Friday, September 17, 2010

torn

Originally, this quilt was intended to be my "on the go" summer project. I told myself that I will make as many blocks as I have time to do throughout the summer and then when the kids start school, I'll sew them up, whatever the size may be: doll quilt, king sized or anywhere in between.

Yesterday was a dreary day and it felt like an applique day, so I thought I would get out this quilt and see how big my quilt would end up being.

Well, it's a pretty good size (42" x 53.5") considering the block construction and considering that this is my first applique project. However, it's not large enough to wrap up in, and it would be a shame to never be able to do so.
This morning I did a little math to see how many more blocks I would need to make it a decent sized lap quilt. Part of me REALLY wants to finish this right now. Part of me knows I'll be forever kicking myself if I don't make it just a little bit (107 blocks, to be precise) larger. Oh, the trials of a quilter.

107 comments:

Wacky Woman said...

It is really looking gorgeous.

KristyLou said...

Keep going! You can't put that much work into something that beautiful only to not use it.

Mama Urchin said...

Are they something you could do while waiting for the kids at school, or practice, or whatever? Maybe then you could keep doing them without guilt? Not that you need to feel guilty for not finishing it now but I know how it can be sometimes.

Kris said...

I love how this is looking! Could there be a compromise by adding some borders or sashing so you could make it bigger without all the handwork?

Amy said...

Maybe you could just add some borders to it to make it larger and save you some time!

Laurence said...

Gorgeous !

Julie @ Jaybird Quilts said...

go big or go home

;-)

you'll regret it later if you don't.

Char said...

It's so beautiful! I say go for it or regret it! You can do it.

Blaubeere22 said...

Keep going! It will be so worth it! And you can always add some chunky borders for a little extra girth. :)

Laura McGee said...

that quilt is amazingly beautiful and fun! i LOVE it! keep going!! id be a shame if it was never snuggled with!

Garilyn S said...

I like this. I agree with maybe adding a border or two...maybe some sashing. That way it would be done quicker. I really like the colors.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you started blogging again. I'm a newby quilter, but your site is getting me more inspired.

Susal

Amanda Conger said...

I agree with Kris--borders!

Or maybe mix in some blocks that are only partially appliqued (like 1 of the 4 corners) to play with the pattern a bit

the momma said...

surely you will still be 'on the go' and can continue..... just don't work on it AT HOME, though..... (that would appease my conscience...) besides, it's summer somewhere, right??

knittinbrit_in_wi said...

What about sashing or some borders? Or just enjoy the process and sew away. Looks beautiful!

Anonymous said...

keep going- it's so pretty! you've already put so much into it.

I agree with sashing or adding borders.

Anonymous said...

I have to know what the bunny fabric on the top of the pictured pile is! My 2 year old loves bunnies, but i've had a difficult time finding bunny fabric i love...

Erika Mulvenna said...

It looks so wonderful! I know what you mean about wanting to wrap up in it - and it will be so cozy when it's done!

Denise said...

Whether you keep going with more blocks or adding sashing and borders I think you should go with what your gut is saying, and make it bigger :0)

Pepe said...

Yes! I know the problem! Never too early to sew it up, but then, when you finish it, never enough big!

Amanda Jean said...

kimberly owens,

the bunny fabric is a few years old. i believe it's by holly holderman (lakehouse dry goods). i don't have the selvage anymore so i can't be more precise than that, unfortunately. good luck!

amandajean

Anonymous said...

That's lovely!

Live a Colorful Life said...

Jaybird cracked me up: go big or go home. HAHA. Don't kick yourself, but do make it the larger size, whether you have to make extra blocks or add a border or whatever. You'll always be glad you did that. (Ha! I'm a big talker--I don't even DO applique...)

And your answer to Kimbelry Owens kind of cracked me up too, because since cutting off the selvage of nearly every fabric I own, it DOES make it hard to identify at a later date. Oh well...the selvages look so pretty in other projects.

Sarah Craig said...

It's a beautiful quilt, whatever you do - but what if you changed the proportions to make it a square, then bordered it? If my calculations are right, you could make 20 more of the appliqued leaf blocks, then put another row on the left hand side (a row being 7 sets of four leaf blocks; then you would have a 49" square block. Add a 6" border all the way around, and you've got about 60" of square sofa-cuddling goodness!

Leslie said...

just a little bit bigger is going to be perfect...it looks so great already

Trudi said...

It's looking fantastic alreay, but a little larger will make it just perfect for you! Love it :)

Lori said...

Whata great idea to do those little ones throughout the summer. I love the look of this quilt. Don't stop now!

Jessica Christensen said...

Of course, I vote bigger, but you probably knew I would. Bigger is better!

Vickie E said...

definitely make it bigger!

Lisa said...

You could add borders, including one of a "zig-zag" of leaves in between borders? Then you make it bigger but balanced.

Ruth said...

It's absolutely beautiful. It would be a shame not to make it larger, but then again, applique quilts always seem to wear worse when used. You could always make it a wall hanging quilt, there it would be beautiful and a little less likely to wear out.

