Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Traditional and Modern Mix for Post #200!

So this is my 200th post!  Yay!..Hooray!...Thank you! 

I tried to think of something really creative to mark this (albeit small) milestone, but much like the weather today, I just seem to be feeling dull and dismal.  So let me just share with you, like I usually do, what a pleasure it has been to meet all of you and share my quilting journey with you.  You are all  AWESOME!
Now let's look what's been going on in the quilt studio. There seems to be a mix of traditional and modern projects occurring at the same time.  So appropriate for my 200th blog because this is the way I roll! LOL
First up - I got the Oak Leaf & Reel blocks pieced together with the sawtooth borders.  Looks nice, no?  I am a little concerned about those borders not laying completely flat... but I will worry about that another day. :-).
So I thought I was done.  Add a nice red and white border fabric that I had chosen, and I was done.  But of course, as happens, the quilt had other ideas.
I started listening to this quilt - your quilts talk to you, right? and it was telling me it needed appliqued borders.  So .... of course I had to listen.
I decided on a vine that included a smaller oak leaf and some larger leaves that were in the blocks.  Not quite sure what I am going to do in those corners... again, another day.  I am open to any suggestions.  I used my Golden Threads paper to make a pattern for the shape of the vine. I am thinking of adding the year and my initials.. but need to think about that.
Next up is the string quilt star blocks.  I have been experimenting with all the suggestions you all were so generously shared. I tried each one with varying degrees of success. 
 I finally decided on the lightweight interfacing.  It is very stable, no odor or residue, it can be cut to any size (my blocks are 6" finished), and it is inexpensive.  It also adds very little weight to the quilt.  It is a winner!
My blocks are now very flat with no stretch on those bias edges.  Yay!
I am not sure how many of these star blocks I am going to make - but they sure are fun!

Check out Bonnie Hunter's blog today on sting quilts for a look at what inspired me to try string piecing. .
Meanwhile, Lucy has been staying cozy under one of her favorite quilts.

Happy Stitching!

Deb

13 comments:

  1. LOVE your red and white Oak Leaves quilt! Wow, that border is fantastic already. Congrats on your 200th post!:)

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  2. LOVE LOVE LOVE your Oak Leaf quilt!! Amazing! That border just makes it sing! Also love the modern quilt!! Good for you on reaching your 200th post!

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  3. Hi, Deb! Congratulations on your 200th post! I'm looking forward to reading the next 200, at least. You do a great job and I love everything that you make. Best Wishes, Eileen P.

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  4. Oh, I love your appliqued border. I'm glad you listened to your quilt. Nice to know about the light weight interfacing. Your string blocks are awesome. Great job all around and congrats on all of your posts.

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  5. Gorgeous string stars and I will have to try that method. I have been using tear away stabilizer and love it because there's no mess and it's easy. I'm always willing to try something new though.

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  6. 200 blogs that is a milestone, the oak leaf quilt is pretty spetacular. Am I right in thinking you added the interfacing after making each block and before joining them together? it looks great

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  7. great projects. Great idea to piece the string stars on interfacing.
    Your red and white OL&R is wonderful - what a beautiful traditional setting and great mix of applique and piecing.
    Congrats on your 200th post

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  8. cat approved.
    Love the string star!!
    LeeAnna

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  9. Congrats on your 200th post I know it's thrilling to reach any blog milestone. I think the applique border is a great addition and some little leaves and acorns in the corners would be nice. The strings look wonderful and really cheerful!

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  10. Pleased to hear that you're happy with a fine interfacing, I would just hate to be sitting pulling out all those papers!

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  11. I just love your posts as they veer from the traditional to the bright and then to an adorable smash ending.

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  12. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you too Debra! The red applique quilt is gorgeous! So very traditional for sure. And I'm loving your string stars - may have to sew up a few myself just to play today :*). And I'm jealous of your sweet little kitty - we need to add one to our household again soon.

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  13. Hey Deb! CONGRATS!!!! Can ya believe you've written 200 posts! How wonderful. I continue to be inspired by you string quilts....glad I read your post as I'd just start sew strips together without any interfacing or paper. LOL! (I still may?) Hope your day is well...

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