This is the "after" picture with an additional new block at the bottom. Unfortunately, the road getting to this picture was not smooth at all.
This is one of the ones I didn't like, so I gathered up my fabrics, picked out what looked like a great combination and started cutting and sewing.
And this is what I came up with. It doesn't look too bad in this picture, but when I had it on the design wall, you couldn't tell what the pattern was supposed to be....at all! I called hubby into the room and asked him which block he thought looked better. Unfortunately..he said the first one. He said this one looked like 2 rectangles intersecting. Well, as much I didn't want him to be right....I knew he was. So, off to the drawing board...or fabric shelf...to pull more fabrics. This time I paid attention to VALUE...you know, that thing that our beginning quilting teacher taught us?
Came up with this one. I know you're going to say that this looks just like the first one that I didn't like, but trust me, it really doesn't. I'm much happier with it. 
Then I got gunshy about remaking the second block. I agonized over my color choices because I didn't want to have to remake it more than once. 
So, here it is and I'm happy with it, so it's going to stay! I have to say that sometimes it's just worth buying a kit from a store! LOL. Only 4 more blocks to make and then I can start on the center.
These are the two finished versions of the quilt. I still haven't decided which one I'm going to do, but right now I'm leaning toward the one with the applique on the borders. I'm planning on doing all the applique in wool. Oh, speaking of wool, in the next couple of days, I plan to do a tutorial on working with wool. If you have anything you want me to address, just let me know and I'll try to find the answers if I don't have them.
One more thing... many of you have posted comments and asked me a question. I try to answer each of them, but if you haven't set up your email , then I can't get back to you. I don't want anyone to think I'm ignoring their questions and Purple and Paisley has a great post on how to set it up. Go on over there and see if that helps you.
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27 comments:
I will be checking out the tutorial on working with wool.....! Like the new blocks too by the way.....!
I am also looking forward to your wool tutorial, having not worked with wool before, any tips will be helpful. What do you use for templates, what do you use to mark your wool, what thread do you use? I am thinking of pearl cotton or DMC thread. Thank you for your help.
Jenny (Melbourne, Australia)
I really like the new blocks...much better.
Beautiful blocks and I couldn't tell which ones you didn't like just by looking at your photo! :o) As for wool, I've never worked with it and I'm allergic to acrylic so I have to check everything...some wool is a combo of materials. Do you use 100% wool and where do you find it? I'm looking forward to your tutorial.
I made this quilt last year. I still haven't quilted it yet though, I can't decide how I want to do it. I made the 2 1/2" square border but I think I like the applique border better not that I see the picture. I had to re-make several blocks, I could never get them 12 1/2". UGH!
I look forward to the wool tutorial, that is my next adventure.
I'll be checking back also Jenny had alot of good questions. I work with wool for penny rugs...what type of scissors do you use? Just regular?
From Goodwill can you use a blazer that has less wool that is less than 100% in it?
Thanks for doing this:)
Rondell
Love your blocks and it would be hard to decide which border to make as they are perfect on their own.
I don't know how you're going to decide which layout to do . . . they both look wonderful! Your blocks are looking great - can't wait to see the final version. Looking forward to your tutorial on working with wool . . . I have three questions: 1. Do you glue, fusible web or pin your shapes in place? 2. When pieces are sewn on top of other pieces, do you cut away the backside? 3. When sewing wool onto a cotton foundation, do you or should you stabilize the cotton? Thanks a bunch! - Marlene
Oh, that is my favorite too! I can't wait to see the wool applique border. I am anxious to see your wool tutorial. I have worked with woll before. It will be nice to see how someone else does it.
Nice job on your redo's, Anne. I like that you stayed with the color, but changed the tone of the color. I agree, kits are great to work with but you have done a nice job with your fabrics too. Maybe that new fabric will show up in another block. Your wool applique border would be nice. Look forward to your tutorial, you have some very good questions. Do you have a particular batting that you use with your wool quilts?
Anne, I agree that your new blocks work better value-wise....but I liked the old ones, too! You are braver than I - I think I would really have to summon up my inner strength for those re-makes and zipper my mouth shut while doing them - LOL!
Can't wait for your wool tutorial - my only question is what you use to glue your wool down before stitching. Thanks a bunch!
Cheers!
When you embelish with wool, you'll have to show us how it's going . I think that sounds like a fantastic combination for this quilt.
I am really looking forward to your wool tutorial. I am doing the same block of the month from Karen at Farmhouse Woolens. I finally found a project I can keep up with. Yea!! Louise
Tenho estado olhando seus trabalhos eles são muito bonitos.
Vou tentar fazer alguns e depois mando a foto.
Marisa
I think it was a good idea to change the blocks that were bothering you. You just would not have been happy otherwise. I like the applique border. There isn't a lot of applique, so it shouldn't take long to do it.
Can't wait to read your tutorial.
I couldn't tell which one's you didn't like until you pointed them out. But then if it doesn't feel right "get rid of it".
The new version looks wonderful, it's going to be a great looking quilt.
I like your new blocks as well - although I thought the old blocks looked great also. If it's one thing I've learned in this quilting stuff - if ya don't like it, take care of it, otherwise you'll only see those blocks whenever you look at the finished quilt.
Hugs- karen
Wow love your blog. I also work in wool. not only in applique as well as rug hooking. I haven't yet visited our local thrift stores. Must get out there before it is all gone.
Man, those are some tough choices -- your eye is much more acute than mine. Plus, I'm lazy -- once it's done, it's done LOL!
Your work paid off with the new blocks. They look great. The wool applique will look very nice. I love mixing wool and cotton fabrics. Look forward to your tutorial.
Love the new block better, they seem to play better with the other blocks. Looking forward to your tutorial. My questions is on felting the wool. What is the technique for felting wool with the new front loader washing machines?
I love the new blocks, you're so disciplined to do them over. The quilt will be lovely when it's done.
Isn't if funny how some blocks are just wrong, wrong, wrong but other people don't see it? This is going to be a great quilt. I am looking forward to the tutorial.
I love your blocks Anne. They are so pretty. But that applique... WHOA good luck to ya on all that. lol
The blocks look great and I am glad you are happy with the final product. Can't wait for the tutorial.
i LOVE Stars Around the Garden! I have made both,this quilt shop Bits'n Pieces, is my " home" shop,have gone there for years, It will be a featured shop in the May 12 2009 issue of Quilt Sampler,what an honor! I have taken her class about this quilt and every single stitch in it! Wonderful to see you are using wool too! It is a stunning quilt and that center portion is the knockout for me.
I have many problems with the Google blogs, my name always comes up anonymous,have no idea what I am doing wrong. Linked over from Bunny Hill and her darling new BOM's You site is just wonderful! Wanted to tell you I just found you and loves finding a familiar beautiful quilt!
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