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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

More red and green

After finishing the Stars and Sprigs top it feels strange not to have a focus on anything else just yet. What to do, what to do?  I have to have applique on the go so decided to try a block from the Beyond The Cherry Trees quilt that's been a free download. I even joined the blog dedicated to the making of it.

When I saw Kelly's contemporary version, I just knew that's the look I was after and so with her blessing, I went right ahead. It's always been my dream to have a healthy collection of the red and green quilts and I really don't want them all to look the same. I love how the fist block looks but I have realised even though there are basically two colours with sprinkles of others, one still has to pay attention to value so it won't look flat and dull.
I've been taking some time to make a heap of half square triangles to get this other thing together. Most of the strips are just pinned at this stage on the design wall.
I don't like it.  You're probably rolling your eyes at me about now. It's too blocky and strong, there's not enough white negative space, I wanted the blocks to float on the background etc, etc. Time to stop and re-assess. Stay tuned because by hook or by crook, I'll get this one to bend to my will.
Wishing you all a happy, joyous and safe holidays.

46 comments:

  1. Abby and StephanieDecember 22, 2010 at 11:07 PM

    I absolutely love this BOM. If only I appliqued...

    One thing about you is you won't give in. Once you're completely satisfied with your project it's always gorgeous!

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  2. Sujata ShahDecember 22, 2010 at 11:12 PM

    I love your first block! I have collected patterns and will be starting soon! Love the whimsy in your and of course Kelly's fabric choices.
    As far as the other quilt, I know that whatever you do will be as fabulous as the blocks in the end!
    I know the feeling of time to stop and re-assess.

    Happy Holidays!

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  3. Pinkadot QuiltsDecember 22, 2010 at 11:30 PM

    Janet I love your first BTCT block..just my colors!!! Glad you are on board I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
    The Baltimore is just stunning!

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  4. ranetteDecember 22, 2010 at 11:37 PM

    Oh I should have gotten in on the BTCT earlier...but I may have to get going on it now after seeing yours and Kelley's versions! Love them!

    I love the Baltimore Album, but I think I do agree with you...I'm sure you'll have it worked out soon and it will be wonderful!

    Merry Christmas Janet!

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  5. Victoria Findlay WolfeDecember 22, 2010 at 11:51 PM

    I think the quilt is pretty fantastic with the half square triangles.. Makes my feet come off the grown, singing like an angel! whatever you do to it, it will be stunning!

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  6. Minick and SimpsonDecember 22, 2010 at 11:56 PM

    Love this version of this quilt. Now, I will have to look into making this myself. Happy Holidays

    Laurie

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  7. SewWhatsNewDecember 23, 2010 at 12:13 AM

    Everything is beautiful. But I agree with you, the Baltimore needs more negative space. Have you considered adding one strip of light color on each side of the triangle sashings and make a corner stone where they meet? I am looking forward to your decision. Have fun.

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  8. BarbDecember 23, 2010 at 12:32 AM

    I love your cherry block. Those centers are the living end - love them.
    Your Baltimore is gorgeous. You are so right to take the time to have be the way YOU want it. Maybe just red corner stones with white sashing?
    It will be lovely, whatever you decide.
    Merry to you and your family!

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  9. Ann ChampionDecember 23, 2010 at 12:47 AM

    You're off to a great start on the BTCTs! It's got a fun feel to it. I didn't get all of the patterns, so I won't be doing that one, but I'll sure enjoy watching you make yours. :)

    If you'll be adding borders to your Baltimore, I like the saw tooth sashing, if not, and you want a lighter look...the floating squares sashing on the red and green applique I posted last week would be a great option?

    :)

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  10. Linda December 23, 2010 at 12:47 AM

    Oh I love it. Just beautiful!! You really did make a heap of HST!!

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  11. Sew Create It - JaneDecember 23, 2010 at 12:48 AM

    Yep...rolling my eyes indeed! Your block is gorgeous! I think the fabrics are really fresh...I hope you will reconsider...though I am curious to see what else you come up with.

