Friday, December 07, 2018

black licorice--a completed quilt

Welcome to finish it up Friday!

First off, thank you soooo much for your kind comments on my previous post. I am truly and deeply touched by all of your kindness and words of support. To answer the question that was asked so many times, yes, I do plan to leave my blog up as a resource. The other night at dinner I told my husband, "my blog really reached a lot of people". You should have seen the incredulous look he gave me, along with a big old "Duh!!!" We shared a good laugh after that. It has been an emotional week, but along with it, I have a deep sense of peace. For that I am grateful.

I'm excited that I have a finished quilt to share with you today! This one is called black licorice, but it also reminds me of stained glass. I gave it to my daughter, who loves ALL of the colors. She has been happily sleeping under it for several nights now.
The quilt is made up of 1554 little rectangles that finish at 1 1/2" x 2". That felt like a lot of pieces, even for me! :) Solids from a variety of manufacturers were used. There are a few shot cottons and a few linens that were used that give it additional texture that you wouldn't recognize until you get up close. I love quilts with details like that. I also love the darker patches sprinkled throughout that make subtle and random cross patterns when you are looking at it from a distance.
I made a special trip to the grocery store yesterday to get a package of "All Sorts" for the photos, just for fun. The candy tastes pretty good, too!
There is a LOT of quilting on this one....a black X through the middle of each and every rectangle. When I first quilted it, I quilted an X through all of the black rectangles, but it didn't look like it was quilted at all. Crazy! So, I went back and added quilting through all of the colored rectangles. It took a lot more time than I expected, but it was definitely the right choice!
I knew that I wanted to use Kona Marine for the binding, so when I went shopping and found this black and blue polka dot at SR Harris, I knew that it was "the one" for the backing. Hurray for a perfect match!

Using a black background for the quilt was definitely a stretch for me, but I'm glad that I tried it. I'm reasonably happy with the results! The quilt measures about 63" x 72".
 
This is my 3rd finish (out of 10, hopefully!) in my "Salute to Solids" series. You can see the first one here and the second one here. That means it must be time to start a new quilt! Hurray! :)
  
Now, it's your turn! Please link up your finishes for the month. Thank you, as always, for joining me for finish it up Friday! xoxoxxo
 

38 comments:

Super Mom - No Cape! said...

WOW... that is stunning! Those colors really pop against the black.

Melissa Corry said...

It is absolutely fantastic!!! I love the black background!!! And yes indeed, you have touched so many quilters from this space. You will be missed dearly!!!

Sherrill said...

It is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! Very tempting but small parts and me disagree! LOL But I may try with a bit bigger bits. Your quilts are always so inspiring (not to mention stunning)!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Best of luck to you in your new adventures!!

Chris said...

It’s beautiful!

Kathleen said...

You did reach a lot of people and you will do well in your new endeavors.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Beautiful quilt! Blessings to you and your family, you will be missed!

Bernie Kringel said...

When I looked at the first picture, I immediately thought of All Sorts - which I LOVE - maybe that is why this quilt is so cool to me. Also love the crosses made by the areas with dark blue centers. It is a great quilt. So many little squares!!!!

Feeling that deep sense of peace says it all. You are making the change that is right for you. Thank you again for everything and also for leaving the blog up for us to access. Take care and congrats on a job well done (both blog and the licorice quilt!)

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

The backing is perfect and was definitely meant to be for this quilt. Thank you so much for everything over the years and all the best to you for your future endeavors!

Mari said...

Another beautiful finish and a lovely quilt. Great inspiration for many, I'm sure. I will miss your blog-- always so cheerful and positive, with lots of great quilts and inspiration. All the best in your next chapter!

em's scrapbag said...

Beautiful finish! Glad you tried the black also. It really makes the colors pop!

Alison V. said...

Thank you for all of the wisdom that you've shared throughout the years -- it has been truly invaluable! I linked up my finished Donuts quilt today and am plotting which quilt from NSLB to make next! Good luck -- I will miss your wit and wisdom!

Preeti said...

You will be missed, Amanda-Jean. I will keep coming back to your blog for inspiration and guidance. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sarah said...

I love it! So bold and bright!

And, yes, your blog has reached a lot of people. I'm a newish quilter, and your blog helped me expand my horizons. Thank you.

Sara said...

I really love how the black just makes the colors brighter and bolder. It's beautiful.

I'll miss new posts from you, as I've enjoyed reading your blog for a couple of years. However, your decisions focus on what is best for your future. Best wishes on whatever your new adventures are.

Di~ said...

Wow! Wheeeeee! I love love love this awesome quilt!(Hmmm pretty sure I've said that before.)

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

Pretty quilt, and beautiful quilting!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Just wanted to say thank you for all your inspiration over the years! Your blog has been a great resource for me and I love all of your work. I'll continue to follow over on Instagram and look forward to seeing what you get up to next!

