbzyVOLCF1Sp3VLQRgj3orzVZ_HSuQEs/s3340/july23_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3340" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzp0bT8Ayv9jj12P7Ol0RVyD8-LhG-jj182ohczlcRvjB4eP_81UCtFZDzVm_anLlM9Mnv2ZZBdjyFvFPqES5zSd14v1oAqVUMNl_HIwS5TZiXXI4cWOgtCwijslPNToe25HHzmva3AP-skn67L0jrnvXScwvQbzyVOLCF1Sp3VLQRgj3orzVZ_HSuQEs/w363-h400/july23_Fotor.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to the last little bit of handwork!</td></tr></tbody></table>The funny thing was, I totally forgot about some of the prep work that had happened and so had to spend some time spinning my wheels anyway. These two little baby quilts had all the hand quilting finished up and just needed some binding attached. Thankfully I found the cut out and sewn binding in their neat little rolls just before I started cutting out a second batch. Seriously, where is my brain these days? Will have to find a good day to do the last little bit of hand sewing the binding down, but these are getting closer and closer to a true-blue finish!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQA2sL6cVKa7UskX3ALzUSKEzzBn8nw6WELjdyXy5ABvsqcZmBTtja-jNuWwWLjYpZGavpuc5IVLKyCCkGsmsAkiiKlChF-cnMd5jMcG5lWsiaiMG-_EGdOK2dBiGPe2WqLsr1g3P0i3PX-g6viOHzVdaYI4IKuElo2sg0ENVCOj9_9Dv6cdierC1_v8/s3491/july231_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3491" data-original-width="2691" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQA2sL6cVKa7UskX3ALzUSKEzzBn8nw6WELjdyXy5ABvsqcZmBTtja-jNuWwWLjYpZGavpuc5IVLKyCCkGsmsAkiiKlChF-cnMd5jMcG5lWsiaiMG-_EGdOK2dBiGPe2WqLsr1g3P0i3PX-g6viOHzVdaYI4IKuElo2sg0ENVCOj9_9Dv6cdierC1_v8/w309-h400/july231_Fotor.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When an idea starts on the floor</td></tr></tbody></table>Two is not enough though. There is one more needed before the end of Julyd! I had a really great improv. idea all figured out and then when I got back from the trip, my brain was on severe overwhelm. Then one day I decided to dig through the orphan bits and pieces that had been set aside up a couple of months ago. Maybe one would be a good start for a baby quilt? <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHLzYnWxw5LtZ8i2EoLHx36yobe4flywdBA4iOOdk1D0P-QnxOXNT73N5pufvE0Z7ZVwWsZ-jN71d2znD5-Pgqpm2t-6FKzGyfMr31ZZQPddUYohb7fqxBkC7RvBYKTXI9FNV1DyYt6bXXQxfrY3sIWI2_E1luTHSm-a3oQKpY5O3i8wthYr_pKQWIDk/s3324/july232_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3324" data-original-width="2414" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHLzYnWxw5LtZ8i2EoLHx36yobe4flywdBA4iOOdk1D0P-QnxOXNT73N5pufvE0Z7ZVwWsZ-jN71d2znD5-Pgqpm2t-6FKzGyfMr31ZZQPddUYohb7fqxBkC7RvBYKTXI9FNV1DyYt6bXXQxfrY3sIWI2_E1luTHSm-a3oQKpY5O3i8wthYr_pKQWIDk/w290-h400/july232_Fotor.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to take shape</td></tr></tbody></table>This large applique block and the four churn dash blocks were given to me years and years <i>and years</i> ago in a larger box of cast aside fabrics. I have always liked them and thought to make a throw pillow out of the applique especially. Hmm... This baby quilt is a much better idea!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LHrrD1INNqjRpIKxVwqttM53F7eOGDEe8DRKXpNM05yXfMglQ5UldI8ElWGgmbNtKim14SDDImLt4w6Hgy0FeXqLe1zHYdyyK7liyYaA-dNI4Y2i8Iwv0qiLG2nJtVztoYfRDvTjpIr6h3IKijm5TanBVImg5hBssVxqIH-XutbpC4Reu602eQ8d40/s2390/july233_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2342" data-original-width="2390" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LHrrD1INNqjRpIKxVwqttM53F7eOGDEe8DRKXpNM05yXfMglQ5UldI8ElWGgmbNtKim14SDDImLt4w6Hgy0FeXqLe1zHYdyyK7liyYaA-dNI4Y2i8Iwv0qiLG2nJtVztoYfRDvTjpIr6h3IKijm5TanBVImg5hBssVxqIH-XutbpC4Reu602eQ8d40/w400-h393/july233_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you notice how I put the hst on the corners of the border?</td></tr></tbody></table>Even the blue fabric squares were abandoned from some late project or other so really, all that was needed was the in-between bits. At first I had zero intention of adding in the tan homespun fabric around the middle section, but something seemed to be missing. And then after that jumped into the quilt, well.... of course the yellow-gold cornerstones had to go too. At that point I was shutting out the lights in my quilting room to go to bed. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzdMdsbpd40AcOZ_3Q-9ozfE91scX2yNuc9UMLzyOQROyzBY5uilylJ0MLGYE1rYYRizevaJKNl5rOGdf6j4Nz3ryZkpcodTk28VBK-ba2mzeEuBTmicBMua8oRCDtWCJwzVf7_7w_UAxiTHUWTXrBMh3oERIqpEqmzglNfwrBaSyHH64DH_L1Es05wA/s4032/july234_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzdMdsbpd40AcOZ_3Q-9ozfE91scX2yNuc9UMLzyOQROyzBY5uilylJ0MLGYE1rYYRizevaJKNl5rOGdf6j4Nz3ryZkpcodTk28VBK-ba2mzeEuBTmicBMua8oRCDtWCJwzVf7_7w_UAxiTHUWTXrBMh3oERIqpEqmzglNfwrBaSyHH64DH_L1Es05wA/w300-h400/july234_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latest in the hoop!</td></tr></tbody></table>And then something niggling in the back corner of my brain kind of spoke up and insisted that the cornerstones had to be a much brighter, happier blue than the one that I had chosen.*sigh All the seam ripping just kinda gets exhausting sometimes! haha I cut out mock-ups for the evening and went ahead and shut things down for the night. Next morning, I went ahead and made the changes for real, adding the same brighter blue over the top of the center circle in the applique too. Yep! That sealed the deal perfectly. Now it's all sewn together and in the hoop. Hope you can see how sweet and cozy this little baby quilt looks already!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG_aOsN1I5sTyIjuJHur3QMI9x7HXmZFBG5k3cPtlwS9-BGXSDSqUwpb5zyl32iOiEYhS-4r3rXcDOjBw3mwh2NEKIsw5bge-0YL7SXCBStHUCawZNd-sFxq5gDULfxB9eBe8Gf0ebIKQvs-ydjUBIfuAtXZ-C1FgCMKcBRN-TljorDjwmlxjJbSsjkQ/s4032/july235_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKG_aOsN1I5sTyIjuJHur3QMI9x7HXmZFBG5k3cPtlwS9-BGXSDSqUwpb5zyl32iOiEYhS-4r3rXcDOjBw3mwh2NEKIsw5bge-0YL7SXCBStHUCawZNd-sFxq5gDULfxB9eBe8Gf0ebIKQvs-ydjUBIfuAtXZ-C1FgCMKcBRN-TljorDjwmlxjJbSsjkQ/w300-h400/july235_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of applique</td></tr></tbody></table>Thankfully I took a bag of hand work with me on the trip, though I only managed to squeeze in time for nine blocks! Always soothes the soul to have some pretty fabric in my hands for those moments when there's nothing much else to do. I can't seem to hand stitch in the car like before I got my bifocal glasses. Just gives me a headache and doesn't seem worthwhile!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qVjMv-Z6lqO0ZGUmzLTUvjqmxqbvHVun0U_NJV5HlToolhHbhVyrnrVBLanV28KGZg0V0-RORof9ufVb-SA1iWr0ceNTH4IbrkDGec50M4NvaFcAUGgy3S5QqcxbYiFyrGL2ClOiK0Fr1fHf_jybe3gd8h52nsM-78hy9rAYuN26zAOf5b1a_DYwmFM/s1440/july236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qVjMv-Z6lqO0ZGUmzLTUvjqmxqbvHVun0U_NJV5HlToolhHbhVyrnrVBLanV28KGZg0V0-RORof9ufVb-SA1iWr0ceNTH4IbrkDGec50M4NvaFcAUGgy3S5QqcxbYiFyrGL2ClOiK0Fr1fHf_jybe3gd8h52nsM-78hy9rAYuN26zAOf5b1a_DYwmFM/w400-h400/july236.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love seeing the ocean</td></tr></tbody></table>We went to my nieces wedding, which was absolutely beautiful. Love seeing the happiness of a young couple starting their new life together! After a long weekend there, my husband returned home and my youngest daughter and I started off on 'her' adventure. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfOvFARnU25R9X1M6pX8LpT0e16ehgSOWh5yzmsSqID0ZmhB6681zkY7HOciefmO1HVrCsdGY5fPgMCiuctqcp1JKmU_Qfhoprvs6UafrKpmWrogzfSFDCiL73Ly8ynVM6pPudBfxlLnazPCrjhPtSN5WAFZvQwp8T5OY9EYFdxvnMsaRqBsY37Tlp1Y/s1440/july237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfOvFARnU25R9X1M6pX8LpT0e16ehgSOWh5yzmsSqID0ZmhB6681zkY7HOciefmO1HVrCsdGY5fPgMCiuctqcp1JKmU_Qfhoprvs6UafrKpmWrogzfSFDCiL73Ly8ynVM6pPudBfxlLnazPCrjhPtSN5WAFZvQwp8T5OY9EYFdxvnMsaRqBsY37Tlp1Y/w400-h400/july237.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I drove these winding roads some my daughter could gawk<br />to her hearts content</td></tr></tbody></table>She had it all mapped out and asked me to come along for the ride and a chance to see my 80 year old aunts. So sweet of her! We left Oregon and headed to California, taking a scenic side-trip along a little of the coast road HWY 101 and through the northern California redwoods. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8N3uuVG76yzHu3AQ_Mc3QNxdIBtFS4rx_62weEEbLQGn2qxYlj-GhtCJAH6RfqCQKiAa4KEhcW3ws_JBxefRcfQO_NgirHQS90EMJvxumL-wgQyX6T-kva_Pc-_Q16t_QSIlXuzWdSsipU08xIEgckFDnq8DnlusO8rtDyf6x9m3wmFLcEqICSB3Pbo/s4032/july238_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8N3uuVG76yzHu3AQ_Mc3QNxdIBtFS4rx_62weEEbLQGn2qxYlj-GhtCJAH6RfqCQKiAa4KEhcW3ws_JBxefRcfQO_NgirHQS90EMJvxumL-wgQyX6T-kva_Pc-_Q16t_QSIlXuzWdSsipU08xIEgckFDnq8DnlusO8rtDyf6x9m3wmFLcEqICSB3Pbo/w300-h400/july238_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved getting a chance to hug these beauties</td></tr></tbody></table>We managed to find time to hug one of these ancient trees and stand in awe of how totally magnificent they all are. I have been trying to go light on the pictures, but the mass of tree roots just from the trees lying down were larger than the car we were driving! And these trees!! They are so tall it practically gave us a neck ache simply trying to see the tops of these things. Wowsers, are they tall...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnbxfD7CfZRNYXXlHGGTtbI3rhs0ryl_pCqQ36N4PaEXARPxh4_L8fRIzgN6BODwgdcUviMvQfU7Qlmj8fas9CEEq3oBjNIWRcXLFPEcJUvEmBm9BJepXwTA3uW9XuX67UuzGhmTiexJ1DwrCcTxx-cEtJZUSDbLDUe39306p-Roh_THhjQOtwX4cF4o/s3088/july239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnbxfD7CfZRNYXXlHGGTtbI3rhs0ryl_pCqQ36N4PaEXARPxh4_L8fRIzgN6BODwgdcUviMvQfU7Qlmj8fas9CEEq3oBjNIWRcXLFPEcJUvEmBm9BJepXwTA3uW9XuX67UuzGhmTiexJ1DwrCcTxx-cEtJZUSDbLDUe39306p-Roh_THhjQOtwX4cF4o/w300-h400/july239.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was an incredible day</td></tr></tbody></table>After a wonderful two and a half days with my aunties, we made our way back north again, touring through the redwoods once again even though that took extra time. Somehow my daughter also persuaded me to take a short hike through one of the forests, which is something my entire family could not believe. Me? Taking a hike? Very, very worthwhile though as we got to see more details of the beautiful redwood trees than we would have from the highway. Wish we could have had more days there!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrdCcgrSH-m_goDU9AwG2evUKJhnBSxGi0g5GdmMqk_sHL9kGaI7gvEVCJ6rlNUtkLlTLDirdQBuNIroQXedV27wBpgDNOFuc6I8zbwV3N3tL9CocoEvZJK2Krfbs3E4FumfLRjBD4U-gFp94JEESGX8qjOTccAVtFJVYOcIR3syJqVjeOpryUdqR9PQ/s4032/july2391_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrdCcgrSH-m_goDU9AwG2evUKJhnBSxGi0g5GdmMqk_sHL9kGaI7gvEVCJ6rlNUtkLlTLDirdQBuNIroQXedV27wBpgDNOFuc6I8zbwV3N3tL9CocoEvZJK2Krfbs3E4FumfLRjBD4U-gFp94JEESGX8qjOTccAVtFJVYOcIR3syJqVjeOpryUdqR9PQ/w300-h400/july2391_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A misty morning when we left</td></tr></tbody></table>Totally surprising me {because I hadn't been paying enough attention to the itinerary}, we stayed for the night in Eureka, California at a landmark, historical inn. It was a <i>fabulous</i> experience and felt very surreal staying where a few presidents and a prime minister stayed once upon a time. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LsKbIdHqWwQBWSI0LvJd9ZtsUNJOCwiFPtOiWWvKkQYfUrsIgN2bHLRKQ34RA4m9B6_UwKgCOKActgroZykWacQzJjfn8hfZY_lX9yVMYr3KnaotjHkPuVGFHBpmOe4AVeW1Sls4MLUjli6gwu_Fkve60CcEsJlgWVnojzsdtu5cmlfaEVNhQd2nQl8/s3582/july2392_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3582" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LsKbIdHqWwQBWSI0LvJd9ZtsUNJOCwiFPtOiWWvKkQYfUrsIgN2bHLRKQ34RA4m9B6_UwKgCOKActgroZykWacQzJjfn8hfZY_lX9yVMYr3KnaotjHkPuVGFHBpmOe4AVeW1Sls4MLUjli6gwu_Fkve60CcEsJlgWVnojzsdtu5cmlfaEVNhQd2nQl8/w338-h400/july2392_Fotor.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pro tip: Never leave home without the handwork bag!</td></tr></tbody></table>Somewhere we picked up a nail in our car tire and ended up at a tire shop for almost three hours. Bah humbug. Look at me all relaxed and happy doing my applique regardless of the inconvenience! haha<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN9_AlUkGUGgOweEa-96GAroax7ONLwfje0mfML8AVgVF09lzv72igpv3SOjXg0X5S9Oxihawp-1zPDmfufsUek6yS8tgYNcW0JrtN7LIiR_jZpZaD_pRU2xNDSozVOFZIo8jbYl0XCaIeGgU7Lj0UgXTKFC7itDMhupGhqNiEFbcY4B7nDcpewyW52Y/s4032/july2393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN9_AlUkGUGgOweEa-96GAroax7ONLwfje0mfML8AVgVF09lzv72igpv3SOjXg0X5S9Oxihawp-1zPDmfufsUek6yS8tgYNcW0JrtN7LIiR_jZpZaD_pRU2xNDSozVOFZIo8jbYl0XCaIeGgU7Lj0UgXTKFC7itDMhupGhqNiEFbcY4B7nDcpewyW52Y/w300-h400/july2393.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful rocky beach here too</td></tr></tbody></table>After the tire fix, we were in a time crunch. That meant we kept making short little stops along the coast line to gaze in rapture at the ocean instead of more leisurely visits like we originally supposed. One time we had made a hurried dash down the path to the ocean and a couple on their way to the beach started to turn around when right when we headed back. They thought it wasn't worth the hike down as we had returned so quickly! No, totally worthwhile, we just needed to jet!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcwAPxKrpxCxIsCPxpNRSItYBjH2zLe5fEX9fRjGYIuSSQTrR6nKMp782ZmTVSEVLDdvwZki5HiGZWeiViU21V7Fh2G9n3KhmPHTUTVuSASsFT2IB4G4AZcQdnKNt2apMqUxS7MQwyLGwSmF76vK-YmGloctwprHVL2tanwrh5bFMVcuoatGpFAbFPsU/s4032/july2394_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcwAPxKrpxCxIsCPxpNRSItYBjH2zLe5fEX9fRjGYIuSSQTrR6nKMp782ZmTVSEVLDdvwZki5HiGZWeiViU21V7Fh2G9n3KhmPHTUTVuSASsFT2IB4G4AZcQdnKNt2apMqUxS7MQwyLGwSmF76vK-YmGloctwprHVL2tanwrh5bFMVcuoatGpFAbFPsU/w300-h400/july2394_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An hour or two out from our camping spot</td></tr></tbody></table>That was the day we were supposed to make our way to Winchester Bay, Oregon to meet up with some of my siblings who camp there every Fourth of July. My daughter still goes every year though my husband and I haven't made it there for over ten years! Anyway, long story short, she convinced me to end our adventure there with the fam and actually sleep in a tent for two nights. Uh huh. I told myself over twenty years ago that I was <b>never, ever </b>sleeping in a tent again, but yah. There I was. Thankfully she brought cots for the both of us and one of my sisters did the sweetest thing, she loaned me a skinny piece of memory foam for more padding. Yay! Two nights was about my max for these older hips of mine, but the worst part was probably having to get up in the wee hours of the morning and trek to the public bathrooms. Uggh. So not my thing. Much fun to hang out with four of my sisters and their families though! Loved, loved that part. Don't tell anyone, but I would probably do it all again in a heartbeat just for the good times!<div><br /></div><div>Okay, that's it. A short recap of my incredible summer adventure! Wish my husband could have come along with us, but it was truly delightful, getting to spend this wonderful time with my amazing daughter.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-22297295371926593172023-06-21T14:33:00.000-07:002023-06-21T14:33:16.891-07:00It's a Finish!<p> Ta-da! Primrose Path is a finished top! Black was the only color that made sense for the outside border, so easy-peasy. The original <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2023/04/all-current-projects.html">inspiration</a> was a tapestry or rug {not sure} in black and white. Just couldn't quite bring myself to make a pure black and white quilt. Much too modern for me!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pk-G9TkDDQ_yPABWya64mRh8c5iHdfAnltyOK5Jfd-Td1blRF9Vw77_9lwkMfR2xheQsbOr0fp5kIZK2DtAeQqlAKYLCsiyoCcHO5JlWpGfSEgNgjSFNNNxQ-TBygsonI8QKDWLjhD43AmPtt_mebnwuzSLaEsT1katNStbNEdIaSkyYfo7pEUG86B8/s3786/primrose_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3786" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pk-G9TkDDQ_yPABWya64mRh8c5iHdfAnltyOK5Jfd-Td1blRF9Vw77_9lwkMfR2xheQsbOr0fp5kIZK2DtAeQqlAKYLCsiyoCcHO5JlWpGfSEgNgjSFNNNxQ-TBygsonI8QKDWLjhD43AmPtt_mebnwuzSLaEsT1katNStbNEdIaSkyYfo7pEUG86B8/w320-h400/primrose_Fotor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primrose Path is a completed quilt top now</td></tr></tbody></table>Thankfully I had enough of a solid to cut out what was needed for borders. <i>Just enough </i>actually. Really surprising as I tend to use it up in bindings and I had already used quite a bit in the sashing borders of this top. Would have loved to use a black fabric with some sort of floral print, but then that would have made things over-the-top busy. Probably. We'll never know now!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzQC6VhnI76SWuLT3EeCqfmmeWIXvPc86es2dHi3SUdhG3zkmCmdZaV3IbHt2ZibPAHPzGsCvo9UqRMHsayUgMhlkEu7gvQWNUzoXIFitAFiHjYUFhKuZKI7rTTxSQEhqW8A5nPoQ5HI6Aj0UlJOm_LLW11jq9EosJUYW80PKnsJnuz0svMYL2gQDZ8U/s3129/primrose1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3129" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzQC6VhnI76SWuLT3EeCqfmmeWIXvPc86es2dHi3SUdhG3zkmCmdZaV3IbHt2ZibPAHPzGsCvo9UqRMHsayUgMhlkEu7gvQWNUzoXIFitAFiHjYUFhKuZKI7rTTxSQEhqW8A5nPoQ5HI6Aj0UlJOm_LLW11jq9EosJUYW80PKnsJnuz0svMYL2gQDZ8U/w386-h400/primrose1_Fotor.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit funky, a little bit charming</td></tr></tbody></table>I love quilts with blocks set in two different directions and this fit the bill nicely. It's not immediately obvious, but I find it kind of sweet and charming.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlklyCMJbNxoBBFYY_Wry6XXpoVdg15axYTVfd8DOTjiBxJiVyeN4vNYK6AQZoHY4aqRqa_r8BhX6bPxLTSUcfST6_cFEDVLX9XSangg6zzopvWikz0VsAhA5dqczytBOpWhLDL9yFSRa_T5RfaTMs_qnYWhcibfVaE3MzQj4qvs0rt3c-H3H8jAIlUU/s3419/primrose2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3419" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlklyCMJbNxoBBFYY_Wry6XXpoVdg15axYTVfd8DOTjiBxJiVyeN4vNYK6AQZoHY4aqRqa_r8BhX6bPxLTSUcfST6_cFEDVLX9XSangg6zzopvWikz0VsAhA5dqczytBOpWhLDL9yFSRa_T5RfaTMs_qnYWhcibfVaE3MzQj4qvs0rt3c-H3H8jAIlUU/w354-h400/primrose2_Fotor.jpg" width="354" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Probably too graphic to have the cozy vibe I like</div>This quilt is dark, quirky and not nearly as prim as I normally prefer things to look. Still, it's got a lot of character and will hopefully, fingers crossed, look amazing with hand quilting some day in the future! The size of this quilt is 78" x 82 1/2", so a bit bigger than a large throw quilt. Love having it at finished quilt top stage after years of wondering if I wanted to make this, how to do it? In what colors, yada, yada yada. So it's not my favorite quilt in the whole wide world. That happens sometimes. I'm definitely pleased with how it looks though and happy for the experience!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIouEZgidEeqbnmsKdC1hB7bZpn5PBE0NxunbVbxOwrMxJnEe5U-36zGW3qW7gt9y8J1G4xWUhdLqXrDDqC8-URl5t2YrKwyGhYxDNkaLRsQ9gK0FXmkUu24dmQ0FPQe74REm56anQERMusdcHqT71RrT5wHEKOo32Jsq1ban62pV7eVKr8V3v2WtClU/s3360/primrose3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3360" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIouEZgidEeqbnmsKdC1hB7bZpn5PBE0NxunbVbxOwrMxJnEe5U-36zGW3qW7gt9y8J1G4xWUhdLqXrDDqC8-URl5t2YrKwyGhYxDNkaLRsQ9gK0FXmkUu24dmQ0FPQe74REm56anQERMusdcHqT71RrT5wHEKOo32Jsq1ban62pV7eVKr8V3v2WtClU/w360-h400/primrose3_Fotor.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lotsa pink in this quilt....</td></tr></tbody></table>I also finished up the hand quilting on Practice, the improv. strips quilt that I'm gifting to a nephew for his wedding. Big sigh! I was sweating it a little with all the other things that needed attention this week.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-XBT1RJ3l6lgPaRB91zQdwQ_YXxVhXHffT7yOMCR21qjoLuSMaXoxx_1sgfOn3HlmQYqSrJ4lr2BvlRrDOmwohcqG53xld9J7nlqkQEqknQZM6Ao46zlWxU2_xIT41QT-YT6fy0bMxbvYQfcNwSFn2jl6LYQbdYTO9f_qGoiC61JRO0k1kFRLJuFe-w/s3024/primrose4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2859" data-original-width="3024" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-XBT1RJ3l6lgPaRB91zQdwQ_YXxVhXHffT7yOMCR21qjoLuSMaXoxx_1sgfOn3HlmQYqSrJ4lr2BvlRrDOmwohcqG53xld9J7nlqkQEqknQZM6Ao46zlWxU2_xIT41QT-YT6fy0bMxbvYQfcNwSFn2jl6LYQbdYTO9f_qGoiC61JRO0k1kFRLJuFe-w/w400-h379/primrose4_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improv. Practice is finished up!</td></tr></tbody></table><div>This quilt was started with the practice strips from the winter quilting meeting two winters ago. I had gathered up a stack of old, less than admirable fabrics for all the gals to practice free cutting on. It seemed easier to let them 'practice' before asking them to cut into their <b>good</b> fabric. My thought was that I wouldn't care how this stack of fabric ended up and it might be interesting to play with strips cut in widths intuitive to other people.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eKEETiKsyXHfLjxqppC7NgSWefjrVtpTrlvDrgMaN4AesyvvYFDoITUiT-fREmcvnf3seECnSQF7o0th1JuVSHtJNFhZ4OO387OSqWv4TdKgX9k5DtKc-QyEUpdiYYNOhLMX6d_FWtCKmId7ZYhMdDfELqDkMXW0KdyHSy38PfM8z2LmTbImK4F_0rM/s4032/primrose5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-eKEETiKsyXHfLjxqppC7NgSWefjrVtpTrlvDrgMaN4AesyvvYFDoITUiT-fREmcvnf3seECnSQF7o0th1JuVSHtJNFhZ4OO387OSqWv4TdKgX9k5DtKc-QyEUpdiYYNOhLMX6d_FWtCKmId7ZYhMdDfELqDkMXW0KdyHSy38PfM8z2LmTbImK4F_0rM/w300-h400/primrose5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been a great practice quilt </td></tr></tbody></table>Later on, I used these strips to make my own quilt top, only needing to add in another couple fat quarters of color, plus the cream of course. The cohesion of the cream fabric really helps pull the whole look of the quilt together in my opinion. Good call there as the other fabrics ended up being fairly blendy looking without the offset of the much lighter color.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Mq_yXGoQMOppSdFNz8sr5OHDEOm3k_ldBmOUSZrKufGpLFln_hLgEEoYrsMPQ049zfYCgXh0dA2vmSmEfWbJ_Szs-bN97HUrRtKyzqsUoE14O_3kunNoIYEvfSErRjEswJxsDiX-7BImUUvV52ZoR8jG842k4CTdPSF3Y-ZYpU6nOvVeOLMpqCuWEY/s3473/primrose6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3473" data-original-width="2989" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Mq_yXGoQMOppSdFNz8sr5OHDEOm3k_ldBmOUSZrKufGpLFln_hLgEEoYrsMPQ049zfYCgXh0dA2vmSmEfWbJ_Szs-bN97HUrRtKyzqsUoE14O_3kunNoIYEvfSErRjEswJxsDiX-7BImUUvV52ZoR8jG842k4CTdPSF3Y-ZYpU6nOvVeOLMpqCuWEY/w344-h400/primrose6_Fotor.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad to see the hand stitching texture come alive</td></tr></tbody></table>Once again, I was reminded at how much better some fabrics can look when they are cut into smaller pieces. Funny how it can make an 'ugly' fabric look so, so much better!