by Sandra | March 10th, 2009
My first auction quilt was at the invitation of the International Quilt Association (Houston show) for the celebrity auction they hold every year for the benefit of the organization. I made this one above, “Petite Primrose” for the second time around I believe. My memory fails me these day a lot.
It was sort of a matching quilt for my “American Still Life” quilt that was entered in the show and won an award that same year. I usually make my auction quilts with the same care as I do my show quilts. I loved this one and tried to buy it back during the silent auction but the price got way to high for my pocketbook and to explain to the husband back at home. Kind of silly really because it is my original and I do have my pattern. <rolling my eyes>
Ask me if I have made another one yet? It is on the ever growing to do pile. Does anyone else have one of those? A sort of virtual reality ‘to do’ pile–not even a physical UFO yet?
I always become attached to my auction quilts. My last one, for the APNQ Quiltfest, Seattle, sold for $1,200. Way out of my pocketbook. That was a live auction and was fun to watch.
Here is a detail of “Otis” from that quilt:
The white and black circles of the eye are both hand appliqued.
I loved Otis and his pal Beauregard but I knew they were also part of a larger project I was working on so they would, in a sense, return to me. After tiring of suffering from separation loss at each auction, I made darn sure the next time there would be no issues with seeing my quilt go home with someone else. I had already made another version that would stay with me. It may take me awhile sometimes, but I do catch on and learn eventually.
© 2009 Sandra Leichner
My ‘to do’ list is a lot bigger than my UFO pile, and that is saying something!
Judy B
Too funny. If I think about it, I have more ‘to do’ quilts than I have years left to make them! LOL
I don’t have one of those . I guess you have to create your own patterns to have that problem. I do have the UFO problem and hope to have your problem someday soon ! LOL ! I do have one thing in mind to make ,maybe someday .
Hah!, of course you do Boop. You just said you have “one thing in mind”. It is that “in mind” that is your virtual quilt. Once you start it on paper or with construction and then is set out to pasture unfinished, it then becomes a UFO. I count patterns I draw and have yet to start, as UFOs as well. So in Sandra-land, you have at least one virual quilt. LOL
your right I do !!!! but it is one that is not coming together in my head . I wish I had your virtual mind though LOL !
If only I could have a ” petite primrose” in my head .
That eye is really small. You did a great job on it I know how hard that is . I tried but I gave into doing the size of the outer eye and drew the inner , because my fabric wanted to fray . Have you any suggestions as to stop that when working with a tiny pieces ?
It is really important which fabric you choose. It really does have to be a tight weave. One of the “cheats” as I call them is to use a black batik. It allows you to play and finesse the edges without the fray factor wreaking havoc. Many times a regular cotton gives you only one opportunity to get it right and then you only have threads to play with. When all else fails, satin stitch the eye. Basically takes 5 stitches beside each other of shortening lengths with DMC black 2 or 3 threads.
As for your ideas, sometimes mine brew for years. Yes that is plural. Sometimes they are immediate like this morning. Wow it was a good one too! LOL
That’s why I come here !!! Your brilliant !!!! and a good cheater too . Batik , that would work great . Thanks !
I have done embroidery thread but only like using that ifthere are other things ,that have embroidery on theem as well .
BUT The batik , could help in lots of small pieces. and to think I tried to stay away from batik’s when it came to needle turn .
Batiks are great for applique because they give you the color and tonal depth and because they do not fray badly at all. Just make sure you pre-wash intense colors to remove any danger of bleeding.
Thanks for the high praise Boop.
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