Friday 13 September 2013

About time...

I have had a project that required starting for some time. It has been milling around in my mind for a loonnnng time. I have gifted quilts to two of my sisters in law and I had wanted to make one for the third. I paid attention to when she was discussing colours for her bedroom and colours that she didn't like anymore.
When quilter's bazaar in Gisborne closed down some time ago we went to one of their sales and she picked some fabrics out in apricots and sage green. These colours would be the base colours for her quilt. She said she would also like a basket of flowers on point.
For me that was too many specifics.....I have struggled since with the colours and the requirements. Looking for a pattern that I thought she would like has been so hard. I much prefer to make something then gift it (whether they like it or not lol)  when there is too much criteria I tend to freak out. But at last the planets have aligned.
A few months ago a friend gave me some old crafty mags and on the cover of one was a lovely simple quilt that fitted the bill. Next to sort out those colours that are not really my favourites. I realised that I needed to add some other colours into the mix.
Since I finished the girls quilt and my once upon a time it was time I bit the bullet and committed big time to this quilt. I mentioned it to her that I had started and she thought I had forgotten. She knows how I have to have things just right so she is happy to wait.
Here is the centre started...
Nothing too fancy or complicated but manageable. The stems were a bit daunting but I found some great ready made bias binding that matched the colours perfectly so off I went. Ready made binding is definitely a winner! The little flowers will have chain stitched stems.
(The pattern is by Robyn Falloon and was in the Australian Quilters Companion no 15)
It has a simple border that I have simplified even more so it will not be a drawn out project.
Poor Swan Lake has been put to the side again but I will get back to it soon.
Some cross stitching being worked on too, pics next time...
Have a great weekend
Marina






26 comments:

  1. Hello Marina,

    Congrats on biting the bullet and making a start, that is always the hardest part I think. Love the centre block, your SIL will be hugging you.

    Enjoy the cross stitching.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

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  2. So glad that the planets have finally aligned....oh and too true Quilters Bazaar has been closed for quite a while now.

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  3. it's going to be lovely Marina....
    Hugz

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  4. Very nice, I'm sure it will be beautiful and she will love it when finished!

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  5. What a lovely centre...so worth the wait to find the perfect elements that speak to you...I"m sure your SIL will love the finished quilt...

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  6. Marina, you are an amazing quilt maker if you call this 'manageable'! What skill you have!
    I love what you have done so far, & look forward to seeing it progress x

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  7. Hi Marina, this is lovely, I am sure your sister in law will really love it too. I used to work at Quilters Bazaar on the weekends - I can remember lots of these fabrics, they look really pretty in your applique x

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  8. Looking good Marina. Those stems are perfect!

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  9. Well worth the long time planning. What you have done so far looks beautiful. Lovely colours and tones, and one of the nicest designs I have seen.

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  10. The centre is gorgeous Marina. This is going to be a beautiful quilt. Would you like to be my sister in law? LOL!

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  11. Lucky sister in law. How could she not like it. Hope you are warming to the colours. Looks great to me.

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  12. Going to look great. I know they might not be your colours but I love what you have prepped so far.

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  13. I find it difficult to work even on a bee block if I don't like the colours so I know what you are saying but well done for finding a way to meet her requests and your comfort zone!

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  14. Oh that looks fabulous. Colours are lovely. You are going well!

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  15. Love you choice of fabrics. Lucky sister in law.

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  16. Glad you found your appliqué, it looks great. Beautiful work Marina and love the colours that you have used. You may not want to give this one away!

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  17. This is going to be a fabulous quilt you are making for your SIL.. Great start.

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  18. Pretty flowers Marina. Good to get started, always the most difficult bit.

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  19. That block is a great starting point. It looks great!
    Isn't it hard to work with fabrics that are not of your choosing? But you have made a start and hopefully it is easier now. Good luck!

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  20. Beautiful work Marina, that purchased binding is perfect.
    Cheers R.

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  21. Impressive and lovely start :o)

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  22. Those colours may not be your favourites but you still made a beautiful centre piece with them.
    Gorgeous beginning.

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  23. a super great start to the quilt.

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  24. Looks beautiful Marina, you have done an amazing job there!!
    xx

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  25. Wonderful quilt centre!
    I prefer to make gifts to my own taste too ;)

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  26. Gorgeous centre block Marina. Wish I was your sister-in-law! :o) You are earning tons of extra brownie points for working with fabrics you don't like too. Looking forward to seeing this quilt take shape....

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