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4unqyA8GqYfNO2GMHGSR5rpfTm3LR3A5UKQcD3JhvA-hfUWTKJcnf5QU9Ofw5sQL5ClnzvcmbGw2tV9upQeXWOreZ2tICtNiUjXJ6husUJUi3wGefJF0AbgwCVjxLrGRzyTI3w0Wdk-1hpX_5JJrexas-7oyfSEz88rKSBjEqYq5UFz_nkVO8_-mclK4/s3700/primrose7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3700" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4unqyA8GqYfNO2GMHGSR5rpfTm3LR3A5UKQcD3JhvA-hfUWTKJcnf5QU9Ofw5sQL5ClnzvcmbGw2tV9upQeXWOreZ2tICtNiUjXJ6husUJUi3wGefJF0AbgwCVjxLrGRzyTI3w0Wdk-1hpX_5JJrexas-7oyfSEz88rKSBjEqYq5UFz_nkVO8_-mclK4/w328-h400/primrose7_Fotor.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very snuggly looking quilt!</td></tr></tbody></table>Mostly though, I was just done with these particular colors and style of fabric prints. Obviously, I have been spending a lot more time with brighter colors in the past couple years and have gotten away from the overwhelming earth tone phase. That being said, this was a good trip down memory lane, while also allowing me to freely play with improv. strip layout. Absolutely no pressure with this project!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs6ksGO_ayktbOLsi6YcaJ1Sva-_uK1lBY_ovHdqxaMuRC42JdSL6S87VJM8uRfpO2GYsvrKUUdK-mflYKB8ZtUA-H633u2s01UaLyxateGuI0gvyPvinKK_wG7L4F_4_TTffJ89r6yximKTaERmAun9p8y8pMG_5Otnb0eAqpSUFSSSrOo3rH2081sc/s4032/primrose8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs6ksGO_ayktbOLsi6YcaJ1Sva-_uK1lBY_ovHdqxaMuRC42JdSL6S87VJM8uRfpO2GYsvrKUUdK-mflYKB8ZtUA-H633u2s01UaLyxateGuI0gvyPvinKK_wG7L4F_4_TTffJ89r6yximKTaERmAun9p8y8pMG_5Otnb0eAqpSUFSSSrOo3rH2081sc/w300-h400/primrose8_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving this backing</td></tr></tbody></table>When I went looking for a suitable quilt top for my very masculine, duck hunting nephew, this quilt top jumped out as the best possible choice. Feeling sorry for his wife to be, I went ahead and added this Kaffe floral to the back. Well, this fabric and about five others. ha! Anyway, it's DONE! Yay me! and now I can start finishing up the two baby quilts and maybe even start on another....<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-25715592313714859322023-06-15T13:34:00.000-07:002023-06-15T13:34:37.286-07:00Trying To Get Things Crossed Off the List<p>I've been hand quilting every evening possible, trying to finish up this improv. strings quilt. It's going to be gifted to a nephew for a wedding gift and time is running out. Not that it <b>has</b> to be given by the wedding date. Oh no. I'm much more relaxed than that. It's just that I don't want to pay postage or risk having it get lost in the mail! So hopefully it will be all wrapped up by next week. Fingers crossed!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJU4ayhVGIVwqCthoxv-H2ftCA0l9J2va6uGEgtMAu3KSWbOX0jjYNLvf2d7nenYJPZnoWsbqtdpja8TByCk3xfDq408oa529WUn34mnzeVSoK7-WAbmXd-hc9DcVwFR_gGLdzJcUzvDHStbA-pxKDwdC8PjIjZPavDmz4bnLvkqoQxjb8BrSh0Gi/s3863/todo_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3863" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJU4ayhVGIVwqCthoxv-H2ftCA0l9J2va6uGEgtMAu3KSWbOX0jjYNLvf2d7nenYJPZnoWsbqtdpja8TByCk3xfDq408oa529WUn34mnzeVSoK7-WAbmXd-hc9DcVwFR_gGLdzJcUzvDHStbA-pxKDwdC8PjIjZPavDmz4bnLvkqoQxjb8BrSh0Gi/w313-h400/todo_Fotor.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only three more rows to stitch across the quilt!</td></tr></tbody></table>I have a couple baby quilts sewn up, ready to be sandwiched and quilted. This one hopefully fits the bill for 'baby boy'. I ended up doing a log cabin surround all around the improv. monkey wrench block which was super fun. Being my rebellious self, I didn't square it up along the way. And then I made matters worse by sort of eyeballing the strip cuts. Free-cutting with a ruler. Mostly straigh-tish!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT4Jv9p-KpSAs7f51_7OYlIwgat9lCR_xXcZ848X5214sEbcU8JnBO9f_YU3rEJ46PmpRzj96O0CJNvhVDBtVKUFaFtoeu0ms8eAcqR6BbXSzjgGEQwyVxQFziCAXwp9DU6U1-h6jFstm5FFuCPTBmT1fR8mL65ZzVliYPiZmBxicamcghnLTlCCI/s2786/todo1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="2786" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT4Jv9p-KpSAs7f51_7OYlIwgat9lCR_xXcZ848X5214sEbcU8JnBO9f_YU3rEJ46PmpRzj96O0CJNvhVDBtVKUFaFtoeu0ms8eAcqR6BbXSzjgGEQwyVxQFziCAXwp9DU6U1-h6jFstm5FFuCPTBmT1fR8mL65ZzVliYPiZmBxicamcghnLTlCCI/w400-h370/todo1_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little too wonky</td></tr></tbody></table>When the quilt was approximately the intended size, then I went ahead and squared up the quilt as a whole. {Well, sort of squared it up, it's probably within half an inch!} Loving the sweet, laid back charm to this one already. Something about gingham and floral together that really gets to me! And I used up some pretty old, weird colored blue fabrics that have been languishing in the bottom of the stash totes forever. Feels amazing to find a good use for those! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7rGIi0VQPzwxYtR9DTY8cTP0270nAGBhQymcgivH2sghtZ81KcfbW447LYWvvR0g5gAJxwK5OSuqVeklaQYNtJcYmlq3HWkXb3Ie05HJ45M62_qPbx6Kk45lDl0IGozHVjkF2SrbeWUuSX-J4-UfePyAfBStpowQsYnwLUYY_skUXKcH3KTxjNaK/s2688/todo2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="2688" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7rGIi0VQPzwxYtR9DTY8cTP0270nAGBhQymcgivH2sghtZ81KcfbW447LYWvvR0g5gAJxwK5OSuqVeklaQYNtJcYmlq3HWkXb3Ie05HJ45M62_qPbx6Kk45lDl0IGozHVjkF2SrbeWUuSX-J4-UfePyAfBStpowQsYnwLUYY_skUXKcH3KTxjNaK/w400-h388/todo2_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Boy quilt finished up</td></tr></tbody></table>Prickly Pear was sewn into a quilt top just before the boy quilt. I wish the gray pears showed better in the pictures, but you know me. Photography is not my strong suit at all. This quilt ended up being a bit longer than I like at 48". Oh well. It will make a great transitional baby/toddler quilt this way. Always so interesting to try and make these much smaller quilts when I'm completely used to having oodles and oodles of room for a quilt to grow. Honestly, it was a bit hard not to keep this quilt just to see where it could evolve to.*sigh This mama better appreciate my restraint! Haha Overall, it's been lovely working with these cut-out pear shapes and seeing where else they could shine. At least I got to have that experience!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh983NPMhyU_pk5iecX8-YX99p8zJpFM9i8gNKJEfLb1X44MknxdgDDk8VZz5mE5F7O0RQQKJY5bWkBn0CsFBPDJD4n_8yOhoezTFuvCnhj3yr9VH9hrR4WXnlSdvCEiUrk58jSxcYL0Zpx5rpI9sipJ-7kGctMWn9VIcAUJeK3de3YO9v0HyNXYZnH/s3699/todo3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="2350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh983NPMhyU_pk5iecX8-YX99p8zJpFM9i8gNKJEfLb1X44MknxdgDDk8VZz5mE5F7O0RQQKJY5bWkBn0CsFBPDJD4n_8yOhoezTFuvCnhj3yr9VH9hrR4WXnlSdvCEiUrk58jSxcYL0Zpx5rpI9sipJ-7kGctMWn9VIcAUJeK3de3YO9v0HyNXYZnH/w254-h400/todo3_Fotor.jpg" width="254" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prickly Pear is a finished quilt top</td></tr></tbody></table>There will be two more baby quilts, but I'm still playing with the fabric stacks. Not gray and beige though! Sounds a bit boring and quilts should never, ever be <i>intentionally</i> dull. Most of us get there accidentally once in awhile without even trying! Just trying to keep things fairly simple and uncomplicated with a generous helping of cozy. Shouldn't be too hard, right?<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtgyRuZLE3i5dp69w3Dz8K2HGjiUmu__BCIKPjSCCQ4PPMgUdsWr6f16lQ2lwlzLTDbIRV6a9GbC-LCFsKGa5Qd_Fh6L2qkWBPS3boFmT8d3jF5vYWDj3wS9VoOApvo_DVJDZA87EIvo28T2fLGMVQ9tTB_R5si0PaXyJSXARJ1YrTy_lcYqIfRUH/s3129/todo4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3129" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtgyRuZLE3i5dp69w3Dz8K2HGjiUmu__BCIKPjSCCQ4PPMgUdsWr6f16lQ2lwlzLTDbIRV6a9GbC-LCFsKGa5Qd_Fh6L2qkWBPS3boFmT8d3jF5vYWDj3wS9VoOApvo_DVJDZA87EIvo28T2fLGMVQ9tTB_R5si0PaXyJSXARJ1YrTy_lcYqIfRUH/w386-h400/todo4_Fotor.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primrose Path getting some attention</td></tr></tbody></table>I did manage to start sewing the Primrose Path applique blocks into rows. Just a little bit more time involved and there should be a finished quilt top. I was very dismayed to realize that the corner triangles did not actually land where I wanted them too. Was trying for the corners to meet up with the closest pink strip, sort of boxing things in. Not going to go back and change things at this point though. This quilt is making me cross my eyes, question my judgment and just generally working to keep my emotions on a seesaw. Do I like it? Yes, no, maybe so.....<br /><br /><p><br /></p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-18593904684252722722023-06-06T13:27:00.000-07:002023-06-06T13:27:14.873-07:00Introducing You to 'Ode to Joy', the Finished Quilt<p> Ode To Joy is a true blue finish! The fourth finish of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed having this one in the hoop and I'm super happy about the finish. Just loving the unique look to this quilt!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEG0MOdWbVL2et_BbOjxRqpYUTY9x97q319DxxM4Y7H-iQOAYeNnVRmM8GNtL575Od3cfBpyRw-T0fNfZipuWcZbqGLFlswL7WFLnuXkFgrItipc_XUt0pShRfJmZbFh_SiJh7JjPIS25x8ReZfffixPNrcPANP1Wn6-RQ2YYdRAJ2DFnaPnFpQVb/s3794/ode_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3794" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEG0MOdWbVL2et_BbOjxRqpYUTY9x97q319DxxM4Y7H-iQOAYeNnVRmM8GNtL575Od3cfBpyRw-T0fNfZipuWcZbqGLFlswL7WFLnuXkFgrItipc_XUt0pShRfJmZbFh_SiJh7JjPIS25x8ReZfffixPNrcPANP1Wn6-RQ2YYdRAJ2DFnaPnFpQVb/w319-h400/ode_Fotor.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ode To Joy is finished!!</td></tr></tbody></table>This quilt was started very impulsively one day when I wanted to make another big basket quilt. The applique flower motif was inspired from the darker blue fabric used right about the word 'joy'. Probably should have made the leaves in green, but I was wanting the result to be a nod to the Scandinavian vibe.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc_QK8mYSv7OvXpsaFTq8fdl6XoHHCnv2mPFSKhx8QBrjhssUYuo9WfIkpwoIG5xcVnsOO582wd06cG8Kmu2a4SSIja8w2Ydd4CtGLau-ypRuU-Lpb_kh-cggeuswhtGKj0qBTnggXkIEHAeYCXSTDjm5GROZLCB2mWGLZb8Fn6XM-sry-3cNkOwF/s4032/ode1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc_QK8mYSv7OvXpsaFTq8fdl6XoHHCnv2mPFSKhx8QBrjhssUYuo9WfIkpwoIG5xcVnsOO582wd06cG8Kmu2a4SSIja8w2Ydd4CtGLau-ypRuU-Lpb_kh-cggeuswhtGKj0qBTnggXkIEHAeYCXSTDjm5GROZLCB2mWGLZb8Fn6XM-sry-3cNkOwF/w300-h400/ode1_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at putting pears on a quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>The pears were added in an effort to achieve a folk art look and the hearts just hopped on for the ride. I was busy hand quilting this one day when my mother-in-law was visiting and finally she asked what was on my quilt, was that pears? So I held the quilt up so she could see. She bluntly stated that she liked the pears, but not the heart things. Okay. Well. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kcSleqdeN81_y2JVV56dJ3fZV-cC-WY7VyWRRwTxwDReP5cLwFhiSnSFHhUTFxBn4AqZDOw8sRzUgho08Cq11CQYD20nMsAh5EQ9lFfEnlemycKefSnZEywTbzsfHUUO3zQpOqnX7_0dxGfcrvGDgu9G5Nj2bdVOpQjNVK2mBc0AI6GyEhpAT1hj/s4032/ode2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kcSleqdeN81_y2JVV56dJ3fZV-cC-WY7VyWRRwTxwDReP5cLwFhiSnSFHhUTFxBn4AqZDOw8sRzUgho08Cq11CQYD20nMsAh5EQ9lFfEnlemycKefSnZEywTbzsfHUUO3zQpOqnX7_0dxGfcrvGDgu9G5Nj2bdVOpQjNVK2mBc0AI6GyEhpAT1hj/w300-h400/ode2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving these heart things so much.....