Sunday, July 18, 2010

Just a little ta dah moment

By my DH's reckoning, there's over a thousand leaves to be put on the four borders of the Stars and sprigs quilt. Believe me, I wasn't going to count. The journey of a thousand leaves is started by stitching the first one. I don't get concerned about how many or how long it's going to take at all.
Step by step I sewed leaves on and it took twelve evenings to stitch. I didn't do any applique during the day and used that time to do the prep.

I haven't finished the main body of the top, I have three rows to do but I thought if I joined what I had, it was enough to give me the measurement to trim the border. I like to sew my blocks in units rather than long row after long row so I made nine patch units from the blocks and joined them that way.
I couldn't believe that my measurement was exactly the same as the pattern, that hardly ever happens to me.
It's all going together very well and I couldn't be more thrilled. If you'd like to see the whole of what I have together do far, visit Glorious Applique, a new blog that Pam has set up.
Glorious Applique is a group blog for those who are stitching any of Kim McLean's patterns. Give Pam a shout if you'd like to join in the fun.
Now I need to keep going so I can get onto the next one on the list.

91 comments:

antique quilter said...

absolutely beautiful!
the border is what has me so excited about this quilt, I wouldn't have counted the number of leaves either but did figure it was at least 1,000
well worth all the effort, looks amazing!
I am looking forward to this pattern coming out too.
Kathie

broderie said...

the often over used word 'awesome' and expression 'omg' are so applicable to your beautiful piece of work. it looks so wonderful, clever and gorgeous and you did it! i would also be thrilled, you should stand and take a bow!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing - I think this will be an all-time favourite!

Anonymous said...

Janet it is stunning you are doing an amazing job.

Christine

Lurline said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
quiltcat said...

oh janet, your work very wonderful!!!!
have a wonderful weekend
much greetings elfriede

Quilts on Bastings said...

Absolutely stunning!

Danielle said...

I agree that there are no words to give proper credit to your work. What an awesome job you are doing. A real work of art to be admired by all.

Frances Leate said...

Your work is looking great and I can't wait to see the border evolve. Look on the bright side leaves are better to applique than some flowers. Enjoy the journey.

Unknown said...

Omg..Omg..Omg..the last Piccie just Took My Breath Away...Janet it is just Gorgeous.
cheers

Andi said...

Unbelievably stunning Janet!!
You have outdone yourself .... (and you haven't even finished yet).
Andi :-)

Shirley said...

That is one impressive piece of work Janet. Love it.
Shirley.x

SandyN said...

Wow how beautiful...what a lot of work... I love the colours.


Sandy N

Raewyn said...

No wonder you are thrilled - this is absolutely awesome and a real work of art, patience and beauty. Your philosophy is to be envied!! I look forward to seeing this head towards completion.

Anonymous said...

Wow wow and more wow! You're work is truly beautiful. And that border - most definitely something to stand up and shout about. Congratulations.

Miriam said...

Absolutely stunning work, Janet.
That border could be a quilt by itself!! Magnificent!

Quilt Station said...

Hi janet, thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment on my blog, especially cos now I've found yours. Your border is superb, soooo many leaves, gorgeous fabrics...speaking of fabric, I love that Broderie Perse fabric in your previous post. I am going to search for some...it looks a perfect fabric to have on hand.
Thanks again for sharing.

MJ said...

Wow, stunningly beautiful!!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

It is probably best to wait until it is finished before you start counting the leaves! 2 or 2000 it is going to be stunning!!

Shari said...

Leaves - who's counting! We are in awe and loving every leaf - what a beautiful, beautiful quilt...

Kath said...

Oh Janet, that is just beautiful. I couldnt agree more when you said "I don't get concerned about how many or how long it's going to take at all."
Thats how I feel about hand quilting, when my freinds say "But it's so time concuming...."
I particularly like the colours you chose for this project, I love the contrast of the white background, with all those strong contrasting colours. I guess I'm just not a pastel kind of gal :D
Well done for this beautiful work, you are definately allowed a Ta-dah, in fact have 2! XX

Carol said...

Janet it is absolutely incredible! Your work is AMAZING!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Spectacular!

Kaaren said...

I'm in awe not only with your skills because that is a given but also of your commitment to forge on with a project of this size.

It is simply stunning, Janet. I'm cheering you on from the sidelines.

alobsiger said...

