Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Vintage CQ....Finished for Now

I began this project in June 2009, piecing the center wheelblocks feverishly as a way to cope with a dire illness in the family. (My SIL is fine now, thank God.)

The inspiration for the quilt was this, as you recall:

I had a great time over last summer and fall creating unique flower motifs to go into each wheel block; I made 30 and discarded 2, for 28 total.

Along the way, I pieced one set border blocks surrounding that central wheel block section and then scrapped it as being too loud and contemporary.
The second set of blocks was much more to my liking, and you saw their finished result in my last post.

Then those butterflies flew in with the sunshine!

Now the quilt is assembled and at a good "resting point". Sometimes these very long haul projects need to hibernate awhile, and I sense strongly that that is the case here, as my vision for the final border is not clear (though Maureen Greeson kindly drafted a pattern for the outer border you see in the original quilt.)

So here is where we are now:

First, a few detail shots that show some butterflies and also that black inner border that finally went on to help define the center section.

I repeated the fly stitch in floss between the blocks in the outer border to tie in with all the flystitching in the center section.

I have to admit, it was fun using such wild color combinations, trying at the same time to keep them from getting away from me...sort of like riding at a gallop but pulling on the reins!

And finally, this:

I'm quite happy with it, although I wish the wheelblock piecing was more accurate. But their wonkyness reflects what we as a family were going through at the time I was sewing them. And I can't look at all that flystitching in those blocks without remembering long plane rides to and from the hospital, crying, hoping, and praying.

So we'll let this quilt sleep for awhile and see what it wants when it wakes up, whenever that is!

Meanwhile, there are more garden prints to stitch.....


17 comments :

Vicki W said...

It's fabulous!

Suzanne Kistler said...

Beautiful!!

Lisa Boni said...

This looks like a quilt that one needs to see up close and in person to fully appreciate! What I can see from here looks fabulous! The bit of pattern really helps to pull the wide array of colors together. Love the butterflies!

So glad your SIL is ok. Hope it continues to be so!

Possibilities, Etc. said...

I have loved watching this quilt develop - every step of the way. The swarm of butterflies adds a lighthearted and happy feeling, as well as "impending movement." Butterflies are, after all, a symbol of happiness (China) and "rebirth." (many cultures)

Debra Dixon said...

Really pretty! Unless you were really dedicated to the next border, your piece would be just as lovely finished as it is now.

Silver Sisters said...

wow, such an ambitious project! It is simply stunning!

Summerset said...

I like it! I think it is a good, modern interpretation of the original. Letting it rest is a good thing. I have a project "resting" right now, too. Maybe I'll get back to it in August?

Darlene said...

Wonderful family heirloom!

Cathy said...

Another exquisite masterpiece! I so love the richness, variety and super saturated colors that you seem to pack into your art. Nobody does it better! In time, it will be fun to see what you two (you and the quilt) decide will be a good border finish! What a memorable piece! Hugs, Cathy

christina said...

Wow, what a great work!

Pamela Kellogg said...

Allie, I'm drooling all over my keyboard!!! Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful....love it!

Thelma said...

Beautiful work Allie!

FredaB said...

I am so glad your SIL is doing well. I had no idea you were going thru that Allie.

The quilt trned out really well and I do think letting it sit for awhile will rejuvenate you and you wil start again with gusto.

The border on the original quilt is just beautiful.

Hugs

FredaB

Barbara C said...

Really beautiful Allie. This was a big project, and you poured so much energy into it. I'm sure you're glad to set it aside for awhile. It will let you know when it's ready for the next step.

Rachel said...

Huge projects like this always remind us of what else was going on in our lives as we worked on them...
So glad your SIL is well again now.

Susan Elliott said...

I'm jealous of the butterflies who can get up close and see the details...smell the flowers...I love how they flit all over the quilt. It's beautiful, Allie.

I'm glad it's going to come back again to play one day.

Until we meet again...

NickiLee said...

WOW! WOW! I've been waiting to see how this would turn out and it is an incredible as I thought it would be. Fabulous piece of art!