</td></tr></tbody></table>Guess you can understand why I rarely show her my quilts or even talk about them with her! lol I'm still second guessing all the reasons why I didn't make sure the pink fabrics at the right side of the centerpiece weren't more blendy. The top lighter pink fabric works okay, but the one underneath is a bit too salmon-y for the bubblegum pink it's laying next to. I remember liking the tension and clashing of it all, but does it really work? hmmmm....<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxjEsHUGad_B1xKvoFjRCNpPEb7lVREwdneRsNjkuIBpPMyaRVczWPDlVR2tInHN2oMr79atUxaHYuNkwHg3-RwneAliSxL8cIlo7Nq6ZvDUmid07mSZIHMvB6QiVNJPDI4zf553MYKZkIwydyGrSnGVuz5IBiIn-uFc_A27-You5WoV5s70IFPjK/s4032/ode3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxjEsHUGad_B1xKvoFjRCNpPEb7lVREwdneRsNjkuIBpPMyaRVczWPDlVR2tInHN2oMr79atUxaHYuNkwHg3-RwneAliSxL8cIlo7Nq6ZvDUmid07mSZIHMvB6QiVNJPDI4zf553MYKZkIwydyGrSnGVuz5IBiIn-uFc_A27-You5WoV5s70IFPjK/w300-h400/ode3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good to see the texture across the quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>I was surprised at how intriguing it was to see the outside gray border take on texture with the addition of hand quilting. Making a mental note here that I <b>adore</b> seeing the different gray prints and values come together to make the outside border surround. So much more interesting than a single fabric border!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGs05slxuof5qaYzRy3mmdQqKCYs28AnitUIU1q-id1ndYJfT_INQFs6zt0z5rmPbm_Bb4W6kdk1Q8gbwXTyMssYIM2pzWG16_ZVfT7V_NGspSMGNeUQAzdbn8vs5RM5YlASNYFxr96wkriOqUH2XHU4CILBFCFfTX6I4S2x3qVHk6xRqdS97LpCi/s3841/ode4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3841" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGs05slxuof5qaYzRy3mmdQqKCYs28AnitUIU1q-id1ndYJfT_INQFs6zt0z5rmPbm_Bb4W6kdk1Q8gbwXTyMssYIM2pzWG16_ZVfT7V_NGspSMGNeUQAzdbn8vs5RM5YlASNYFxr96wkriOqUH2XHU4CILBFCFfTX6I4S2x3qVHk6xRqdS97LpCi/w315-h400/ode4_Fotor.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very snuggable quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>The backing fabric worked perfectly for this quilt. It's an old fabric, probably about 20 years old. I bought it for a red and white quilt top that I made back in the day. Never could bring myself to hand quilt it, finally took it to a friend for long arming treatment. After she held on to it for two years but never did the stitching, I brought it back home and basically threw up my hands in despair. Ughh. I didn't even like the quilt anymore! So I gave it away to some church friends in Oregon to use as the base for the their annual raffle quilt. Very selfishly though, I kept the backing fabric 'cuz I love pin striped fabrics! Love, love, love seeing it used for this fun quilt. Much better use.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQNQuhhpvUBSYsWgi9mVSSJ3AzKqdhoYmXLwYOOv2DXZEg7BtOZh498c0It1Xh0QT3Iqfnu6mTqGt2Vm8vmXjMoJ0EAtum3tzmoE4qCeHsb--CrJIVe0Az9gjYXJpQCFRlsb1MoCka-iP68b3kWG30cDXmibLGnxx_sWCbE_4F4VQi7AoU_C1NvET/s4032/ode5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrQNQuhhpvUBSYsWgi9mVSSJ3AzKqdhoYmXLwYOOv2DXZEg7BtOZh498c0It1Xh0QT3Iqfnu6mTqGt2Vm8vmXjMoJ0EAtum3tzmoE4qCeHsb--CrJIVe0Az9gjYXJpQCFRlsb1MoCka-iP68b3kWG30cDXmibLGnxx_sWCbE_4F4VQi7AoU_C1NvET/w300-h400/ode5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it's a wrap!</td></tr></tbody></table>I finally got the 'Old Fashioned' quilt top sewn together. You can see my original inspiration <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/246994360804799076/">here</a>. It doesn't look like much now, but some day when I hand quilt it? It's gonna look amazing. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUAiqI0eQJG3m3ruPYVgF1gDREMoQtLm8h32icL8IzdVK5RkyO1vQZ5HbjP4uJ-aw8iqumrYsGVw1VOhNFxIDKY6n29mlnJAqZrFFiYrYuKKLvlXXtxcJTmPMnuBFXtEsvbZjFXH9qhdHokuabBsIxM2Emjq608z2NnDy60iosBIRbRT1s3wtycfq/s3226/ode6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3226" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUAiqI0eQJG3m3ruPYVgF1gDREMoQtLm8h32icL8IzdVK5RkyO1vQZ5HbjP4uJ-aw8iqumrYsGVw1VOhNFxIDKY6n29mlnJAqZrFFiYrYuKKLvlXXtxcJTmPMnuBFXtEsvbZjFXH9qhdHokuabBsIxM2Emjq608z2NnDy60iosBIRbRT1s3wtycfq/w375-h400/ode6_Fotor.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got the top done</td></tr></tbody></table>It'll probably make me break out in hives to hand quilt it though, because it's gonna be soooo boring! I can't help but be quietly pleased though at seeing these oldy moldy yellow and cream fabrics come together looking so well. It's so very easy to overlook fabrics that aren't as striking and eye-catching as others, but there is still plenty of value and opportunity in these understated fabrics!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qe_lTzvJ7DvX1zAUBQRaLNmhxw24Ow_6k8Sq2kzs0frytB6vLOkh1j3m885h6j5t2aDOyiMi8Feu2Foiv8o1Y43XEvnRa6ZBxF-BYwyjNNFgBZd0epsLVGwPGfFVd_iBw7ur4URr8AECAck2n4ETyM8MauR8DFFuEoI1FNmIZdhOdT0ceruuwxK7/s4032/ode7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Qe_lTzvJ7DvX1zAUBQRaLNmhxw24Ow_6k8Sq2kzs0frytB6vLOkh1j3m885h6j5t2aDOyiMi8Feu2Foiv8o1Y43XEvnRa6ZBxF-BYwyjNNFgBZd0epsLVGwPGfFVd_iBw7ur4URr8AECAck2n4ETyM8MauR8DFFuEoI1FNmIZdhOdT0ceruuwxK7/w300-h400/ode7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking very sweet</td></tr></tbody></table>I am trying to squeeze in time to work on some baby quilts too, even though I have more quilt ideas than I can shake a stick at. It's looking like I'll need to come up with at least three baby quilts, maybe four before the year is over. The first one is a baby girl quilt using the cut-out pear shapes from behind 'Ode to Joy'. It's on the floor here, being auditioned for block extender strips. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNEHhvypWQQHKjtNxrEVlt61WmdZgT6Kc7wBe6Rp2VLjpd82jjB34Gd4vI375USI45QAWEvXfP0_u_Lowm7rHhIgOLnnPq_ePjSWBtqUR4LQNxj6D3PX5OWsAzdZJGCke4eq0R8OcH3KZZOivYDgdYujOw3DxxOHA4VfNVkAeLb2T1sOJhDhH4SBD/s3699/ode8_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNEHhvypWQQHKjtNxrEVlt61WmdZgT6Kc7wBe6Rp2VLjpd82jjB34Gd4vI375USI45QAWEvXfP0_u_Lowm7rHhIgOLnnPq_ePjSWBtqUR4LQNxj6D3PX5OWsAzdZJGCke4eq0R8OcH3KZZOivYDgdYujOw3DxxOHA4VfNVkAeLb2T1sOJhDhH4SBD/w328-h400/ode8_Fotor.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does this work? </td></tr></tbody></table>Really pushing the boundaries of the pink/red mix, but having a lot of fun with it regardless. There's a good mix of the prints, new fabrics, old fabrics, JoAnn Fabric 'meh' fabrics and even a true vintage fabric picked up at a quilt show vender years and years ago. I'm thinking this will be for my daughters baby but we'll see. Might end up with something I like better! <div><br /><div>Then I nixed the baby boy quilt idea that looked passable and decided to venture out with a improv. monkey wrench block instead. It was all so impulsive and compelling, I just reveled in the experience! And of course there was at least three interruptions to the flow of work that day. Right? Always seems to happen when the creativity seems to be at the highest ebb. Now I need to decide if I should make more of these, or just wrap it up with log cabin type surrounds of fabric till it's big enough. Part of me wants to go the log cabin route and see if I can sneak some applique in somewhere. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mu3p4IkO2oV8Medcqy6JG48JIQ38GkyNlgkOQI6BWgAVSMKwiLCraT9jk6STnlHxemlEkXNl4iQJi0BNnBjh1M2yMjN8G5b3eC2dHpSAZRJ9DJjQmY2g7bipzz2ENv45beqs4DcOB5_h9Bei3Tw2BkcibclJgP_ChKYlKskw7O-W7CI3TWBetbs4/s3601/ode9_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3601" data-original-width="2973" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mu3p4IkO2oV8Medcqy6JG48JIQ38GkyNlgkOQI6BWgAVSMKwiLCraT9jk6STnlHxemlEkXNl4iQJi0BNnBjh1M2yMjN8G5b3eC2dHpSAZRJ9DJjQmY2g7bipzz2ENv45beqs4DcOB5_h9Bei3Tw2BkcibclJgP_ChKYlKskw7O-W7CI3TWBetbs4/w330-h400/ode9_Fotor.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good start</td></tr></tbody></table>Here's a picture of my husband and me in the last hour or so before we're finished cleaning up the campground on Memorial Day weekend. Yes, it was a great weekend once we actually arrived and got settled in. Finally starting to get a little more help from some of the younger families which is a tremendous boon. Can't even describe the relief we're feeling to see others step up and start doing more. We've been in a transition period for several years where families had moved away or aged out, and the few families doing the most work have been at or around our age. Starting to feel like maybe it's time to let the tradition go, but no.... looks like others are recognizing the need pull their own weight too.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFHvVuDD2SQmWC34iuT-ualZhzXyN1ZM35yAIEhBcpndtlwC9b9b_PasjK40eIiEqO15QhAVSvPTYiLhkyym_MdQipgZ8tvHkdeSiY5cSADG0RbUIq5K5aaSGvek9gB_XStNjH9spjBk5NvIxcWZfuDsSPZj8uCN0vGsOTkOH681ZXbjewQtv2xUb/s975/ode91_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFHvVuDD2SQmWC34iuT-ualZhzXyN1ZM35yAIEhBcpndtlwC9b9b_PasjK40eIiEqO15QhAVSvPTYiLhkyym_MdQipgZ8tvHkdeSiY5cSADG0RbUIq5K5aaSGvek9gB_XStNjH9spjBk5NvIxcWZfuDsSPZj8uCN0vGsOTkOH681ZXbjewQtv2xUb/w308-h400/ode91_Fotor.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ready to head back home</td></tr></tbody></table>It definitely helped that this was a slightly smaller crowd at 167 people, not including the kids under 5 years old. Undoubtedly a result of the economy, but it made for a little more relaxing and chill weekend than it could have been. And all the kids were great. No pockets of teenagers we had to keep an extra close eye on for potential troublemaking. You just never know! So yeah, we were glad to go, glad to enjoy the weekend and thrilled at making it back to Pizza Hut for our annual celebratory 'we made it' lunch on the way home. ha ha Then loads and loads of laundry to wash. Still working on that as we always loan out sleeping bags, fuzzy blankets and towels to visiting teenagers. <div><br /></div><div>My daughter and I made a quick weekend jaunt to Eugene, Oregon too, for my niece and nephews graduation. Just got back on Sunday night! It's shaping up to be the busiest year ever with two of our niece and nephews getting married and now a cousin too.*sigh Won't even get to take my quilts to {or even attend} the first regional quilt show after three years without! So sad. Is this a post Covid rebalancing of all things normal? Don't be surprised if my blogging gets more and more erratic throughout the summer. Will try to post whatever I'm doing quilty-wise, but it might be weeks apart. And I'm definitely not checking in on everyone else's blogs very often. So sorry. Just don't have time for <i>everything</i> these days. Crossing my fingers I'll be able to get back into being a better blogger by this coming fall.....<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-8011907437520384032023-05-19T12:01:00.000-07:002023-05-19T12:01:24.083-07:00Trudging Along<p> This is not a beautiful post, just a little update on progress for the past week or so. The pear blocks are appliqued and ready for further work now. Just contemplating how I want to frame the smaller blocks so end up being the same size as the larger.