This one is finally finished. It is pieced and raw edge applique, first done on a piece of pellon and then quilted. I bound it with a facing (will post the steps next time) and am very happy with it. It is 36.25" wide and 41.25" high.
I called it My Mountain because I didn't do much of what the instructor in a landscape class said. For instance, dryer lint for clouds would have not been the right thing on this piece.
The close-ups are a tad blurred (will I ever conquer this camera?), but they show how that floral fabric was cut into bits and combined with batiks and quilting to get the effect of a rock garden.
I'm really happy that it is done - almost. I'm not saying done until the label is made and on it. The following photo shows why I could not take my photos outside today. In AB we say, if you don't like the weather, wait a minute. This is the fence and some bushes in our back yard. The grass IS GREEN under all that!
Why does it take two weeks to get at a simple last step? This paper-pieced mat was finished --- except it needed more quilting on the outside border. I decided holly leaves then procrastinated.
Finally, after less than 15 minutes, they are on there. I used freezer paper and drew one freehand. Then I cut four, turning a few upside down for variety, ironed the results around the edge, quilted around the templates, added a few 'berries' between the ends of the leaves, then moved the templates to the next spot. So simple.
The finished mat is 15" and has a label with a binding. It was a class exercise, so I had to write on it by hand, but at least it is legible.
My other project, the large mountain scene, has lots of quilting and is nearly done. I've a few bushes to draw into it, and then will be putting on a facing so it looks more like a painting than a quilt. I found a great method by combining a few online discoveries. I'll post the steps next time. Please don't hold your breath. Life has gotten too hectic to make any promises when that will be!
This is the quilt that is keeping me from starting my next project. It is about 37" wide and 44" high. I'm using my DM and putting lots of quilting on it which my body can only take for short spurts. Progress is slow. Also, my camera is still doing the blurry on some settings, so this picture is sharp, but the color is pretty good. Can you see the basting pins?
This close-up shows a bit of detail in one part that is finished.
The last picture is one flower my late-blooming amaryllis. Wanda's post reminded me to take a picture. There are two stalks, and the second one has yet to come fully into bloom, but this one has four massive flowers, each more than 7" across. It is totally amazing, considering I did everything wrong caring for it so it would even grow.
Back to the sewing machine... well, I have to buy groceries first. Life getting in the way of quilting - again!
