I haven't posted in over a week, unusual for me really but I am suffering from a case of blogger fright. Think stage fright and relate it to blogging and that will just about sum it up without going into detail.
It's my own fault, I've been reading other blogs that have bought up some provocative issues surrounding blogging and quilting. I'm not going to join the discussions and I gave myself a good talking to and I think I'm cured.
I have been busting to get back to some red and green applique so picked this very simple Cherry Tree block as a quick fix.
I did get a dark red border put on the Baltimore style quilt so that I could measure and get to drawing up the border design. The red will be repeated before the binding again.
It's a long process for me to draw up a border, it doesn't come easily to me because I'm impatient and it takes time. I know a lot of you were interested to know what ideas I have so here are some initial drawings.
I wanted an urn in the middle of the top and bottom border with a running vine and put together this one but I'm still debating that and could go to the other extreme and keep it super simple. I only draw half the border since that can be flipped for the other side.
I knew I wanted to feature roses from some of the blocks and for it not be too heavy with applique. I also knew I wanted some space to feature some feather quilting and I've allowed space for that. You might be able to make out the light pencil line above the valley of the vine that will accommodate the feather on top, there will be more in the bottom edge of the border too..
Trying to make the elements go around the corner took a bit of thinking but this will most likely do. I have a plan to have the top two corners finish differently to the bottom two so I have yet to draw those out to make sure it works.
I want to say a big thank you for all the positive comments and amazing compliments I got on my last post.
I feel very humbled and fortunate to have had such amazing encouragement from other blogger friends. If it wasn't for the encouragement, I'm sure the current project would have stayed in a drawer.
Happy stitching, Janet
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61 comments:
I know what you mean about blogger fright.
Your drawings look amazing! It is going to look fantastic when it is finished!
don't ever have blogger fright your work is devine
looks wonderful!!!!
Amazing work! I must have missed out on the quilt/blogging controversy :)
Your work is wonderful! Once I get applique in the fingers, I'd love to learn more about drawing designs - you've certainly motivated me to do so!
OMGosh Janet your ideas for the border are AMAZING!! I wish I had a 10th of your design skills!!
I'm not sure what you are worried about. I'm excited everytime I see a post from you. I'm sure all of the close to 1,000 people who follow you feel the same way :0)
Crispy
Do we need to send chocolate or any other forms of encouragement? Your work is so beautiful, and I for one appreciate you sharing your talent with us. Plus, its just nice to know YOU!
You are drawing your own border pattern? If you are capable of that then you need to start designing your own patterns! What I can see from the photo is going to be wonderful!!
Gotta love that one easy block thrown in the BTCT mix. Quick satisfaction!:)
From the simplicity of the BTCT block to your gorgeous border. I would miss the inspiration I get from you if you stopped blogging. I always have a tinge of excitement when I see you have a new post, wondering what lovelys you are going to share with us that day. I guess I missed this round of controversy, just as well. I figure there is a delete button for posts I'm not interested in.
Oh Janet...I did see some of the controversy and I promptly turned the computer OFF!! Lol
I think you are one of the sweetest, most talented people I've met. I admire your talent so very much and I would be so excited for you to actually put out a pattern so I could make it!!
The btct block is a cutie!
Your work is so beautiful. I didn't know you also drew out your own patterns! I am in awe.
Your work is amazing-I would not be willing to try things if it was not for reading this BLOG-Thank you for everything you do.
I am not a huge Baltimore fan-but your quilt-I am a fan!
I love the border ideas too!
This border is going to be beautiful! I love your urn/basket idea on the top and bottom of the quilt.
I agree with every word Sharon said about your blogging. It is always exciting to see your post on the side bar.
By the way, I baked Italian bread yesterday and was telling my daughter about you frequently baking sour dough bread.
She loves fresh bread out of the oven.. and I love making it..
Someday, I will try the sour-dough bread too!
Thank you for the inspirations!
I guess it's a good thing I didn't see the blog posts you're talking about!
I love this border. How wide are you planning to make it?
I love the border, particularly the way you're planning to turn the corner...very clever! I wish I could draw like you but I have trouble drawing a straight line with a ruler ;o) I love your blog!