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CH5Zy9BbRjKnNpjHKB9NoTt3DyeFEd7fI5FNfCCoKsnbNcR9B-CxmAwDlW-f1dh2SXgKFEWWz4utqu4z2LyZ_83EQS7BR2g4HAnLzdcFfKnP6hqzgR5IOgo0I7iLUkta3gSkZUx9OIS503ZZvxYuuSC2rrNiWpDvnXYOWnSj8wINHwSbzHA35TzV/s4032/pears_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CH5Zy9BbRjKnNpjHKB9NoTt3DyeFEd7fI5FNfCCoKsnbNcR9B-CxmAwDlW-f1dh2SXgKFEWWz4utqu4z2LyZ_83EQS7BR2g4HAnLzdcFfKnP6hqzgR5IOgo0I7iLUkta3gSkZUx9OIS503ZZvxYuuSC2rrNiWpDvnXYOWnSj8wINHwSbzHA35TzV/w300-h400/pears_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably going to keep this arrangement</td></tr></tbody></table>All the blocks for 'Old Fashioned' have been trimmed and now I'm sewing the rows together. It's all tedious work when the blocks don't have a lot of variation. Love these two color quilts when they are totally finished up and quilted, but it's a real effort putting them together. Soooooo boring sometimes! <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfv6qQdAQk6vdRD5R2qa6mmUA2FLfkUDY1xBQJu3PmhmMM6fMKD9HahMoQxoruw09jYEbGDrbvL6vGKvjAZ822N8y6ILVBRS5kbNnhLv77L6texcHkpiiNf62nFPslN3eQGNdnWUhyaSLt0JxQSsJQNtqqInOZ1Lx1fOPrKyHWjEgejT-j7c6ipzs/s4032/pears1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfv6qQdAQk6vdRD5R2qa6mmUA2FLfkUDY1xBQJu3PmhmMM6fMKD9HahMoQxoruw09jYEbGDrbvL6vGKvjAZ822N8y6ILVBRS5kbNnhLv77L6texcHkpiiNf62nFPslN3eQGNdnWUhyaSLt0JxQSsJQNtqqInOZ1Lx1fOPrKyHWjEgejT-j7c6ipzs/w300-h400/pears1_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to come together</td></tr></tbody></table>All the blocks were laid out and the rows numbered before I remembered that the plan was for pieced blocks to be chopped in half at the top and bottom. Uggh... I almost backed out of the idea completely, but then reconsidered. The quilt will look ever so much more interesting to me if I stick to the original idea! Had to take five blocks, mark the centers, sew a seam on either side of the mark and then cut through the middle. That should hold the cut piecing stable at the edges of the quilt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dLDQVmul4NkMvbuIvnH0-6_p3s6qwsPCMlBVeeuT9WVLR0zTS7FAB5PBdi1w5g-aaOauPbeKXWv7-RO-OPY9lSjdZFsHFfuHfxc03l3Cv432dXJa8hCXco6MSB3w5tCMwCnzz-842Cpknzx8GOiOOM8WtSm2zDx428XqyN7owc4AnqwFyo2nLIkp/s3735/pears2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3735" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dLDQVmul4NkMvbuIvnH0-6_p3s6qwsPCMlBVeeuT9WVLR0zTS7FAB5PBdi1w5g-aaOauPbeKXWv7-RO-OPY9lSjdZFsHFfuHfxc03l3Cv432dXJa8hCXco6MSB3w5tCMwCnzz-842Cpknzx8GOiOOM8WtSm2zDx428XqyN7owc4AnqwFyo2nLIkp/w324-h400/pears2_Fotor.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always best to stabilize the outside edges of a cut block</td></tr></tbody></table>Doesn't look like much, but I also managed to figure out the colors for the sashing on the Primrose Path quilt. Got all the pieces cut out and ready for a big sewing session. Should have cut long strips to sew together and then cut into pieced rows, but the math failed me. It's so much harder to determine when you're dealing with bits and pieces of cut fat quarters instead of larger yardage! I just threw up my hands and resigned myself to lots more sewing time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmHAxw0n8NC3amy1KR8jq7EPvMP3vRUHH8Oh53hYklKgayxtjQM7UR5dmtl0Y69TojkDhfksaMO_0wCIRU7X6G7_N1Rveq4_fEG44MLJDMED_MD5nopraP9s4-nayUWKJ57jZvJFry-D9WZJQxPWEBIpFKxeQub_dE72rKHhfT2c1EERyvGn87ihX/s3426/pears3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3426" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmHAxw0n8NC3amy1KR8jq7EPvMP3vRUHH8Oh53hYklKgayxtjQM7UR5dmtl0Y69TojkDhfksaMO_0wCIRU7X6G7_N1Rveq4_fEG44MLJDMED_MD5nopraP9s4-nayUWKJ57jZvJFry-D9WZJQxPWEBIpFKxeQub_dE72rKHhfT2c1EERyvGn87ihX/w353-h400/pears3_Fotor.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prep work</td></tr></tbody></table>Yesterday was the day that I set aside for sandwiching and pinning the next quilts in the hoop. Not done with the current one yet, but it's getting closer and I know it's<i> much, much easier</i> to jump right into the next quilt if it's all ready to go once the hoop is empty. Apparently my mind is on the fritz lately as both of the backings were the size of the quilt tops. Uh huh. Didn't add any of the extra needed at all. And of course I didn't find out till the backings were already taped to the floor. It was terribly annoying. Thankfully my daughter offered to help pin the quilts later in the day so at least that part went really fast!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhY6MEnKFpVO4SC9qJzj3K3NVbDYQJyMv6UvuxPeTVcLBDiZenFNxPL5I7B9oUbBoC79i54ICzGbNntY1-ldUUqqO1C-rEbARRGqWiLaNch5m4Qn1sUSBtMopTrFiQqNSdkCcsM72M7TapDck3y69RMjVbSWuUzoxOsBm6B5bDj4ddZ_6Lq5kOtZM/s3597/pears4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3597" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhY6MEnKFpVO4SC9qJzj3K3NVbDYQJyMv6UvuxPeTVcLBDiZenFNxPL5I7B9oUbBoC79i54ICzGbNntY1-ldUUqqO1C-rEbARRGqWiLaNch5m4Qn1sUSBtMopTrFiQqNSdkCcsM72M7TapDck3y69RMjVbSWuUzoxOsBm6B5bDj4ddZ_6Lq5kOtZM/w336-h400/pears4_Fotor.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next quilts up</td></tr></tbody></table>While I've been hand quilting most evenings of the week, I haven't been putting in oodles of time with it. So many things taking our time and attention lately, I'm really starting to crave some down time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vj63Qth-cbRbIEBEQ1dpw3LoUkQRNujFPM3L4op9Y2tdji3EeT4i6B4UrNpmE361EcYco5QAyJgqw0j_621nnDJUzik4xZqTxNzRKVkWFWSqDVXawt9oRW3dHr-rdEOWq3212Wfn5wBi0E5Z9q3OB72ufGDHkc204Wjh0phTp73hd4gwIPdf-d_g/s4032/pears5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Vj63Qth-cbRbIEBEQ1dpw3LoUkQRNujFPM3L4op9Y2tdji3EeT4i6B4UrNpmE361EcYco5QAyJgqw0j_621nnDJUzik4xZqTxNzRKVkWFWSqDVXawt9oRW3dHr-rdEOWq3212Wfn5wBi0E5Z9q3OB72ufGDHkc204Wjh0phTp73hd4gwIPdf-d_g/w300-h400/pears5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the outside of the quilt now</td></tr></tbody></table>Won't be happening any time soon though as were already gearing up to head out on our annual camping trip with our church friends. I'm trying not to feel grouchy about it, but it's hard. Prices of fuel and groceries are gonna make it an expensive little vacay and me? I'd almost rather head to the ocean. It's always fun once we get there though and at least I'll get to see my grandkids there. That pretty much makes it all worthwhile.<div><br /><p><br /></p></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-3452866470133573982023-05-10T14:07:00.002-07:002023-05-13T15:56:46.801-07:00Melon Patch Rows is a Completion!<p>Third finish for the year! It was supposed to be finished up by the end of April if all my planning would have worked out. Unexpected company arrived for a long weekend and that was that. Apparently this is the year for the 'Oh well! What will be will be' happenings! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQYzHmD5n8hUmOyE5twRIgqV2MTgL08TF8198KRejVNQvGTVr1JykldXT6kEEbAxtfNmzT-J0ylzcoe0i_H5jcm4X4PGVmDpRYolnI5_K_bTrv8XLe9Tyj141n65TzCS0yChmgPEiv-do_JpYOHj17vWBSu34o-DBHzsp0uKGWdMlISX7D_pDojVh/s4032/flaws_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQYzHmD5n8hUmOyE5twRIgqV2MTgL08TF8198KRejVNQvGTVr1JykldXT6kEEbAxtfNmzT-J0ylzcoe0i_H5jcm4X4PGVmDpRYolnI5_K_bTrv8XLe9Tyj141n65TzCS0yChmgPEiv-do_JpYOHj17vWBSu34o-DBHzsp0uKGWdMlISX7D_pDojVh/w300-h400/flaws_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a finish!</td></tr></tbody></table>I am so very happy to see this Melon Patch Rows {Jubilee} quilt brought to a true-blue finish! It's an odd quilt probably to some, but it gives me all the feels.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWajjImmPCO5mdVm9u4ikumjR05-VJqThmfa__mZ012tdOKXa5mdLox3EIeNqwYl0_HXoHnKLoBkTaTAvcaI4fkv2VDqkHepg4FPn6WxJA66vZkXVqb1Ga1sX_4V1o0AYcL9GpcczztcbxR09IbJ3gImTUHvN60AXmLQU_WxkDhGYkLcA2XzazlX4K/s3156/flaws1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="3012" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWajjImmPCO5mdVm9u4ikumjR05-VJqThmfa__mZ012tdOKXa5mdLox3EIeNqwYl0_HXoHnKLoBkTaTAvcaI4fkv2VDqkHepg4FPn6WxJA66vZkXVqb1Ga1sX_4V1o0AYcL9GpcczztcbxR09IbJ3gImTUHvN60AXmLQU_WxkDhGYkLcA2XzazlX4K/w381-h400/flaws1_Fotor.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a feel good quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>It makes good use of some abandoned parts from a previous quilt attempt and joins them up with a declaration that just so happens to deeply resonate with me.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2_wmjRQp--WzUr-njj86cZHMrSPOJgPF94SRb_lUR9i82turwFysjY-8IngUe7i-GM7GKWGXL8eudDQgi-nro6W7pP95ne60OjZK9CCUmy_LcNAW2cbrJHxBM8DBnuQg0HOu0gcWTt1YyPL-kaVphL_eTzwHh0C7Pr8b7NGotjwu8qJsKquksrFb/s4032/flaws2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2_wmjRQp--WzUr-njj86cZHMrSPOJgPF94SRb_lUR9i82turwFysjY-8IngUe7i-GM7GKWGXL8eudDQgi-nro6W7pP95ne60OjZK9CCUmy_LcNAW2cbrJHxBM8DBnuQg0HOu0gcWTt1YyPL-kaVphL_eTzwHh0C7Pr8b7NGotjwu8qJsKquksrFb/w300-h400/flaws2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always love the look of words on quilts</td></tr></tbody></table>The colors in this quilt didn't want to be true in the photographs, but hopefully you can get the overall look and feel from all the of the pictures together.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrJAvIc8i1LZeh5ogvME6rHrJ-lbKh-DIx2ktS_ZU2r3AFnoKlZufICT0O4Sar7_aUPRjVI9SnrpKQMD3TpZ37w0f8HRx39aUCcGgVe10MY75ZKVtMewOJ2hvUjEmtL7rsKcEAI9EFtJiqikobwR3u3z5mAf_qvKfCqzxSTe65AaWDfeDiJc2upLk/s4032/flaws3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrJAvIc8i1LZeh5ogvME6rHrJ-lbKh-DIx2ktS_ZU2r3AFnoKlZufICT0O4Sar7_aUPRjVI9SnrpKQMD3TpZ37w0f8HRx39aUCcGgVe10MY75ZKVtMewOJ2hvUjEmtL7rsKcEAI9EFtJiqikobwR3u3z5mAf_qvKfCqzxSTe65AaWDfeDiJc2upLk/w300-h400/flaws3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really pretty quilt in the right lighting</td></tr></tbody></table>I found the perfect binding in the totes. I'm sure it's been there for well over 15 years! Really helps lift the quilt with a lighter, happier vibe than a solid would have. And bonus--it's not something that I ever really cared to use in a more commanding spot in a quilt.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZE_x2C0S_zCCADN0cxSOB-y72jyd8KawrGUDCTkaMa1i9KioVJ0MFfYNqRDiAcmFLUDHxRWRi-8YBAcU6KoeutmvizftAye4ZDGnUYzlLkoM8abJA-nIIQ1gjU_8zvieYcCszrgXbs5OOouAsRZDmqoEqGWgFn_-QXcupI5Y3OEd6Mo5Xpf2Qz5p/s4032/flaws4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZE_x2C0S_zCCADN0cxSOB-y72jyd8KawrGUDCTkaMa1i9KioVJ0MFfYNqRDiAcmFLUDHxRWRi-8YBAcU6KoeutmvizftAye4ZDGnUYzlLkoM8abJA-nIIQ1gjU_8zvieYcCszrgXbs5OOouAsRZDmqoEqGWgFn_-QXcupI5Y3OEd6Mo5Xpf2Qz5p/w300-h400/flaws4_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who says old fabrics can't be beautiful!</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm always interested in how the hand stitching comes through when viewing the backside of a quilt. Does it have a good look throughout or does it just look choppy and disconnected? This one passes muster for sure! Every time I wonder why keep hand quilting? Something like this convinces me to keep on making the effort.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztEW0mK3CTCc1mkKkSJZxjqI8ULbdXSBqpTIayBiDUxQ7AT6Ow8n8oKeyl98S8H5xxhVhuRD1uNwPeXdaSNAClxcr0lYM7nfQZ2DI9Fp06SLIW6UXZ8x0vyEa72I9lGSqAEUIUs-oP09_ONzHwEB88fRPcB09_Se3ywMab3A60qNex4aVx7NU7RH_/s4032/flaws5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztEW0mK3CTCc1mkKkSJZxjqI8ULbdXSBqpTIayBiDUxQ7AT6Ow8n8oKeyl98S8H5xxhVhuRD1uNwPeXdaSNAClxcr0lYM7nfQZ2DI9Fp06SLIW6UXZ8x0vyEa72I9lGSqAEUIUs-oP09_ONzHwEB88fRPcB09_Se3ywMab3A60qNex4aVx7NU7RH_/w300-h400/flaws5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the stitching texture</td></tr></tbody></table>Next up in the hoop is 'Ode to Joy'. I've been diligently applying myself to the hand quilting ever since returning from our sons wedding. Closing in on the centerpiece here pretty soon! It has been a bit of a pain trying to decide on what pattern to quilt, but this looks okay so far.