Anonymous said...

I found some on ebay :-) Thank you so much!

Elena said...

Beautiful! I agree, I have the same problem that I want to make everything big enough to snuggle under on the couch. Don't want to go thru all that work and end up with something that's not useful! :)

Contented Caroline said...

I'm sure you'll be glad you continued. I'm glad you're enjoying adventures in applique - I love it.

Erika :: Ollie & Olina said...

Put a great BORDER around it, then you can finish in no time! Borders always look great.

Jan said...

The story of my life. *wink*

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

If you'll be kicking yourself forever then you know you have to do it! It's beautiful. It'll be worth it.

Danielle said...

Only 107???? No problem, a quilter's life is not measured by the the amount of quilts we make, but by the amount of times they take our breath away!

Tam-A-Roo said...

I love this quilt!! You must finish it...maybe add some borders to make it bigger?!

It is really lovely!

Terriaw said...

You have made SO much progress on this project since you first began! I know what you mean about being torn, wanting to finish right now, but knowing in your heart you will want to curl up in this beauty later. Keep pushing on - it will be so worth your extra efforts!

Wendy said...

It its beautiful, and I think you should keep going!!

Anonymous said...

it's amazing to see how many blocks you finished throughout the summer; plus super woman with the amazing speed and zip like you; needn't worry about a 'measily' 107 more blocks. in your world and speed; you can have them finished by tomorrow! :)
anna

Annalia said...

Don't stress about it - it can be next summer's on-the-go project too! :)

Jennifer said...

it's cute! i definitely agree that it needs to be big enough to wrap up in, so those 107 squares are necessary. maybe you keep it as your on the go project and finish it in the winter or something!

i decided to extend my grandmother's flower garden by many many hexagons and didn't regret that either; now i have a huge, beautiful quilt to wrap up in.

Care said...

It's beautiful!

Keep going! You can do it!

qltmom9 said...

LOL, you're singing my song.

Make it bigger.

L~

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Beautiful! I read a few of the comments that suggested sashing and borders. If you want to save time, that sounds like the way to go to me!

beth said...

You'll be done in no time and we'll all wonder..."how'd she do that?"...
I agree with that last line too...
Oooh, the trials we endure! ;)

Needled Mom said...

I know what you mean. I say make it bigger while you can. It is just gorgeous.

Amanda Jean said...

kimberly owens,

i'm SO EXCITED that you found some bunny fabric on ebay. wahoo!!! it's SUCH nice fabric. i love it!

amandajean

Gina said...

beautiful!! keep on keepin' on!!

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, finish that bottom row , put a border on it then make a few more blocks to make an outside border. Doing so would cover all the bases. It shouldnt feel like you are 'cheating' ,keeps it unique and pretty, and most importaint makes that last mile fly.

Teresa Rawson said...

Keep on truckin'!! Maybe you could make it your "out the door in a baggie" project and do just a few more. You'll be so proud while you're sitting pretty, all wrapped up in it some day. It's looking FABULOUS!!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

genie said...

I love the way this quilt is coming together. It is wonderful. It’s going to be beautiful when finished.

Hugs,
Genie

Cheryl Arkison said...

Jaybird said exactly what I was going to say. Plus, I think you should throw in some dark blues/purples.

Amanda Naomi said...

I agree, make it bigger. I have a few quilts that I didn't make as big as I should have, and regret it now. With something that pretty you can't stop until your gut tells you it's right!!

Dolly said...

I really like that you varied your background fabrics.....I don't think I have seen that before with this pattern. Very nice !

And, yes, I'm like you.......it would be nice to finish it now, but what would you have. You'd forever be wishing it were larger, or starting another one eventually !

It's worth the extra work and the wait !

Unknown said...

WOW - this is beautiful - I would audition some sashing fabrics - a great way to make it bigger - sort of instant gratification :-)
no matter what you do it will be great!!

Pat Sloan said...

super quilt... go for bigger... or add a border!

Gigi's Thimble said...

Oh I love that quilt and now I want to make one. You can do it! You'll be done in no time I'm sure. Good luck!

Renee said...

It's gorgeous. Bigger would be better.

ozjane said...

Be a happy tortoise and keep going
It is worth it.

In Awe of Applique said...

it's beautiful, you did a great job! but you should really keep going, you'll be glad that you did!

Alexis said...

It is gasp aloud gorgeous! Definitely make it bigger- it will be even more beautiful!

GeeGee said...

It's beautiful! Keep going or you will regret it later! Ask me how I know?? :)

Annessa said...

Keep going! You're doing great...you'll love it when it's done. Heck, I love it now!

SarahB said...

Gorgeous! Keep going!

Annette - MyRoseValley said...

I love that quilt. Make it big enough to cuddle in under or you will never forgive yourself. It is stunning and will be well worth the extra effort. Says someone who hasn't even finished her first quilting project in life. However, I love yours!

Annie said...

oh I hear you baby!!!!

Laurasdream said...

Nice job. I really like your designs, they are always an inspiration.

Have a happy day, from Barcelona(Spain).

