I had to look back on the blog and I started the Midget Applique journey back in January 2015 with the goal of one block a week for 52 weeks. I decided on a 7x7 setting so I made 49 of them instead. Each block finishes at 4.5 inches. The patterns were purchased from Gay Bomers over at SentimentalStiches. I worked on these while waiting in the car, watching the kids in the pool and at soccer practice, etc all year long. Then I hand stitched it into a top in those same car lines. I had lots of waiting time for the kids to get out of school!
I got it to this point and then was thinking I wanted a nice yellow border. On that border I wanted some sort of applique. Alas..... I was never able to determine what exactly I wanted for that border but it has sat long enough and it wants to get finished into a top sometime this year. What, your quilts don't yap away at you begging to get worked on? No? Really?
I know I want a vine of some sort and now that I have my bias binding maker I can make it.... I have a sneaking suspicion that my original one might be with this quilt top in the drawer. You know, the one bias binding maker I was looking for, for months before I broke down and ordered another one? Nope, it was not there!
Since this top has been completely hand stitched so far... I will continue on when adding the yellow borders. I think I am going to add the borders and then add the applique? I have never done an applique border so I'm not sure which order works better. I'm thinking a graceful green vine with the purple or red flower 3 rows down in the middle with the yellow center as a flower piece to 'hide' the vine edges. I think the flowers will be made up of all the colors in the quilt. That is the current thinking... but as with anything it could change. So - goal setting for September. Make borders (none of the lengths are long enough so I need to piece all 4 sides!) and hand stitch to the quilt top. Get one side of applique on (vines and some flowers and leaves) and stitched down this month.
We will see how that goal goes when I check in at the end of the month!
Head on over and see what other one monthly goals are being set for September.
10 comments:
Hi Deb! I am thinking it might be easier to add your vines, etc. to the border before you attach them to the quilt. Only because you won't have as much fabric to wrestle with. On the other hand, you might have to worry about the border fabric fraying a bit. Hmmm. I guess you could go either way! I have been meaning to get a bias maker and haven't yet - this would be the perfect application for it. Good luck with your September goal. ~smile~ Roseanne
I agree with Home Sewn--do the vine applique first--otherwise you'll have to haul the big quilt around.....
I have never used a bias binder--always cut and made my own--but [great minds, right] I just got one from amazon a few weeks ago as I want to make some stems and vines on an upcoming piece...[you may want to check "The Constant Quilter" blog as she does a lot of vines...and may have the right answer for you]
that is such a lovely quilt and all by hand--amazing Deb;))
hugs, Julierose
How neat that you made an entire quilt while waiting in car lines for your kids! When I started to read your blog, I hadn't ever done much hand stitching other than sewing binding, and realizing how portable it is, was a big reason I decided to try hand-piecing. I love viney border designs that are appliqued with leaves and flowers, and that seems perfect to go with all those fun blocks. That will be so pretty!
How amazing that your quilt is all made by hand! That was/is a wonderful use of your time as you wait for and watch your children. Here's a thought, how about vines & flowers turning the corners, but not going the entire length of the sides? Another idea, if you add border before appliqué, it can then meander into the pink border. I'm looking forward to seeing your design at the end of the month! And oh, yes, some of my quilts do yell at me!
I love you have used your Endless Diamonds in your header. Very nice. This is a great piece too. Making decisions about finishing is always tough for me. I'm positive whatever you do will look wonderful.
I am so impressed that you stitched the entire quilt by hand. I love the look of appliqué and EPP, but I do not have the patience to complete the handwork. I admire everyone who does. I agree with the comments above--do the appliqué on the borders, then attach them.
Best of luck making progress on your OMG, Deb!!
I remember you posting your progress on these blocks. Your design for the border sounds de-vine!
An applique vine in the border will be fabulous. I love that it's all hand stitched. I've never ventured there, but I love the idea. And yes, my quilt chatter at me too!
Happy sewing! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.
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