CapitolaQuilter said...

Bittersweet finish it up linky party - I'm getting all sentimental. Glad that your EPIC blog will still be a resource for the quilty community. I love the DUH comment from hubby :)

Jenny said...

I can only add what your other readers have already said, I will miss your blog and reading about your wonderful creative endeavours. And I will especially miss you Finish it up Friday blogs, so wonderful to sit comfortably with a coffee for a while and see what your readers have also achieved. I was always so pleased when I had something to share as well.
Your licorice quilt is stunning. And....we just happen to have a factory in my home town which makes licorice all sorts!
Best of luck in your new endeavours.

leanne said...

I’m in love with this quilt and the black makes all those colours pop :) so so sad that you won’t be blogging anymore but so very happy and extremely grateful that you will be leaving your blog open - it really is the most amazing resource from one amazing quilter- you will be missed xx

Paige said...

If you hadn't said so, I would not have noticed the quilting through the black rectangles. The crosshatching provides so much texture. Just beautiful! Thank you, Amanda Jean, you and and your blog have certainly been a bright spot in the quilting community and I'm sure you will shine just as bright, if not brighter, in your next venture whatever that may be.

Unknown said...

It looks amazing and I will miss your blog but sending best wishes for the future from here in the UK.

Rosemary Boyd said...

I do not routinely post comments but I have followed your blog religiously. I was learning to sew, and quilt and your blog was so informative and motivating. Love your book and fabric designs. I will sincerely miss you, like an old friend and mentor. Enjoy your family. And THANK YOU!

Karen said...

It's certainly another stunning quilt you've done. Thank you for keeping your blog up for all of us to use. It's very appreciated. Any time that I have needed inspiration on what to make with my scraps, I always turn to your blog first! Thank you for all you inspire and I wish you well in your new endeavors.

allikatquilts.blogspot.com said...

I have enjoyed following your blog and seeing all your wonderful creations along with lots of others on Finish it up Friday and know I will be revisiting it in the future. Best wishes to you and your family in your future endeavours!

piecefulwendy said...

I found your blog a little late, but you have been a favorite. Thank you for the time you've taken to write, post, and share a little bit of your quilting days with us. Having your daughter snuggle under Black Licorice is what makes it all worthwhile, right?! I hope, if you are ever in our neck of the woods again, you will give me a heads up. Maybe we'll bump into each other at the quilt show again. At any rate, I hope to see you now and then!

Sandy Panagos said...

I have loved this quilt since you started working on it. Every time I've seen it I've thought of Allsorts! How wonderful that you found such a perfect backing. This quilt is a delight!

Julia Mac said...

Thank you so much for the blog and all the quilts and pincushions and bags and for sharing your creativity so generously. You are a legend. Wishing every good thing for the future to you and your family. THANK YOU.

JulieM said...

I absolutely love this quilt and can't wait to start one of my own. Thanks for all the great ideas you have given me. I hope your retirement from this blog is all you hoped it to be. Good luck with your future plans and enjoy the holidays.

Mary said...

I had to go back and read your previous post as I’m behind on reading emails. I love your posts and am sad you won’t be blogging. I signed up for instagram but I miss the written communication. I wish you the best and will sign up for your instagram. Thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have given me over the years.

Quiltingranny said...

Hi Amanda:
I am looking for quilters that would be willing to make one or a few quilts for the families and first responders that lost their homes in Paradise, CA?
There are so many and I have several families that are asking me for quilts and at this time I do not have but 2 left to send.
If anyone would love to step up and bless a fire fighter, a police officer, a 911 dispatcher, a CAL FIRE fighter, CHP, please contact me and I will get them the information.
Thank yo so much!

Love4Scrapbooking said...

That quilt is absolutely beautiful!!! I'm very jealous.

Nancy said...

Beautiful quilt. I love how you put colors together and the scrappy look of many of your quilts. I am saddest that I haven't gone to one of your retreats or got to meet you. If you do continue to teach sometimes keep us posted. Love you crazy mom. 😁

FlourishingPalms said...

The best part about this beautiful quilt is that your daughter loves it. What could be more special than that! I do believe though that you named it All Sorts just to have the excuse to buy that candy. :-) You will be greatly missed in the blogging world. Only a few of us are still at it. My blog will be ten years old in January. But I also understand the relief that you'll feel... though I bet you'll be looking for your camera to take pictures before remembering that you don't need to! All my best. See you on Instagram!

Marla said...

This is such a wonderful solids scrap quilt. I don't use black very often either, but it is perfect for this quilt. Your daughter is very fortunate to have such a talented mother.

Jeneta said...

I absolutely love licorice allsorts and your quilt made me think of them even before I saw its title!

Rene' said...

It's fantastic, Amanda Jean!! So interesting to see that you used tiny rectangles, which I love! The black "x" quilting is a great idea. Black Licorice is a perfect name for this beautiful quilt!