The blog drama was a bunch of silliness! I saw it here and there and skipped over it. People must not have anything else better to do. Now onto some good stuff...WOWZER! This is going to be the most special quilt ever. Your border designs give me drop jaw (that's a good thing.) I can't even imagine how stunning it'll be once it quilted too.
Anytime you get blogger fright you just email me and I will sort you out. I too saw all the nonsense and thought commonsense had gone out of the window. Lucky some of us are sane and nice people. Never doubt what you do Janet because you are quilting royalty. You always give good value for money and it is always a pleasure to read. Keep up the good work.
Love Shirley.x
OhMyGosh -- of all the blogs I read, I'd think you'd be the last to have blogger fright -- your work is always so beautiful and detailed. You're such an inspiration Janet!
Wow Janet, your quilt is gorgeous and I'm so impressed by your border drawings. Great job! Oh no, blogger fright not you, your quilting is always fabulous.
Now I'm frustrated - I have no idea what the drama was!! I love your work - it's always a pleasure to visit!!
Your album quilt just overwhelms me. (I really didn't believe making something like that was possible--but you've obviously done it--and really well!) And, I'm not sure what it is about it, but I absolutely LOVE LOVE your Cherry Tree blocks. They just make me happy (and wishing I had been downloading the block patterns!) Not sure what all the blogger fright is--unless you are talking about how seeing all your fantastic quilts scares the ordinary rest of us! haha
Oh Janet! I know exactly what you are talking about....I had the very same reaction! I don't know -this is supposed to be fun right? So on with the fun. I am so excited to see your drawings...what a process! I started an appliqued border when I did my Baltimore quilt, but I didn't draw out my design which was not a good idea. And it was at that time that I stopped working on the quilt. So it is borderless and probably will always be. I love yours and I will be cheering you on the entire way!!!
Janet I of course love your BTCT block and think it is going to end up beautiful. Don't worry about the drama you are all about sharing and beautiful quilts. Your border is going to be the icing on the cake. I look forward to seeing what you decide!
Do you know how gifted you are!? Most of us just wish for a baby thimbleful of the talent you have. This design is remarkable. Now do tell... what's the "provocative issue?"
It's such a treat to get to see the design process. I LOVE what you've drawn up..and I know it will be even better once it's done in the fabric version.
I'm so thankful that you're willing to share what you do..and how you do it!
Your BTCT block is fun and whimsical! :)
I'm not sure what provocative issues you are talking about, but one thing is for sure, you don't need to concern yourself about them. As all the comments clearly show, everybody is in awe of your talents. Your border is going to be stunning!
Your blocks together are looking amazing, almost not real! And so much work, beautiful! And now your drawings. I especially like the last picture when the vine turns. Read a lot of comments and I agree that I'm always excited when you are posting, a lot to see or think about with you.You are truly inspirational.
Groetjes
Annemieke
Thanks so much for showing us a bit of your design process with your border design. It is going to be fabulous!! I like your plan to go around the corner - I'm not very good at that -it's a tricky space to work with.
I love your cherry tree block as well. Such a fun, happy block :0)
I missed this quilt/blogging controversy too so I don't really "get it". I've learned so much and have been challenged and inspired so very much by your blog. I love connecting with quilters all over the world who are interested in what I'm interested in. And I LOVE to see all the projects you are working on. I think you're an amazingly talented quilter and so very generous with your knowledge.
The quilt is just stunning...love the border planning...it will truly be a special heirloom.
The quilt is quite wonderful. I love the drawings you have for the borders. I am so impressed by your stitching, design skills, and your pursuit of quilting that is so inspirational. I am glad you did not give in to blogger fright.
Forget about all that Blogging Crap it's not worth reading...
I Love your Design for the Border..WOW is all I Can Say...
cheers
I must be living in a cloud and not know anything about anything, big grin
Love your border design, you are amazing and so is your work.
Christine
I also enjoy each and every one of your posts. It is a happy little blog reading day when you have posted, you are my applique guru. Thank you for sharing in pictures and words your amazing talent.
Cheri
I, too, missed the blog controversy. Can't have had much value since it fizzled and faded before most of us heard about it.
Your border treatment looks delicious. Simpler would be easier but it wouldn't be a "Quiltsalott" quilt then, would it?
Your BTCT block must be what you do for light relief.
What's all this about blogger fright...I missed it too...
