Since I could see my pattern markings from the back, I tacked the underlying pink fabric on from the back of the piece just outside the sewing line. The next stage was to sew the bias strips through the layers.
It's all going smoothly until I took a long hard look at my progress from a distance, as you do.
The brown and cream fabric doesn't look right to me, I would say because there seems to be an equal amount of cream and brown in the print. It was getting blended with the pink and looked kinda mushy to me.
Check out the picture below of the real Auntie Green basket.
If I can't live with it, it has to come out and here was the perfect opportunity to try out my new seam ripper. It has a rubbery end on the ripper and the case and the idea is to rub back and forth over the broken stitches and voila, they loosen and pull out.
It might seem a bit gimmiky but it actually worked quite well and I do hate picking little wee thread ends with my fingers.
Here's the basket all finished with the new brown fabric which I'm a lot happier with.
In case you were wondering, I appliqued the inside edges of the two outside pieces, trimmed the excess pink fabric and bias stems off and then proceeded to applique the outer edges if that makes sense. That way I knew I wouldn't have to worry about covering everything or being too short on my seam allowances. It's happened to me before so it pays to leave more on than you think you need.
I just need to audition a couple of fabrics for two center circles on the blooms but that can wait until later.
I just can't sem to get a better photo of the colours in this one but you get the idea. It looks creamier in real life.
Class is tomorrow and I'm enthusiastic to get the next stage of the pattern to work on.
Until next time, happy stitching, Janet
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34 comments:
I see the difference Janet. It looks magnificent. Have fun at the class. Can't wait to see the next stage. Can you stitch faster please?
Janet another cheaper and great tool for thread removal is the office fingers they are perfect! They are rubber fingers that you can run along the threads in the same fashion with the exact same result.
Love your progress and that rework was worth all the effort, sometimes we just have too don't we?
OMG it is just beautiful and your work is amazing, just beautiful yup I am in AWE!
looks like a new gadget I may need too!
Have fun in the class ca n't wait to see whats next
Kathie
Oh, it's yummy!!!! Yes, you were right in re-doing it, all that extra work does pay off in the end, and it is lovely! Why do'nt we see these things straight away, I often wonder? Are we too hasty?
Loving how it's looking. Your doing a great job.
Oh Janet it looks beautiful and perfect to me.
Still on my to do list one day..
Julia ♥
It's beautiful - changing the basket fabric was definitely the right decision!
Wow, it's looking great! I must say, I admire your determination to get it just right. I must get myself that nifty tool, as I never get those little threads removed properly.
It's looking really beautiful Janet.
Are you drawing it freehand?
The temptation to not unpick is strong! Good for you to make it look the way you want it to.
A friend also has that seam ripper she loves it too.
You have the patience of a saint. The basket is gorgeous and what is most important is you're happy. :o) Seam rippers are necessary evils so it's best to have one you like.
Just beautiful!
Isn't it amazing what you find when you step back and really look. I'm glad you changed it out. It would have probably bothered you everytime you looked at it.
Beeeautiful Janet! Your new basket looks wonderful -- but ouch! the ripping! The whole center is just amazing!
As always you teach us by your progress'! I can see exactly what you mean when looking at the original which had definition to the brown basket weaving pieces. A bother to undo but you knew the change would make you happier.
I will see my stitching friend today who is also doing Auntie Green - must share your posting with her!
Your applique is stunning!
Happy stitching.
Your progress looks wonderful!! The basket does look a lot better with more contrast. Enjoy your class - I look forward to seeing what comes next :0)
I think the change was worth the effort, for sure! It is so beautiful and I know you want to be happy with it in the end.
The new basket looks great! I'm glad the new seam ripper did its job and that that rubbery end really works. Great idea. Now you can continue on with your beautiful block and feel really good about it.
It is beautiful so far. Right in the center you just had to get it pleasing to you. It does look better, so well done.
It's lovely Janet! I like the change you made in the basket. Such a little difference in fabric makes such a big difference in look. I'm very impressed with how much you are getting done--keeping up with the class too! :)
You know Janet...you make it all look wonderful. I'm very envious of your applique talents!
Incredible work! Absolutely lovely and your applique skills are the bomb!:)
love it.
You were right to spend the time unpicking! The basket is central in the design and having it 'mushy' or indistinct would have not made you happy! An hour of unpicking seems minor compared to a lifetime of 'I wish I had.....!'
Great job, I agree that the new brown is a better fit. Love it!
What a pain to have to pick all that out. But your second choice definitely looks much better! :0)
This is such an unusual shape - I love it! Your basket is perfect.
Gorgeous - I like the second brown better too. I always seem to be happier with a higher contrasting fabric. Love seeing your progress, and have fun in your class!
Just gorgeous...but it is amazing when you get a fabric that seems "just right", but it turns out to be anything but. Love what you have done.
Looks beautiful and is definitely an improvement! shame about the unpicking but you'll be happier now :)
That is absolutely stunning! I just love it. You're right... the fabric made a difference!
in the picture online i liked your original choice for the basket. but i'm sure your choice is better in real life. it's becoming a real feast for the eyes and heart. thanks for sharing.
This is looking GREAT! The new brown was definitely the way to go. When faced with maybe re-doing something, I always figure I won't remember the extra time spent if I do it, but I will always be haunted by the "not quite right" first choice if I leave it, so the time is therefore well spent to rip and re-do.
Wow Janet, it's beautiful, can't wait to see the next stage. This is my favorite quilt from the Annette Gero book. Your applique quilts are always real show stoppers!
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