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  12. LoriDecember 23, 2010 at 12:56 AM

    I'm sure you'll figure out a setting that will be pleasing and make you happy!! It's worth it!!

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  13. NedraDecember 23, 2010 at 1:04 AM

    I'm sure your version will be stunning. Great idea to have a collection of red and green quilts.

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  14. AnonymousDecember 23, 2010 at 2:13 AM

    I wish I'd discovered this BOM at the start. I can't afford $6 a block now! I'll get the last ones, I guess, and admire yours as you make it. Love your Baltimore. It looks nice blocky, but it isn't what you want. I'm sure you'll figure out how to make it more floaty.

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  15. ShirleyDecember 23, 2010 at 2:19 AM

    You will come up with the right decision for you I am sure. Wishing you a very happy christmas.
    Love from Shirley.x

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  16. bethDecember 23, 2010 at 2:19 AM

    you don't like it? Well. those HST's will be happy somewhere! I'm curious to see what you come up with.

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  17. Terrie SandelinDecember 23, 2010 at 2:22 AM

    What a sweet initial block! I'm intrigued by your process with the Baltimore Album -- your eye for balance is impeccable!

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  18. John'aLeeDecember 23, 2010 at 2:23 AM

    Love the new block. I love the way the HST set off your blocks in the quilt too. Great job.
    Have a sweet Christmas!

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  19. wishes, true and kindDecember 23, 2010 at 2:39 AM

    What a pretty quilt pattern. Your block is lovely, but I know how that is to have something else in your mind that doesn't always translate on the first try. It will be fun to watch your progress on this quilt.

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  20. JanetDecember 23, 2010 at 3:18 AM

    I love your start on the cherry tree quilt! Those cherry centers sure are small.
    I appreciate you sharing your struggles with setting the Baltimore blocks. I get stuck at that stage too sometimes. You want to be really happy with the end result so it'll be worth the struggle. You can always make something else with the hsts :0)

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  21. DebbyDecember 23, 2010 at 4:01 AM

    What a beautyful baltimore quilt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You do very nice applique!

    Greetings from Debby,
    the Netherlands

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  22. MaryDecember 23, 2010 at 4:25 AM

    If anyone can get a quilt to bend to her will, it's you! I have no doubts you'll do it. The blocks are beautiful.

    Welcome to Beyond the Cherry Trees - I'm having so much fun with this applique. It's amazing how different the blocks all look.

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  23. MeredithDecember 23, 2010 at 7:50 AM

    Agree on the baltimore it is a bit crammed. I am sure you can get it the way you want it. Merry Christmas.

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  24. UnknownDecember 23, 2010 at 8:10 AM

    I am Lovin your New R & G block so cute...I have to Agree with the HST they are tooo Blockie..KWYM...looking forward to seeing what you come up with...
    have a Lovely Xmas Janet & All the Best for 2011 to You & Yours....
    ho ho ho

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  25. Its_LilyDecember 23, 2010 at 8:36 AM

    I get that same feeling when I've completed a big project. It's like I must immediately begin another or I feel like I'm wasting time. I don't feel that way about projects at work though. ~grins~ Only my handcrafts and creative projects.

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  26. MunaibaDecember 23, 2010 at 8:38 AM

    Hi Janet
    I'm between projects too and it's such a weird feeling - trying a bit of this and a bit of that. Re your lovely Baltimore style have you thought of having triangles from red with a small white motif so that the red is n't so defining? Just a thought.
    have a lovely Christmas

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  27. HeidiDecember 23, 2010 at 9:14 AM

    Do you every sleep? I cannot believe what one quilter gets done! Everything you do is lovely.

    Heidi

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  28. SewCalGalDecember 23, 2010 at 9:23 AM

    Very beautiful.

    Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  29. JuliaDecember 23, 2010 at 10:57 AM

    Love your new block...
    Hmmm. not sure about the HST's..but I'm sure your find something that works for you..
    Julia ♥

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  30. Oops-LahDecember 23, 2010 at 12:59 PM

    You really are unstoppable, are you? I can't believe that you already started with a new applique project. But it's looking gorgeous. Yes, I agree, it's probably a good idea just to leave your Baltimore for a while. It would be a shame not to be 100 % satisfied with the result after all the work you've put into it. The right solution will come to you, I'm sure. Best wishes Vreni

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  31. Dixie HowardDecember 23, 2010 at 1:51 PM

    Your first cherry tree block turned out great - I'm a big fan of Kelly's version too as its just so whimsical and captures the spirit of this quilt. Hope you and your family have a happy holiday!

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  32. MiriamDecember 23, 2010 at 4:25 PM

    I love the BTCT blocks but I missed most of them. I will enjoy watching everyone else's from the sidelines. Your first block looks spectacular!!

    I am sure you will find the prefect solution for your BA.

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  33. MaritDecember 23, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    Your first block is soooo cute! Wish you very Happy Holidays! And new inspiration for framing your fabulous applique. Funny how some quilts resists, even with the best laid plans...
    ; )

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  34. RachaeldaisyDecember 23, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    I'm excited that you've started a new applique quilt, I've never heard of The Cherry Tree, I'll pop over to the other blog in a minute. I love the sashing on the Baltimore quilt, but I know when you come up with a layout you're happy with I'll see how it suits better. You've put so much work into that quilt that it really has to be right. its all part of the journey.

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  35. DebDecember 23, 2010 at 7:05 PM

    Love your BTCT version - so fresh. Will be watching with great interest. Yes the perils of Baltimore - to border or not to border? I like it both ways!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Carrie P.December 24, 2010 at 1:25 AM

    I thought I recognized the block. I love your version. Some of the ladies in my applique bee are doing those blocks.
    Some of the ladies have given great suggestions and I am sure you will figure it out.

    ReplyDelete
  37. CrispyDecember 24, 2010 at 10:22 AM

    I love what you have done with this block!! It's beautiful....as usual :0)

    I agree, the sawtooth is a bit over powering. White space would leave lots of room for lovely quilting!

    Happy Holidays

    Crispy

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  38. Ivory SpringDecember 24, 2010 at 3:49 PM

    Oh my, your circles are PERFECT, Janet! This is going to be another pretty one, I can just tell.

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  39. Mary Lou WeidmanDecember 24, 2010 at 4:02 PM

    fOR ME WHO IS PLAYFUL AND LOVES WHISY i PREFER THAT BLOCK YOU DON'T LIKE-GOOD JOB!

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  40. Nat PalaskasDecember 24, 2010 at 6:19 PM

    Gorgeous block Janet. I have been saving the patterns too and you'd never know I might stitch it one day, one day - Merry Christmas Mr and Mrs Quiltslott - Hugs Nat

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  41. AnonymousDecember 25, 2010 at 6:08 AM

    Your block is wonderful, Janet !

    Merry Christmas to you and your family !

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  42. Kim D.December 26, 2010 at 3:40 PM

    I love your new R & G BOM Janet! I'm sure you'll get your way and your blocks will be floating soon. :) Looking forward to seeing what comes next. I hope you had a blessed Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousDecember 27, 2010 at 10:34 AM

    Your machine quilting is becoming so beautiful what about alternating a Baltimore block with a white block that features the quilting pattern? Then add wide borders with some appliqué on the drops.

    That way you could have two twin quilts that would be sisters but not identical twins. Even if you had to go out a buy a couple twin beds it could be pretty spectacular. ;>

    rainey

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  44. LisaDecember 28, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    Great that you've started on the Cherry Tree. I've been meaning to start it, but I haven't finished my Sally Post yet. I decided I didn't like my green so I started over. So I know how you feel about your BA. No matter what other people tell you, if it doesn't feel right to you, you just don't want to go on until it does.

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  45. EileenJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Janet,
    From the angle of the picture, they ARE floating on the background! The only thing I can think of is if you change up the sawtooth sashing and make it more of a sandwich-2 white strips with a narrow red one between them. It would expand the white areas a little.
    On this quilt I think you're just going to have to accept that the applique will be the only star and not any background quilting.
    JMHO of course.

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  46. AmyJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    I LUV the red half square triangles.Its stunning.

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