Look at all those joyous fabrics! Fabulous, Janet! I'm very excited about Pam's new blog -- think I'll run over and take a look.

BubzRugz said...

Just stunning.......... I am enjoying watching this grow...... it is so lovely..... Hugz

Steffi´s Candy Quilts said...

Wow, this is really glorious! More than 1000 leafes! Unbelieveable for somebody like me. I LOVE to hand-stitch together 1000 pieces, but applique is not my favorite to do. But I love the results! ;-)

Angela said...

That is SO beautiful! It is coming together wonderfully! The "thousand leaves" is something I wouldn't have wanted to know until I was done with them all! :o)

Anonymous said...

Jaw dropping FABULOUS, Janet!!! Absolutely STUNNING!!! : )

Thanks for the shout out for the new blog! I hope to see many folks there and can hardly wait to see their projects too?!?!?!

Thanks for sharing, Janet. You certainly have talented fingers! ; ) What an inspiration!

*karendianne. said...

Oh Janet, Oh my. My breath is taken, my heart is blooming and my artistic self is all aflutter with joy.

Nat Palaskas said...

Such gorgeous quilt and it looks great with the border on. Thanks for directing us to Glorious Applique. I have signed up to follow it too - Hugs Nat

Deb said...

Hi...it`s me way down at the bottom still trying to pick up my jaw...the boarder is absolutely stunning!! love it as usual your work is always a stunner. I have popped over to the blog you mentioned and I can see why with the contributors so far listed in the blog it would be a great success I follow you all...and always am inspired. Thanks for sharing

Terry said...

Wow! That's just gorgeous Janet! Keep up the good work! :0)

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Love it Janet, your colour choices are perfect, I cannot believe how much work you get done. I'm a fan of Pam's new blog already! xo

Betsy said...

Carrie, thank you for sharing. It is stunning!!!!

Betsy said...

I'm sorry, I meant to say Janet. Don't know why I keep messing that up.

YankeeQuilter said...

How many of us would keep on stitching if we ever really counted up how much time our projects were going to take! zikes! BTW...this quilt is gorgeous!

B J Elder said...

Your quilt is amazing! WOW! I am very impressed. The colors, the design, the quality of your work. Thank you for sharing it with us and inspiring me.

Lori said...

Woo-Hoo!! Isn't that fantastic when something fits and measures just perfectly!!??!! The border looks super!!

Janet said...

Absolutely gorgeous. You are such
a go-getter and you blog too.
Glorious applique will be added to my list to check out. Keep up
the great work.

Daniëlle said...

Completely breathtaking border! What a lot of work, but the result will be awsome!!! happy sewing, Daniëlle from Holland

Bunny said...

I have lockjaw just looking at your work. You totally amaze me. And I thought working on my DWR quilt with appliqed border was a lot of leaves just 140 LOL. I always hated applique work but I am rather enjoying my process. I have only one border done and three to go. Not sure if I could tackle one like yours. I can't wait to see yours all done.

ranette said...

Perfectly Divine!

Kim Brackett said...

Unbelievable! This is a HUGE ta-dah moment! I just can't stop looking at the pictures. Your work is so perfect! Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

You do amazing work! That looks stunning and I can't wait to see more of your progress!

Crispy said...

OMGosh, this pattern HAS to be published!! I wanna do it!!! Congrats on the perfect measurements a rare thing for all quilters :0)

Crispy

Deb said...

Oh my goodness, that's a lot of appliqueing. I don't think that I would want to count the number of leaves either. But it's absolutely stunning.

Mimi said...

What more can I add than what everyone else has said about your quilt....except that I was breathless when I opened your blog and saw this border this morning. I just want to stare at it in amazement. I love it!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Gorgeous!!

Jewel said...

I am speachless! Honestly it would have taken me a year.

Rita said...

Absolutely beautiful!!! I wouldn't count the leaves either...just take it one leaf at a time. Your quilt is going to be a masterpiece.

Elaine Adair said...

I'm removing my hat and bowing down to you!!! What an impressive undertaking and your results are already stunning!

Darlene said...

YOU never cease to amaze me, Janet. Your talent is beyond words. Sigh! When I grow up I want to be YOU. :-)

Sandy said...

AWESOME Janet! Thank you so much for showing this today...it made my day! Sandy

Judy B said...

