Monday, January 5, 2009

Cottage CQ...More Trees!

Sometimes it takes living with a work-in-progress for a long while before necessary additions become apparent.

As I was preparing my "lucky glass"--or "sea glass", as some call it--to be sewn onto the quilt, it just hit me that there wasn't quite the balance on each side of the arc of the trees that I wanted. I needed to add a little more of the pine tree element on each side.
So after I got my lucky glass sewn on, that's what I did. For five hours.

But first, here's the process with the lucky glass. I handle the bits of worn glass the same way I do rocks...glue a buttonback onto each piece and then sew it on.

That pathetic wrinkled tube is E6000 glue. I am really due for a new one. But I managed to squeeze some out, apply it to each buttonback with a toothpick, and then push the backs onto the lucky glass pieces.
It took about 3 hours to set up.

In order to sew them on, I needed to make a hole for each one through the quilt to accomodate the protruding shank of the buttonback.
I got out my scalpel of a seamripper and just made my cuts.

Surgeons must be bold and decisive! Confident!
This was still scary though...no going back.

The shank is poked through to the back here. I use Silamead beading thread for this because it is extra strong.

Now for an overall view...

I've couched on the initial "wave lines" along the bottom section. These will guide the sewing on of a zillion little beads (read, bubbles). Also more stitching will follow these lines.
I've also decided what I'm going to write in the sand below the line of lucky glass, too.....

I have much work left on this project but can now at last get a glimpse of the finish line....and this is my favorite part of the race, too, that sprint to the finish.

Thanks so much for your comments and suggestions, especially with regards to those shingles on the roof! I'm going to wait to decide on that until the rest of the quilt is done....meanwhile, all those bubbles are the next order of business.

22 comments :

Marty52 said...

Looking goo-oood!

Judy S. said...

What a cool idea to use sea glass, Allie. Where'd you get the button backs? Your project just gets more interesting every day!

Kay said...

Writing in the sand! What a wonderful idea. And I truly sympathize about the trauma of poking the hole through the fabric. Makes me shudder!

I have to ask one question. What are your plans for the edge of the "sky" arch above the house? Are you going to stitch there to blend it? If you've mentioned this already, I missed it.

Sandra said...

Oh, how I wish I could see this 'in person' when it is finished. If you every put it into shows make sure we all know when and where! (I saw one of your quilts in Columbus a couple of years ago...)

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I love these "Michigan" things you do, as there is so much heart in them, and it shows how you feel about it. This one is beautiful!

Vicki W said...

I jsut want to walk around in your brain for a while - you are so incredibly creative!

Robin said...

I think, at this rate, you'll be ready for Mexico! You are soooooooo fast and the work is awesome... all the little decisions you have to make. I love following this process. Robin A.

LouAnne said...

Allie: Wherever did you get the clear buttonbacks! All I have are metal ones. Wonderful idea to use them with the sea glass. This is looking so AWESOME! hugs,LouAnne

Pam said...

How is the arch going to be incorporated into the scene-are you going to embellish it or leave it the way it is? It does seem to stick out at this point.

Maximus said...

Uh...I don't think you're using the word "shank" correctly...

Anonymous said...

The beach glass is totally inspired, and I would never have thought to cut a slit in the piece. Positively brilliant. Oh, and writing in the sand, I do believe you've trumped yourself with that one.

Debra Dixon said...

Every new addition is just what is needed--you have such a good eye!

Pat said...

Thank you for the tip about the button backs, wonderful idea and so brave after all the work so far.

Summerset said...

The beach glass is a great idea! I understand about the trees and adding 5 more hours of stitching. Been there! It had to be done or else you wouldn't be happy with it.

JoWynn Johns said...

It is truly magnificent, Allie. But today, the cottage (to my eyes and maybe only onscreen) seems to have receded significantly into the lush greenery. Maybe that's your intention. We've been focused on the house for several posts and that could affect my perception, too.

Lisa Boni said...

This is really coming along!

I keep looking at the line of roof and sky and wondering if extending some leaves of the tree up into the sky would help that area not stand out so starkly from the rest of the piece.

Love the sea glass additions and yes, where do you get those great clear button backs?!

Patricia said...

The beach glass is inspired! I would never have thought of that. I have so many jars of it, the soft colors are so soothing.

Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Allie....you are SOOOO inspiring! Question for you. You previously showed another method of attaching stuff, where you glued threaded buttons to the backs of some pebbles. Any reason one method is better than the other? Or just two different options?

BTW ladies, if you examine the picture closely you can see where she got the button shanks

Unknown said...

Love the sea glass! And writing in the sand is inspirational!
Thank you for commenting on my post card, thats how I found your blog!!

Linda B said...

Allie I love following your project and someday want to do my own home in stitches. When I use anything with a button shank I remember an old trick and it always makes the button or bead stay in the correct position. I put a bugle bead through the hole in the shank and then go back and forth through this and it allows it to lie very flat and if you have to move it over a bit with the next one in place, it does not bunch up with it.

Susan Elliott said...

This is rockin'!!

Jo in NZ said...

Allie, I have been away for a week or so, and this project is just roaring along. The buttonhole leaves were great for that spot, created a real dappled effect through the trees.
OMG!...the bubbles are just stunning, and one of those things I see in my head but can never quite get out on fabric, but now I have you for inspiration. Thanks!

Please, please tell us what you are going to do with the arch of sky, I know you must have a plan. How are you going to make that section work?

It was very exciting to read several posts at once. Luckily I am away again, so I get that chance again.
Hugs