Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Everyday Best top is finished

Bad photo, but you get the idea. My show and tell:
This quilt was begun in ernest in December 2010. I had already pulled the fabrics out from among the hundreds I bought on the Quilters' Quest when I spent $500, mostly on FQs in stripes and spots. After the first day of the Quest, I consulted the book/pattern to be sure I was buying the right stuff. I think the second day I focused on green.
January's progress was slow while I designed and made a few shop samples for Aurora. However, once they all were finished, i returned to the mess under the sheet on my ever-collapsing design wall.
(Aside--the portable design wall loves to warp and fall over, no matter how carefully I've put it together. My dream studio will have a permanent DW made of a tackable surface affixed to the closet doors.)
I used monofilament thread and a narrow hemming stitch to applique the vines, leaves, and flowers. I made only one huge mistake and had to rip out and reposiition the stems on one of the borders. I had used the pattern incorrectly and after attempting to make it work, I decided to go with the original design. It's easier to make my own design from scratch than it is to fix mistakes I've made on other folks' designs.
The top is on its way to the quilter's as I write. I can't wait to see what she comes up with.