Monday, December 13, 2010

Making My Mark

Thank you so much for all of your kind comments about my Mother's Garden Quilt.  Quilters have been so important to me, offering me many surrogate mothers.  It seems so many of us are united in loss and this time of year certainly makes us miss our loved ones even more.

Thank you to all of the "non-reply" comments as well, I wish I could send you a note to thank you for visiting, I certainly appreciate your comments too!


after much of this;


And some of this;

and with the 3 hour Masterpiece presentation of David Copperfield (my favorite Dickens' story), my quilt top was marked.

I am going to quilt a 3/4" cross hatch in the center section with 3/4" diagonal lines on the surrounding borders.  I'm filling in circles and leaves where I can on the vines.


I'm going to use pink quilting thread on top of the applique; pieces, and white for the all of the outlining and background quilting.  I had started with pink, but you literally could not see it, so I "un-quilted", ouch! and I'll use white.


I hope you are all finding a little time for yourself during this hectic season.  Today I'm hoping to start 2 small projects for Christmas gifts, so Mother's Garden will probably have to wait.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barb your quilt is going to be so beautiful, I love the close ups and your circles are so perfect.
Can you tell me what your favourite tool or pen is for marking?

happy stitching
Christine

Béa said...

Going to be really wonderful. I love !!!
Big hugs.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

You've chosen such beautiful quilting. I'm glad you shared this process with us, because too often, I decide to wing it, and not bother to take the time to think things through like I should. Having your example helps a great deal.

Crispy said...

Oooo I love your plans for the quilting!! I can hardly wait to see it when it's all done (no pressure...just excited) LOL.

Crispy

Minick and Simpson said...

Your choices are perfect. I am looking forward to seeing it's progress.

Laurie

Lori said...

What fun to be creative and mark your quilt for quilting. It's going to be lovely!!

Ann Champion said...

I love the quilting designs you've chosen, especially the leaves and circles. This beauty is really going to come to life with the quilting added. :)

Mary Lou Casada said...

Your markings are very cool, Barb, and so you! A mix of traditional with a bit of whimsey!! I think your thread colors are going to work well, too. You wouldn't want all that glorious hand quilting muted and disappearing!! :-) And my goodness, your circles are perfect and gorgeous!! I've got a bunch of 'em on the Circuit Rider, and there are more that are "whimsical" (translation: WONKY! :-D) than are round, in spite of using "perfect circles!"
Blessings,
Mary Lou

Frances Leate said...

Your quilt is fantastic and so beautifully appliqued. I also would love to know what marking pen you favour. Happy stitching!

Jan said...

This reminds me of some antique quilts that have surprises in the quilting designs. Hope to see some progress pics - I love hand quilting.

Janet said...

What wonderful pictures of your marking. I am often stumped to know what to quilt where so a post like this is good for ideas! What gorgeous colors - these close-up shots are great.

Sandra Henderson said...

Oh, how I've enjoyed catching up with you and all of your incredible work today! So sorry for your loss. It never goes away, but I think you are so smart to use your grief in such a creative way, you've inspired me. I still miss my dad like it was yesterday and it's been 18 yrs.
I am also curious about your marking tool. I've been using a retractable pencil very lightly with success. I am trying to become more brave about using contrasting thread. I have always used colors that blend in, for fear of what it would look like and being unsure of my hand quilting (stitch consistency). I now regret this. Such effort to not have it seen....
God bless you honey and keep up the great work. Oh, your home is gorgeous, warm and welcoming in your photos. You've also inspired me to figure out a way to get back to quilting/blogging with iPad (word press?). Xo

Teresa Rawson said...

Oh my, what a beautiful and touching quilt top. What a wonderful way to remember your mom, and you will probably spend many more hours remembering all kinds of times with her as you hand quilt this masterpiece. Absolutely stunning. You have really been quilting with your heart lately and it shows so clearly in all you post, especially this quilt (and the raffle quilt!). My Dad turns 80 in March, and I have been working on something as well, something I can't show because he peeks in on my blog from time to time. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Meredith said...

thanks for sharing your hand quilting designs with all of us. I can identify with the second photo! Sometimes I find thread to be a trciky choice I am glad you found something you are happy with.

edie said...

What can I say that hasn't already been said. Thank you so much for sharing. Your work is exquisite, and I too would like to know what marking tool you used.

Beth said...

Me too, what they said. I love your quilting plans.

I keep trying to change non-repl, but can't seem to get it.
friendrn54@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful quilt!

QuiltSue said...

This is going to look wonderful. i can't wait to see it finished.

Rose Marie said...

Gorgeous top and your quilting will bring it to life .... can't wait to see your progress and finished quilt.

Sorry for your loss .... cherished memories of our loved ones long gone are always with us.

Anonymous said...

What a fitting tribute and remembrance. I lost my mother 17 years ago this month. She was 85 years old when she died and I was so happy to have her for so many years.

I still have yoyos that she made and I think I FINALLY decided how I will use them in a quilt. You inspired me "to get moving".

Charlotte S. No blog

Sharon said...

This quilt is going to be amazing. I wish you many hours of peaceful quilting on it this winter. Enjoy the process and share pics along the way. It's a beautiful journey.

julieQ said...

I am totally in love with this quilt, and the sentiment behind your quilt is so dear and meaningful to me too. Many hugs!! What are you marking your quilting lines with, may I ask?? I can see them! and that is good...glasses are not far away for me!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Your quilt is coming along so well. I love that you have shown us your quilting plans..I always get stuck at that stage and your photos are really inspiring! Thanks!

Karen said...

Your work is beautiful!! What method do you use for your small circles?? They are perfect!

Quilts And Pieces said...

I love what you have marked! What fun this wil be to quilt!