Ten more inches of snow - at least it's not real cold.
Below - Scrappy Star Struck - DONE. ... and this was the quilt I had almost given up! This should be a lesson to ME, and any UFOs that appear to be unsalvageable. I did NOT like this quilt - not because of the pattern -- but because of being in a pitiful, pathetic, poor-me state, and that led me to carelessness. During trimming/squaring up, some of them are trimmed OFF! However, that little one-inch border definitely perked it up. Then I auditioned at least 50 border combinations and eventually, one combo actually looked GOOD. Does this "issue" of too many small errors explain some of YOUR UFOs?. This is another wonderful pattern from Bonnie at Quiltville.
The back (above) was made of 10 1/2 inch squares, and I used a lot of my blues etc. THIS method of using old fabric DID make me feel frugal and efficient. Additionally, my brain no longer has to deal with looking at the pieces in the drawer , with guilt, "What can I do with this?" "Why did I buy this?" -- wearing myself out with self recriminations.
I quilted each of the 4 borders in a different kind of weedy, leaves, feathers, swirls. Good practice and another area for the owner to enjoy. I used a variegated blue - similar to the center. I don't like the variegated thread in the border because parts of the motif disappear and look disjointed and skipped. Lesson #8,462,729.
Now, here is the worst error and a great solution in this quilt. During my frenzy of careless sewing, too-quick careless trimming, I had a big cut-off point! So, I solved this error by drawing a "point" in the light fabric. I guarantee, it will never be seen - even I have trouble finding it, and I'm looking for it! I am showing it because we all need to remember (to each other) that an "error" is no big deal - it is STILL a great, finished quilt. It is NOT meant for a quilt show - it is a testament to loving and caring for another person - that's the important part. And it's ready to mail.
DH and I "tried it out" during yesterday's afternoon nap. It works! 8-)))
I love the originality of it all - the fixing of the error, the backing, the quilting, and even taking the picture in the snow. You always give me a new perspective on quilting.
ReplyDeleteI've said it before and I'll say it again: You are my hero.
Nancy
That turned out so pretty. Ya know, we are our own worst critics. And it's so nice that you are keeping all that snow nice & warm with your quilt.........LOLOL Please, please, please keep the snow in your end of the state!!!!
ReplyDeleteGosh I love the messages this quilt brings. I'm in love with the quilt because it has so much to offer in terms of learning and growing. These are our greatest moments. Testing our mettle. I'm most honored you took the time to share ALL that matters in this quilt with us. And personally, I've always loved this quilt.
ReplyDeleteWith appreciation in sharing, *karendianne. www.leehaven.com
I've been anxiously waiting for your blog since the I wanna win. I love the little extra 1/2 sq tr border. Really added to the quilt.
ReplyDeleteI am still under the weather - I'm at my coughing stage, been a long long siege. Missed out on the retreat too.
Vonda
Congratulations on a finish. Love how you tossed it out on to that gorgeous snow!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt looks great, especially in the beautiful snow!!!
ReplyDeleteWhew, what a relief that the quilt works! Guess you never know until you try it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the way you solved your "no point" problem. Very ingenious. It is such a nice quilt. Good job.
ReplyDeleteBiggest lesson learned---was it perserverance? That UFO has a lot of history in its pages! Glad it worked out and is functioning perfectly after its test drive (sleep). Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteElaine -- love that little half square triangle border. Now, fess up. . . were they left over triangles from other quilts? I have a multitude of them and this looks like a great way to use some up. I am in the process of using up some fabric by cutting into 10 1/2" squares to use as backing also. Unfortunately I decided to use lots of different fabric rather than using up a color. We'll see if I like it or not.
ReplyDeleteGlad the snow is over your end of the country and not mine! Please feel free to keep it. Bonnie
It's beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteDidn't it turn out great??! And those point fix, you're right, you would have to really look HARD to MAYBE find it. Keep the snow there please!!
ReplyDeleteI've already complimented the front of the quilt (and it's still beautiful!), so here's one for the back: I like the way you laid out the squares in diagonal rows. I usually randomly distribute them. I'm going to have to remember that.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you laid it out on the snow! But, come to think of it, what would be cleaner?
