This delightful quilt project seemed to have the 2020 curse right from the beginning! As some of you may recall, I
chose this wonderful buttery yellow (see photo number 3 for a more accurate color) for the background of my Fig Leaf and
Flower (Collector With a Needle) sew-a-long quilt.
With a symmetrical pattern
like this I usually back baste for accuracy. While drawing on the pattern, I
discovered 2 tiny holes in the fabric.
It seemed a miracle that they would be
covered up by the twisty turning vine. Problem solved!
But then, after appliqueing
187 of the 213 petals in the center medallion, I realized that I had oriented
my center vine in the wrong direction. When working out a background, I always
buy extra, but I bought the last of the bolt which would have been “just
enough” if I hadn’t made this giant error! It took weeks of careful thought to
find a solution I could live with. In the end, I did not to let the curse bother me and decided to make a smaller
quilt to finish now and start over with a different background in the new year
when my mind will be clearer!
I eliminated some of the
appliques in the center to simplify the design a bit and then added a plain
border. I have loved this green border fabric forever, but never seemed to find
the right project for it. The 4 corner blocks seemed to fit the bill. I’m
calling it, “Petaluma”. I have so enjoyed appliqueing all these petals!
I hope to start quilting
before the end of the year.
Our little village has been
in my husband’s family for 100 years. We are now enjoying it with the next
generation.
May your village be filled with peace and contentment in the coming
year.
simply stunning wendy....i am always in awe of your fabric choices and needle skills...
ReplyDeleteWow! A perfect quilt! Lots of "2020" in the making, but still just marvelous!
ReplyDeleteI think you can put the "curse" to rest. Your quilt is lovely! Your appliques are so perfect and the colors all work so well together. The border fabric was meant to be. I lived in Petaluma, CA for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteNothing cursed about this quilt, it's gorgeous! And to think you're planning to begin another one in the new year! Petalmania might be an apt name for the sequel!
ReplyDeleteI love the green border fabric, such a delightful floral. Sorry it's given you problems. It turned out wonderful.
ReplyDeleteJust a beautiful applique work!!
ReplyDeleteThose little corner squares with the smaller appliques are amazing!! The green border is just right...it really sparks the central petal colors...nice job hugs, Julierose
I admire your patience in tackling a solution right away. I am afraid I would have chucked it in the closet for a long winter's nap! It is gorgeous. Looks like it was meant to be this way--especially with that most perfect border fabric. You knocked this one out of the park, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet family heirloom you have there.
The smaller quilt is lovely! You've done an excellent job with plan B. Happy stitching and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it all worked out! It’s a beauty.
ReplyDeleteBlame it on 2020 - it still turned out lovely! The border fabric is a gorgeous complement!
ReplyDeleteIt's so pretty, mistakes and all! Sometimes a quilt that turns out different than the original idea ends up being better anyway.:)
ReplyDeleteIt looks perfect to me, Wendy, but I know the feeling of wanting to start over when something is not right. Your village is so sweet and quaint, and so special.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful Wendy! You turned a mistake into something beautiful! I love the border fabric and the corner wreaths.
ReplyDeleteYour problem solving yielded beautiful results! Another stunning piece. And... wow... so many petals!
ReplyDeleteWow, Wendy! Your little quilt is simply gorgeous. I can't imagine appliqueing all those petals. I love your border fabric and corner wreaths--well, the entire quilt, actually! Such a sweet little village to share with the next generation :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletePeace and contentment to you as well.
ReplyDeleteSome quilt projects just seem to beg for problems! It is beautiful!
I love your little village, so precious!
ReplyDeleteThat green is awesome for your border and I still don't quite understand how its wrong, but I trust you, lol
I wish you peace and love in 2021~
That is amazing. I am so impressed by applique. I'd love to learn how to do it. Do you sew by hand?
ReplyDeleteIt is those kinds of challenges that force us to be creative and sometimes leads to projects that are even better than planned.This turned out so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThe top is beautiful! I don't really see the problem and it look plenty complicated to me. Your hand work is amazing! I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year! xo, cw
ReplyDeleteOh, my gosh! It's beautiful, but I don't know if I could do that many leaves and stay sane.
ReplyDelete