Monday, July 23, 2012

Only in my dreams........

I would say that I made this quilt and that it was mine! But then, I would be lying - so in my dreams and for just a few short hours I will have the most incredible quilt on my bed......and my only claim to fame is that I was able to quilt it.

 1 

But then I think about really owning this quilt, and it sitting on my bed and realize that I would never let my kids in my room, I would always be telling (nagging) Clint to not sit on the bed - so really, this quilt belongs on a wall and that is where I believe it will be. Karin made this "Ladies of the Sea" quilt designed Sue Garman. Karin did a fabulous job and I would be lying if I didn't feel slightly pressured to make sure I didn't ruin this quilt.

2 

I can't even begin to imagine the needle turn applique involved in making this quilt. Seriously, I know that I wouldn't have the patience to make this quilt right now. But, I am always grateful when I get to be a part of a quilt that will be treasured for a long time. If you think you have the patience to make it yourself, all the patterns and kits to get yours started can be purchased here.

3 

So, this quilt was "simple" in the fact that I didn't have to think much about what I was doing. I had to draw a ton of lines, 1/4 straight lines on a 45 degree angle got a little tiring. Each block, from start to finish took me around 1 hour, some took longer than that. So, just in block work it was around 16 hours. The rest of the quilting, mostly pebbling took me 43 hours. So, 59 hours total to complete this quilt.

4 

I think the hardest part about this quilt was keeping the straight lines straight, I am not perfect, I am not a computer and I am the biggest critic of myself. But, it is so amazing how once you pull a quilt off the frames, the imperfections seem to disappear as you get the whole picture in.

5 

Amazingly enough, I enjoyed the pebbling more than I enjoyed the straight stitching. Although, my back was aching for a few hours after each quilting session. It's all worth it in the end as you can see the applique pop and become the showcase it needs to be.

6 

Because of the dense quilting in the background fabric of the quilt, I didn't feel like I needed to add more quilting to the applique and the triangles around the quilt. The triangles and sash needed to "pop" as much as the applique. Stitching in the ditch is always the best option to make each shape stand out.

7 

I used two layers of batting - I don't use one layer anymore - but for this quilt I used a wool batting and a Hobbs 80/20 batting. I think it worked out beautifully.

8 

I love this picture!!

9 

I used Kimono Silk Thread by Superior Threads for the first time. I have to say, I loved it! It's a strong, durable thread and super thin. I didn't have any problems with the thread and I am sure I will use it again. It's a little more pricey, but I think it is worth it for your masterpiece quilts.

11 

Close up of the pebbling! I think I like it!

1 

And, the back....oh yes, I think I love it!!

2 

The backing used for the quilt was so great, it's a map of the world, but solid enough in color to showcase my work. I love it when my quilting shows.

3 

I am so glad to have this quilt finished. It's one of those quilts that is hard to start because I get a little nervous, but the relief of the finished project is such an amazing feeling. Let's hope Karin likes it when she picks it up in the next half hour :-)

78 comments:

Malia said...

Once I pick my jaw up off my desk, I'll mumble out a WOW!

The Nifty Stitcher said...

Gosh - a truly stunning quilt enhanced by your amazing quilting!

Jen said...

Absolutely amazing. Both the needle turn applique and the quilting is amazing in this quilt.

Shanna said...

I am just speechless...the quilt itself is absolutely beautiful, but the quilting is what really makes it stunning. Wonderful job!!!

BobbiG said...

Wow, that is amazing, both the quilt top and your quilting. You have probably said before, but what do you mark your quilt with (when you do mark!)?

Barb said...

Judy, I saw this on facebook and had to come by and see it in more detail. Once again, you have done a show stopper. It is totally fabulous.

Miss Butterfly said...

This is just out of this world !!! Woooowwww ! Congratulations to both of you for this masterpiece ! This quilt should win a price ...it is just so perfect !

Pat from Florida said...

Wow! I've seen this quilt before, but the way this one is quilted is SOOO inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

Melissa Corry said...

An amazing quilt and amazing quilting!!! The perfect duo :)

Snippets of Carol said...

Amazing, Wow, Wonderful, I repeat the words. Super job and it looks fantastic. How can she not love it.

