17 August 2017

Down the Rabbit Hole - All Caught Up (Almost!)

It is no secret that I really enjoy hand work, and although I have a lovely old Bernina, we are not the best of friends :(  In the last couple of years I have tried to challenge myself by choosing to make quilts that stretch me and take me out of my comfort zone.  This year's BOM by Sarah Fielke has certainly done that and I have loved every minute of it so far!!

We started the year by machine piecing the central wedge, a challenge indeed, but with patience and excellent instructions I managed.


Next came the lollipop flowers and leaves, much more to my liking - lots of wonderful needle turn appliqué, I raced through February and March :) even adding a couple of little insects




Then came April and the paper pieced house border - I ground to a halt, whilst I love the accuracy of paper piecing I really don't like it! The fabrics sat on my desk all summer while I jumped ahead to the appliqué for May, June and July, telling myself that it was really too hot to sit at the machine.  This week the weather has been a lot cooler, and as I really love this quilt, I needed to piece this border so I could move on.  I decided to simplify the houses, omitting the pieced windows and choosing patterned fabrics instead, I did paper piece the roofs and I happy with the end result.


I had already appliquéd the corner sunflower blocks, so I was able to add this border fairly quickly



The next border contains the rest of the sunflowers and dresden plates, again I had already completed most of the appliqué so these went on fast too



It is now too big for my little design wall, so I have it draped over the banister



I just have to appliqué the sunflower leaves and I am all caught up ready for 31st August and the next machine pieced border (!)




19 comments:

  1. Oh this is really lovely--you have done a super job on this piece...loving those sunflowers...hugs, Julierose

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  2. I think this turned out so well - I have always loved the very center of this quilt

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  3. Wow very stunning and you have been busy. Love it, so fun and cheery

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  4. Beautiful! Fabulous! I love it!

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  5. WOW...great job. I love it. Hugs

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  6. Well done! If it's any consolation, I get on marginally better with my mother's Bernina than my own Pfaff, but the relationship is still a little chilly. So you aren't the only one!

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  7. So wonderful and love the rabbit.

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  8. Wow! You have done an amazing job. I think the houses look great. I hope you can form some kind of friendship with your Bernina. I absolutely love mine. I have named her the "Queen". She was purchased in 1993 and is still going strong. I bought a more recent Bernina (named the "Little Sister") that is computerized and has a number of specialty stitches. I have to admit that we haven't completely bonded. Look forward to seeing what you do next on your quilt - so lovely.

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  9. Really really lovely! And the little rabbit in the middle made me smile!

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  10. Emily, look at you go!!!! I'm so in love with your owls on the Dresdens. Very pretty fabrics everywhere.

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  11. Fantastic! I must say that for me, applique and EPP are easier. Machine sewing is not my favorite thing. Funny, huh? Love how your quilt is turning out! Such a fun pattern!

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  12. Your quilt is looking wonderful. I love the colors you've chosen. I'm not a big fan of paper piecing either, but I like how you adapted the pattern to fit what you like and don't like to do. Fantastic!

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  13. Beautiful , love your colour choices and the cute rabbit and butterflies.

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  14. I'm just loving following your progress on your gorgeous version of this quilt! Your choice of the rabbit sitting just off centre in the middle is the perfect artistic touch.

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  15. Oh my, this gorgeous qilt in progress is a vision splendid, Elaine. I love the simplicity of the house border you have come up with. There is so much beauty to look at in all the details. How sad that you and your old Bernina don't get on. Pesky sewing machines, they can be a trial at times. I can't wait to see this beautiful quilt finished. It is breathtaking!

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  16. This is a beautiful project that had me tempted for awhile ( but too many others to complete ) and so I have enjoyed seeing your lovely work and progress on it! :)

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  17. It’s looking fabulous Elaine!

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  18. Your Rabbit Hole quilt looks fabulous!

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