Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Tra-la-tra-la.

Doing the happy dance here after getting all my blocks together. The fabrics I've used are not reproduction, there could be all sorts in it but I love the colours, especially the punches of blue.
Most of the block patterns are from books by Elly Sienkiewicz except for a few I drew myself using block elements from the books.
I was very deliberate in setting the blocks as they often did with the antique Baltimore's. There is the pattern of a Greek cross formed by the urn in the middle with the baskets and then because I'm so funny about settings, I put the round wreaths in the corners. From that point on, I tried to balance the blocks out somewhat.
I had to attend to a few finishing touches on some blocks like the book getting the album label.
Family names were also inked on various blocks.
This one below is inked with my name and a sentiment that I hope will be true when I'm long gone. 
I've been thinking about the borders now and I would love to make a start on the drawing before too much longer.
I wish all of you who celebrate Easter to have a happy one.

86 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on this fa-bu-lous top! Can't wait to see what you will be doing with the borders. I love the inking, are you going to embroider over it?
Happy easter.

Di said...

WOW! The blocks look gorgeous. You must be thrilled. It took my breath away. Happy Easter.

Marg M said...

Oh my goodness that is beautiful!

Donna~~ said...

Wow Wow! Absolutely splendid!

Maki said...

Wow! This is so beautiful!!Congratulations!

Susan said...

Happy dance? You should be shouting it out from the top the Harbour Bridge!!! This is FAB-u-LOUS!!!!! You will be remembered!!

Oops-Lah said...

What a labour of love! It is wonderful and deserves to become a heirloom piece.

Josie said...

Stunning! No fears about you ever being fogotten when you are creating so many gorgeous family heirlooms. Heck... you can adopt me if you like.... I'd adore one of your hand-me-downs!

broderie said...

i am sure you will be remembered janet! again, another wonderful applique quilt!

Shirley said...

Ahhh! SIGH!

antique quilter said...

just amazing! beautiful.
congrats on finishing all the blocks.

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

It is stunning! You are right about the punches of blue, they really make the quilt stand out!

Kaaren said...

What an amazing quilt, Janet. I can only imagine the work that you put into it's creation.

Congratulations on another beauty. The shading on the red roses is perfect. They look like they've been painted...not appliqued.

As usual, your work leaves me breathless.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Janet on a Stunning Quilt...Fantastic Effort..
Well Done on sticking it out..
cheers for a Happy Easter...

Marijke said...

For the first time one your blog, WAUW!!! what a beautiful blocks and quilts!
kind regards, Marijke

liz said...

Almost speechless. What an achievement. Beautiful work. Quite a testament to your great ability.

Betsy said...

a true masterpiece!

sjoko said...

Absolutely stunning - my jaw has felt to my chest !!!! That a fantastic jobb. Thank you for sharing this !

Mary said...

Oh this is just amazing! Such a lot of work to complete this one! Absolutely beautiful :)

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

STUNNING! Janet you are amazing! gorgeous work!

Janet said...

Just lovely. You have a masterpiece. What an accomplishment.

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Janet! It's absolutely stunning. I love the blue too. Gosh, what a thrill to know that you've made all those beautiful blocks!

Anonymous said...

You are absolutely amazing everytime I pop in for a visit here I'm simply blown away by your talents of applique! Well done!! APPLAUSE!!

Karen said...

Hard for me to pick a favorite but I think the center block might be the one. I like the blue in the blocks too.

Miriam said...

Breathtakingly stunning, Janet!!!
Congratulations on completing all those beautiful blocks!
I look forward to seeing the borders.

Have a great Easter, Janet!

Sujata Shah said...

Aaahh! What a way to start my morning!
Your work is so inspiring. This has really made me think of all I have stored in boxes.
Looking forward to the borders!

Crispy said...

Oh Janet, this quilt is amazing!! I can hardly wait to see what you will do for the borders and the quilting....no pressure, just excited for you LOL.

Crispy

Joanne said...

