Monday, November 19, 2012

How I spent my football Sunday . . .


This is what I decided to do with Hill Country Baskets.


Yes, I spent Sunday watching football and ripping seams.  And it didn't even take all that long, one entire game and three quarters of another game.  The red fabric that I used for the setting triangles cannot be used again, so along with some black Hemming House yardage for the new cornerstones and inner border, I also ordered some more red fabric for new setting triangles.  For a beginner, I'm getting very good at ordering fabric from e-bay.

Wow, you folks had some great ideas on what do with those very black cornerstones, what a creative bunch you are!

When I framed the quilt with the black black fabric for inner border, it did not tone down the cornerstones and pull everything together like I had hoped and many of you suggested,  I thought it made the baskets disappear even more.

I was very tempted to go with the quilting alternative, to use light thread and heavy quilting to lighten up the dark.  But I don't do my own quilting, so I wasn't sure I would be happy with what my long arm quilter would do, let alone think about my request to not only quilt my top, but to also do something to tone down the black that I used but shouldn't have.

I also really liked the idea about appliquéing a smaller square of lighter fabric over the darker fabric, so only a small amount of the dark would peak around the edge, but I thought maybe that would take away from the sashing fabric, and that still left me what to do about the inner border.

When it comes to quilting the one thing I have more of than any other thing is time, so I went with the solution that would give me the most control over a result that I think I will like.  Since this was a class project, I'm wanting to more than just finish a quilt I could live with, I'm wanting to love it and have it remind me of all the fun I had in Washington.  What's one day spent in front of a tv ripping seams and probably three days getting it all back together,  to me, not much really.

Thanks so much for all your suggestions, tips and encouragement.  I learned a lot of new things over this little bump in my road, I hope you did too!


14 comments:

  1. With all the extra work you have done, I think your so so quilt has just entered heirloom status. Glad you are happy with it - that is the name of the game. Do hope you remember your local quilt stores when buying fabric. Ebay is stuff folks are selling without having the overhead of real life stores... so go very lightly on those purchases...even if it is easy.

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    1. I could not agree more, and even though I don't have an LQS in my town, the closest one is 45 miles away, I support them whenever I can. The Hemming House fabric is an older line and hard to find, ebay was the only "store" where I could find it.

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  2. I use several online fabric stores that are fanastic; most are actual stores with online shops. Orders arrive quickly and shipping costs are very reasonable, if not free. p.s. Whatever you choose to do with your quilt, make it so YOU love it!

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  3. Funny how we ask for advice on a subject/problem when we already know deep down in our heart of hearts what is the right answer. I am sure you will be much happier with the end result after re-doing those cornerstones.
    Even though the journey is fun, you do want the destination to be enjoyable as well.

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  4. The end result should be whatever makes you happy and I think you're headed in that direction.

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  5. I think I would have cried just thinking of the work I would have to put into making the quilt as I wanted it. But, like you, I would have tackled it and changed the unforgiving cornerstone. BTW.. I do love that sashing. It really is beautiful.

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  6. Good for you. Doing what is best, not necessarily what is easy. Have you seen the seam ripper that is like a shaver? I've heard good things about it.

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  7. i knew that was what your choice it would have been mine i dont know why you cant use tha red anymore
    happy you are happy
    diana

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  8. Oh my... I would have had a very hard time doing that so GOOD for you to tackle it right away~

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  9. Thelma, if it was bothering me I would have done the same thing. I know how I am. I would regret not making a change later and that would just spoil the fun of the quilt. I put too much of myself into my quilts - I want to lov them! Well worth the effort. I'm looking forward to seeing your new selections.

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  10. Glad to hear your ripping out didn't take that long...you must have a good seam ripper and eyes :) Can't wait to see the new/improved version!

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  11. I am inspired by your decision to pursue what makes you happiest!
    So many people want to do what is quickest or easiest.

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  12. Well done, Thelma; you are an inspiration. I would have put that quilt aside for six months before ripping out the seams and then say to myself "that's why six months and three hours were added to the completion of this quilt." You just went ahead and did what you felt you had to; that's a better way. I can't wait to see how it looks with the new cornerstones.

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  13. Good for you! Now you will be able to enjoy your quilt!

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