All of a sudden it is the end of the week, and, I am back hosting Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday! Some of you might be seeing this on Thursday – we run it a little more than 24 hours so our friends in different time zones can play. In fact, I am writing this a little ahead of time, as I will be the middle of a move as this is published. My replies to your comments will come, just a little delayed (maybe).
The idea for this piece sprang from this beer can. I knew when I saw it, there would be a quilt with this on it in my future. OK, full disclosure, I forgot I was hosting, shame on me. It was in my calendar but our move was delayed and is happening right on the day this posts! SO, I needed a quick project and decided I would make an attempt at this leaf. This for sure is a prototype, and I am really happy I did a fast project/prototpe so I can get closer to where I want to be next time.
I didn’t love the fabrics I had to play with but I decided to use strip leftovers – WRONG. I think the next version will have uniform strips of a narrow width. I constructed it by finishing the edge like you do with some pointy Dresden plate blocks, and then sewed the strips together. I added a fold square to make the triangle at the top. My intention was to appliqué to a background.
The next step was sewing it together on the diagonal. Here is where I realized the strips needed to be wider to give me a good angle. I drew a line and sewed on it. I figured I could rip it out if it wasn’t right. Its not bad, but I may want a more precise version the next time.
I appliquéd by machine to a background. Then I did some quilting following the swirls of the design. I felt the leaves needed some emphasis so I did in the the ditch quilting. I didn’t want to bind, so I zig zagged around the piece twice – I’ll use it as a hot pad. When I make the next one, the strips will get a different treatment. I think they will be all the same size, narrower, and longer. I am not wedded to the Dresden edge I used, but I liked it. I also don’t know whether there will be more than one, but I feel like I would like that. The fabric selection will be different.
And now it is your turn to share your finish for the week! And, if you don’t have one this week, there is always a weekly TGIFF and next week’s host is Rebecca who blogs at Rebecca Grace Quiltng.
Oh, and if you are having fun linking up, my Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd is another place you can link up. I love to see new or favorite tips and tutorials and it is open until the end of the month. Check them out, even if you don’t have one to link up.
Coming Up on the Blog:
Dust Off A Quilt Book – 3/5
Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd – 3/22
Sand and Surf – 3/24
Linking Up:
very nice!
Hope the move is going well. Great little quick piece!! I think you may need another of those beers after this move.
Love the inspiration and the process, and what a pretty little piece!
Isn’t it fun to just create something from an inspirational piece? I really like this little mini, Kathleen! The perfect diversion for the stress of a move!
Oh my gosh, Kathleen — you’re hosting TGIFF on MOVING DAY?! That reminds me of the lady in the children’s book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” who is trying to run the pageant from a hospital bed! I hope all goes smoothly for you today. You know, my husband and I have been talking about moving once Son-the-Younger has left the nest for college, and the #1 worry that pops into my head is “But how long would I be without my studio???” I think I would have to get it in writing that my long arm gets unpacked and whatever electrical and lighting upgrades happened in my new studio space BEFORE he was allowed to unpack his mountain bike. ;-). Also, I think the Dresden tip ends was brilliant for the edges of your leaves. I can’t tell you how many times something I’ve learned for one project turns out to be the perfect solution for working out a kink in an original idea like that. I suppose it’s a reason to take as many classes as you can, even if you don’t love the projects, because you never know what tools it might add to your toolbox for future projects. I’m looking forward to seeing Beer Leaf 2.0!
Wow, fell right on your new moving day! Great job pulling together a project! I hope the moving is going well.
Your leaf is wonderful. Don’t you just love the back of quilts? Beautiful.
Hi Kathleen! I am SO thrilled for you. Yay for the move finally happening. I know it’s a ton of work but woohoo. What a cool inspiration model – you just never know where something strikes you that makes you say . . . that would be a fabulous quilt. I can totally see the inspiration in your leaf. {{Hugs}} Thanks so much for hosting TGIFF. I am sending you calming thoughts, prayers for no breakage, and an easy unpacking process. ~smile~ Roseanne P.S. Don’t worry about responding!!
Moving and sewing, that is amazing! Love the leaf btw!
What a great idea. It looks good. Good luck with your next version.
Nice work and especially on moving day. A great effort.
This leaf design is very cool!
What great inspiration! I like your version, and it’s smart to make an initial prototype. I hope all goes well with the move!
I like the fun and playful dresden plate leaf, Great idea to use dresden plates for leaves. The playfulness makes it less intimidating.