Congratulations! It looks amazing!!
Thanks for explaining your reasoning for the layout.♥

Pinkadot Quilts said...

WOW! It turned out beautiful, you must be so proud! The border will be equally amazing. Great job!

Jayne Honnold said...

Janet, you have an absolute treasure on your hands there. I think your offspring will treasure this for many generations! What an accomplishment. Congrats on making such incredible progress!
Jayne

Vivian said...

Phenomenal finish on the blocks! You will not be forgotten because you are truly a handwork master.

Cheri said...

Congratulations on a wonderful quilt. It is just beautiful Janet.

McKenna said...

What an amazing quilt! You should be sooo proud. I've always wanted to make a Baltimore album quilt but I don't have the skill.

Textilediva.blogspot.com

Barb said...

That is one amazing quilt...a breath taker!!

julieQ said...

There are just no words that have not already been written, but I am so happy for you and your lovely Baltimore!!

Terry said...

What a stunning quilt! It's truly amazing Janet! Congratulations on getting it this far! :0)

kim mclean said...

Well done Janet, it looks superb!!
Got your blinkers on again? Kim McL

Fischtown Lady said...

oh, your blocks are so beautyfull. I love they!
Happy Easter for you, too
Marita

MJinMichigan said...

Congratulations on getting the blocks finished and set together. Will you use a border from one of Elly's books or design your own? Either way the quilt will be breathtaking when you finish.

Marjorie said...

Amazing!!! I think I've done 3 of these blocks, but the thought of a whole quilt becomes overwhelming. After looking at yours, I may have to recommit myself.

Donna in SW PA said...

Oh my! Wonderful,gorgeous,beautiful, thrilling! Congrats!!!!

Barb said...

Happy Dance in deed = it looks amazing Janet. You must be proud and thrilled to have them together at last.

Nedra said...

Absolutely Amazing Janet!! I can't even comprehend them all. The hours upon hours of meticulous work...

Janet said...

Wow Janet! These blocks look amazing together! What an accomplishment. I can't wait to see what you do with the borders.

Lori said...

It is wonderful Janet! Very balanced and I love the touches of blue too!!You must be so pleased with it!!

I've been considering inking something on the center BTCT block. I like what you've done with the names.

Darlene said...

Please take a bow! This quilt is a masterpiece, Janet. Simply stunning.

Ann Champion said...

Your blocks are absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you design for the borders.
There's no question you'll be remembered with the wonderful heirloom work you do. :)

Pat said...

Words don't describe what you have accomplished! Your inked inscription of "Remember Me" will touch everyone who sees it for generations to come.
You are an extraordinary quilter, Janet.

Rita said...

Janet, Your Baltimore Album Quilt is stunning. I never tire of looking at them. What a wonderful accomplishment. Happy Easter to you too.

Teresa Rawson said...

YOU are doing a happy dance...WE are doing one, too, for you...and for us! We all likey this eye candy VERY MUCH! This is so very beautiful! I have been researching antique blocks and BA quilt books in preparation for starting a baltimore album style quilt myself. I enjoyed reading about your process of placing blocks, because I am always thinking about this...how to make such differing blocks look pleasing and harmonious. You have definitely conquered that concern. I can't wait to see what you have in mind for the borders!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

Janet:
Your work just takes my breath away - I cannot imagine creating such unbelievable works of art!
Thanks for the inspiration and eye candy!

pratima said...

Wow, it is amazing! Janet your sweet notes here and there are so lovely. The border will be just as stunning. Happy stitching!

Lina said...

Oh Janet, STUNNING!!! You are AMAZING!

You inspire me to dig my Baltimore Album blocks, I have 7 done, and 3 blocks are the same as yours.

Mary said...

Absolutely beautiful, Janet! I don't think the era of the fabrics makes one bit of difference. The important thing is they all seem to be perfect for where they are. One question (at least just one for now!) - how did you get the shading on the roses in row 4, block 5? The whole quilt is just fabulous!

Carrie P. said...

