Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I've Made an Executive Decision . . . .

Remember this quilt, . . . . I started this quilt in December but refused to finish it because it wasn't my 100th quilt.


Between all the things that we all do to get ready for Christmas, whenever I could squeeze in the time I happily made ornament blocks in my sewing room.

The pattern I  used is "vintage holiday" by Camille Roskelley for thimble blossoms.


(link to Camille's store)


As I sometimes do, I changed Camille's pattern just a tad, I made my blocks smaller, made more blocks, and "hung" them from the sashing.

After days of feeling frustrated with where my other 100th quilt project was going, I decided to put a border on this quilt. After sewing the sides of the border to my top, I decided I didn't like that fabric, I think the print is too small for the center.  


(whew, is that ugly or what!)

So here's another fabric from the line, Roman Holiday,  it is a bigger print and looks nice I think.  The problem was that I only had two strips of this fabric and couldn't find anymore.  After looking at this on my design wall for a day or two, I decided the print was a nice size but still a distraction.



So I cut the border in half and got this, just the perfect little border to finish off this quilt.



This is Lifetime Quilt Number 100!

Boy does it feel good to say that.  After spending months and months of collecting blocks, drawing blocks, and trying to come up with a pattern to exceed all the unrealistic expectations I had created in my head, and making my sewing life stressful and myself miserable, it dawned on me that this Christmas Quilt was me and what I do, and the perfect quilt to be my 100th quilt.  This quilt has red, I changed the pattern to suit myself, and I love it, what more could I ask for from a quilt.

This quilt finished at 48" x 55".
The pattern is "vintage holiday" by Camille Rosekelley for thimble blossoms.
The fabric is Roman Holiday by 3 Sisters for Moda
It has approximately 418 pieces.

After spending (wasting) so much time on the perfect pattern for quilt 100 I'm at a loss as to what start next.  I usually have my next 6 quilt projects lined up, but I'm guessing now that this quilt is done everything will fall into place.

Posted by Thelma at 5:47 AM
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53 comments:

  1. Jackie's StitchesJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:02 AM

    Congratulations on 100 Thelma! I love the way you changed this up to be more "Thelma"

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:19 AM

    I want to congratulate you on your 100th! You are right. How could it not be better - Christmas and RED! What a good choice and it turned out beautiful. Karen in PA

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  3. LesleyJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    It just went from a beautiful quilt to a stunning quilt when you decided on that great border. Congrats on a fabulous quilt!

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  4. antique quilterJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    maybe just the pressure of the perfect 100 quilt was holding you back!
    ok now get busy I can't wait to see the next 100 quilts.
    Kathie

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  5. Kristen KingJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Beautiful! :)

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  6. gailssJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Yes,beaautiful and deserves the "100" lable. Must be a bid relief to have that behind you now....am sure one of those kits you brought home might be in the line-up soon.....
    Gail

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  7. VivianJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Congrats on your 100th quilt milestone! Great solution for the border too.

    Quilting always brings things into perspective because the real celebration is that you love this craft enough to have come this far. The quilt that got you there is a bonus. So 101 here you come.....

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  8. HeatherJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:28 AM

    So sorry your original vision for quilt 100 didn't work out but this is a great quilt and a perfect solution!

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  9. WendyJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Well done! I agree with the previous commenters.It is a perfect quilt to celebrate this milestone. The red, the changes, the agonizing over the perfect fabric...it is you! What's more, is that you made it go from a lovely quilt to a stunning one with the addition of that red and white border. Looking forward to the next one!

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  10. Mary @ Neat and TidyJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    I actually like this one better than the pattern picture; I so envy your ability to create! I'm glad you named this little one #100. While it's not as elegant as some of your creations, it is just charming. Maybe #200 can be the show stopper you are looking for, but this one is a winner in my book.

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  11. CathyJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Brain wave about the border, it looks perfect. I don't think it would occur to me to cut that stripe in half but it is exactly what was needed.

    Does it surprise you that you've made 100 quilts? (I'm not sure how long you've been quilting.) I wish I had numbered from the start like you but I did not keep track and now I am curious. Doing a mental review, I think I've made about 60.

