10 December 2012

Phebe

I mentioned in my previous post that I was about to hibernate Phebe for a while as I am not really happy with the way it's going. Debra asked what the problem is and the short answer is I don't really know! I think the issue is that I am trying back basting on this one, I have used this method before on other projects but nothing as detailed as this. I like the fact that you can position fabrics easily but I am frustrated that my applique on this is not as neat as with regular needle turn. The leaves and berries are fused as I could not get these right at all and they are starting to peel off ;o(
I am really not enjoying working on this quilt!
I like the fabrics I have chosen, so I want to ask - what would you do? Should I start over or carry on?


This is a large quilt, I still have a long way to go. Photo of the complete quilt from the Threadbear website. The pattern is available from them HERE

11 comments:

  1. Lovely quilting Elaine. Just wish that it is something I could do!

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  2. Elaine. I think you looking to much at the small picture your applique is beautiful! what I would do with the items that you have fused is a blanket stitch that will also add to the character and dimension of the quilt.
    I think if you keep plodding along (excuse the pun I was thinking of those darling sheep) you will find you will be happy with the allover design. The design itself is meant to be alittle primitive, shapes are not to be perfect. If you have to make them a little bigger to accommidate or use other stitching to hold down the pieces that are difficult to work with.
    New eyes always are a blessing. I love the quilt!

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    1. Thank you! you are right, I am over thinking this! I will hibernate this for a week or two and then carry on - I do love the sheep! Blanket stitch around the fused shapes is brilliant - why didn't I think of that ;o)

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  3. I have to agree with Debra. I think that what you've done so far is perfect. I'm in love with this quilt too and in fact, have my pieces traced and that is about as far as I've gotten as I'm afraid to start her. But I think that as Debra said the piece is meant to be a little bit primitive as far as the shapes go so I think you have made a wonderful start.

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    1. Yes, Deb I think I have gotten too blogged down in the parts I didn't like. It is a stunning pattern, I love all of Di's quilts. I think the hardest part for me was starting - go for it, we can work on this together!

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  4. Oh my! Thanks for commenting on my blog. Now I've found yours!!! Your Phebe looks fabulous so far! Fantastic! I confess I've been collecting the pieces for Phebe but haven't started. Loved looking through your blog. You are working on such beautiful projects!!

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  5. It is a call that only you can make Elaine but it looks good on my screen.

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  6. I agree with Nicola. YOU have to be happy with your Phebe, not US.

    But if you ask my opinion, I would keep going. It looks just fine.

    It would be shame if you stopped this wonderful project. I have the pattern too, but haven't started yet.

    Good luck and don't forget to enjoy the journey.

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  7. Hi Elaine your sheep look gorgeous so the rest of it will also. I think may be you are looking up to close to it and not the over all quilt, take time off to search the quilt on the web and hit images and spend some time looking at what others are doing with their Phebe quilts, you will enjoy just looking at the quilts in progress and you will end up been motivated all over again. Also try just working on one flower at a time like one sheep at a time not the whole centre block. You are meant to be having fun so if after all these suggestions we are throwing at you; you still are not then packet away till 2013 LOL. it's only 3 weeks away but sounds like a year saying it that way!!!!!! Hugs Glenda from Down Under

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  8. Hi Elaine - your sheep look brilliant! If the back-basting technique isn't working for you why don't you just return to your preferred 'regular needle turn' technique. I like trying out different methods and just ditch if it's not working for a particular block. I hope you keep going.

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  9. I love this quilt - have the pattern and the fabric is pulled but I just keep getting distracted by other projects. I am a new follower and reading the other comments on this post I think we need to get a little online group going to motivate each other on this one!!

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