About 20 of us exchanged squares of Black and White fabrics. I decided to do a modern twist on a traditional block, Whig Rose, and here is the result.
I approached this challenge by first separting the fabric into these categories; mostly black, mostly white and 50/50. I used the mostly white for the background of the center block.
I used the mostly black for the stems and leaves.
I used the 50/50 pieces to make these hourglass blocks for the border.
Here you can see some of the machine quilting I did on this one. I have many little sparrows on this quilt. I add the sparrow to almost every quilt I make and I'll have to share the story with you someday.
Jill surprised me Monday night with this super cute new tote bag! I love it! The tape measure handles are my favorite part. Thanks Jill and Joann fabrics, I needed this!
And now a few words about stems. I was recently asked me how I applique' my skinny stems. Well, first I prepare them with the Clover 1/4" bias maker. But I think the real trick is in the prep. Isn't always?
I pin baste the stems into the placement I want.
Then I re-pin them horizontally with very fine pins. Then I machine sew baste them down, using a baste stitch. I'm sorry, I forgot to photograph this part (too anxious to start sewing :)
Happiness is appliqueing the stems without the pins. Here they are finished. I can not share the rest of this piece because it is a challenge for my Brownstone guild's upcoming quilt show in November.
And lastly, but certainly not leastly, The Garden State Quilters are having their bi-annual quilt show a week from Saturday!!
Click here for all the information. I hope you can come!
the quilt is beautiful - my favorite bit are the birds. ooh, very clever way to do the stems.
ReplyDeleteBarb, your quilt is stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt, you make wonderful quilts with a twist, I love the way you put fabrics together.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the show.
Christine
I love your B/W quilt and the sparrow too! Not that I'm fond of sparrows but I like birds.
ReplyDeleteAbout the quilt in your header - did you make it? Froncie Quinn just spoke at our quilt guild had brought this Calico Garden quilt to share with us. I like it but I'm wondering about all that small applique!
I love this quilt!! It was interesting to see how you tackled this quilt. It would be hard working with two color fabrics.
ReplyDeleteCrispy
I love your quilt! Awesome!!
ReplyDeleteBarb,
ReplyDeleteThat B/W quilt is amazing! I would have never thought of that. Applique on a red background.. I like that idea! Ooooo... I am curious..What pattern are you working on?
Love how the quilt turned out!
ReplyDeleteStriking quilt, Barb. You have some really unusual B/W fabrics. Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteYour black and white challenge piece is super good. I like how you sorted the fabrics for their use in the piece. I don't know that I would have thought of using the fabrics for applique but it all works together so well.
ReplyDeleteOh, my, another great quilt Barb! You are such a good artist.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your B/W quilt! Nice treatment of an antique pattern. I love black and white fabric and collect it every chance I get. I always think of them as "black on white" and "white on black" and store them labeled as such. But you are so right, there are some that are definitely 50/50! Think I need a new bin!
ReplyDeleteMachine-basting stems...GENIUS!!!
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
I LOVE this quilt!!! Wonderful use of black and white. I love your update of a traditional pattern. And the little hidden birds too! And the quilting! Great idea for stems--basting them by machine. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea for stems - I'll have to try that.
ReplyDeleteI love your challenge quilt - the colors shine on that fab variety of black and whites. I like the birds quilted in and look forward to hearing the story behind them.
Love your black and white quilt--cute quilting designs and what a fun use of fabrics! (I've been accumulating black and whites and telling myself I will do something fun, so it's nice to see what you've done!)
ReplyDeleteBarb, you are such a talented lady! I love everything about your quilt but I think the birds add just the right amount of whimsy. Love all the black and whites.
ReplyDeleteGenius design in that black and white quilt! Wonderful fabrics, a delight for the eye, you really have to study it to appreciate them all. You are amazing, Barb!
ReplyDeleteJill
What a great block, and I love your colors. The black and white background is perfect. I MUST try your idea for stems...I never seem to get them right, thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteLove your version of the quilt - its really, really great! Sometimes I hand baste the stems if they are coming apart despite a sturdy press, but your idea looks perfect - must try it soon. Really hate those pesky pins getting in the way!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your black and white quilt! The design is perfect and the fabrics draw the eye in for a better look. What a wonderful assortment of fabrics you got..and such a brilliant way of using them. :)
ReplyDeleteYour Whig Rose is so refreshing and modern looking .... lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip about sewing bias strips and one that I will do. Many thanks for sharing!
your black and white challenge quilt is really wonderful~!!~
ReplyDeletewhat a great take on a traditional pattern.
thank you for sharing your tips on stem applique. i have a similar techneque but with a bit of a twist . . . i'll have to share it on my blog one of these days . . .
:-)
libbyQ