Monday, August 27, 2007

Coming along


You wouldn't believe how long it has taken me to come up with a design for the outer border of this quilt. It has gone through several stages - most of them abandoned because of my lack of applique skills. It would have been good to use bias tubing but not right now (yes, I am a bone idle good for nothing woman and you all thought I was industrious). It would also have been good to do hand applique but I can't get my head round that one right now (and possibly ever). So I took the short cut - machine embroidered stems and fused leaves. However, what I really wanted to do was to use one of my new yo-yo making tools to make the tiniest size of yo-yos and use them in this project, so at least that's a first. Here's the progress so far with the first leaves fused on but not machine appliqued yet.

29 comments:

Helen said...

Looking good! I wonder where it will be going to??

dot said...

Looks good to me.

The Calico Cat said...

Pretty - I hope I'm your partner...

Tazzie said...

Fiona, I'm just loving how your quilt is looking! I can't wait to see how it progresses!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

loulee said...

That looks really pretty, I like your yoyo flowers.

Andrea said...

Wow - I love it ! Wish I was in the swap now ! My applique isn't too great either. I will master it one day.

Laurie Ann said...

Oh, Fiona, I really like the addition of those stems and leaves. And the yo yos are a perfect addition! Very lovely!!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

It's coming along very nicely. I think that machine embroidering your stems in quite ingenious. I can't wait to see what else you add.

Judith said...

When it is finished you can send it here. I just love it.

Unknown said...

I like it, I like it, I like it. I think the stems are just the perfect size and would have been very difficult to make with bias binding. Take care.

Janice said...

Oh, yes! Its looking beautiful! Its such fun seeing all these little quilts develop, each into something special and unique.

meggie said...

It is really special! I love it also.

Libby said...

Very nice and the yo yo's are going to add just the right amount of texture . . . you clever girl *s*

Lynda said...

The applique is gorgeous. The stems lok so fine. I usually use a Clover bias tool to make my stems, but they always end up looking much heavier than these. Looking forward to seeing the whole thing.

atet said...

Fiona, it's beautiful -- and it's not cheating -- it's working to your own strengths and talents. (hey, I learned to make lemonade out of lemons long ago)

I love the yo-yo's! I really need to play with mine makers again soon!

Locket Pocket said...

Your fall quilt looks lovely - the border is great. Lucy

Rose Marie said...

Wow ... this quilt is going to be awesome! Love the colours and the applique that is going around the border.

Teodo said...

It's fantastic, I love the border too
ciao ciao

corry said...

Fiona, it looks very pretty! And those yoyo's flowers are making it!

YankeeQuilter said...

The fall colors look great and the yoyo's really pop on the border. I'm catching up on blogs...your mile a minute looks wonderful. Let me know if you'd like a refill for your scrap bag...I have a gallon or so of strips looking for a home!

Jeanne said...

I think your choice of the vine and yo yo flowers is perfect for this little quilt. It's looking really great so far.

Finn said...

Hi Fiona, love the look of your autumn beginnings. I think the embroidered stem and m.a. leaves is just fine. This little quilts don't have to be works of art. They have such charm just by being themselves! Love all the fabrics and colors!!
And a big HIGH FIVE on getting your M.A.M. top done!! It is spectacular in it's scrappiness! A whole years worth of trimmings and birs..amazing! Keep uo the good work. Hugs, Finn

Journeying said...

This is GREAT! The bright colors are wonderful, and the border just makes the whole thing perfect. I gave in and got one of those yo-yo makers for these tiny ones. I've had fun making some - just have to find a use for them now. You've given us all a great idea.
Keep up the good work!

Anne Ida said...

This quilt is going to be adorable! Way to go! And your swap partner will love it, I'm sure!

McIrish Annie said...

I have found my applique soul mate! I was just posting how I hate doing bias tubes for vines and here you are doing them with machine embroidery!! YOU ARE A GENIUS!! I may just do that on my little quilt! Your quilt looks fantastic. keep up the good work

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Gorgeous1 Tracey

Unknown said...

This is so pretty, lucky lady whoever she is to receive it.

Simonetta said...

I like a lot this quilt,Fiona; the flowers to yo-yo tecnics are very original. Well!

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

Those little flowers are great. Add something to the border AND relate back to the middle.