Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Block Surgeries...and 16" Sampler Finished!

Before I could complete my 16" Sampler, it needed to go "under the knife"...and also have some cosmetic surgery as well.

That yellow patch in the upper right block....it just didn't flow right. So out with the seam ripper!

I very carefully opened up the seams during this operation....

....fit in my new patch, two sides of which were ironed under and the other two sides tucked behind their neighbors' edges...

...eh voila! Much better.

The other little problem was just a long yellow sliver caused by the piecing that didn't look right. Sorry, I didn't get a "before" picture of that, but I can show you the "fix"...

Along the horizontal seam where the two blocks are sewn together...see that long brownish triangle? That used to be yellow. It is in fact part of the same piece of fabric as the mottled yellow on the left. But I colored that triangular shape in with a marker, quilted along the colored edge with clear thread, and then embroidered over it as if it was a seam. Problem solved!
This just keeps that nice curve from being broken up.

Here's the whole thing, all done (except putting on the backing.)

"Click to embiggen, " as Marty would say.

Oh, this was so fun!

12 comments :

Gerry Krueger said...

What a treat to get a Thursday post on Tuesday.... and glad to see you rip also... Sometimes it seems I do more rrippin' than sewin'... Gorgeous sampler...

Gerry K.

Dianne said...

Finished article is beautiful. My adage is - if you are not happy with something, change it or you will never be happy with it. I recently performed 'surgery' on one of my crazy blocks and I am much happier with it now!

Barbara C said...

It's amazing how that relatively small change alters the movement of the block. What a nice collection of fabrics. I like the little GFG block peeking out.

Cheryl said...

Wow, do you have a well trained eye. I thought your piece yesterday was just gorgeous, but you are right...your surgery made it even better!

Rebecca said...

Very pretty! I liked it before but I think your right it did disrupt the flow a bit. It is gorgeous! :)

Susan Elliott said...

I'm with Barbara...I love the GFG piece too and your change was just the right thing~! Maintenant, c'est parfait!

Summerset said...

Beautiful! Your little fixes were perfect.

The cottage piece turned out wonderfully, too! I'm just catching up on some commenting. Don't think I didn't take a good look at it when it first was posted!

black bear cabin said...

such beautiful fabrics...and what a lovely little sampler!!! inspiring :)

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Allie, Your CQ creations are always so beautiful and creative. You inspire us all. I wish you and your family a very Happy and Blessed Easter Holiday. Hugs Judy

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful piece. Congratulations on your lovely work. Happy Easter.

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I'm always amazed at how your flowery things dance and swirl in riotous color and movement, but yet stay within the confines of the piece - so the eye doesn't fly off in another direction. Order within chaos - beautiful!!

Raspberry said...

I must confess I liked the yellow patch - I thought it made a lovely contrast. But I can see how the red flows better...either way it really turned out great. I love seeing your finished products, because they really get my creative juices flowing. :)