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  12. dianneJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    i love this quilt ... it is YOU ... you couldn't have chosen a better 100th quilt - and you have already given all the best reasons!!!

    and it is NOT French General, which makes me love it to pieces!!!

    i do have a small (okay, maybe not all that small) request for your eleventy-first quilt, though ... in eleven quilts from now, i want you to make something outta ... well ... you'll just have to wait to see, since it isn't ready for unveiling just yet...

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  13. dianaJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    i have this pattern and have not decided on the fabrici love the way it turned out im not sure if im crazy about the border but i can never dicide for sure on my own quilts. im curious about something do you measure the sides and top and cut your border fabric or sew it on and then cut it ?

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:40 PM

      For a flat Quilttop you have to measure the top at both ends and 3 times in the middle, count together and divide by 5. Both bottom and top border have to be the same and then you have to do the same process for the side borders. If you just sew the border on and then cut it it is possible to have huge differences in the border lenght and the quilt will never lie flat and always have waves and puckers. Hope this makes sense, as english is a foreign language to me. Greetings from Germany, Inka

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  14. KristyJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:27 AM

    Thelma, Your 100th is gorgeous and truly is YOU. I know what you mean...I sometimes try to make something so PROFOUND, and I lose some of the true meaning. So I am happy you have gone with your heart and allowed this quilt to be #100. Congrats...and...I will be happily waiting to see the next 100! Kristy

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  15. Pink Ribbon QuiltsJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    It is so beautiful!!! I love it!!! Thank you for sharing and congrats on your 100th!

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  16. Lee DJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    You have made the right decision. Quilt 100 is totally you and the border print sets it off nicely. Now your mind is free and clear to work on something else. I bet that is liberating! I must count up my projects over the years to see what number I am at.

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  17. DarleneJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Congratulations on your 'executive decision' - it's a perfect one. The quilt is lovely and definitely YOU.

    On to #101 - cheers!

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  18. DianeJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Hurrah for you and quilt 100! It is the perfect choice and for all the reasons you said. I love it.

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  19. AnnaJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    I love it when quilters make executive decisions! you go girl...there is no stopping you now! I love the results of your decision on this quilt! Adorable!

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  20. LynetteJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    It's wonderful! I love how you sliced the print in half for enough bordering and to get a better proportion. Gorgeous quilt. And CONGRATS on reaching 100!!!

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  21. SherriJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    The executive decision was perfect...the quilt looks like it was just meant to be that way...beautiful!

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  22. Pam in ILJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    Congrats on your 100th quilt! I love this post and how you photographed your decision process so well. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. MargeJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Perfect! Congrats on number 100!

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  24. NicoleJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    This quilt reflects who you are as a quilter just perfectly! Love it.

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  25. Sorcha girlJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    In true Thelma style, you have created a very "happy" quilt. It is a great Christmas design and you continue to inspire to think "beyond the pattern"! Congratulations of your achievement!

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  26. AnnetteJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    I like how you think! This quilt is you. And I love it. So cheerful and fun and beautiful all rolled into one. Congratulations on reaching 100. I've enjoyed watching your journey and looking forward to seeing #101.

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  27. Dresden QuilterJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    I love everything you make! What a fantastic idea for the border! Congratulations on your 100th quilt.

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  28. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Clever idea and totally changed the look of the finished quilt! Congratulations on your 100th quilt; I know how I felt with my 100th apron, XOXO

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  29. Archie The Wonder DogJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Congratulations on quilt 100! It's marvellous!

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  30. Kindred QuiltsJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    An amazing #100! Congrats!

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  31. PunkiePie (Jen)January 30, 2013 at 11:53 AM

    Hooray! Happy 100th quilt to you! You are an inspiration! I think that quilt suits you and the border fabric... yup. It looks GREAT with the blocks. Awesome! Awesome!

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  32. Stitched With PrayerJanuary 30, 2013 at 12:35 PM

    A Huge CONGRATULATIONS Thelma...100 quilts, what a phenomenal accomplishment. Your right, the border is absolutely perfect! Amazing how a little time studying the project on the design wall helps turn on the light bulb we look for so often. I love your changes in the quilt too, especially the idea the "hang" the ornaments from the sashing, wonderful! Like you I'm sure that now that 100th Lifetime quilt pressure is taken care of, your inspiration will go into high gear. Big Hugs....