Quilting Babcia said...

If she doesn't like it, can I get in line?! This is one seriously gorgeous quilt, and your quilting sets off her applique motifs so perfectly! Question for you, when you double up on the batting, as in this quilt, do you place the wool batting closest to the quilt top?

Jacqueline said...

Words aren't adequate to describe this quilt..

Mom C said...

Absolutely love your quilting. It is amazing. Thanks for posting so many pictures. Wonderful.

Bárbara said...

Un trabajo precioso !!! :)

Marianne Bromand said...

A wonderfull quilt and you did (as usual) a beautifull work.
Marianne from Denmark

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Wow! That is just gorgeous!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

Once again....your work is stunning!! It certainly shows off this beautiful quilt.

The Rx quilter said...

Awesome, awesome! The quilt is made an heirloom masterpiece with the quilting! I have to brag that I grew up next door to Mrs Garman and although I will never be in her league for designs and quilts, she inspired me to start quilting . Great job to the owner and beautiful work by both! Lisa in Texas

Barbara said...

yeah, wow !

Unknown said...

Чудесно! Кропотливая работа.

Leslie said...

I too, saw it on Facebook. Absolutely stunning. Amazing.

Wendy said...

Stunning is all I can say! I have this same pattern that I am working on as a BOM. Now I cannot wait to finish the applique so that I can have it quilted. This is just beautiful.

Teresa Silva said...

Absolutely stunning....you did an amazing job on this. It looks wonderul on your bed too. Maybe Karin will let you borrow it :)

mary mahoo said...

Oh Judi! You literally never cease to amaze me. Your work, as per normal, is stunning, The quilt itself is gorgeous, and your quilting sets it off perfectly.

Barbie Mills said...

This quilt is amazing, and your quilting is stunning. I love it. The modern quilting movement is a lot of fun, but there is no comparison to simply beautiful, tedious work like everything that went into this!

Debbie said...

Gorgeous...as usual. Love that you take the time to share it with us.

Laurel said...

Your sharing of this quilt just made my day. It is beautiful! The quilting is amazing!

Thearica said...

There is NO words to describe what I felt as I looked at this work... yours and the piecer/appliquer...

pcflamingo said...

A masterpiece, indeed! Your quilting is the perfect addition to this beautiful, gorgeous work of art.

Unknown said...

this is an absolutely gorgeous quilt. I love the quilting you did on it also. Wow what a gem

Michelle said...

all I can say is GORGEOUS!!!
Michelle

CathyK said...

I am speechless!!!!!! (And my husband will attest to the fact that it does NOT happen very often)! This quilt is GORGEOUS and the quilting you did is stunning! You did an AMAZING job and you should be very proud of yourself. Your quilting was/is perfect for this quilt. What a treasure!

Fiona said...

fantastic job you did quilting this... really showcases it beautifully.
Hugz

paulette said...

A masterpiece!!! Truly amazing!
P

Marilyn said...

This quilt is amazing, the needleturn looks so perfect, and your quilting has worked beautifully.

Sarah@SisterGiggles said...

Why do you use 2 layers of batting?

Mary W Quilts said...

WOW! That is amazing. The quilting and the needle turn.... Mary

Denise said...

Absolutely STUNNING Judi!!!

Leeanne said...

SUPERDUPER!!!! Your work & the owner.

Polly said...

Judy, there are no words... there has never been a quilter like you. Amazingly perfect!

Laura T said...

I really love it when you post pictures and this quilt is amazing and your quilting really set it up beautifully!
Laura T

Cascade Quilts said...

Wow...... just ......WOW!!!!!

Sooli said...

You're right, that is a stunning quilt and the maker did a beautiful job but your quilting is what turns it from a lovely quilt into a work of art!

Em said...

Gorgeous!!!!!

•stephanie• said...

i don't think you need to worry about karin liking it! it's spectacular {as always!}

Tamie said...

This is amazing- the quilt and the quilting....

janequiltsslowly said...

My Oh My . . . the quilt is amazing and your quilting really complements the mastery of the work on the top!

Unknown said...

Oh. My. Gosh. That seems so lame to say. This just doesn't allow for words to describe how amazing this quilt is. Bravo to you. Honestly. I am in awe.
L. Tilley

Heritage Keepsakes said...

