Thursday, February 6, 2014

Applique and other things

I had a couple of free afternoons to work some more on the Aunty Green quilt and gathered up some courage to trim the last four borders of the quilt. Its always a bit nerve wracking for me because I'm always afraid I'll make some humungous mistake with the measurements and cutting.
If you've done applique, you would know all about the distortion that occurs after stitching. When it's a border it seems to compound. I folded each applique border in half and found that my center basting line no longer marked the true center.
I get around it by folding the border in half, pressing and remarking the center lines.
Once I had done that to all four borders and joined them to the center of the medallion, it was time to add the additional applique to the corners.
 There was some negative space that was a bit obvious that I didn't like so I've added a leaf here, a bud there to make the corners look a bit more balanced.
See the center bloom in the photo above?  That's been prepped using the freezer paper and starch method so even though its been glue basted in position, it still needs stitching.
 The stem, leaves and plaid bloom at the bottom above are extra additions to fill negative space. 

Here's a close up of a flower that was done with the same method, yet to be stitched.
The class starts up again at Quiltsmith next week so I want to get a start on the next border before then.
 I forgot to tell you that we had a new addition to the family. This cute little guy was born on Christmas eve to my stepson and his partner. Since they live in another state, we've only just met him last week when they came to visit family and friends.It's nice to be a Nana again.
Here's another addition to the Quiltsalott house. Meet Tully, a four year old Jack Russell.
We're providing a home for her for the next year as a favour to a family that has had to move interstate. They have a paid for rental for the next year that doesn't allow pets.

The challenge is on, she comes totally spoilt, untrained, barks, likes to dig for an escape, doesn't respond to her name but she's very affectionate. She's making me do my walks, a good thing.

I saw an ad in the vets window today that looks promising. Training for adult dogs. I'll find out more, it could be faster than me doing it on my own. This dog is going to learn who is in charge and it ain't her.
We've had two of our own Jack Russells and a Doberman in this house so we knew what we were taking on. 
Until next time, Janet 

48 comments:

Lori said...

Woop! Woop! Janet, the quilt top looks absolutely fabulous!! How exciting!
Precious little baby. A Christmas baby no less.
I'm glad to hear you are out walking since that is a good way to deal with your latest health issue. (I have it too!)

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

fantastic looking baby and the quilt - yes applique is a lot of work,you do yours very neatly!

regan said...

This quilt is stunning! And congratulations on your new grand! So sweet! And good luck training that dog.....sounds like a real challenge! :o)

Janet said...

Auntie Green is looking wonderful! I like it when the applique fills the available space evenly too - your additions fit perfectly. Another border - wow! I look forward to seeing your progress.
Your grandson looks absolutely adorable :0) there is nothing in all the world quite like a new baby!!

Salley said...

Well thankyou for showing us your backside (woops!) those teeny tiny stitches are awe inspiring.

And I am a sucker for baby photos...what a divine Christmas gift.

Susan said...

Stunning appliqué Janet, it's looking amazing. I agree with Salley, thanks for showing us the back too. Congrats on the new human arrival, and good luck with the canine one! Those cute looks might make up for any personality issues.

Oops-Lah said...

Wow, your Aunty Green is beautiful. You really are "the applique champion", at least in my eyes. And the little addition to your family is so cute. Also your foster dog looks lovely, even if you have your work cut out to train him. Good idea to send him to "school".

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your Aunty Green looks fab! Such a lot of work! And you have the cutest new grandson. Good luck with your Jack Russell, we have one and he like to bark at night, especially on or near full moons. Shutting him in at night helps but I don't like to do that when he has fleas to share with my laundry. They are wonderful and faithful once you get the training down, oh and great at tricks too.

Jane in Cumbria said...

Your Auntie Green is just fabulous!!! Such wonderful colours. And so is your sweet little grandson - what a lovely photo! Success with Tully!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Your fabulous Auntie Green is growing at a great pace! It's interesting to see how much the center line moved. Your new grandson is so beautiful, the photo reminds me of those Anne Geddes photos that used to be big in the 90's. Sounds as though you have your hands full with Tully the wonder dog. I bet you won't want to give her up when the year's up.

Nat Palaskas said...

Aunty Green quilt is totally gorgeous! Congrats on the family addition. What a cute baby. You will Tully quilting before long hehe! Hugs Nat

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Auntie Green is wonderful, love your additions, that is the great thing about applique. So glad to hear that you have owned Jack Russel's previously. They can be a handful, hopefully the training will go well.

Betsy said...

Janet I can never stop looking at your beautiful masterpieces. Congratulations on your new additions

Julia said...

Aunty Green is looking wonderful.
So much work, it was on my to do list, but can't find the time.
Congratulations on the new little bub addition to the family.

Monica said...

Beautiful work as always Janet! I hope someday I'll have the patience to do a large applique quilt like that.

And congratulations on the new grandbaby. Your son and his partner must be over the moon right now!

Nedra said...

Janet,
Your applique work continues to absolutely stunning. And congratulations on your two new additions. They are both very cute!

Marjorie said...

Absolutely beautiful! I need to get some of these annoying piecing and quilting WIPs off my list so I can get back to applique.

Staci said...

What a beautiful baby!
And that quilt is a stunner, too!

