Sunday, October 29, 2006

Kansas Troubles

I am a pretty decent quilter but NOT a pretty decent photographer. Nevertheless, this is a full size, scrappy, Kansas Troubles quilt, hand quilted. The colors are richer than it appears. I purposefully chose muslin for the lights, to use something similar to what would have been used during that time in history.



While most of us love the speed of machine quilting, there are times when nothing is more delicious than curling up on the couch, with the fireplace glowing, a cold winter wind outside, with a partially finished quilt in your lap, quietly hand quilting something lovely.

The little triangles at the corners are not easy to keep from stretching, so I used Sally Schneider's method of making the block, which makes 2 blocks at once, a method similar to "Mary's Triangles."

This is one of those blocks where there is no end to settings. Instead of making a large dark triangle, it can be left light, giving an airy, delicate flavor to this pattern. Or, the corners where the blocks meet makes a pinwheel, not apparent in this setting, but that's another option.

16 comments:

  1. I am in total awe of anyone who can quilt a full sized quilt by hand. I started one, got frustrated and it's still folded up in a closet. That is beautiful - love the colors! Would you call that controlled scrappy?

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  2. This is so pretty! I need to start working on some more hand work. And your flying geese border is encouraging me to plan ahead a bit more. I usually use a solid border because I'm ready to quilt!

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  3. Elaine it looks wonderful--it is not easy to hold up or display a quilt that size for photos. If it was my DH would not complain or groan when he sees me coming with quilt and camera in hand.

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  4. It's beautiful and I love the border you chose. Wonderful colors. Yup, I love the peace I get from hand quilting too. Happy to see you appearing in Bloglines!

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  5. I was just looking at the book with Mary's Triangles. I had to return it to the library, so I copied the size chart. You're right, that is a great pattern and so versatile too! Your quilt is lovely. I'm impressed that you hand quilted it.

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  6. Ohmigosh, that is a stunning quilt! And congrats on your perseverance in handquilting it. I love it!!!

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  7. Oh my goodness, Elaine, that quilt is gorgeous!! And I'm really impressed that you hand-quilted it! A lot of time and effort, but oh what a treasure you have now!

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  8. I've always loved this pattern - you did a beautiful job. I especially like the flying geese border.

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  9. It's a lovely quilt, and a pretty good photo. I like the little triangles in the border.

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  10. Very nice - I love the scrappiness and although this isn't a pattern that has ever really appealed to me I do like your version.

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  11. Wonderful! This quilt looks inviting to curl up under ... soft in colors and fabric with lots of interesting patterns to explore. What is the size of this heirloom to be?

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  12. What a beautiful quilt !

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  13. As a huge half square triangle fan this really appeals to me. Also the hand quilting is to be admired but unless it's 30 inches by 30 inches I wont be doing it!Cheers

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  14. Beautiful quilt and I think the picture turned out fine.

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  15. Ooohh, aaaahhh, a beauty! I love just about any quilt with 1000s of tiny triangles! Yours is very special and I especially like your color combos.

    Cheers!

    Evelyn

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