I always anticipate a quilting 'par excellence', when your blog entries slow down and are never disappointed when the wait is over. Once again, you have inspired us quilters by your amazing quilting, and this quilt looks outstanding!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us all on your blog.

Heritage Keepsakes said...

I always anticipate a quilting 'par excellence', when your blog entries slow down and are never disappointed when the wait is over. Once again, you have inspired us quilters by your amazing quilting, and this quilt looks outstanding!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with us all on your blog.

Barbara M. said...

As usual, you made a masterpiece. Really, I think that you are not human. What precision, taste and accuracy. Congratulations and thank you very much to have shown us such a beautiful inspiration of perfection. Barbara from Italy

Unknown said...

Really...it's perfect! And if Karen doesn't like it, you can send it my way!
Toni
www.lifeinapinkbunnysuit.com

sarah in brooklyn said...

I'm not sure if questions get answered here - but I was wondering about the process of quilting this amazing project. Did the appliques get quilted first and then the straight lines and pebbling go around them? I can't even imagine all the work that went into this. It's spectacular.

Leanne said...

A.MAY.ZING !!!
You never fail to amaze me with your talent...Thanks for sharing

Jane's Addicted. said...

i agree with the very first comment. jaw, then wow! and just when i thought my eyes couldn't pop anymore i saw the back! I'm glad you found your calling in this lifetime and that you share. Keep doing what you're doing. Wonderful.

Kate C said...

Wow. Everytime you post new photos I am amazed and think "this is the best one yet"..but then you out do yourself again! The applique is wonderful and your quilting is just off the charts. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Kate

Carrie P. said...

Wowee! the quilt is stunning! Well done to both of you. Both of you put in a lot of hours and it will be an heirloom one day for sure. Karin will probably faint when she sees it.

Debbie Madigan said...

I am working on my LOTS blocks and have to say that this finished quilt is the prettiest one I have ever seen! You did a fantastic job quilting it, and I would love to have you quilt mine when I get the blocks done. Congratulations on a truly spectacular job!!!

Mary C said...

Beyond amazing!

Michele said...

I too am picking my jaw up off the floor over this one. Never in a million years would I even attempt to piece a quilt like this one let alone actually qiuilt it. Fabolous, spectacular, terrific and wonderful just aren't good enough words to describe this masterpiece.

IMAQLTR2 said...

Wow! You have created an heirloom! Awesome!

Monica said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sue said...

Absolutely beautiful quilt and quilting! I have to agree with you, if that was on my bed I'd have a hard time letting anyone in the bedroom! Thanks for sharing-

Carol Swift said...

That is definitely a masterpiece as well as an heirloom--beautiful!

Patty said...

What a gorgeous quilt that is enhanced with your wonderful quilting. I am so inspired!

Anonymous said...

Gracious, lady, what fabulous work! Plenty of inspiration here for this beginner. Thanks for sharing.

Betsy said...

Beautiful! Inspiring!

Judy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Judy said...

I have never seen anything like it before! In all my wildest dreams, to make a masterpiece like this.
You are the best of the best. I wonder if there is anyone better in the world as good a quilter as you.

Kathy MacKie said...

I'm speechless!

Stitches said...

OMG, it is beautiful, the quilt itself and your quilting..I, too, am speechless. You do a wonderful job with quilts. Wow!!

Colleen said...

Wow just doesn't seem adequate to describe this
- your quilting is as phenomenal as the quilt itself.

Betsy said...

Wow!

Donna~~ said...

Wow Wow Wow! Absolutely gorgeous! Incredible! I've never heard of using two battings together. Which goes on the "top" and why?

thepiececorps said...

Sweet Mother of Pearl!!! Nicely done on the highest WOW level!

NoraC said...

I just bought this quilt pattern on Amazon. I can hardly wait. This quilt is so awesome, and on top of that, all the history. I love tall ships, etc. I'm going to see if I can do this as a Quilt As You Go. Yikes!

Unknown said...

What an amazing quilting you did to this wonderful and beautiful quilt. Well done!

Unknown said...

What an amazing quilting you did to this wonderful and beautiful quilt. Well done!