Nancy said...

Oh Janet, Your Auntie Green is absolutely, totally, completely gorgeous. I just love this version of the pattern.
And what can you say about a new baby. They are so precious.

Pat said...

Oh those Jack Russell terriers - high energy and independent for sure!
Your Aunty Green is beyond gorgeous. You have really been staying on task to get it to this point. In your "spare" time could you write a book on how to applique, choosing the most perfect fabrics and how to have everything line up well. It would be a bestseller!!!

Congratulations on being a new Nana - such a sweet little one.

Barbara Arcement said...

Such a precious baby. Babies are a special gift.
Your quilt is beautiful. I am amazed at how people can do such precise stitching to applique to a quilt. I would love to be able to do that.

cottonreel said...

Quilt is beautiful but not a contender for the beautiful baby

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Janet, that quilt is stunning! I can't even imagine how many hours you have in all of that applique. I love your applique method -- with so much talk about needle turn, it's nice to see someone else who still uses freezer paper. And you made me laugh with your comment about who's the boss in the dog relationship -- You Go Girl!!!

Heather said...

Love your Auntie Green. So beautiful!! I too hate borders, the terror of cutting incorrectly totally freaks me out and I usually delay as long a possible. Such a beautiful baby. Enjoy!

Bethany said...

Happened to see your blog via Quilting Blogs and had to comment. Gorgeous quilt! Loved seeing the back and how you fixed everything.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Wow, your quilt is amazing! Good luck with the dog training!

Shirley said...

Applique is looking fantastic. If anyone can make it work then you can. You are the applique queen. Gorgeous baby. Good luck with the dog training.

Mary Huey said...

Stunning quilt -- thanks for sharing how you've filled in the negative spaces.

Abby and Stephanie said...

A post filled with goodness. Of course the quilt is stunning and I marvel at your attention to detail. However I have to say the wee little one trumps your quilt in gorgeousness by a slight margin. :o) Congratulations to everyone. I hope Tully doesn't eat quilts. :o) Best of luck.

Mary said...

Oh my goodness! Janet it is looking so incredible! And the babe is so sweet...this post is filled with yummy-ness!

Cheri said...

Auntie Green's Garden is beautiful. I don't like the trimming of my appliqué either, it is scary after all the appliqué work. What a precious Christmas baby and adorable picture.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Your work is exquisite Janet, absolutely incredible. Congratulations on two new beautiful additions to your family. xo

Karen said...

Janet, this takes my breath away. I totally know how nerve wracking it can be to add appliqué borders. My Jubilee quilt needed a lot of tweaking. Congrats on your new sweet punkin. He is beautiful.

Every Stitch said...

Wonderful applique Janet - as ever! Interesting to see how you adjust the distortion - always inspiring to see how you work. Congrats on the beautiful new addition.
Hilda

Angie in SoCal said...

Gorgeous applique, Janet! And thanks for the process - those are so helpful. Precious baby - how blessed you all are. And congrats on your addition at home - he looks like a bundle of fun. I found you on the blog list for Carla's A Few of My Favorite Things. I get lucky that way.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

Congratulations on a new grandchild, what a sweet picture!
Do you do all your applique using the starch method? Did you talk about it on your blog? I want to check it out if you did.
The quilt is so lovely and you do such lovely work!

Lou - Max and Louise Pattern Co said...

Congratulations on your new grandchild. How exciting.
Your quilt is beautiful, you should be very proud.
I love you combination of dogs. We have a doberman and a jack russell too. They are great mates and love to play together.

John'aLee said...

Wow! What else could one say about your work. And it's no wonder you are afraid to do anything with a quilt top with that much work in it.
What a beautiful baby! I am having grand baby #13 being delivered in just a few weeks. Every time is so exciting!

Featheronawire Sally Bramald said...

The quilt is looking wonderful. I can train any dog which comes to my house with the exception of those who do not respond to their name. Those who respond but chose not to come, I can deal with. But if there is no response whatsoever.... I wish you the best of luck, lols

Browndirtcottage said...

I'm just swooning' over this quilt!!!

Yep, trimming is a nail biter for sure. In my case I'm sure that is going to be worse than soaking the blocks!! I may have nightmares!! ha!!

tanya said...

your work is pure perfection.
i'm in awe.
and jealous!

prairie said...

Beautiful quilt.....and I love Jack Russells. That one will be a better, happier canine in a year!

prairie said...

Beautiful quilt.....and I love Jack Russells. That one will be a better, happier canine in a year!

Janet said...

You amaze me with your fabric choices plus I always learn something on your blog. Your new grandson is beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful time training the new pet addition.

Carrie P. said...

WOWWEEE!!! amazing applique.
sweet little baby!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous. Love your color choices. This is on my bucket list to make. Can't wait to see it quilted.

Teresa Rawson said...

Congratulations on your Auntie Green...it is so beautiful (along with your new wee one...)!!

Annemieke said...

I know this post is written a while ago but I was atracted to your auntie green quilttop again. Can I ask where did you buy the pattern?
I hop your doggie is being trained now by you, you are right, it is good for him to know who is the boss. I've had dogs for the last 30 years and I'm sure a good trained dog is a much better companion. I hope my English writing makes sense;)
Groetjes
Annemieke