Happy Easter to you too.
You can definitley celebreate finishing the blocks. They are all beautiful and I like the way you set them.

M and M plus 3 said...

Maybe someday I can grow up to be like you. Its fun to look at a quilt once, but to look again and you see something new. What an accomplishment, congrats!

Jane in Cumbria said...

Fabulous!! Absolutely beautiful. I am going to look forward to the borders. It will be spectacular whatever you do!
Jane

Sharon said...

Stunning piece of work, you have got to be proud of this top. I love the inking you have added. Way to go!

Doris said...

What an amazing accomplishment, Janet. So beautiful, and so personal with your inking additions.

Karen said...

Absolutely incredible. What a treasure. Could you post about how to do the inkings? They add so much. Congrats on a beauty!!

KathieB said...

What a fabulously satisfying accomplishment for you. Doesn't it make you smile just to stand back and take it all in? It's simply gorgeous. Well done!

Rachaeldaisy said...

That is breathtakingly beautiful!! You deserve to a very happy dance!! And I'm doing a standing ovation!! Have a really wonderful Easter!!

Kristen said...

Gorgeous! Have good Easter! :)

Mimi said...

Absolutely beautiful....like everything you do.

Meredith said...

Happy Easter. Have fun with the borders. Very Very pretty

Julia said...

Wow Janet...the girls have said it all...just so beautiful, amazing, stunning!!
have a Happy Easter..
Julia ♥

Eileen said...

Janet,
It's spectacular! I'm in awe of your talent! Can't wait to see the borders.

Heidi said...

It is just beautiful! You are certainly a wonderful inspiration to me, a beginning appliqe-er. I wish you happy holidays!

McKenna said...

I came back for a second look because I'm in awe of your accomplishment!
Textilediva.blogspot.com

Browndirtcottage said...

WOO HOO...YIPPE....clapping clapping....FABULOUS Janet!!

I enjoyed looking at the back of your block...since I have started applique myself I am always wanting to absorb any info I can see about it!!!

ranette said...

I agree with all of the wonderful comments before me Janet....but I'll put it simply, just beautiful.

My eyes teared at the sentiment on "your" block and yes dear, you will be remembered.

Anonymous said...

Heirloom and Fabulous, Janet!!! : ) Enjoy your weekend, and Easter, if you celebrate it.

Sewjournal said...

Congratulations. It's just beautiful.

LuAnn said...

What a beauty! The blocks are wonderful, and I love the symmetry with the wreaths placed in the corners. Love the deatailed photos so we can enjoy your work!

Robin said...

Breathtaking!!! The setting you've chosen really does seem balanced and is beautiful. As always, I'm just blown away by your artistry. :)

Anonymous said...

All I can say is: woaw ! What a beauty and lots and lots of work !

Joan said...

Janet - that looks spectacular...what an acheivement !! How will you quilt it - decided on anything special yet??

lizzie said...

WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

imquilternity said...

As ever - I'm impressed! You do such exquisite work! Happy Easter!

paqui said...

wwwoooouu!!!
Espectacular quilt !!!
Es fantástico.
Un saludo desde España.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Wow Janet, as is already said, it is spectacular, amazing, incredible! Fabulous job you have done. xo

John'aLee said...

Utterly WOW! How long did this take you?

Dixie Howard said...

Its so utterly gorgeous, Janet! Just speechless. What a beautiful, amazing quilt. Can't wait to see what you are going to do with the borders!

Quilts And Pieces said...

WOW! Absolutely stunning!

QuiltedSimple said...

This is absolutely beautiful Janet. Truly amazing! You have done a wonderful job with this one.
Hugs,
Kris

Martha said...

Oh my gosh -- I miss checking my blog reader for a few days and I miss this? . . .the most beautiful applique quilt ever. You must be so proud because seriously -- this is one of those quilts of a lifetime -- one that any quilter would be so happy if this was the only quilt they ever made. I know I'm rambling, but honestly. . .I am just blown away.