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjj3iQvrMG6exo5Vi6dKLWmmC4vb0oApdb-UtH96eKxZRML7PEC2I0PaoBdOYwC9vIPIu8t_IHBIJj7Ub12XVkWrUhvJWbTMQ-itM2i7NAygaBqvyaFgc1RmtwPlTYRYK8DUIOu1a2RozvlYPCira8KQz1fxZHzjahP19YgS-F8CGEsOXbKOfNRc5/s4032/flaws6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjj3iQvrMG6exo5Vi6dKLWmmC4vb0oApdb-UtH96eKxZRML7PEC2I0PaoBdOYwC9vIPIu8t_IHBIJj7Ub12XVkWrUhvJWbTMQ-itM2i7NAygaBqvyaFgc1RmtwPlTYRYK8DUIOu1a2RozvlYPCira8KQz1fxZHzjahP19YgS-F8CGEsOXbKOfNRc5/w300-h400/flaws6_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up in the hoop!</td></tr></tbody></table>Next up will be quilting the pear blocks and in-between fabrics. Still trying to decide if I want the thread color to pop or if it needs to blend in. So far I'm blending the thread more than I expected to, but that's what the quilt seems to want.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhnHomB_-MxesOKK5EJgiQrlMk_9elLoyH1gPfawjyivIMGNV-UNZMOb-AdMMQgFhpSrhfUKpogMoiZt-tHBSo2hUrd5ANbBU2wPRg4S6xilVtoMXO720bWcS238mrjPoFyFYW0k8-ZYIMbNe2LLLH6ytTE-1Kb4t4bghaSnXbIuzyMzb2GKK0bcn/s3024/flaws7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2390" data-original-width="3024" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhnHomB_-MxesOKK5EJgiQrlMk_9elLoyH1gPfawjyivIMGNV-UNZMOb-AdMMQgFhpSrhfUKpogMoiZt-tHBSo2hUrd5ANbBU2wPRg4S6xilVtoMXO720bWcS238mrjPoFyFYW0k8-ZYIMbNe2LLLH6ytTE-1Kb4t4bghaSnXbIuzyMzb2GKK0bcn/w400-h316/flaws7_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the pins</td></tr></tbody></table>We took off for Oklahoma for our sons wedding and were gone about ten days. First we drove to Portland, Oregon to our eldest sons home where we spent the night. Early, early the next morning I flew out of the Portland airport with our DIL, the three granddaughters and her mom. Our granddaughters have never met a stranger {plus have boundless energy}, and so are a LOT of work in the airports. It took both of us moms to help corral them for the two flights to Oklahoma and back a week later. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDrYTTk1w9K5kuCXBHfa3WQinCL4zBHGtfAOJL1PvVGpZ2B_B4XJcwUg_86a-h0ESLW2NV0l0cE01JRuH_ntc1kXNDyk1UY9UMlcwGvcyTg7xYntmtjkjV0PVS_xf9kZ8BCM0u6LDk-NyLyZKJaXPHb7s1HA6iNm7M0TlYS5IEKIoIvCkSCaqkn7u/s1060/flaws8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDrYTTk1w9K5kuCXBHfa3WQinCL4zBHGtfAOJL1PvVGpZ2B_B4XJcwUg_86a-h0ESLW2NV0l0cE01JRuH_ntc1kXNDyk1UY9UMlcwGvcyTg7xYntmtjkjV0PVS_xf9kZ8BCM0u6LDk-NyLyZKJaXPHb7s1HA6iNm7M0TlYS5IEKIoIvCkSCaqkn7u/w283-h400/flaws8_Fotor.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple with me and my husband!</td></tr></tbody></table>Then, later in the day, our guys jumped in a truck and drove straight through to Oklahoma. They decided to drive out so they could rent a U-Haul trailer and bring back our new DIL's stuff. Us girls hung out at my daughters in Tulsa for a couple days and then met our guys in our DIL's hometown nearer to the wedding. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe1WC0d3UH1qoZ-dGZPnGcWeo0VQW4OnAXAuCUF1Sc_BEGZT0IQ95lw-sLbIgdFs5LXdREtjWpsQAvNlRnsEgfB5yMqQKXpv8NG2fi0I-2Soelbk4s_cGA11OrU_0Wza9YUxOrMfVpeW6G708fKnaitI6Qycd5-E0kexdrZm_jXrR0_PaJM0AYOri/s750/flaws9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="750" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe1WC0d3UH1qoZ-dGZPnGcWeo0VQW4OnAXAuCUF1Sc_BEGZT0IQ95lw-sLbIgdFs5LXdREtjWpsQAvNlRnsEgfB5yMqQKXpv8NG2fi0I-2Soelbk4s_cGA11OrU_0Wza9YUxOrMfVpeW6G708fKnaitI6Qycd5-E0kexdrZm_jXrR0_PaJM0AYOri/w400-h363/flaws9_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our youngest son is married!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Lots and lots of fun visiting, helping to decorate, and of course celebrating with all the family and friends the day of the wedding! The bride and groom were very happy and looked quite handsome and or beautiful! We are feeling <b><i>very blessed</i> </b>to have a new addition to our family. Both of our older granddaughters got to be flower girls and while they both did an awesome job, this little gal stole the show! Reagan never took it too far, but let me tell you, it was hard to concentrate on the bride and groom when she was busy blowing flower petals off of her fingers etc.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vdyxC4YU64YtQi0e1W2ZLS93eI2RCiCX-K5g3oPQSdFJ9jy5441XIVpoU3AO08GFZjjBZO8u15wwvQ0ixzinWDb3fNYkftNNdniaI-QUxr-qGVDDDG3QBaxU4kTg634DEyWPzR3QNz9ZATks8naTBMnzNlw99hd-PqWxSg1bfB_w7KBhlYqBBfyw/s1002/flaws91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vdyxC4YU64YtQi0e1W2ZLS93eI2RCiCX-K5g3oPQSdFJ9jy5441XIVpoU3AO08GFZjjBZO8u15wwvQ0ixzinWDb3fNYkftNNdniaI-QUxr-qGVDDDG3QBaxU4kTg634DEyWPzR3QNz9ZATks8naTBMnzNlw99hd-PqWxSg1bfB_w7KBhlYqBBfyw/w300-h400/flaws91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reagan looking super cute</td></tr></tbody></table>Lucy has been a flower girl a couple of times before, so she wasn't <i>quite</i> as excited as her younger sister. On the first flight home though, she got her moment. One of the stewardess's asked Lucy and me if she'd like to meet the pilot? And next thing I knew, there she was, sitting in the pilots seat and pretending she could fly a plane! So thrilling for her! The pilot was very sweet and generous about it all.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WZPy7cMol0KlfnvhxU7faeApjt3eEuHRmoU7x3o6gHlDWczDUw1qfY95Rxg1COO3EfjpTvAfAj8BIzL-zxuOlf7TH2tbZHE7e6EfNDugxnxL_zJ0c5YXqjoDZjB8Cd9cITcOddxE8nmE31JdnfuRbargVHG5FcjU8RSXPs8p8cnDxRBBxdsDNY5g/s1031/flaws92_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WZPy7cMol0KlfnvhxU7faeApjt3eEuHRmoU7x3o6gHlDWczDUw1qfY95Rxg1COO3EfjpTvAfAj8BIzL-zxuOlf7TH2tbZHE7e6EfNDugxnxL_zJ0c5YXqjoDZjB8Cd9cITcOddxE8nmE31JdnfuRbargVHG5FcjU8RSXPs8p8cnDxRBBxdsDNY5g/w291-h400/flaws92_Fotor.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy having the best of times!</td></tr></tbody></table>Mom and the other grandmother had went on ahead to their seats and didn't realize what was happening behind them. They had an anxious moment wondering what had happened to us, but all was well. No one was kicking us off the plane! <div><br /></div><div>That last flight home was rough though. All of the I-pads had ran out of battery charge due to a long layover and the littlest granddaughter was absolutely <b>done</b> with the entire adventure. Thankfully we sitting in the very back of the plane so hopefully not annoying <i>too many</i> people. Except for one flight attendant. She was having a really crabby day and kept taking it out on us. Probably didn't like fussy kids, but hey, she did things like make us wait a long time after serving everyone else their snacks before giving ours to us. Or serving the little girls drinks without the lids and straws on like all the other planes had done previously. Who does that on a plane? Not giving us napkins. Plus, she wouldn't let us sit in the very back row, we had to sit one row up because she said the seat was 'messy' when all it had was a box of gloves in it. Later we figured out that she must have been saving the seat for a friend and then got irritated when it didn't work out because the plane was full? and her friend was late? That's what we managed to piece together. But we survived and nobody got into a brawl.*wink<div><br /></div><div>So happy to be home safe and sound and back to the regular. Took eons to catch up on all the laundry of course. And it's been hard to get back into the sewing/quilting routine. My husband has been constantly wanting me to go with him when he has to make a building material run to Home Depot etc. He says he enjoys my company, but I'm thinking he just wants a nap while I do the driving. haha </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I've been trying to get back into my yoga routine, something that I started up after being so sick this winter. Was a little bit hard after taking almost 2 weeks off to travel, but I really like being in better shape than I've been in decades. Still have a longs ways to go before I'm very good at it, but it makes me happy even when I'm wobbly and/or pathetic at poses. Yoga is a low-impact exercise {Ugghh to the high cardio plans!} and actually very relaxing/soothing to me. Plus I've dropped another couple pounds. Yay me! Our life gets very stressful at times and it's well worth the time it takes to fit this into our busy schedule. I never thought this would be me, but I'll go do Yoga instead of quilting if that's the choice I have to take. Crazy. What is happening to me? But really, I just hated being so sick and feeling like an overcooked noodle afterward. Being so wimpy. Some people get into shape to run a marathon when they turn 50. Evidently, I'm doing Yoga. Who'd of thunk it?<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-20034058245767625792023-04-22T16:30:00.001-07:002023-04-22T16:30:20.565-07:00All the Current Projects<p>So one of the questions I get asked pretty often is this: how many projects are you currently working on? Well, most of the time, it's a number somewhere between 5 and 10. And that doesn't even count the quilt in the hoop or if I'm finishing off the binding on yet another quilt. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN_rCLyQoL31j-PtwRvy6FooGdn0ko0rY2Wx-o7cJZ9mXuk6uq3uFETrHwgTvPMNwAWn85Rq8__YF-Y8zqs2KYLwFcehZPNOS_SdqjaSPcmwTTMlCSVCAH90TXFdjzcB6c1Vu-rCBbmPoAoOhvfPZ2Au52ZLtl2_vDlGKUpY1404OAXiw9gr2mznr/s2784/aprilprog_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="2480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN_rCLyQoL31j-PtwRvy6FooGdn0ko0rY2Wx-o7cJZ9mXuk6uq3uFETrHwgTvPMNwAWn85Rq8__YF-Y8zqs2KYLwFcehZPNOS_SdqjaSPcmwTTMlCSVCAH90TXFdjzcB6c1Vu-rCBbmPoAoOhvfPZ2Au52ZLtl2_vDlGKUpY1404OAXiw9gr2mznr/w356-h400/aprilprog_Fotor.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new medallion quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>Right now there are 8 work-in-progress type quilt projects. They have fabric stacked up, blocks started or applique prepped, designs doodled onto paper, or something serious going on. They are the real deal and not just a dreamy little idea for the future! The first one is 'Peace Always Medallion'. Just barely got the centerpiece stitched down a couple days ago. Love, love, love having a free-style medallion quilt in the works!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIcfUV3dT4mDkwbKdLCq6mlQ4oC_SBSrSmvE6pldtm6IM3p4lbLdB-6knV0ZL_-0IkrWdO--x8CTvw-sNHxIg--8vmmbWAcb77vjmnmQ8UbnhRq6SigFXZeE6Lq3RAmV6h7dnQ9R2dRRdytm2_MSlWIBWm1PKpyku-XGe_mLJ_Jn_f3O3_N05v8b/s3422/aprilprog1_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PIcfUV3dT4mDkwbKdLCq6mlQ4oC_SBSrSmvE6pldtm6IM3p4lbLdB-6knV0ZL_-0IkrWdO--x8CTvw-sNHxIg--8vmmbWAcb77vjmnmQ8UbnhRq6SigFXZeE6Lq3RAmV6h7dnQ9R2dRRdytm2_MSlWIBWm1PKpyku-XGe_mLJ_Jn_f3O3_N05v8b/w354-h400/aprilprog1_Fotor.jpg" width="354" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needing a sashing</td></tr></tbody></table>'Primrose Path' is a project based on a textile print that I pinned on Pinterest years ago. Just love the naïve look to these flowers. Took me a couple years to finally decide that yes, I did actually want to do the backgrounds in dull black colored fabrics. Next up is working out the measurements for the pieced sashing. Really intrigued by the way the sashing forces the applique into being <i>front and center</i>.