Ann said...

Oh, you must keep making more squares. Don't settle for a border, don't make it small...You have a nice long cold winter ahead of you to cuddle on the couch and make 107 more. -- Ann

Lisa H. said...

Keep going! (Here I am cheering for you to applique until it seems like the right size!!)

pinsandneedles said...

Looking good! I also would want it a little bigger...maybe a border?

Anonymous said...

What size are your blocks and the leaf? Did you have a template or did you just make it up? Looks like something I need to do!!!!
Cheers Geniene

deebriese said...

Gosh! Your my hero! Just beautiful...

Esch House Quilts said...

What about an inner border and then some more blocks on a larger scale? It looks great so far!

Andrea said...

It looks beautiful, like the other quilts you show. I just found your blog and I Love it ;)
Kisses from Spain. Andrea

LuAnn said...

A lot of people use hexagons for a take-along project. Yours is a great idea. I'm doing a Kaffe quilt, and I may just start saving the scraps that I thought were too small to do anything with. I'd love to know how big each of your melon sections is.

Mary said...

It really is beautiful...either way you go, it will be a treasured quilt!

RG said...

Oh gee we all understand this battle. Persevere if you can for the long term... if not, put some lovely borders and on and snuggle!
It's lovely :-)

Deb Robertson Writes said...

I was sitting in Church this morning thinking about your quilt (while I listened to the sermon OF COURSE) and I thought I must tell you that you need to make the quilts bigger as the kids get bigger. Honestly my teenagers are constantly nagging me to make the quilts bigger!

Anonymous said...

Go for it...you'll be glad you did...looks beautiful!

Thimbleanna said...

Hahaha -- the trials indeed. Applique projects take YEARS for me and lots of patience. Keep plugging away -- it will be done before you know it. I really love how it's looking!

Kim said...

Or a really nice couple of borders and call it done :0)

You've done a great job so far!
Is it talking to you and letting you know what it wants to be done?

Happy Sewing

Chris Ann said...

What a gorgeous quilt....just keep going! It will be so satisfying to snuggle up under that beauty when it is done!!

Chris Daly said...

Do keep going. This is a beautiful quilt top so far.

happy zombie said...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Beautiful! Gasp! ANOTHER quilt you make me want to make. STOP IT!

Anonymous said...

Ah, but it will be so ridiculously gorgeous (and snuggle-able!) once it is done! Sometimes knowing something in advance doesn't always seem like a good thing...!

Eden said...

I would do a border maybe solid border followed by a scrappy pieced border. I think it is just gorgeous!

Andrea, the little collector said...

Stick with your gut. It it says bigger=lots more loving...go for it. Delayed gratification. Looks fabulous!

tarabu said...

Have I mentioned how glad I am you're back? Not that I like hearing you suffer about your art, but it's so refreshing to hear someone else talk about how plans change partway through the process. Also, now that you've finished the spiderweb (that gorgeous piece!) you really need something big hanging around being the elephant in the corner, don't you?

Anonymous said...

Oh, but you must persevere. It is such a beauty. Love your choice of colors. You WILL be happy when you're all wrapped up in it. And you will look smashing, too!
Greta H.
P.S.
I am so glad you returned to blog about your quilting. You are a bright spot in my days. Thank you.

Di~ said...

Man AJ, what in the heck is Liberty tana lawn??? ~red in the face...

Ariane said...

Wow!! I love it!! I love the scrappy look to it too. Gorgeous!!!!

Julia said...

it's beautiful! Could you link me to how to make one myself please?

Rose Marie said...

Your blocks are beautiful ..... keep on going and pretty soon you will be so thankful that you kept at it.

Sherry said...

Your blocks look wonderful. If the thought of doing 107 more blocks is too much perhaps you could work out some interesting borders to make the quilt the size you would like?

Cara @ Me? A Mom? said...

oh you definitely need to keep going. It's too fantastic not to have it in a usable size.

sula said...

Looks great! I agree with you--you'll be so grateful you kept going once it is done.

Hannah said...

This is going to be a beautiful quilt and bright and cheery for our dreary northern winters! Makes me wish I had the patience for this kind of quilting.

IntrinsicSelf said...

Gorgeous!

Rebekah said...

wow! Your applique is beautiful! I have wanted to make one of these orange peel quilts, but the applique always caused me to find a different project

Quiltgal said...

How about some nice borders, finishing with a lovely scalloped border.

Diane Bohn said...

Wow! That is beautiful!! :) I think I would definitely make it a little larger. I totally know how frustrating it can be when you want a project to be finished, but it's always worth it in the end to take the time to make it just right. :) Good luck! And even if it is smaller, you could use it as a car blanket or something (That's my next quilting project I want to do: make some quilts for the car so there is always something to snuggle up in during the winter.) Best of luck!! :)

Faye said...

LOVE the colors of the fabric!

Karen said...

It's a beautiful quilt, would look great on the wall. But I agree, a beautiful quilt you can't snuggle in is a missed opportunity. Good luck finishing it!

Jo said...

your non-border quilts are stunning, keep going!