Block 24 of the Elegant Garden quilt is completed, the applique blocks are finished!
I went ahead and pieced the center block so the center of this quilt is completed.
The row that was intended to be the bottom row (row 5) was switched with row 4 because the center block of row 4 had the same background fabric as what was used in the center star block. Switching the rows was an easy solution, but I did have a problem with the pieced center block.
This is the block trimmed to size. I don't know what I did but this isn't right!
Time for plan B, the block was trimmed smaller then sashing was added. Now it's the size it's supposed to be and it was sewn into the center row.
The next step was to piece the 24 half star blocks to go around the outside of the quilt. I don't think so, not after having a problem with the center star block.
Now the decision is, someday, will I regret not piecing those star blocks? That's an easy answer, NO! I was attracted to this quilt because of the applique, not the stars. Besides, if I made those half star blocks, I would need to buy more pink fabric.
In the civil war tub were leftover fabrics from that quilt, the dark brown fabric and the pink striped fabric that were used for borders in Churn Dash Diva. I had enough of the brown fabric for an inside border and an outside border for Elegant Garden. There was also enough pink striped fabric for a wider border. And, there is fabric in the tub that should work well for the binding. I always sew binding immediately after finishing the flimsy.
It was rather fun to make a small quilt for once. For now she's going into the 'to be quilted' closet and hang along side her older sister churn dash diva. And, in case you're wondering, churn dash diva is still waiting to be hand-quilted.
Every fabric used in Elegant Garden came from the civil war tub, no fabric was purchased for the purpose of making this quilt. The tub is in complete disarray but is still pretty full. There are some larger pieces in the tub that will be used as backing fabrics. Maybe I'll sew a pieced backing for churn dash diva too, I wonder what she'll think about that?
I hadn't planned to have a finished flimsy to show you today but sometimes quilting goes like that. I have started a new project that I will show you next week.
Linking to Patchwork & Quilts, Kathys Slow Stitching Sunday, Stitching Stuff, Oh Scrap, Handmade Monday, Sew & Tell, Craftastic Monday, Design Wall Monday, Monday Musings, To Do Tuesday
25 comments:
Great solution to your problem with the centre block! This is a beautiful quilt. It’s been fun seeing the blocks each week. I’m always surprised how little fabric it takes to make a quilt top. The bins do not look like a dent has been made even after making a large quilt! I will be watching to see what you will be working on next. Gail at the cozy quilter
Sashing has saved me a few times, and I think it looks neat! Your flimsy is just beautiful. Kudos for using just your civil war bins. But I'm not surprised they still look full - lol - they multiply when you use them. :D
Congratulations on finishing your Elegant Gardens, Gretchen! The blocks are beautiful individually, but WOW they are impressive when they all come together. How bizarre, that center block -- perhaps there was a typo in the instructions or something? Great save with the sashing. Question: I thought I read somewhere that strips added around an individual block like that to adjust the size were called "coping strips," but of course I can't remember where. I'm wondering whether that's a real term -- or maybe it's just something someone in my guild made up once upon a time when her block turned out too small and she "just couldn't cope!"
Perfect solution for the center star. Since it is the only one like that, I looks intentional and no one will ever question it.
I've heard the term 'coping strips' before, I just didn't remember it when I wrote the post. Coping strips have saved many a project!
Congrats on getting all the blocks done and into a quilt top. Beautifully done!
The central block looks just perfect! Bravo for finishing all the blocks and sewing them into a top! They all look beautiful, even the ones you were not so happy about (I'm thinking of the purple flower), I love them all!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing and linking up this pretty top!
It's stunning: your applique work is really beautiful! Congrats on the finish! :)
Oh my what beautiful applique, Gretchen. Always a treat to see your stitching!
This is a beautiful quilt. I like your center block solution.
It's a thing of beauty, Gretchen! What a tremendous effort to have gone ahead with finishing it. Nicely done! I clicked back to see your Churn Dash Diva - I couldn't remember it - and OH! I love churn dashes! This is quite a beauty! Happy Quilting. (And yes, I will be returning to Lake Effect! *wink*)
Really nice! I like that you switched rows 4 and 5. Then top and bottom row both have a circular design in the middle. I think it may be my balancing Libra trait. Lol.
It's beautiful! What a surprise I had to see the flimsy today.
Gretchen, your needleturn applique is so beautiful! I love reading your posts about your progress! I love how sashing fixes a block! Your flimsy is lovely! Wow…amazing! Congratulations on a lovely finished flimsy!
That is absolutely beautiful Gretchen. I am in awe of all those blocks. I would not have thought to add those sashings to that block that was too small but it has turned out wonderful. Thank you for your visit to my blog & the sweet comment you left me. xx
Your center block looks great. I always have a problem with that directional shape and I use the gocutter for it. I tend to sew the next piece to its wrong end all the time. This is a shape for me to avoid.
Oh, this is SO pretty!! Well done!
hugs
Donna
Oh wow! Elegant Garden is so beautiful! The cheddars in her seem to pull everything together! And I vote that you have a post tomorrow telling us about your new project! Have a great day, Gretchen!
I think that simpler border allows the applique blocks to really be the star of the show. Great choice!
Your appliqué blocks are so beautiful... the star in the center is a surprise, and I love the pink border with the narrow dark blue stripes.
Great top.
Now - have fun with your next project.
I'm already sewing binding again :-)) Birthday surprise.
Best wishes to you from Viola
She looks stunning! Thanks for sharing in Sew & Tell.
Wahoo to you! Getting Elegant Gardens into a flimsy is quite the accomplishment AND using your bin of Civil War reproductions in the process. She is a beauty!
a very lovely finish.....er top anyway
Elegant Garden is a real beauty! Great job on modifying your Center block to make it work. Using only stash fabrics is a winner in my books. Thank you for sharing your lovely flimsy on To Do Tuesday.
This is stunning, Gretchen! Such a beautiful quilt. I think your center block looks great. Thanks for joining us at Monday Musings.
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