Ok, you all have convinced me. I am moving to Australia and maybe all the talent will rub off on me. This quilt is beyond beautiful!

imquilternity said...

Simply stunning - no other words for it!! WOW!

FlourishingPalms said...

Janet, if this is "just a little ta dah," I'd sure like to know what a big ta dah looks like! Wow. This is going to be too gorgeous for words. I can't think of a suitable superlative... and I'm a writer!

Barb said...

Wow!!! Totally amazing.

Cardygirl said...

Looks gorgeous...thanks for the link!

Terrie Sandelin said...

Just so beautiful!

Sue-Anne said...

It looks AMAZING Janet!

Munaiba said...

Absolutely stunning Janet!

Julia said...

OMG Janet, that is just so beautiful!...I don't like doing leaves, but this is just so gorgeous!
You amaze me...Julia ♥

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh, Janet! You continually amaze me with all you do, and how great it all looks! That pillar print was a great find, too. :)

Vicki ♥ said...

Truly amazing! I absolutely love it to bits and when finished its going to be one awesome quilt. :)Hugs Vicki ♥

Karen said...

I wouldn't want to think about how many leaves either. You have such a knack for fabric selection. Very scrappy looking but cohesive.

PatchworkRose said...

OMG Janet I just so love your work. Your quilt is going to look just wonderful. Definately has the WOW factor :-)
Keep having fun
Cheers
Lynne

Dixie Howard said...

Wow, its just amazing. No words can do justice to this quilt. Its unbelievably beautiful. Wow, again!

Karen said...

You are an amazing quilter, this is wonderful. I wish I felt like I had the time to devote to a new project. Thanks for the inspiration.

AnnieO said...

Bowled over here--but I always am by your work. It is just beautiful, which seems such an ordinary word for your extraordinary efforts!

Marit said...

Janet, it looks fantastic!

; )

Valentina said...

Oh Janet, how fantastic!
I love how you just DO, you have such courage and you are a real inspiration to us wimps!
I Love that border...
When I grow up I want to be just like YOU!
:)

Thimbleanna said...

Wow. Oh Wowie Wow. It's sooo gorgeous Janet! I tried to leave a comment on the other blog (right after Kim McLean's comment woohoo!) but that blog format is one that doesn't play nicely with this computer, so it was eaten. Anyway, LOVE this quilt!

Janet said...

Oh Wow Janet!! How wonderful to see the blocks together with the first border. It's so beautiful! That is a lot of leaves but you enjoy sewing - don't you? :0)

Sølvis blog said...

This is going to be a prize-winning quilt. I am completely speachless.

Nifty Quilts said...

Wow!! Fantastic. Congratulations!

Corrie said...

stunning!!!!!!!! the first word that comes to mind!

well done, the colours just sing!

corrie;)

Digna said...

Amazing, wonderful, I love it!!!!

Digna
(The Netherlands)

Carrie P. said...

OH Janet, it is fabulous. If I counted how many leaves I had to do I wouldn't do them at all. Great job.

Nanette Merrill said...

Janet! Nothing less than amazing. How lovely.

Barb said...

Absolutely lovely!! and by the way how did you widen your blog column?

You must be thrilled with this border - it's truly incredible.

I love the new blog and it will be fun to see everyones work

Arantxa puntadas said...

Hola Janet, me parece espectacular la técnica que utilizas, queda de primera y lo explicas muy bien. gracias. Un beso

Arantxa puntadas said...

Hola Janet, me parece espectacular la técnica que utilizas, queda de primera y lo explicas muy bien. gracias. Un beso

Tessa said...

Your leaf border took mu breath away. It is stunning!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Absolutely Amazing! I hate applique'ing leaves.

Rose Marie said...

Oh my ..... this is simply STUNNING!

There are a lot of leaves in that border, but how effective they are and all it takes is just one leaf at a time and before you know it, your border is done.

julieQ said...

12 days and nights...and then I still would not be done with that stunning border! Your work is inspiring!

Unknown said...

Janet, That is absolutely drop dead gorgeous!! This is going to be an heirloom piece!

Mary Ann said...

Soooooooo gorgeous!!!
Hope that you're really proud of yourself!! All the best!

Anonymous said...

Just speechless...

MamaT said...

The leaves are beautiful. I can't believe you got them done in such a short time! Congratulations!