Well, I have finally jumped in with both feet and started the applique on my version of Susan Mc Cord's Trailing Vines. I am using Janet of Quiltsalotte's pattern. Thank you Janet for your generosity and sharing your pattern. Janet of Mrs Sew N Sew just finished her version of the quilt. What's not to love?
I have been wanting to make this quilt for a long time. If you follow my blog you know I have spent the last four years making quilts from scraps that I have collected over the years. I am down to a box of strings and large bag of bits and pieces. So two new projects are started. The first is making string blocks, with no idea how they will go together. Not sure if they will become several smaller quilts or one large quilt. If you have ever worked with strings and paper foundations you know how much fun these are to make.
The other project is using those bits and pieces to make Trailing Vines. This week I started the applique on the first strip. Oh my, this is one of those projects that just plucks you out of reality and takes you on a wonderful adventure. A bit like eating potato chips you just can't stop. I have read several bloggers posts on Susan Mc Cord and see words like genius, best quilter, and I agree she had a real gift. She lived on an Indiana farm and raised seven children, you would think that would keep you busy enough but she found time to make some very wonderful quilts. I hope someday I can return to Michigan to see her collection at the Henry Ford Museum. But for now, I know I am really going to enjoy having this project waiting for me when I feel like enjoying some applique stitches.
I have been wanting to make this quilt for a long time. If you follow my blog you know I have spent the last four years making quilts from scraps that I have collected over the years. I am down to a box of strings and large bag of bits and pieces. So two new projects are started. The first is making string blocks, with no idea how they will go together. Not sure if they will become several smaller quilts or one large quilt. If you have ever worked with strings and paper foundations you know how much fun these are to make.
The other project is using those bits and pieces to make Trailing Vines. This week I started the applique on the first strip. Oh my, this is one of those projects that just plucks you out of reality and takes you on a wonderful adventure. A bit like eating potato chips you just can't stop. I have read several bloggers posts on Susan Mc Cord and see words like genius, best quilter, and I agree she had a real gift. She lived on an Indiana farm and raised seven children, you would think that would keep you busy enough but she found time to make some very wonderful quilts. I hope someday I can return to Michigan to see her collection at the Henry Ford Museum. But for now, I know I am really going to enjoy having this project waiting for me when I feel like enjoying some applique stitches.
Carla, are the leaves on the vines pieced? Sure look like it from the small photo (I'm on my iPad so can't see a larger photo). It's looking fabulous! As is your string quilt.
ReplyDeleteYes Kathy some of them are pieced. It is Susan Mc Cord's signature style. She used them on several of her quilts.
DeleteOh, those leaves are wonderful. What a fun project.
ReplyDeleteYes very scrappy and happy!
DeleteI love that pattern when I saw Janet do it and yours is going to be lovely also! love scrappy
ReplyDeleteI have a thing for tiny scraps! I just can't throw them out! It will be a lot of fun to stitch on this when I feel the desire to applique.
DeleteI saw Janet's finish the other day, and had seen her progress here and there. It's an amazing quilt and one heck of alot of leaves! :) Have you taken LEAVE of your senses, ha ha ! :)
ReplyDeleteYes I must of have! I guess that is why I was a bit hesitant about starting but I do love the slow stitching and there is plenty that this quilt needs. Want to join me? Maybe just a pillow?
DeleteLOL NO! :) I have leaves a plenty to do for this that and the other / I will just enjoy yours as you go along :)
DeleteIt is amazing how you can use bits and pieces of just about any fabric design or color to make the leaves for this style quilt. You are on your way to an interesting destination.
ReplyDeleteI agree Karen everything goes! The more the merrier!
DeleteYour first vine looks wonderful so far! I love that you are starting this project so I can enjoy watching your progress and keep myself from starting another :0)
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit addictive and I have only started, I need to remind my self their other ufo's that need my attention too!
DeleteGreat to see you making this one - and such a pretty start! Certainly is the perfect project to use up little scraps :)
ReplyDeleteThanks HIlda! I am adding the leaves and watching it grow. It will be a great go to project when I need a break from hand quilting. Hopefully the weather will cool and I will feel like getting under a quilt soon.
DeleteCarla, Congrats on making awesome things from bits and scraps! I am loving watching your progress of using your stash up! Please show more close ups next time.. 1 pic each of your progress and those cute leaves and string blocks is just not enough!! Kathi
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathi! I had to pry myself away just to do the post these little leaves full of color are so addictive and relaxing!
DeleteThese are the best leaves. I'm assuming the tighter seam helps keep them from pulling apart when you applique them? They are looking wonderful already!
ReplyDeleteYes it does help them from pulling apart as you needleturn but the seam allowance is trrimmed down also so it just makes that seam a bit stronger to have those smaller stitches! I worried that just stitching leaves over and over would get boring, but seeing the shape of each branch fill in the white background and the scraps playing off one another makes this a bit addictive. It is definitely going to be a great project to pick up when I just want a change of pace from my other projects. I am fretting a bit that applique is winning over hand quilting but that may change in a few weeks when I get back to hand quilting. If only I had more arms and fingers!!!!!
DeleteI love seeing all your scrappy quilts...love those string blocks. I don't think I could do the leave project however. Too many tiny leaves. Best wishes for continued success with this. I adore applique and don't mind doing little things, but this one ...well.....is for others I guess. Happy Autumn!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the best part of quilting, we can all find what interests us! All sizes, shapes and colors!
DeleteLove, love, love those vines!
ReplyDeleteI love scrappy quilts and tend to make a lot of my quilts from scraps of all sizes. I've been known to take a scrap from the wastebasket to use. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to throw fabric away. I love scrappy quilts best
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