Another blogger described it as "modern and nostalgic." I agree with both adjectives. All the small scraps of fabric sewn as they were into 4" squares is something modern quilters are doing. Sewing four 4" squares into blocks with sashing hearkens to more traditional quilts.
I say the quicker the better to layering and basting this quilt. It is a warren of seams...
with nests of unraveling threads.
In fact, it leaves trails of thread bits as I carry it from one room to the other to work on it. If Gretel had carried this quilt she would have been found quickly. Despite the unraveling, I'm depending on the seams and the seam allowances to keep it together until it's layered and basted.
I've been thinking about the back and the quilting. With all the seams on the front I can't manage to hand quilt a scrappy, pieced back. Imagine pushing a needle through batting plus four layers of fabric in some places. I could handle one or two seams on the back but not more. I'm also thinking about the color of fabric for the back. Stay with neutral/white/cream, or choose a color/print in medium or dark? A light back would give the quilt unity from front to back but a color would give it two sides to enjoy.
I'm not sure how to hand quilt it, either. The path of least resistance? Which would be where on this quilt? I'll mentally work on that while I try to choose a back for it.
This quilt has been oh-so-hard to photograph. We have had full sun all day, but even on other days it didn't seem to like the camera's eye on it. I think the photos above and the one just below show its truest colors. The last photo is a little too creamy to be accurate.
I have been calling this quilt "scrappy leftovers" because I used leftovers cut from behind the stars of this quilt. If it's going to have a name, I think it should be a more generous one. Sometimes I imagine cracked glass -- a frosted window -- with light coming through. If it's to have a name, I'm sure I'll figure it out.
Thanks for visiting.
I'm linking this post to
> finish it up Friday and crazy mom quilts
> Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts
> Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday at Cut and Alter
> Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
> Show Off Saturday at Sew Can She
Thanks for hosting, ladies.
--Nancy.
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It is exactly as you say Nancy, a lovely finish.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jocelyn.
DeleteThank you for sharing! You've given me a new inspiration for a project that's been working through my brain. I've got some hand_marbled fabrics, think I'll just cut them into squares and applique gray circles at the corners. I'll let yo know how it goes! ; )
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Tammy. I'll be interested to see how your quilt after you've sewn the squares and circles.
DeleteWow, it's huge! I had no idea you had that many blocks. Congratulations on finishing the top!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Monica. It's about twin size -- I had a lot of light scraps to sew together.
DeleteIt is lovely! Oh, that will be a challenge to find the path of least resistance for hand quilting. Good luck with that. :)
ReplyDeleteYou could call it "vintage modern", or something like that. Or get silly and call it Sunrise through the Bathroom Window (you know, because bathroom windows are often frosted, and it has the soft glow of a sunrise).
Okay, it is really late and I am punchy. You can disregard this comment, Nancy!
Thank you. You are so funny, Janet. I get slap happy/punchy when I get tired, too. I like your suggestion of "Vintage Modern." I don't think there will be a path of least resistance when it comes to quilting this quilt. It's just a maze of seams. Ah, well....
DeleteWhat a gorgeous, soft quilt top! Good luck on the stitching! It will be well worth the effort, no matter what you decide.:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Audrey. Oh, the stitching! I know it will be great when I'm finished but I don't know how I'll manage it, especially with hand quilting. I appreciate your wish for good luck. I'll need it!
DeleteSo pretty and feminine and just lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie.
DeleteSo pretty! Looking forward to what you select for the backing and quilting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Thank you, Dawn. I have several fabrics for possible backings laying near the quilt and hope to choose soon. I'm eager to get this off the floor!
DeleteYahoo! What a great finish! You could "big stitch" it and then the thicker seams won't be as much of a problem.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robin! I've been thinking of big stitching this quilt. I might give smaller stitches and a try and then decide.
DeleteLovely, simply lovely. I would go with a light back because it will show the quilting more and I think it will really be like a two sided quilt-one pieced and one like a whole cloth.
ReplyDeleteHi, Miri. Thank you for your kind words about the quilt and for sharing your thoughts on backing fabric. I try to imagine a medium or dark back but can't quit so I'll be using light fabric for the back. I have several options laying near the quilt, trying to decide. Soon, I hope!
DeleteThe last picture looks a little like the earth when you fly over fields and villages and stuff. I really like the way it looks, and it's wonderful that it's made from scraps!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. I love aerial photographs but hadn't thought of this quilt in those terms until you mentioned it.
DeleteI absolutely adore this quilt. Serene comes to mind. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, Jennie. Thank you for your kind words about this quilt. It feels serene in person, too.
DeleteIt's a beautiful finished top / congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deb.
Delete