I even enjoyed the final steps of finishing this quilt!
Ever since I first discovered Annie Whitsed's method of using a "false back", that has seemed the best way to go when constructing the layers of my crazy quilts. Click on the "Assembling the Quilt" section under the "All That Jazz" category on her sidebar for the excellent series of posts that educated me about her method. (Remember, you have to work your way backwards through the posts. Thanks again, Annie.)
I wrote about it also in CQMagOnline here.
Later in that year, I wrote about the French Facing method (here) that gives a nice finished edge to a crazy quilt without having to bind it in the traditional quilterly way.
These are the techniques I've used in finishing up the Spring CQ.....
I started with a sandwich of the quilt top, cotton drapery lining, and then muslin, first pin basting and then hand basting it together. My stitching lines were every two inches.When this was done, my "pretty back" went over the muslin, being hand basted around the perimeter and then attached with some pearls on 10" centers. (No photo of that, sorry.)
This is the facing going on.I used a lightweight vintage cotton print because it wouldn't add too much bulk, and ironed crisply.
It is easier to sew this on before trimming the finished edge, in my experience.
All the facings have been turned to the back and pinned, ready to be whipstitched down by hand.
Then I sewed on a little trim...just because...and I think it makes a nice transition between the facing and the backing...
...and added just a little pink to liven things up. The back looks very springlike....And the front, well, you all know what the front looks like by now.....
Spring in the Garden
42" X 42"
It came out remarkably square, and lays nice and flat. Amazing!
Thanks for coming with me on this, my favorite crazy quilt adventure to date. I've got some gardening to catch up on...then we'll see what happens next in the sewing room... ;-)
Thanks for coming with me on this, my favorite crazy quilt adventure to date. I've got some gardening to catch up on...then we'll see what happens next in the sewing room... ;-)
30 comments :
Thanks, Allie, for the overall shot! It' lovely. The hummingbirds and butterflies are a perfect addition. It's been fun to "watch" as you worked on this.
Exquisite. It's time we find out how to get some of your works into the Smithsonian...... Hugs, Cathy
It's been awhile since I saw a picture of the complete quilt... boy, did it turn out nice! I also want to thank you for that shot of the corner of the french facing. That's where I had some troubles with the finishing on my Crazy for Quilts piece. I had tooooo much bulk in the corner (she said as the lightbulb goes on over her head)!
Beautiful!!! I love the clustered colors of the background and the embellishment is wonderful. Maureen
It's gorgeous. What's next - Summer CQ?
I do hope that at some point there is a book written by/about you and your work, 'cause I know I'd buy it in a heartbeat (and I imagine there's a lot of others that feel the same way). Love this quilt!!
This makes one's heart sing!! I do love the hummingbirds. (as well as the butterflies)
This is absolutely beautiful Allie. Your colours all go together so wonderfully and I love the fancy trimming you put over the facing seam. Well done.
Lovely, lovely, lovely! The trim on the back earns you an A++. What a fine detail.
absolutly stunning and inspiring. I have my long at rest spring cq back out. I always enjoy your bright color pallets of your quilts. Something I need to try is to brighten up the colors I use.
Wow - I bet when you turned it over you just had to give yourself a big pat on the back! That turned out so beautifully! And I love that the back is cute too. :)
This is one of the most beautiful crazy quilts I've ever seen!! I love it, and thank you for showing all the steps making the flowers, and leaves, etc. I may find some of your ideas useful for a wallhanging for my mom! Enjoying your blog~
Jackie
WOW!
Your quilt is the most beautiful example of Emerson's words and my favorite quote in the world -- "The Earth laughs in Flowers"
Simply marvelous. I have so enjoyed watching you work. Thank you so much for sharing. These pictures bring me such joy and inspiration. Someday I hope to see your work in person!!
Outstanding!Applause, applause!!! Really beautiful! Another winner!
How did I miss the hummingbirds earlier? This is lovely. I particularly love the glowing colors, and the detail is endlessly fascinating.
I couldn't get my computer to load fast the other day and I didn't get to comment on how much I love the Sweet Woodruf. Now if you could only include the smell--
It's really great to see all of the butterflies in situ... I really enjoy how they all fly around the center --
And I am very grateful for this post with all of the links for how to construct a big quilt...I'm not sure if one is in my future but all of this "help" puts it into the possibility category...
Thank you, Allie. Will I ever quit learning new and valuable techniques from you! I'm usually dissatified with my bindings. Can't get the corners right. This French facing is definitely in my future.
And, of course the spring cq is exquisite. I'm glad to have seen it in person, if incomplete. Believe me, ladies, photos don't do it justice.
The quilt is stunning, Allie. The transition of colors from the green to the beautiful florals is amazing. It's wonderful !
Lynn in So/Cal
This is such an amazing piece! I have loved watching it grow bit by beautiful bit! Thanks so much for taking us along on the journey!
Unreal! Absolutely amazing - it has been a long journey, but a beatiful one. Congrats to you for finishing it!
Allie, that is absolutely knock-yer-socks-off fabulous!
Like turning the page of an engrossing novel, I can't wait to see what happens next...
Wow, it is Fantabulous! You work is just so beautiful. I love your sweet woodruff. I have some growing under the Japanese Maple. Can't wait to see what is next.
absolutely breathtaking!
hugz:)
I haven't been able to visit blogs the past month or so. Wow! Did I miss alot here. The quilt is just amazing. Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you. I find myself coming back to check out a technique here quite frequently.
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings
www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com
www.patriciarose-apotpourriof.blogspot.com
It's gorgeous!
What an incredible piece!! All of the detail is amazing. I love the way that you use so many different items to achieve your goals. Sweet woodruff is also one of my favorites!!!
HTank you so much for all of the wonderful inspiration and information that you have shared with us!!!
Happy Stitiching!!
Elizabeth
It's breathtakingly beautiful! Watching your progress on this has been such an inspiration - and so much fun!
Allison,
I love the way you put your colors together and the way you piece. I know you use a design wall and I think I need to make one. How do you suggest I make it? Flannel or cork board? Flannel covered cork board? Thanks again for all you give to us!
So Allie, what did you use on the back? It looks like a silk or some sort of poly? It's beautiful... goes with the front! That's for sure!
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