Wednesday, September 12, 2012

working smarter, not harder

After moving all my stuff down to the basement I had a fresh look at all my unfinished projects. It was a bit frightening. For that reason, among others, I decided to put two WIPs in one. This is my pieced chopsticks quilt. On the backside is my 'on the edge' quilt. They fit together really well, color and design wise. I only needed to add one strip to the other side to make it work. Now I only need half the batting! Sweet!
So....I was feeling all smug and smart. Then I decided to stipple it all over, but using a small stipple. (I put the quarter in this photo for scale.) That's not micro stippling or anything, but it's probably about a third of the size of my usual stipple. I love it, but I'm not feeling so smug anymore. This is gonna take awhile.

I keep telling myself, 'this will be worth it' over and over...and I will continue to remind myself that...as long as it takes. :)

42 comments:

kat129 said...

It might take a while - but it is beautiful! Good luck finishing!
-k

Aliceart said...

I love this quilt, it's good to see it again. Two siding it was a great idea.

nettie said...

so smart!!

Jane said...

In my experience, everything is always harder and takes longer. Love the chopsticks quilt! Looking forward to seeing this finished.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Gotta' love a twofer!!

Hope said...

I have never stippled, so can only imagine. Hang in there!

carla said...

Hi!!! I love both sides and the stippling looks great!!!!

Cheerful Homemaker said...

Love the pattern :)

I wish I were better at FMQ. I just can't seem to get the hang of it :(

Lauren said...

What a perfect match! Those will look great together.

Dhia said...

I still think it looks like birch tree trunks. Love it

CapitolaQuilter said...

since it is two quilts in one you are doing 1/2 the surface so that'll help even out the FMQ time. Love them both.

Elaine M said...

Love the chopsticks. I think "On the edge" is a perfect match for the back. Love the small stipple. I need to practice more mine always gets bigger as I get tired.

Auntie Pami said...

I like this!

Svetlana said...

wow! I love what you have going on here! It looks fantastic!

Mama Pea said...

It will be worth it! It's really awesome!

mtnquiltr said...

It looks so great, hang in there!

Sarah Craig said...

Oh, Amanda Jean, that's amazing! I love the way it looks like birch trees - i've got to make one of these!!! Good luck with all that stippling - it will be worth it in the end!!

teaginny said...

so smart to combine these two!!! Dense quilting is tedious, but it is going to have such great texture when you're done.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

I had not seen this before. It is terrific!

quiltnlady said...

This quilt is just stunning. You are so talented.

Kris from Duke Says Sew What said...

Neat pattern with those chop sticks and solids. I like it!

Tamie said...

The quilting will be worth it and you will have a double sided quilt. How cool!

Heleen Groot said...

Double wammy there. The quilt already looks amazing! As for it taking a while, I just finished (hand)quilting a 2.50 by 2.50 mtr quilt. That only took a year, so don't worry. Good things come to those who wait.....pffft!

Suzanne said...

Using two quilt top WIPs gives new meaning to a pieced back. :-) Thank goodness you realized they complemented each other so well.

Kris P said...

Great idea! I love a reversible quilt. It will be worth it in the long run. Just relax and be sure to take breaks.

Kim said...

You have more great ideas!
How is the basement working out? do you have any natural light down there?

Happy Sewing

themissymom said...

I really like the use of small pieces in this quilt. Fun stuff.
Don't you hate those moments when you feel a bit smug....it is usually when I assemble clothing backwards or inside out or something.
Eeerrr!

Flaun of I Plead Quilty! said...

Oh, I love this top!

ashley said...

Love those chopsticks! Those colors are fantastic!

Farm Road Quilts said...

Your stippling is just perfect! Do you have a tutorial or video for it?

emilysigler said...

I would LOVE a pieced chopstick tutorial. like... a lot. ;)

Hannah said...

I LOVE the chopsticks front especially!!! I do double sided quilts more often than not ... feels like half the work in the end...Kinda... :)

Live a Colorful Life said...

That is SUCH beautiful stippling. You are my stippling idol.

Cherie said...

A fun idea putting them both together! Making one quilt takes long enough as it is already. Loving the FMQ =D

Caroline said...

IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!! Those two quilts DO go very well together. Can't wait to see the finished product. :)

Fran said...

It will for sure be worth it! The top and the quilting both look awesome!

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

I second the request for a Chopsticks Tutorial. Is it hard to make that quilt so beautifully? Two, two, two quilts in one !~! What a great way to finish two projects at once, Amanda, you're a genius.

Katherine said...

Brilliant!

Hope the transition is going smoothly and good luck with the tiny stipple quilting. It's looking gorgeous.

Michele said...

Great idea to use 2 tops and you'll have double the enjoyment when you snuggle under it.

Lindsey said...

HOLY COW! Your stippling is so perfect! I wish I could get mine to look so perfect. That's going to be an awesome quilt.

Paige said...

love, love, love...would love to make in mini form. do you mind?

Paige said...

Your quilting is fantastic, so evenly spaced. Beautiful, so jealous.