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  33. GretchenJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    Love this quilt! And it is the perfect #100 quilt because it says YOU! I just adore the Roman Holiday line--I think it is one of my all time favorites and the thinner border is just perfect. Congrats on your 100th quilt and onwards to 100 more :)

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Congratulations on your 100th Quilt. Wow! 100! It is beautiful with that Border!!
    Greetings from Germany, Inka

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  35. SueJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS THELMA! WOW ! 100 QUILTS ! What a wonderful accomplishment ! This quilt is just perfect for # 100

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  36. JanineJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    This quilt is beautiful and a great choice for #100. I love your work!

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  37. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:05 PM

    Congrats on your 100th quilt. I love the border you added, plus all the changes you made to it. Thanks for sharing.
    cindy

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  38. Miss JeanJanuary 30, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    I'm going to try to remember that trick about cutting the border fabric in half. Brilliant! Congratulations on your first 100 quilts and I can't wait to see the next 100!

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  39. NancyJanuary 30, 2013 at 4:08 PM

    What a great choice of border fabric!!!! Congratulations on the finish... it is really lovely!

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  40. Rabid Quilter from CaliforniaJanuary 30, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    It's a perfect choice for your 100th lifetime quilt! the border decision you made was excellent--don't think I would have thought of it. Congratulations! May your next 100 quilts bring you ultimate JOY!

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  41. Quilter KathyJanuary 30, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    Happy 100th! I liked the first choice border too, but your idea is perfection! It brightens up the quilt and makees it sing...and it's singing "happy 100th to you"!!!

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  42. SharrieboberryJanuary 30, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    It's lovely. Congratulations on Number 100! As for the next project? I'm sure maybe Carrie or Camille have some newer patterns out? :)

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  43. Nancy EJanuary 30, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS Thelma! Like your choice for the 100th quilt. Wish I had been numbering my quilts. Can't wait to the next 100 quilts!

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  44. Sinta ReneeJanuary 30, 2013 at 5:55 PM

    I think that quilt was perfect for December and your little change-ups put the special Thelma touch on each of the blocks. That Roman Holiday border is perfect! You still had some in your stash??? I wish they would remake that one. I think your next quilt should just be something FUN. Mindless. Easie Peasie. But wait... didn't you have a crush on a quilt that was maybe on a book cover? It had a flower in the center? What was that one?

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  45. Baskets Of QuiltsJanuary 30, 2013 at 6:57 PM

    Congrats on #100! What a fabulous accomplishment! I'm glad you took the pressure off yourself. I know you wanted to do something extra special but I think your red and white quilt would be hard to top! I know that now that the pressure is off you'll come up with something great!

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  46. JohannaJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    Congrats on 100, good decision! I love how you change up the patterns and make them your own.

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  47. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Congratulations on quilt #100!! It looks great. Love how you put your own spin on it. Terrific decision about the border. And now the world is wide open for your next one hundred quilts!
    Debbie R.

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  48. AnitaJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    Congrats on #100!!! What a difference that border made, it really outshone your first choice - great eye! Looking forward to the next 100 :)

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  49. SusanJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:36 PM

    Congratulations on your 100th quilt Thelma! It's another beauty!

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  50. karenJanuary 30, 2013 at 10:13 PM

    You are so smart, that quilt looks amazing! I love reading about your thought processes.

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  51. lovetostitchJanuary 31, 2013 at 6:02 AM

    Bravo!! The perfect border to the perfect #100th quilt!! The first border just was not cutting it for me either!! I may have just a smidgen of that fabric some where. I also like the smaller size of the border. I'll be looking to see where you hang it next Christmas! May I ask how you cut the blocks down? They were originally 9" and you changed them to 6"?
    And from your previous post - welcome home! I concur on the green feather quilt - (red = swoon!) and love the little kits you purchased.

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  52. LeslyFebruary 1, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    I think it's a great 100th quilt! It has all your hallmarks of personalization and nothing could be more fitting! Congratulations, Thelma!

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