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc99iDmJP0xq8xR3qsVjA4sYfd94Hmgk0rK_wUW5xpxRBkTzkydQrjNF3nAXgQHl_f9_DygN2ZQhxWAzC-W2I6pwE1jCANBAedM_hH_zni5Sqf-XKoL-nMvtjf4Vi2PPbH8t9N0UWm7Tk8FZNs7Sey9t0gjLbRRSFkwo0GpH9PUxxFo9kZ9m2LUyq/s2998/aprilprog2_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2527" data-original-width="2998" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc99iDmJP0xq8xR3qsVjA4sYfd94Hmgk0rK_wUW5xpxRBkTzkydQrjNF3nAXgQHl_f9_DygN2ZQhxWAzC-W2I6pwE1jCANBAedM_hH_zni5Sqf-XKoL-nMvtjf4Vi2PPbH8t9N0UWm7Tk8FZNs7Sey9t0gjLbRRSFkwo0GpH9PUxxFo9kZ9m2LUyq/w400-h338/aprilprog2_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to stitch these down</td></tr></tbody></table>'Melon Patch Blossom' is part of the ongoing <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2021/08/scratching-this-long-term-project-right.html">Melon Patch</a> series. It will be the third one in fact! When I changed direction in mid stream, these petal look motifs didn't relish being completely abandoned. The bright green rectangles are probably going to be a sashing element in this quilt. Maybe. We'll see where things end up.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf5qAI6R2INJsIsUJJgOhDqUgpX91wuR2V2U4f5wYwUZeKGVOxmXu4aUmWu5gLA-pa9xhi9TPapZ4nObSnTKNcnxwn7urNlfW7Rhnuo75HvSOaU-gXw8L7HpYl0xs7dk-keTJYOxixrHNZwWtOCBDt6UdzgX8pBwWNb9ZD-NFJYtwLyP-QF376dub/s3585/aprilprog3_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3585" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf5qAI6R2INJsIsUJJgOhDqUgpX91wuR2V2U4f5wYwUZeKGVOxmXu4aUmWu5gLA-pa9xhi9TPapZ4nObSnTKNcnxwn7urNlfW7Rhnuo75HvSOaU-gXw8L7HpYl0xs7dk-keTJYOxixrHNZwWtOCBDt6UdzgX8pBwWNb9ZD-NFJYtwLyP-QF376dub/w338-h400/aprilprog3_Fotor.jpg" width="338" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All ready for the love and attention!</td></tr></tbody></table>'Improv. Hourglass Abstract' is something that has been nagging at me for a very long time. Really wanted to do something with the leftover hourglass units {wrong size so more like <i>useless</i> hourglass units?} and this seemed like the answer. Will need to be figuring out a larger scale applique flowery vine to stitch down over the top of this. Don't want it to be so small as to not make a proper impact!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQZVywuuqyA_Ik5VxiBQxPcUlTWEi7lzngYgrhcyYu1-oR36Dp0RBtXwtJbSSXCvxrClzpH6-fjEC0S31MEouUNzkr2vNCiZN3ZiB0Cvq2MVlCV7hJgNArt8KMTPb5n9yl0eXRzeUiImWAph24BPihyULIhKe7ni0SwvdyNso9ZDdrskpjDn-DMT2/s3383/aprilprog4_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3383" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQZVywuuqyA_Ik5VxiBQxPcUlTWEi7lzngYgrhcyYu1-oR36Dp0RBtXwtJbSSXCvxrClzpH6-fjEC0S31MEouUNzkr2vNCiZN3ZiB0Cvq2MVlCV7hJgNArt8KMTPb5n9yl0eXRzeUiImWAph24BPihyULIhKe7ni0SwvdyNso9ZDdrskpjDn-DMT2/w358-h400/aprilprog4_Fotor.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking pretty sweet!</td></tr></tbody></table>Then there's the 'Happy Accident' project. Cut out all the Dresden units much too narrow for <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/06/id-say-theres-never-too-much-applique.html">Ring Around</a>. Are you getting the message yet? Many of my projects seem to originate from leftovers and random mistakes...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQILvYupW3d8I-ir2QYqQYQ9VWgUFhai-lVW4ZIIvDnpXd34mwRItN3hWT-iFGpm_UepGPQb57lNmCfqgVN78t1OsptXzgIrkY1hg4MY5ovf_gZnJI93vEfe0PAx1ufi6QK7eqnQqkwiAZHZTchY6wf5YuzZYFj4N6nUh-RMKPaV4XF-IeDnbl8Taa/s3035/aprilprog5_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3035" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQILvYupW3d8I-ir2QYqQYQ9VWgUFhai-lVW4ZIIvDnpXd34mwRItN3hWT-iFGpm_UepGPQb57lNmCfqgVN78t1OsptXzgIrkY1hg4MY5ovf_gZnJI93vEfe0PAx1ufi6QK7eqnQqkwiAZHZTchY6wf5YuzZYFj4N6nUh-RMKPaV4XF-IeDnbl8Taa/w399-h400/aprilprog5_Fotor.jpg" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piecing is not my strong suite anymore. Feeling a bit boring...</td></tr></tbody></table>'Old Fashioned' is just a sappy, mellow yellow quilt that I wanted to make. Supposed to be answering a <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2022/07/ahiq-prompt-july-2022-sun.html">Sun challenge</a> prompt, but can't quite get there in my mind until I work with these quieter yellows. Don't know why it works that way sometimes, but there's really not a lot of point in fighting it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunwMg8TcPZZQc6GO3lop0ECHdZ2nBY41BA1PGlR-I0MkQVd4YxS4QflQK2Y8jUw0ulPgvq9q1bF1KIOMO2wNczWdRDegv8mKcIqZjE8VsmrucUHrxmOlUR_WQbzsaqa0SPk6zvH8tN2Nk01g4uOOt8QWpFyaCHk5z62nsVZ1mJDKRPprSsdQDp-Pi/s3316/aprilprog6_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3316" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunwMg8TcPZZQc6GO3lop0ECHdZ2nBY41BA1PGlR-I0MkQVd4YxS4QflQK2Y8jUw0ulPgvq9q1bF1KIOMO2wNczWdRDegv8mKcIqZjE8VsmrucUHrxmOlUR_WQbzsaqa0SPk6zvH8tN2Nk01g4uOOt8QWpFyaCHk5z62nsVZ1mJDKRPprSsdQDp-Pi/w365-h400/aprilprog6_Fotor.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure I want to do what I think needs to happen</td></tr></tbody></table>'Good Vibes' is the next quilt in the Circle Game series. #3 I think. These circles were cut out from behind <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-whole-lotta-yellow.html">Lillabelle</a>. It's interesting how the circles are getting less and less truly circular and more obviously lopsided. Do I care? Hmmm... Probably not. I also find it fascinating that the circles really aren't getting substantially smaller with each new set. For some reason that has surprised me more than it should of. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaVZ3f7wPvwmbnhONv801yq5Kv2pStwUafTzL7C1r_9Fo_wpspyV9qX0xab8rC0k88m0XsSZTGWttiEd4czi_Tb1WSHET9EKqI2rKNYGi1ojq4A-i_VpRJtOkSXZMrD1Qp_rUOKRguqn0jR-hK-cvXfyh3rJjHcckEbkD6dSyWExd8C49_EQr4gn0/s3024/aprilprog7_Fotor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="3024" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaVZ3f7wPvwmbnhONv801yq5Kv2pStwUafTzL7C1r_9Fo_wpspyV9qX0xab8rC0k88m0XsSZTGWttiEd4czi_Tb1WSHET9EKqI2rKNYGi1ojq4A-i_VpRJtOkSXZMrD1Qp_rUOKRguqn0jR-hK-cvXfyh3rJjHcckEbkD6dSyWExd8C49_EQr4gn0/w400-h390/aprilprog7_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All prepped and ready to go</td></tr></tbody></table>And then there is 'Prickly Pears'. Yep! Another quilt with cut-outs from a <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-whole-lotta-yellow.html">previous quilt</a>. I thought they would be kinda weird looking pears in the gray, but this is looking rather sweet and spunky to me. Will see how it plays out in the larger layout, but for now, my fingers are positively <i>itching </i>to get started stitching! <br /><br />So that's that. Lots of applique as usual which tends to keep my skirt blowing up and the endorphins running at high. Will probably try to finish up another project or two before I dive into more brand new projects. The next ones should probably be something other than orphaned bits and bobs too. The thing is, we should all work on exactly the amount of projects that make sense to the way our quilty<i> ebb and flow</i> work best. I feel very good about this amount. Not overwhelmed and too over stretched, and yet not too tied down or boxed in. Isn't playtime fun?<br /><p><br /></p>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5297789041481934828.post-24330790575357736662023-04-15T13:03:00.000-07:002023-04-15T13:03:32.586-07:00A Quilt Top Marathon<p> This past week or two found me spending quite a bit of time bringing a couple projects to quilt top stage. The first one 'The Mountains Are Calling', has been in the works for a long time. First, I cut out a whole lotta free-cut strips and started in on the <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/03/is-it-really-march-already.html">back</a> of the quilt.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDckn7CBuJ0ETnIBbrZyzqm0oSCrwIrKso3PHjCrep4o7WXJBBiNKjWIj5BhKikojM7zZBHNx4OMQjohgaytVLd3gDe-tZW97wTL-LMLzUwSbr95KEDJyko1N8gqKy3p1rorLRq9G21X3g-2lbiIsw4Oww4P85Je1f8d_ez-3dTifF4h-a6VwGuGc/s3806/tag_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3806" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDckn7CBuJ0ETnIBbrZyzqm0oSCrwIrKso3PHjCrep4o7WXJBBiNKjWIj5BhKikojM7zZBHNx4OMQjohgaytVLd3gDe-tZW97wTL-LMLzUwSbr95KEDJyko1N8gqKy3p1rorLRq9G21X3g-2lbiIsw4Oww4P85Je1f8d_ez-3dTifF4h-a6VwGuGc/w318-h400/tag_Fotor.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tags quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>Just wanted to do more improv. strip piecing and sewing plus use up some more languishing fabrics. I had a vague outdoor-ish look and feel in mind for the front of the quilt, but didn't really grab a hold of anything solid until the back was <a href="https://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/2022/05/moving-slowly-in-month-of-may.html">finished</a> a couple months later. The struggle was undoubtedly made worse by the fact that the strips were cut out in red, blue and tan or cream. Isn't that more Americana rather than outdoors? Sometimes I just have to laugh at myself!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDTO0Zvkfn7XYB8V81qhToSZ6us5L5JXaPqNWMujI3B3wonFwJOsSi7OzKfO0_kacjJtOQyIWgtF8dRWHcjs8aT-IQEzAv1HeQfi74mN5vC7xXrY5g3M_8oXpivH2foRpKSF3rZIHLyt4lh3UsJHtswVHnq4BQDsz07c5MPOFCQU-ycThlnEV5MNB/s4032/tag1_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDTO0Zvkfn7XYB8V81qhToSZ6us5L5JXaPqNWMujI3B3wonFwJOsSi7OzKfO0_kacjJtOQyIWgtF8dRWHcjs8aT-IQEzAv1HeQfi74mN5vC7xXrY5g3M_8oXpivH2foRpKSF3rZIHLyt4lh3UsJHtswVHnq4BQDsz07c5MPOFCQU-ycThlnEV5MNB/w300-h400/tag1_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few interesting trees</td></tr></tbody></table>I eventually settled on a mountains and hiking vibe knowing this had always been intended for my youngest son. I kept thinking about adding words to the quilt, perhaps a hiking quote? Wouldn't that be fun and interesting? And it always felt like a little bit too much. Made it hard to gain any traction on the front as all my ideas just sort of floundered and dried up. Honestly, he just wouldn't care either way. A quilt from mom? Check. Large enough to tuck under his feet and chin both? Check. Not too girly or fussy looking? Check. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaHG4gUqwtm9t4O9K9m7Wr0DQXI7K8MJTMKQkvcb4yiJO_N_AYOoV2HCHdmpvg4dbbhKWdQ-LM-ccYQUkzxbxne1fCJ96LzheQJ6Oo0_YUHkYVh_S_f2FK3Z8zMroC0XTb6OSNt7p_iCjVQHHMS9tbI2xlq08CEhrF4bCF4BFDFaDsucGK2yqsqsB/s4032/tag2_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDaHG4gUqwtm9t4O9K9m7Wr0DQXI7K8MJTMKQkvcb4yiJO_N_AYOoV2HCHdmpvg4dbbhKWdQ-LM-ccYQUkzxbxne1fCJ96LzheQJ6Oo0_YUHkYVh_S_f2FK3Z8zMroC0XTb6OSNt7p_iCjVQHHMS9tbI2xlq08CEhrF4bCF4BFDFaDsucGK2yqsqsB/w300-h400/tag2_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A compass</td></tr></tbody></table>And so it was a relief to finally decide how to make the top large enough to work with the backing and still give off a relatively simple 'guy' look and feel. Why are guy quilts so tricky when really, the key is to keep them simple? Bonus--I was able to use up most of the leftover improv. strips, plus a lot of that red leaf fabric. It's been in the stash totes for well over a decade! Now I just need to schedule in some time with the quilting hoop sometime this summer and get it handed over while he still loves to hike...