by Sandra | January 20th, 2010
I really fuss over finding just the right fabric for each piece in my applique design. I always end up with this huge pile of rejected fabric candidates and then find myself staring at the pile and muttering in frustration, “if only they would have made that fabric without that distracting design stamped on it and it would have been perfect”.
Of course, once my quilt is completed, low and behold there it is…….TA DA…….the perfect fabric I was begging for when I was constructing my quilt. Somebody read my mind at the fabric company, but they weren’t quick enough.
There was this ideal pink I was searching for and came up empty in my attempts to discover selection perfection. So I used the next best choice, not perfect, but it worked.
Today I received some fabric I had ordered online and when I opened the package, my jaw dropped. There it was, that perfect fabric I had been searching for was in my hand, but too late. Sigh.
I actually ordered this for another quilt project so I was completely surprised when I realized it would have been perfect for the other quilt.
I rarely go back and do any design twice, I get bored easily and need something fresh to focus my attention on. However, I really want to see how the strawberries would have turned out if I had this fabric in my possession at the right time for my quilt, so I may do a little sample anyway just to satisfy my curiosity.
I just wondered if anyone else experiences that perfect fabric suddenly making an appearance after you finish the project.
Sandra I always sit with much anticipation of your next post. You NEVER disappoint regardless of the conversation! I would LOVE to see the rest of your quilt that the strawberries are on, those look scrumptious.
Can you tell us where you shop for fabric online? Can you tell us how you shop? I know that probably sounds funny, but I’m curious do you look at fabrics with something in mind or do you just scan and find what looks intersting to you at the time? I don’t have a shop locally that I shop in any longer and would love some ideas of where to go online. Thanks as always for sharing so freely with us.
Eva
Eva, I will work on those questions for a post.
The strawberries are from the book quilt so the pattern will be in there. Just a little bit longer and the book will be out. As fast as time is flying here lately, that is relatively soon!:-)
I am laughingly known for carrying around swatches of “almost” fabrics and am forever on the hunt for replacements! Your information about colored pencils has helped considerably, taking into account that I am not an artist, but there is always that elusive perfect fabric that I am conviced is out there. However, when I settle for something close, I try to forget the search, and enjoy the finished product. But give the strawberries a try, for personal satisfaction.
Thanks so much Sandra, I figured that quilt was going to be in the book, but knowing the pattern is in there too is over the top! Can you let us know exactly what date it will be out so we can mark it on our calendars? Can we preorder?? Can you tell I’m excited?!
Eva
Well Chris, I feel much much better knowing I am not alone! LOL
Eva,
The book is tentatively scheduled for October, but they said it could come out earlier. They are trying to time the publication with Fall Quilt Market.
I will let you know when things start ramping up and I will also post a picture of the cover when I get that too.
One thing I am REALLY proud of is that I learned last week this book was selected for the “Applique Masterpieces” title. I only know of two others, Zena Thorpe and Margaret Docherty (Little Brown Bird fame).
Oh Sandra “Applique Masterpieces” that is amazing and very well deserved, congratulations!!!!!!!!!! You should be proud that is quite an accomplishment. You really are the bomb!
Congratulations on “Applique Masterpieces” title. I have seen Zena Thorpe’s work in person also. You are right up there with her and maybe even above her! Your work is always fantastic!
Congratulations, but a well deserved honour.
If the book is half as thorough as your blog it will be a masterpiece.
Judy
Congratulations Sandra, “Applique Masterpieces” is so appropriate for your work. I am really excited the strawberries are in the book. The anticipation is building!!! Looking forward to your post about choosing fabrics too.
Thank you Marion, Denise, Eva and Judy!
Sandra – I will definitely get your book! That strawberry shortcake — it’s so yummy looking! That would be a perfect block for a quilt for my little girl.
Ivory Spring,
Wait until you see the whole quilt! My daughter claimed it immediately for herself. I should be able to show full pictures and no more having to keep it under wraps at the end of April.
I’m shocked !!
Your fabrics are just what I’d want if I were doing one of your projects !! I can’t imagine you choosing any better ! your choices are A++ , IMO : )
I hunt down fabrics like it is the end of the world , just to find that perfect one . I very seldom see something I would have used instead . I get obsessed about it ! I do have a few hanging around that just didn’t work (say 5 or 6 ) that were going to , but didn’t make it .
I would like to trade in my fabric ( old choices ) that I used to think were great and never use . My taste has really changed a lot ,since I started quilting.
Congratualtions!! That is quite an accomplishment !!
You certainly deserve the recognition .
Kudos on the Masterpiece selection – well deserved! How does that make you feel? Are you ready for stardom, m’dear? Are you ready for the clamoring hordes wanting your physical appearance at each of the myriad quilt shows across the contry, and indeed – internationally?!
I can’t wait for the book! And how long will your hand be incapacitated? Feeling any better today?
Hey Michele,
No stardom for me please! It is far better for me to be out of the spotlight. I like to blend into the crowd.
PS: Michele, thank you for asking, my hand is doing much better and I am able to do more each day.
Sandra, I thought I was the only one who finds the perfect fabric after completing a quilt.
I’m looking forward to your workshops at our Block Party Quilters guild in March. My husband was planning a winter trip and I said we would have to schedule it around your workshops.
We have students from as Florida and California coming for your workshops. Can’t Wait!
I’ve signed up for both of the workshops. Look forward to seeing you in March.
Peggy,
I look forward to seeing you there. I feel honored that you scheduled your trip around the workshops.
