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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

It looks like a tree to me.....

Here is my newest office art. This quilt represents my accomplishment of several things. First of all, I really can't draw much of anything, but I drew this all by myself (I sound like I'm in first grade LOL). I tried not to over-stress about it, but I do think it looks like a tree. Since I will probably never get to Australia, I'd like to thank Kellie for her wonderful blog Don't Look Now and for providing the inspiration for this quilt. How I would love to attend one of her classes, but for now, this may be as close as I'll ever get. My hanging system is not perfect for a piece this small, but considering I get to hang quilts at all, I am not complaining Secondly, I've never done a piece using only fusing techniques. I bought this book about 3 years ago and have not been brave enough to try any of the projects. Being a hand applique' person, fusing just seemed foreign to me. Laura's quilts are so wonderful and this is a great book. I figured I had nothing to lose, so I charged ahead.

Thirdly, I've always wanted to try this quilting design from the book. So after many, many doodle pages I felt like I was as ready as ever. It's amazing to me, that when you actually start quilting on a "real" quilt instead of a practice sandwich, your quilting does improve. The pictures in this book are incredible. Thank you Laura for a great book!!


Lastly, I didn't buy a single piece of fabric, but used only those fabrics already in my stash (that feels so good sometimes). Not all the fabrics really worked, but I was running out of Wonder Under, so I left them in. Now that I'm looking at these pictures, my quilting isn't exactly the same as Laura's, but for my first try, I'm pretty pleased. It looks really happy and springy in my office.


And finally, I need an opinion. Should there be any quilting inside the branches between the leaves? I outlined each leaf and branch, but nothing else. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice??
Until next time,

Karen

8 comments:

Terry said...

Your tree is fabulous!! :0)

Janet said...

Your tree quilt is gorgeous. You could always just add some loose echo quilting around the leaves to close it up if you felt like it. Looks like your going to have a whole lot of fusing fun, can't wait to see more.

Anonymous said...

If you don't add quilting in the leaves it is FINE...this is YOUR quilt!!
The way I view the quilting as is there was no breeze inside the trees but outside. Did that make sense? Do you like it? Than this is what matters!!!

Unknown said...

I like it the way it is. I think it would be too crowded with more quilting. I think you did a wonderful job.

Library Gal Quilts said...

Dear Karen, It's beautiful, exquisite really! No need for more stitching...it is calm inside your leaves :) I took a class from Laura Wasilowski and it was great! She does make the most darling simple things look so good. She is a great gal! Welcome to the quilting blogging world! Pam

QuiltSue said...

I think it's absolutely brilliant just as it is. I love it, but now that's something else to add to my "To-do" list.

Kim Brackett said...

I think it's perfect the way it is. And good for you -- trying new techniques and branching out no pun intended). It's a beautiful quilt! Thanks so much for sharing.

MamaT said...

I LOVE the tree and I think the quilting is perfect. I just bought the Fusing Fun book a couple of months ago and I'm having a blast with it. I've made 2 little "Log Cabin" quilts using Laura's methods. I enjoy your blog.