<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDtgarhEk24sR0ZQtwfdI9hUice6EILpfRA_4Q7gydkK4bUsDFCntQ5KX11NmyLV7KXSSK9LI8r9AuMx6AENSwY--gvdopeuAMvEyMC71caqNhk_qTyssuZgg5eYwYeKOfbjrkgnRAxUFY9z17wY9d_X1DGYmlEUkFfC6dX7KjxXO0735TxWQ8qpw/s4032/tag3_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDtgarhEk24sR0ZQtwfdI9hUice6EILpfRA_4Q7gydkK4bUsDFCntQ5KX11NmyLV7KXSSK9LI8r9AuMx6AENSwY--gvdopeuAMvEyMC71caqNhk_qTyssuZgg5eYwYeKOfbjrkgnRAxUFY9z17wY9d_X1DGYmlEUkFfC6dX7KjxXO0735TxWQ8qpw/w300-h400/tag3_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the quilt</td></tr></tbody></table>Next up on the list of projects that were nagging at me, was Revised. It's the Color Palette challenge from the <a href="https://adhocimprovquilts.blogspot.com/2023/02/getting-ahiqcolorpalette-prompt-figured.html">AHIQ</a> blog. Once all the applique was stitched down, then it was just a matter of making time with the <i>design floor</i> and the final layout.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJaUPJpaWZu-w5vFW3oH86fUlsxnKWbKuYHaJG1o8punFBv6k84r1mo-letAXnk9hZKAVyGKCeRw3INZck6bcEJ5V22JlLKmUkFsvihVo4Nado29hlrhdk77S8SSp8fI7ZvbKb9CI8XhHUznJNpN4SLsp-IoGum0cyJGJNFaSFZ17zNPEg74DOW-r/s3555/tag4_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3555" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJaUPJpaWZu-w5vFW3oH86fUlsxnKWbKuYHaJG1o8punFBv6k84r1mo-letAXnk9hZKAVyGKCeRw3INZck6bcEJ5V22JlLKmUkFsvihVo4Nado29hlrhdk77S8SSp8fI7ZvbKb9CI8XhHUznJNpN4SLsp-IoGum0cyJGJNFaSFZ17zNPEg74DOW-r/w340-h400/tag4_Fotor.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revised is a finished quilt top!</td></tr></tbody></table>It took a little bit of puzzling to get all the math figured out for the smaller filler pieces, but it wasn't difficult. All the larger applique pieces had been graphed out on paper so I knew the basic layout should work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1IGoIz5u6v2IClV9-u6xrtNvp0ubSlWn49PpZjz3JlZAENCaUiLo-xiSPxQCSzWd8Hs9r4nZIVVOslNXEzO4TEPq-rB3lUUCI7sgx9JK14RaSuqe9-zNYprrTf7GrwJo4XJR-5Dc8bqcfJs3CXOZE7SAfZ3XAf9eaYLJ9d-J79PX0mSEkMGmqpVd/s4032/tag5_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1IGoIz5u6v2IClV9-u6xrtNvp0ubSlWn49PpZjz3JlZAENCaUiLo-xiSPxQCSzWd8Hs9r4nZIVVOslNXEzO4TEPq-rB3lUUCI7sgx9JK14RaSuqe9-zNYprrTf7GrwJo4XJR-5Dc8bqcfJs3CXOZE7SAfZ3XAf9eaYLJ9d-J79PX0mSEkMGmqpVd/w300-h400/tag5_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving these smaller blocks</td></tr></tbody></table></div>I'm still thinking that the tulips are a bit more awkward and clumsy looking than they probably should have been, but the whole look is growing on me. A little bit of a prim look combined with utility--a match made in heaven!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6INqoTC4ubQuNLLLXey_3s5tICEGsxHKAmMFY__h-ykP6OxubNL0UeSqWwaB9vpNdJLhEw2kpkSV1fVExpVehbaAiEOpkTw82Hj-i82yxpUGD_8bONEiyJpEi39rkhTmuru3Ns_NSrOPAN8cTsQBNVfzXfIzfBGKzyVpc2B-v-mo_CVJvk5S-S8rU/s4032/tag6_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6INqoTC4ubQuNLLLXey_3s5tICEGsxHKAmMFY__h-ykP6OxubNL0UeSqWwaB9vpNdJLhEw2kpkSV1fVExpVehbaAiEOpkTw82Hj-i82yxpUGD_8bONEiyJpEi39rkhTmuru3Ns_NSrOPAN8cTsQBNVfzXfIzfBGKzyVpc2B-v-mo_CVJvk5S-S8rU/w300-h400/tag6_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple fill-in with the directional fabric</td></tr></tbody></table>Not seeing this with borders, at least not at this point. Shocking, I know, but it feels rather complete already without them. We'll see what happens after it sits in the quilt top drawers for a couple months. Will it be grumbling and starting to want a little more attention?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTRPg3ZZg_hfGa9ov7nDH2GLxFmdYmLQagTvcMQZCTbYLURzPkQbdm5Y0dkkwt8DGbGkKtLdcDxENVPgdD4G3PZDcVxiqInWL1CnMSvP5wG4W-7uspAIsyiRFlEdC0e980nkBy9ACMC2Voo5-kYEqEqxqRnevvYvSQOPLKRl3puJRrVdri9xByI4l/s4032/tag7_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTRPg3ZZg_hfGa9ov7nDH2GLxFmdYmLQagTvcMQZCTbYLURzPkQbdm5Y0dkkwt8DGbGkKtLdcDxENVPgdD4G3PZDcVxiqInWL1CnMSvP5wG4W-7uspAIsyiRFlEdC0e980nkBy9ACMC2Voo5-kYEqEqxqRnevvYvSQOPLKRl3puJRrVdri9xByI4l/w300-h400/tag7_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rough circles to break up the look of the tulips</td></tr></tbody></table>The only color in the original inspiration that didn't make it into the quilt was a sharp greenish yellow. Just could not find a good place to introduce it with these tulips, though I tried and tried. I'm actually contemplating adding it onto the quilt in the binding! Wouldn't that be different!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6YA-tXLQP8ltFJX0O3XIl9weeBkAJbBmYXvqjq-12QJtC_ukqz5OXuSzSPocX7BKO3soGOiyuHHTAHazL4-0d86LgrZYGvKqJob_M8M3nBFW6XtzdbbA4KtMk6b63klhIqpY40Pzm4r5pbPgGZijnBqJslKLuGZDmq-Sj36u_B50KXrWH2nR9_8x/s3024/tag8_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3024" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6YA-tXLQP8ltFJX0O3XIl9weeBkAJbBmYXvqjq-12QJtC_ukqz5OXuSzSPocX7BKO3soGOiyuHHTAHazL4-0d86LgrZYGvKqJob_M8M3nBFW6XtzdbbA4KtMk6b63klhIqpY40Pzm4r5pbPgGZijnBqJslKLuGZDmq-Sj36u_B50KXrWH2nR9_8x/w400-h391/tag8_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very brash tulips</td></tr></tbody></table>After these two quilt projects were taken care of, then I turned my attention to the Improv. Hourglass Abstract quilt. Like I said before, just had to cut and sew another stack of improv. strips and then the top could be puzzled pieced together. It was super obvious after diving into this one, how much the previous two attempts had helped prepare my mind for just this sort of effort. I was already in the groove!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNm5KFTO3t950ipm7E5pylPvJZZjgs10tXlfxjlYhWSnkD4ea-4knFA-B4qLMOYiTJMS4NGwe2089R95i99LLKFosaB9wqDBkSO-lSOFEmfwEnLfH-ezq0oD1XvpIaTPcwrOoSpnVuL6YibNwYv9FdyAOn5ylmy_yuvL7CVb8IofRIkq0CSdIvGwV/s3637/tag9_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3637" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNm5KFTO3t950ipm7E5pylPvJZZjgs10tXlfxjlYhWSnkD4ea-4knFA-B4qLMOYiTJMS4NGwe2089R95i99LLKFosaB9wqDBkSO-lSOFEmfwEnLfH-ezq0oD1XvpIaTPcwrOoSpnVuL6YibNwYv9FdyAOn5ylmy_yuvL7CVb8IofRIkq0CSdIvGwV/w333-h400/tag9_Fotor.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A finished background piece</td></tr></tbody></table>I ended up working on this for two straight evenings and most of a Saturday and Sunday. Then still another late afternoon and evening after my daughter had come home and reclaimed the floor. It was a marathon! The basic shape was blocked out before with all the hourglass units sewed into rows or chunks. Next up was trying to wrangle the top into big sections of improv. that would sew together with minimal partial piecing attempts. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUo7LuzPdjxr2c1BBNy6JS8jfKYDsXbL8no0mJlK171q0WWgttN7yRPnQbgupsGOONAChrwi2uh7XqUscVKkJAfJZOUA9ybBnweRF7jmL4AdVdGy5vDMZqAM_1aLCNtxNUtuUwQI0aUL3mIeaH1lbThDSWqKchBncI_IDG2WRX0ZRW8u_13vJ36EO/s4032/tag91_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUo7LuzPdjxr2c1BBNy6JS8jfKYDsXbL8no0mJlK171q0WWgttN7yRPnQbgupsGOONAChrwi2uh7XqUscVKkJAfJZOUA9ybBnweRF7jmL4AdVdGy5vDMZqAM_1aLCNtxNUtuUwQI0aUL3mIeaH1lbThDSWqKchBncI_IDG2WRX0ZRW8u_13vJ36EO/w300-h400/tag91_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only area with partial piecing</td></tr></tbody></table>As I sewed, trimmed, measured and sewed some more, It occurred to me that the quilt was becoming more and more square shaped. Uggh. For the sake of the future applique, it needed more of a rectangle shape in order to flow better. So that was an interesting detour, trying to add in a good two or three inches to the length of each larger section, all without making it look like I just plopped it on as an afterthought. <div><br /></div><div>Mostly though, it was a case of sewing together rows of strips, ironing them, laying them out and seeing if they were wide enough. Trimming. Adding in little piecing attempts in areas where there needed to be just a bit more filled in. Making sure the strips weren't all presenting in the same direction. Though all this is 'background' area, I didn't want it to look the least bit sloppy.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQNEa9iVlGQXQsOeTqYJlPXvXX9rDLBorehFO5XaiL9a2eImITAJ2yMJDdOsKhh_-c320hkMlw5Acq63XW7YMgNSqGKojaJtEfXjwJ-o-7G0DZ-G2nRWhEx17hn6WfXDU0rZbCu3MX81ntoXF9xD-f0yX-5SXtKD0u5hZGRa7O7Z8Jn2JQG36q5q/s4032/tag92_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yQNEa9iVlGQXQsOeTqYJlPXvXX9rDLBorehFO5XaiL9a2eImITAJ2yMJDdOsKhh_-c320hkMlw5Acq63XW7YMgNSqGKojaJtEfXjwJ-o-7G0DZ-G2nRWhEx17hn6WfXDU0rZbCu3MX81ntoXF9xD-f0yX-5SXtKD0u5hZGRa7O7Z8Jn2JQG36q5q/w300-h400/tag92_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see the texture in this light</td></tr></tbody></table>I realize the quilt looks a bit out of balance right now, but hopefully it will all make sense when the applique start coming along. Part of the top will be completely covered up. Part of it will fade directly into white noise. What's important is that the applique has something more than just a flat one-piece of fabric to rest on. <b>Texture</b>. That's the number one goal for this particular phase of the quilt. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HFApG8tFbU1fW2emorrOzB6Ap-UEzPeOfkVEL4zmBHwmn9AwLeFJ9BgMtHOTpegmPILr5FV1k6vrcTIOlpTs95N_eRn7xaJjk4auLRe7UG4EVyXqVdf4Dz9ZINnl3fWlWgsLutJMMow4nOEme-INQvGGeWAlVtwHQ8XGy31DVY1Dlt_Av07AHuUA/s4032/tag93_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HFApG8tFbU1fW2emorrOzB6Ap-UEzPeOfkVEL4zmBHwmn9AwLeFJ9BgMtHOTpegmPILr5FV1k6vrcTIOlpTs95N_eRn7xaJjk4auLRe7UG4EVyXqVdf4Dz9ZINnl3fWlWgsLutJMMow4nOEme-INQvGGeWAlVtwHQ8XGy31DVY1Dlt_Av07AHuUA/w300-h400/tag93_Fotor.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good attempt!</td></tr></tbody></table>Crossing my fingers it turns out to be a great looking quilt in the end, but regardless, this 'background' attempt would never be a mistake. Loving the text prints and subtle variations in the combined low-volume fabrics! One of the main repeating fabrics, a yellow-cream with a scrolled text printed over it in an indigo blue, had to be turned over as it was too <i>loud</i>. Yeah. So weird. But it looked a hundred times better when using the back side of the fabric, so that's the way it had to be.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEZpotnCK7f0cZcP18hmdtn_vyPE9PnaOnaJ6Zri79Lt3046k6ScbRNSUbuc96D9FxZZowa8lbDYIlkEEtd3yDz73XlF33aPVgHYL3LmzMmUUrARk9H7h5xYXZ-uly8aClrrC9g7hgwTE4lH7922bFB3Gr3ooY5FM__S07FW3HbtI4aB2tuZATBiC/s4032/tag94_Fotor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEZpotnCK7f0cZcP18hmdtn_vyPE9PnaOnaJ6Zri79Lt3046k6ScbRNSUbuc96D9FxZZowa8lbDYIlkEEtd3yDz73XlF33aPVgHYL3LmzMmUUrARk9H7h5xYXZ-uly8aClrrC9g7hgwTE4lH7922bFB3Gr3ooY5FM__S07FW3HbtI4aB2tuZATBiC/w400-h300/tag94_Fotor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new cover</td></tr></tbody></table>Also finally addressed the very sad state of my table top ironing board once again. Couldn't find a smaller ironing board cover here locally without buying the entire board. What a waste. Decided to do what I did last time--take a large board cover and cut it, fold it under and pin with large quilting pins. Seemed to hold up good until the top was worn out, so why not? For some reason, I don't like distracting colors on the ironing board though. Had to pay a little more for this neutral color, but I know it will be much more appreciated. Now to replace the iron. This one doesn't seem to want to get quite hot enough. I am soooo tired of buying garbage irons that just get tossed out every year or two!<br /><br /><p><br /></p></div>audreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18102559813211702736noreply@blogger.com11