We live in the cold north but you have way more snow than we do, as in, we have none yet.
ReplyDeleteI love how you solved all the problems with this quilt and ended up with something gorgeous. I have been working on not pointing out my mistakes to people but it's great to hear that I'm not the only one that makes them.
Oh, I love this quilt! I love the colours and the scrappy'ness, and I love the learning that went into it. Thank you for sharing what you learned from your "mistakes" - but you know, the best loved quilts are usually the ones that aren't perfect ;o)
ReplyDeleteI'll add my thanks and well-done to the rest. It's a great quilt - and even though you highlighted an error - I still had to look and ponder to see what it was - very clever fix. I am so glad you persevered with this - well worth it... I just love this pattern...
ReplyDeleteThe snow looks beautiful. I love it when it falls without wind. Can I copy the top picture please? Purely for nostalgia as I am unlikely to ever see snow again... and the quilt looks great in the snow - the light is fantastic.
Cheers - Shari
I think the "Star Journey" came out wonderful..I love the backing idea..it would look nice on a bed in my house..those little triangles add so much to the border. In fact I am training myself when I do a half square triangle by sewing a square in half..I add the extra seam so have those little bugger..
ReplyDeletesew peacefully Deb};o
Why is it that we find it far easier to forgive others than we do ourselves? I know without a doubt that I am not a good piecer. Period, end of story. But I do really nice embroidery and pretty good applique. I don't like to give others my work or show it in quilt shows because of cut-off points, etc. I'm working on getting past that but it would certainly help if those looking would see behind the quarter inch seams to what's at the heart of the piece! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this one. I'm working on a UFO that I "hate" and you have boosted me to a better attitude. Thanks, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteOh, it's just gorgeous on the snow! Love love that border. "Tried it out" indeed :-)
ReplyDelete"...a testament to loving and caring for another person - that's the important part"--that sums up i feel about all of my quilts, which is a good thing, considering my "galloping horse" standards.
I love snow pictures. So long as I don't have to drive in it, I love snow! And the quilt is just wonderful. You did a fantastic job and the backing is the best!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is wonderful Elaine! You are sure getting a lot of snow up there already this year. So far this week we are getting just rain that hopefully is over for a while. Have one daughter near Gothenburg and they got lots and lots of snow overnight and it was blowing into drifts too...burr and UCK!
ReplyDeleteI love your beautiful quilt Elaine- the quilting is wonderful and the back is terrific. Certainly the recipient is going to look at it and see only how beautiful it looks. It really is a pretty pattern and you have made great fabric choices.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Regards,
Anna
It finished up beautifully! I like your backing too - just adds another element of interest. I've got to try the 10.5" square backing sometime as I have many uglies that I just don't use and can't buy more fabric until they are off my shelf! The addition of your little border is brilliant - such tiny pieces that just adds to the charm of it all in this day and age of jumbo quilt pieces.
ReplyDeleteI just adore this quilt! Your solution to the problem is brilliant. Which, after all, quilters are!!
ReplyDeleteLove everything about it!!
Way to go Elaine. You have taken Bonnie's pattern and made it all your own.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the quilt on the snow. I cannot wait for snow here. Finally it is chilly today with a BRISK wind.
And that is a great trick with the point. I have taken a black marker and fixed light quilting that has strayed over black fabric.
Subee
I just love how this came out and what a fantastic way to use up so many scraps!! Just Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThat turned out beauitful. I like the inner border too -what a great idea.
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt and the post. That little HST border is perfect; love the cut-off-point fix; nice job on the quilting. A winner all the way around - a blue ribbon in the real life show of quilts.
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt staged on the snow.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful .... and how gorgeous it looks on top of the snow (yikes, snow, yikes). Love that little border as it just makes the whole quilt pop.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a fantastic quilt!!!! I want it!!! Well, if I can't have yours I want to make one like it! I love the colors. I love the mini border! I love the quilting! I love the drawn on point! What genius!!!
ReplyDeleteNice change of perspective, laying the Star Struck on point, love how it 'floats' too. And the colors are all those I use and enjoy. Well done!
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