Forget about all the blogger hogwash Janet, Just keeping doing what your doing...I love reading your blog, and seeing your beautiful work..
I watch out for your posts everyday!
Julia ♥
Oh Janet, that border is going to be absolutely amazing! I can't wait to see it "in fabric"!
Your drawings looking great. Can't wait to see the border develop in fabric, because I know you will keep us up to date. Love your Cherry Tree block.
Thank you so much for sharing your process with us. Your work is so beautiful! I can't believe, this is what you call simple. :)
I want my blog to become something people could love, like they love yours.
Janet, Your work is so beautiful and I love it when you post. You are an inspiration to me. Thank you so much for the time you take to keep us informed about your work and God Bless.
I am so impressed with your applique skills and your design skills - just the most lovely quilt and it's been a real pleasure watching it progress.
WOW! I can't believe how you can draw that stuff! I can't draw for anything! That baltimore album quilt is going to be beautiful!
So happy the Baltimore is out of the drawer! You make the most beautiful applique, best of luck on planning the border. Also love the block from Cherry three. Very fun and fresh! Love to come here for a visit - always! Please relax and be comfortable Janet. (No stage fright needed among friends...)
; )
the border is going to be beautiful...wow keep going on this masterpiece
kathie
At first, when you decided to remove the sashing hst I thought, "no, don't, it looks so good!". But, now that I see what's coming I see that it is going from good to Wow!! Your album quilt is just stunning!
I too had a few days of fright of blogging, but then moved on. There's just too many fun and awesome things in blogland to hold me back!! LOL! Your border is going to be just stunning from the what I can see in the drawings!!
You are doing wonderfully - I am most impressed!!
Your border is going to be beautiful! I can't wait to see the real thing! :0)
The borders will be absolutely beautiful! I am in awe that you can draw them out and then re-create them....i cannot wait to see it done - it will be fabulous!
Hugs,
Kris
Janet, your work is amazing and encourages me to keep practicing. I feel very fortunate you've decided to share with us out here in blog land. I'm learning watching you go through the process, so thank you for sharing.
Your border will be beautiful. Janet do tell, what were the provocative comments about quilting and blogging?
Simply gorgeous! It amazing to see your sketches. It looks like so much work and it will be worth it when you decide the final look!
Janet missed out on the blog thing please keep posting,your work is inspiring and tutorials wonderful help for those of us who struggle to improve our quilting ,Love everything you make, hugs Wendy
Wow, your drawings are fantastic Janet. I really look forward to watching them materialise!
I guess I missed the discussions on the blogs. If Shirley (above) says it's nonsense, then I guess I didn't miss anything.
I love your drawing and all the other cool stuff on your blog. Keep up the good work. It's awesome.
Karen
Impressive!
I guess I'm feeling grateful that I too missed the blog conversations....
Your drawing of the borders is amazing. I'm in total awe. I'm a pick it up, cut it, baste it on kind of planner.
The new applique' block is very cheerful an sweet!
Getting caught up with you and yes I have heard about these conversations, but only read two of them. I am amazed at your drawings for your borders!! They are fabulous and you are quite a talent. It is going to be just beautiful. I know that sometimes we can all be impatient, but the time and effort that you are putting into this is definitely going to pay off!
Your border looks wonderful, and I always enjoy your blog so much. Thankfully I missed the blogging comments to which you are referring, but ignorance is bliss as they say! Love how you always show your work in progress, and may we all be able to continue to share in what I like to think of our worldwide virtual quilting bee and learn from each other!
Your borders are beautiful on paper - can't wait to see them in colour. I love your vase and think it's a great traditional idea to do different borders.
Thanks for sharing and inspiring!
Well, that's funny - I haven't posted for a week, until just now, and that was for the same reason - stage fright. Except that I didn't know anything about any controversy.... :o)
Whatever it was - don't take any notice. Your blog is fantastic, and so is your work!!
You are an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing.
Jane
Okay, I think I just happened upon the posts (and comments) you were talking about. I can see why you had momentary blogger fright because that's the way I feel right now. I've never been embarrassed about my stash but there were comments that nearly made me cry. I am grateful for blogs like yours that celebrate quilting, creativity, color, design, the process and all the other stuff that makes quilting so glorious. Thanks for sharing your excellent design skills with the world and keep the posts coming!
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