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Thursday, June 9, 2011

More Templates and Progress

One stitch at a time, my quilt is emerging. It's hard sometimes to get the quilting to show, so I've tried to let the shadows show the pattern. Needless to say, I am having a blast quilting this. It has been amazing to see this quilt take on a personality of its own. When I decided to use the wedding quilt scraps to make a log cabin quilt, I must confess I didn't know exactly what it would look like, but I knew I wanted to make it special. So far, I'm very satisfied :).
I had picked a different quilting pattern design but it didn't look right and I ripped it out. After studying things for awhile, I decided on this design. One thing I learned a long time ago is, if you are not happy with something stop immediately and re-examine. If you need to rip, do it! I have never regretted any decision to rip out something I wasn't happy with.

I was so excited to see the circles form as I quilted the dark sections of the log cabin blocks. As this was not part of my original plan, I had no idea what would happen and I was quite pleased. Here's what the corners will look like. It's not quite finished yet, the stitching will go all the way out to the white section.

Here's what my floor usually looks like with all my tools laying around.

I started with June Tailor's Around the Block ruler but found it was too hard to get the marking pens thru the slots (the batting didn't give me a good solid surface). So I used it to cut my own - by cutting up a plastic calendar for the arches. I have to use both a blue marking pen and the white Clover pen as I go over both light and dark sections.

Then I made a different set for the half inch markings. It might seem like it would take a long time, but in the end it saves time because I have control over each line. I've almost finished this section. I made a list, and so far this is what I've finished: the 4 center blocks, the feather row, 8 fan blocks, 12 full square blocks and then 16 fan blocks (almost done). Doing this row by row has been manageable and logical. Stay tuned, there's more to come :)!!

Until next time,
-Karen

18 comments:

Carol said...

It's absolutely GORGEOUS! You are doing an amazing job!

Kim Brackett said...

It's looking so good! I love the way you make your own templates for quilting designs. What would you do without manilla folders? :-)

Anonymous said...

OMG!!! OMG!!!! I want to see this one up close and personal so whenever you come for a visit...bring it! It is a true beauty and such a special meaning quilt to boot!

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Truly beautiful! Your stitching is stunning.

Vickie E said...

amazing quilt..gorgeous

Darlene said...

Beautiful, beautiful - keep going!!!!

FlourishingPalms said...

It's looking fabulous, Karen! I agree wholeheartedly that it's worth taking the time to pick out quilting that doesn't look quite right. Your arc/circles look wonderful. It's one of those instances when the curves contrast beautifully with the linear shape of the logs. Well done! I also appreciate knowing how you worked out how to do it with the paper calendar. That's one of the biggest FMQ challenges, isn't it? Trying to come up with the tools to accomplish what you want. Can you say, "pizza pan?!" (smile) Love seeing your "mess" too. Ah! I haven't taken a picture of that, but it's a good idea! It's fun to read your blog posts. Thanks for sharing your quilting experiences with us!

libbyquilter said...

you are moving along on this at lightening speed and it just gets better and better~!!~

:-)
libbyQ

Tina said...

I love this quilt and am certainly enjoying your giving me the process behind the quilting! I am really learning a great deal. And did I say, I love the quilt?

Karen said...

I can see the quilting just fine. You have chosen designs that work so well with quilt. Work that you can be proud of.

Wendy P said...

Karen, it is spectacular! I don't even know if that word is good enough! I really want you to teach me to hand quilt some day!

I just hope we have a chance to do that!

QuiltSue said...

It is looking absolutely wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is really an extraordinary looking project. I never thought of using tinier strips for this kind of look. I'm going to try this on my next Log Cabin quilt.

Great earth tone fabrics. Pleasure to stumble here and browse around.

Carla said...

Karen, I just love what you are doing! Thank you for sharing your process with all of us...even your mess...it makes us all feel better somehow!! Baptist fans are one of my favorite quilting motif, btw! Wonderful job!!

Prof. S (the enchanted bobbin) said...

Wow, this is such beautiful work -- really inspiring!!

And thank you *so much* for the kind words on my blog re: my "Thea's Garden" quilt -- my interpretation of "Flowers for Nana Girl" from Scrap-Basket Sensations. It is such a wonderful pattern!

Jana said...

I am learning so much from your blog. I enjoy very much the process of finding the right template, quilting and even the lecture of the ripping :-). And I love your special quilt.
Have a great Summer!
Jana in Prague, Czech Republic

Vivian said...

You're creating a masterpiece. There's no question about that.
I enjoy reading about your plans and tools and templates and designs. We learn so much from those who are willing to share, so thank you for sharing.
It really IS gorgeous.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

It's looking so good!!! Love the circles!!!