At least that is what I'm telling myself. I marked my scrap pineapple with my narrow fan stencil (which took forever!) and now I'm not using it.
Just too distracting don't you think?
The new plan is to stitch all seams in the ditch. If you are wondering if that is hard. YES. Okay, not hard but time consuming with lots of turning, turning and turning the quilt.
Nutmeg likes the texture and so do I.
I finished this sweet little medallion quilt and decided the center just looked too bright to me.
So I decided to tea dye it. I used a small saucepan with 4 tea bags.
I let it soak for about 20 mins. It will take up only so much dye. (This is a still photo of a video)
Rinse in cold water to set it.
I wish it was even darker, but it definitely took the edge off.
This became a little gift for a friend and long-time reader. I hope she likes it.
It was swap week last week here at my house. Woo Hoo
I've already heard the words "next swap....." well there won't be a next swap. I've decided to retire the swap. It is a lot of fun, but it is an incredible amount of work and takes a lot of time.
If you would like to take it over, I will help you in any way I can.
Have a great week!
xo
I love your pineapple quilt - I am so tempted to do one, I haven't made one in ages and never a really large one
ReplyDeleteYour tea dying worked really well--sometimes I use instant coffee grounds--that dyes a bit darker...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pineapple quilt--that is a lot of work both in the making and the quilting...just gorgeous hugs, Julierose
I think you made a good choice changing the quilting on the pineapple. It will be worth all the hassle of in the ditch.
ReplyDeleteI like to use instant coffee when "tea" dying as it seems to give it a nicer antique feel. (more brown then yellow) It is adorable!!
I have to agree about the fan design on those awesome pineapples. The curved stitching overshadowed the blades of the pattern and fabrics. It's hard to change direction once you've decided, marked and started, but glad you did. Many of us have benefited from your energy, enthusiasm, and organization through your wonderful block swaps. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI love your fan stencil but I have to agree it looks better in the ditch. That little quilt came out beautifully. I have never seen a dryer rack like that. I wonder if you can get one for any dryer or is it just for certain brands. You can be sure I am looking into it! I'm tired of using ans on my dining room table! Thanks again for doing the swap and I am glad you are taking a break - to sew more of course!!
ReplyDeleteYour pineapple quilt is fabulous !! Ohhh WOW !!
ReplyDeleteI never used tea to dye some fabrics but you gave me a great idea !
Nutmeg is beautiful helper !! :)
Thank you for hosting these wonderful swaps Barb. I'm so proud and lucky to have the chance to participate many times !
Great memories for me with all the blocks !
Your pineapple quilt looks much better with quilting in the ditch. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI've been known to rip out quilting and start over, sometimes more than once on the same quilt. A pain, yes, but you never regret it once you get it right. Good call, Barb. I love the quilt! I also tea dye from time to time, but not always happy with the tone. I'll have to try the instant coffee method.
ReplyDeleteI have done the same thing many times, changed the quilting on a quilt. Better to do it from the start than half way through.....ask me how I know! I have not tea dyed in a long time but it is a great way to get the look you want. I have loved your swaps and am so sorry I couldn't do it this year. You deserve an award for all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteYou deserve an award for patience, I can't imagine ditch quilting all those seams, but it will definitely be a beautiful finish! The mini is sweet, and that backing fabric is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGood decision about the fans - I can imagine the ditch quilting will take some time but the texture will be wonderful and not take away from your amazing piecing. I love the little tea dyed quilt - I'm sure she'll be thrilled to receive it.
ReplyDeleteYour pineapple quilt is so awesome and yes, quilting in the ditch all those seams seem daunting but I am sure you are up for the challenge, will be one beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteLove your pineapple quilt. Haven't done one yet and always admire those who are brave enough to make one. Yours is gorgeous with all the different fabric. How big are those string? One inch finished? What if you were to quilt every second one? Just a suggestion. Love that rack in your dryer. OMG I want one too but I have an old machine. Maybe next dryer. Great call on the tea dye. Quite an improvement. LOVE the backing of it. WOW! Sorry to hear this is the last swap you will host. I should have joined. Sigh! I would take over but I still work full time. Hope someone else raise her hand. ;^)
ReplyDeleteI just love my modern star blocks from the swap! They are all terrific. Thank you, thank you for all your hard work. I can understand you want to break from it, but I am so glad that I participated!!
ReplyDeleteStitch in the ditch on a Pineapple quilt? Crazy!!! Or you are going to be by the time you're done. :P
ReplyDeleteLook at all those piles of wonderfulness!
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine all the work and really appreciate all you have done for us swappers.
I am sad you are retiring and will really cherish my swap quilts.
That is SUCH an incredible pineapple quilt! I have done stitch in the ditch on a mini pineapple, but I can't imagine the work of doing it on one this size!
ReplyDeleteThat is a sweet little medallion quilt, and the tea-dying did soften it up. I have done that a time or two. Also, I know Primitive Gatherings sells a spray that is called "Instant Antique" that gives an aged look, and you can apply it to the level you want. https://www.primitivegatherings.us/instant-antique-8oz
Looks like I won't be participating in next year's swap--since there won't be one! LOL I know that they are a huge amount of work, and I applaud you for all that you have done. I have seen wonderful quilts on blogs that have been made from your swap blocks.
Thanks for doing the swap. I love the modern ones I got. I think I even have the perfect fabric for setting them.
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess I have missed my window of opportunity to some day participate in one of your swaps--lol! Your pineapple quilt it amazing and I can't even imagine doing all that marking let alone the quilting. As much as I love fans, I think you made the right decision to switch it up.
ReplyDeleteOh, Nutmeg looks so beautiful against a beautiful quilt that mirrors her colors. Choosing a quilting pattern to use for different quilts has me at a conundrum as well. You make good choices!
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of a shelf in a dryer. What a nifty idea. How do you anchor the quilt to the shelf?
ReplyDeleteI do not find the fans distracting but can see where the straight line stitching would work well also.
I love the look of stitching in the ditch but feel your pain in having to remove what you already started! Such a sweet little quilt and tea dyeing seemed to do the trick. I'm sure your friend will love it! That dryer shelf is a wonderful idea. I'm so glad to have been a part of your block swaps and want to thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us!
ReplyDeleteI think stitch in the ditch will be wonderful with that gorgeous pineapple log cabin. I have never made one and it's on my "wish list." My modern swap blocks just arrived - woo hoo - thank you so much for the swaps! Five years was a great run and a gift to many quilters!
ReplyDeleteOmg, in the ditch? Brave soul! It's gorgeous though, so do what feels right. 😊
ReplyDelete