Saturday, February 09, 2008

Thread

I have just finished putting in the last stitches around the wide white border of the When-oh-When quilt. This is still nowhere finished but getting all the way around with the major quilting makes me feel that things are moving along smoothly. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about quilting the pieced part of the border. I haven't traced any lines in as I had thought just straight quilting might do, but now I'm not so sure. That seems sort of plain. Since I don't work with stencils I don't really have a system for putting in quilting lines after a quilt has been sandwiched so I may have to go with the lines in the end. I will spend some time today "talking" to the quilt about the next step.

Another reason I'm pleased about getting finished with this wide border is that I used up ALL OF THE THREAD ON THE ORIGINAL SPOOL! and look what I have remaining on the needle. That is cutting it close! Such a minor thing but it makes me smile.


"Oh, look. All that worrying about matching thread, whether anyone was going to notice a difference in a slight color variation, chiding myself about perfectionism etc. and it worked out just fine with no planning from me!"


Sort of a statement of life in general that I often forget.

23 comments:

Elaine Adair said...

I know you've had the top for a long time, without a border, but it seems your hand quilting was started not so long ago. Great job, and well done. You are getting near the end! It's so very pretty.

dot said...

Beautiful quilting. It feels like an accomplishment when you use up a spool of thread.

Quilt Pixie said...

what luck re the thread!

I've seldom hand quilted much but straight lines, but I remember my gran very clearly using shards of hand soap she "sharpened" to mark curves even after things were sandwiched....

Marilyn R said...

You did a wonderful job making that thread stretch to the end! Your quilting looks great!

Jeanne said...

Your quilted border looks wonderful! I love the design and the quilt.

Barbara said...

what a wonderful quilt..wow...I admire your handstiches...
Regards Barbara

Lindah said...

LOve your quilting. It definitely is a WOW! I also like your lessons from the quilt. We worry and scheme when we need to relax and listen.

canquilt said...

beautiful quilting and such a pretty quilt.

Lazy Gal Tonya said...

write that lesson out and post it somewhere in your studio. how about straight lines that form x's in the squares for the quilting?

Anja.M said...

It is a Beautiful quilt you have mate Taniwa!

Clare said...

You were so lucky with the thread. I sometimes wonder if our hobby is sort of a lesson in life. Patience, etc, etc.

Carla said...

Your quilting is so pretty! Do you use a hoop and if so, what shape and size?

dee said...

It's really beautiful Tanya. I like the Xs in the square idea from Tonya. Neat and simple.

meggie said...

Your quilting is just beautiful Tanya. That is a lovely quilt!

andsewitis Holly said...

Wow, you quilted this up quickly in my opinion. You'll be done before you know it. It's just gorgeous.

Beth said...

You do such nice work! I still want to do a Blackfords Star..but I am working (happily!) on UFOs...so I will not tempt myself...YET!

Mary said...

Your quilting looks wonderful! I also like to let the quilt talk to me but sometimes I don't listen so well!

anne bebbington said...

This is so gorgeous Tanya - I'm sure the outer border will tell you how it wants to be quilted soon enough

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Well done, Tanya--- "When Oh, When" has become "Now, Right Now"! It's stunning.

Colleen E formerly of South Africa said...

Your When oh When turned out beautifully.I am jsut catching up on the blogs.Absolutely stunning. Colleen back from South Africa

Rein said...

What a beautiful quilt!

Wenche said...

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I love your quilt. It's going to look great when it is finished :)

Patti said...

Your hand quilting is GORGEOUS!