True Blue is heading into the homestretch. Yesterday the remaining basting pins were removed and that means I am heading for the border. Three straight rows of stitching should do it. And at this point, I'm ready for straight rows of stitching. And a new shiny straight needle.
In the meantime, something new flew up onto the design wall. I'm using up scraps I have on hand and before I knew it I had the making of a new quilt. I selected colors that were a bit reminiscent of an old rose garden I strolled through recently. Not so much a literal translation, but rather a focus on the earthy parts, like moss and bark, shady nooks, sunny spots, iron and wood structures, soil and sky, water and stone. Like this . . .
Well, that's the path I started down. But the addition of plaid tends to point toward fall. And once I introduced the red apple print (because it needed a cornerstone accent), it was all over. The whole thing just zoomed right past summer and went straight into autumn. Like this. . .
It happens. I'm not entirely disappointed with it though. I'm just not mentally ready to stitch up "Autumn" before summer has arrived. So I'll be putting this away for awhile and might make another attempt at the old rose garden theme after I finish other projects I've started. Yes, there are others poking out of baskets. Along with more hexies. Can't stop. They're like candy.
Vicki, I cannot believe how prolific you are! I have a ba-zillion projects in progress, but mine don't get finished, somehow. You are amazing! I really like True Blue.
Posted by: Debra | June 13, 2013 at 04:52 PM
Hand stitching is something I have not dabbled in for months. You are giving me the itch! VERY beautiful stitching you have accomplished on the True blue quilt! Reminds me of my MIL as she adores blue.
Posted by: Sara | June 13, 2013 at 06:14 PM
True blue has the loveliest stitching ..The hand work is beautiful..
Posted by: izzy | June 13, 2013 at 08:51 PM
Love both quilts, I'm a fan of churn dashes and yellow. The garden photos are breathtaking. It's a beautiful place, your world!
Posted by: pam | June 14, 2013 at 07:06 AM
Beautiful quilts. I may just have to pick up my quilting needle and put down my embroidery one (which you inspired me to take up). Fun!
Posted by: Annie | June 14, 2013 at 08:05 AM
Beautiful shots of the garden! The roses are gorgeous! I am really digging your new quilt inspired by said roses.So many projects, so little time!
Posted by: Laura | June 14, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Both quilts are so pretty. I love blue and white quilts, 'course it's my favorite color combination, so I suppose I would. The rose garden quilt will be lovely to have come autumn, and so much of the work is done. You'll be able to get cozy and relax with the handstitching of it, come the cooler months. I think, that if you'd used a little more of the fabric with the green leaves and pink roses, that the quilt may have had a bit more of the feel you were going for. Maybe? But it is still so very nice, and I think you'll really enjoy having it just the way it is, in the autumn months.
I can see why you were inspired by that garden. It truly is lovely. I really like the naturalness of it. So many rose gardens tend to be just beds of roses. This garden has true character.
xo
Posted by: Lena | June 14, 2013 at 12:24 PM