I wiped away the weeds & foam. / I fetched my sea-born treasures home... Ralph Waldo Emerson







Monday, January 2, 2017

What's Done is Done! 2016 Quilt Finishes Part 1



Happy New Year! What would a New Year be without a look back at what we did over the previous year.....

Mo with his handmade jellyfish from Mel!

First up, Our Porch 2/ Summer Porch/ P 2 project has finished. My top is completed on schedule. That makes me happy.


As I hung the P2 top to take its picture, I marveled at the result, the real-ness of this project that less than a year ago was a pretty and hopeful photo on a pattern envelope.

I would never choose to make this quilt on my own, but I enjoyed every moment.  The design and Lori's quiltalong were inspiring. I loved the happy fabrics, and the freedom to mix and match prints by emotion and style, not genre. (So you'll see a mix of modern Lecien and Riley Blake florals, CW and 30s repros, even a few batiks.) I loved having the handwork for me and Mo to sew each afternoon this painful summer. I was so happy I gave myself permission to machine applique the hated leaves.  I especially enjoyed the baskets, and the Whalies, which don't  really seem to ''go'' but add a certain whimsy. Oh and the Watermelon! So fun.


But my favorite part  was designing my own blocks. I love the Kitty and Books, and the Kite [bows to be added after quilting; they will be 3-dimensional].


And I especially loved finding simple Pinwheel blocks and others for the filler spaces.


Originally I bought this pattern with it in mind for me to make, with a friend, as a hope chest baby quilt using the upper right quarter as inspiration. It was too folky for her but I may make this section again someday.


I didn't want my quilt to have the usual wide [expensive] Jan Patek borders, so I did narrow borders in the double pink of the geranium posts.  I dislike rectangular quilts, and was hoping this would square things up a bit. Hmmm. Okay.


Now we come to the teeny tiny clinker. The design looks unfinished!~ It needs---yes! The Big Sawtooth border from Summertime. Just on the two sides.


I love this! I can either steal Summertime's borders [and sub squares like its other border] or  make new ones. As I recall they went together fast, so...?


I also recently came across this wonderful nautical children's toile and coordinates. Perfect!


P2 is perhaps the only quilt I've ever made that one of my children sort of liked. We agreed it looked like Summer, and have renamed it "July" .

''July is dressed up and playing her tune...summer breeze makes me feel fine...."

I'll end here and show you the first sunset of 2017, below. And so apropos, a crescent moon.
More 2016 finishes on Wednesday.
You can see other versions of The Summer Porch quilt on Humble Quilts

love

lizzy

gone to the beach.......

















17 comments:

  1. "July" is a perfect description of your Front Porch! I appreciate so much watching how you have interpreted the original pattern into a quilt that is your own -- pulling in bits and pieces that have meaning to you and tell your story. I've learned a lot on this quilt along from you and everyone -- thank you!!

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    1. Your quilt is beautiful too. I love your fabrics.

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  2. It totally looks like "July" Love your border plan too!! Thanks for sewing along!

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  3. Hmm, I thought it looked good but I have to admit the sawtooth border would add that extra something to make it look great. It's nice that one of the kids finally likes one of your quilts! My favorite block is your books & Kitty one, it's so cute! I'm looking forward to Wednesday to see your other projects!

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  4. Brava, dear Liz! Your accomplishments, despite the set back, are commendable. The quilts are phenominal. So filled with energy.

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    1. Thanks , Sue! You should do the next sewalong, aren t you the girl who loves pumpkins? it will be so fun.

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  5. This was a fun quilt along and your version really says FUN. I love your free fabric choices and your cat on the books is adorable. Happy New Year to you and Mo - I always enjoy checking your blog for the latest on Mo and your beautiful beach/sky/sand.

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  6. Such a wonderful quilt! I love all your substitutions, the kite, the books and cat. It definitely says summer. Great idea for the border!

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  7. Love the sawtooth border on the sides. It's always a great feeling to finish a top.

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  8. So pretty. I think your blocks are delightful. Looking forward to you next post.

    I hope the new year is off to a great start for you.

    Hugs,

    Hunter

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  9. It looks great! I too am partial to the kitty on the books :) When you initially talked about a sawtooth boarder, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Now that I see it together, yeah, good call!

    Enjoyed looking at the others in the link too. So interesting to see the differences.

    Kel

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    1. Thanks! I think the sawtooth border will give it some finish, plus make it more square.
      Are you having lots of rain?

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  10. Love the quilt. Definitely reminiscent of a summer's day in July! I'm especially fond of the kitty on the books. :) May your year be blessed.

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  11. Well, of course you have to have a kitty and a good book to read on your Front Porch--love it!!

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