1/27/2008

Antique Quilt, Two Quilt Tops Assembled, and Generosity


Here is a little quilt study from a book called "Come Look With Me: The Artist at Work" (click to see enlarged image). Isn't it a wonderful quilt...

So, having pieced Muriel's setting blocks for the BOM Vintage Applique blocks (see below), there I was trying to digitize and stitch out the 13th applique block. I meant to do a slightly different form of one block and flip it, oops, forgot to do the flip, and besides the flower shape I had done was hopelessly ugly, so Orphan Block no. 1:

2nd time, improved the flower shape and remembered to flip, but flower colors were too drab. Orphan Block no. 2:


Got it on the 3rd time around (lower right-hand corner) and assembled the top (30 x 30"):

Those little green squares in the center of the setting blocks are only 1/2". I refused to do blocks that size for the most recent tiny Jo Morton Little Women quilt, electing to do mine at 1" and here not a week or two later, I ended up sewing 1/2" squares anyway
:-). It was so much fun to digitize these blocks this past year and to add little critters of my own or to do entirely new patches, such as the one in the center, the bunny eyeing the three heads of lettuce, and the parrot in the center bottom. So does anybody have an opinion on border or not for this??

Also pieced this 36 x 36" quilt top. Just guess where the fabrics came from: remember when I put out an SOS for the beige Gatherings fabric designed by Brannock and Patek? Well, who should send me the fabric but Linda Brannock herself! And not only did she send me the beige Gatherings, but she also sent five quarter-yards of fabric from her new line, Hemming House, which you see used below (there are a few fabrics from stash in there as well) and which Moda says will be available in March. Am I a lucky girl or what to get to play with preview fabric?? Thank you, Linda!

18 comments:

Erin said...

I love the quilt blocks you have done! Thank you for sharing that wonderful book and antique quilt! Linda's fabric is to die for! I love it! I too have been looking for beige fabrics so will definitely watch for when that line comes out!

Marilyn Robertson said...

You are a lucky girl! Love the fabrics and your little quilt is sweet. Your applique quilt is just wonderful! You asked about borders - I would say yes, it needs a border, but I would probably put a plain one on so it wouldn't distract from the wonderful applique. That way the quilt would be framed so to speak.

MARCIE said...

First off--Linda B. sent you fabric!!! I bet you wept for joy! How wonderful! I actually have some of that fabric, but didn't see your post in time. I followed your example looking for Moda flags and got tons of help and flags! Your applique quilt is awesome! I recognize some of those blocks. Did you design them all? Tell me what you mean when you say you digitized the design.

Gypsy Quilter said...

What lovely colors, soft and soothing.

Libby said...

Wow! Fabric from Linda Brannock's personal stash . . . you are a like my hero now *s*
What does 'digitize' mean? Sorry I'm a little slow about these things sometimes - but the blocks sure look great. And 1/2" is such a darling size, who could resist?

meggie said...

I love your little applique blocks- even your rejects! LOL.
I think a plain border would be nice for the quilt.
Love your gifted fabrics, & the way you have used them.

Lucy said...

I love your gifted fabrics too :-) lovely blocks and a beautiful antique quilt!!

doni said...

I love the flower quilt but vote yes on a border. I love the stars too. LB rocks! She taught a workshop/retreat for us years ago. She's so down to earth - I can so see her sending the fabric. :> Does that mean she reads your blog???? No pressure!

doni in Nebraska

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh that is a wonderful quilt! And all your blocks are wonderful too!

julieQ said...

I think your flower applique is so pretty. Your casts off are great too!!

Wendy said...

You lucky girl to have Linda send you such wonderful fabrics.
The appliqué blocks are wonderful and I love the final block you decided to put in.

Thimbleanna said...

Those blocks are really cool! What software do you use to digitize with? I'm not sure mine has buttonhole stitch, but I'd really like it. That's one thing I really should learn how to do -- I spent the money on the software but there's so much other stuff to do and I just can't keep up!

bigstarbig said...

Karen - I love the quilt and the way you used the colors. Now I need to make one, but need to finish the real primitive things I have been working on. am hand quilting 2 of them and I haven't done that in 20 years. So, my fingers hurt. Love to read your blog. Linda B.

Finn said...

Hi Karen, love the nearly completed little quilt *VBS* You did a great job on it! I had to smile at your newly created orphan blocks...LOL They will add charm to some future project. And how fun to get fabric from Linda herself! That will be a very special quilt. Hugs, Finn

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Hi Karen,
Been a while since I have been able to blog hop and visit. As always, sit in total awe of your energy, my prolific quilting friend!
Blondie

Jenni said...

I'd call that 'having friend's in high places'. How marvellous!

Karen said...

What a pretty applique quilt! And the star quilt has a very soft, vintage look to it.

Patti said...

Hi Karen, Catching up again as usual. According to Bloglines I needed to start reading at this post. However - the mind is really going these days so I just couldn't remember what you were doing before this. So I backed up and started reading in December! Of course - as usual - I'm loving everything you are doing. Can't wait to get all caught up with you. Hopefully this is the last time I have to say that - and stay caught up from now on!