Thursday, September 3, 2015

Lurching toward a new start

Ever since I first turned the page and saw this quilt in the Fall 2010 issue of Quilt Sampler, I knew it would be a "must make" on my never-ending list of future quilts.

So, with an extended road trip coming up in the near future, last week I began cutting the applique pieces for the oak leaf/acorn blocks, hoping to accomplish some hand applique during the trip.  While attempting to fold back the edges over the freezer paper I quickly discovered the tight curves and acute angles were going to be w-a-a-a-y beyond my skill (or patience) level to hand stitch.  So, rather than going down in flames, the pieces were re-cut for some slow but steady machine applique when we return in a few weeks.
Since this quilt will eventually be for a very special person in my life, I didn't want to burn out on the project and let it turn into a UFO.  Better a little machine applique than a purist non-finish I say! Thinking the applique will be the most difficult part of the project, so that will be completed first, then the fun of piecing the remainder.  I'm hoping to hand quilt this beauty.

So, September begins with a new project.  Will it be finished by next September?  I certainly can hope, though the number of finishes this year has been abysmally few so far.  I do need to figure a way to rev up my hand quilting speed, that's for sure.

Now to find another hand work project for the trip.  Stay tuned.

9 comments:

Mary said...

This will certainly be beautiful. I've tried hand appliqueing similar shapes and know they are really hard to do.

Janet O. said...

This is a gorgeous quilt. Hand quilted will be pretty special, no matter the method of applique. In fact, I would find even machine applique to be challenging on all of those leaves. : )
(BTW, I love the word "abysmally".)

Ruth said...

I can see why you wanted to make this quilt! Stunning is the word that comes to mind. I can also see why you are NOT needle turning the appliqué. I would never be able to needle turn those leaves either. Machine appliqué will be lovely as well. As for hand quilting, you can do it!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Wow, I'm in awe ... that's a spectacular quilt and what a beauty it will be. Good thinking on choosing an applique method that will work without driving you completely bonkers.

Kyle said...

Your title made me smile because of the word lurching. It makes a great mind picture. The fall colors look even richer on that dark background. It's going to be a fun quilt for you to make. Now you have to find another traveling project.

Needled Mom said...

That is going to be stunning. I love the colors.

Barbara said...

Well, it's a beautiful quilt, and I am confident you will do it justice.

audrey said...

Beautiful pattern! Love the rich colors especially. And you're so right, it needs to be done in the way that will actually get done.:)

Debbie said...

Wow////this is beautiful......just getting all the parts cut is a giant step. And finished one day with hand quilting would just be perfect!