by Sandra | April 18th, 2011
I always feel a sense of accomplishment when a piece is finished. I really want to get back to stitching on Jason’s Pumpkin quilt and this was one project in the way of doing that. Another task crossed off my list!
The quilting really turned out nicely in the end. I am using the quilting of Lapis & Lemons as one of the examples in the article I am writing for Machine Quilting Unlimited Magazine (possibly July issue). The quilting with this piece is more about TEXTURE, than filling every little area with a thready design. You could say I have definite opinions on over quilting an applique quilt!
I know it sounds silly, but I always hesitate to start the quilting process on a piece I really like. Not because I am scared, but because I think the applique is so pretty as is and I do not want to “ruin” it. Once I start quilting though, I quickly realize (again) how much more beautiful the piece is with the quilting. I think of it as seeing it take its first breath of life. It seems to literally come to life and that tactile appeal that blooms is amazing.
The part of the quilting I like the best is when all the surrounding background quilting is done and I move on to the “stitch in the ditch” around the applique within the applique i.e., the bouquet pieces. This is where the quilt becomes dimensional and the flowers look as though you could reach out and pick one from the bouquet.
So Lapis & Lemons is complete, the countdown is on to Asilomar (closing in quickly) and I am anxious to share this project with my students.
That is a staggering transformation. It was great before the quilting…
I’m loving MQU and pay the extortionate price to have it shipped to England purely for the wonderful and informative articles. I am already in a panic about the very far in the future quilting to be done on an Appliqué quilt. I am now so looking forward to your article!!!
You have some very lucky students! If you have any left over kits, I definitely want one. Your work has so many layers of interest, and you always “finish” each detail. What tenacity and resolve you have. I admire you and your work, and will now anxiously await seeing your progress on Jason’s pumpkin quilt.
Ta-da! It’s beautiful. You know we’re all going to run out of superlatives…
That is so beautiful, Sandra. Those roses just pop off the quilt (and the computer screen). I think that is my favorite of all your blocks!!!!
Sandra, this is the most beautiful piece I have ever seen.
Will we be seeing this in Houston this year?? Hope so!
There’s only one word for this. STUNNING!
Oh Sandra, it is simply gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it in person!
Gini
This is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you once again for showing us.
Stunning.
That’s just beautiful! I’d love to see some more closeups of your quilting on it. Your flowers really do look like they could jump off the quilt and the vase looks so dimensional.
Wow! I’m totally in amazement and love Lapis and Lemons:) I’m so ready for Asilomar and counting down the days. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person, seeing the quilt in person and having the opportunity to learn from you and the others that are attending.
Laura T
Bravo! It’s beautiful. Your students are truely lucky!
This is just exquisite! I would love to see closeups of the quilting. Now I understand how you have achieved the dimension, I am amazed. Your work is so inspiring, you truly are multi-talented, and so generous in your willingness to share and teach us.
I would also like to see a close up of a flower or two. I’m curious if you quilt around each rose or are you actually quilting around each rose petal? And every single leaf? It is just beautiful. You are such an inspiration!
Ah Miss Tammy,
It is too small for Houston and there are other issues. Even I make major boo boos. I put the backing on upside down and did not discover it until I was halfway done with the quilting. Oh well! LOL
Amanda,
Just take a deep breath before you start and position a bottle of wine nearby for courage. It worked for me.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback everyone! I wish you all could see this in person because it really did turn out well.
If it won’t bore you too much, I will put more detail shots up around Wednesday.
Kim,
It is one of my favorites too. I thought it would look really nice in my daughter’s pink Parisian style bedroom hung from an “antiqued” whitewashed rod by pink satin bows of 1-2″ wide substituted for the usual sleeve.
Bored?!! I’d love to see some more detail shots, then I can save them for after you get the pattern up in the shop. The way some of the flowers almost look like trapunto reminds me of the cupcake icing on “Tea with Miss D.” I’m so glad for you that your kitty was so busy with the bird watching that she didn’t find the wine and really mess things up. Nice job Sandra, honestly it’s amazing.
I love how the quilting makes the applique stand out and with the beautiful colors you used, it is gorgeous.
Debbie
Brava, Sandra, brava! I only wish I was able to take your class.
I have always been told to be a secret keeper about the boo-boo’s. If you don’t point them out, most will never find them. I don’t know anyone who could get past the front. There are little treasures to see everywhere you look!
Next year then, with Jason’s Pumpkin.
another masterpiece ! Love your creativity and YOUR quilting always makes it even more exciting !
BTW . I went to Carlos’s bakery : ) I had some cannoli cake and gained 9 lbs ! well I had more than the cake , but it wa a fun trip , LOL !
I can’t wait to see Jason’s quilt . It is my favorite !!!
Your design is fabulous! I showed my husband and he was amazed too! You really are an excellent teacher and I’m learning so much from you, your posts, your patterns and your book. Im starting with your teapot pattern and then Im going to the birds, and hopefully soon–this design when available! Wish I could be in your class–but this is the next best thing! Can’t find a source for Mitalda’s trapunto wool though. Your fan! Lynn S.
Tammy,
I always blab about my boo boos, but should probably keep more of them secret.
Thanks Boop! I am so anxious to get back to work on Jason’s quilt. OMG, don’t tell me about yummy food, I am still trying to dump the Xmas excess!
Lynn, Quilter’s Dream wool is a good one too. In fact, I am slowly moving over to that since Matilda’s is a pain in the backside to find. Thanks for the high praise!
Debbie, isn’t it amazing what the quilting can do too? I still am amazed.
I wish you could too Eileen!
Fantastic. How big is it?
Sandra,
The quilting is everything it should be! Background texture to set off the wonderful applique.
Judy B
Peggy it measures 19″ wide by 22″ long. A nice wall size that can be displayed anywhere or incorporated into a larger design.
Thank you again everyone for your enthusiastic response. It is true, a little bit at a time and before you now it, the piece is finished. I always tell myself that I need to keep pushing through when I am in the middle of a project and have those moments of wanting to put it aside. That is where most people give up and success eludes them.
Another beautiful quilt…you can almost smell those roses. I know it’s a sin to covenant my neighbor…but I am so jealous of those that get to take your class not only to learn from you first hand but to see this quilt in person.
Like others if there are any kits left I would love to buy one..
We all enjoy getting to watch the progress on your quilts and the close ups help each of us that can’t see it in person.
And as for telling us about the mistakes..I don’t know about others but I tell myself if Sandra makes mistakes then maybe I’m not so bad when I do it….and when you tell us how you corrected your mistakes this also helps us…
Love your work …thanks