Sunday, October 31, 2010

Veering off the path


Like all of you, I've been downloading the monthly BtCT blocks for eventual use in a quilt-sized project. However, when this somewhat homely block, #11, came spitting out of the printer, I knew I had to make it into something on its own, complete with all of those wonderful quilting motifs! I played with the layout a little, moving a few things and adding a few things. Then I started stitching on a black fabric, chosen so that the design would pop off of the background.


Although I'm usually an *all print* girl, I chose a solid red for the vase because I wanted to add the year, a detail I love in so many antique applique quilts. A scalloped red edge in the border echoes its top edge.


Next, a little embroidery embellishment with #8 perle cotton. And finally, the quilting!




This is where I am right now, ready to quilt the rest in a quiet pattern, black-on-black. I've posted lots of details of some of these steps on my blog over the last month or two and I'll post the final piece here upon completion.
I hope that my project will encourage those of you who love the blocks but aren't interested in making a full quilt to consider using one or more of them for smaller projects. The anonymous maker of the original Beyond the Cherry Trees quilt had a wonderful, quirky design sense. Why not take her ideas one step further and make them your own?

8 comments:

  1. Gorgeous Jan, I love the addition of the year in the basket and adding his little feet in fabric rather than quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've followed along with this and I love the dates in the vintage quilts. The beauty of quilting is making a pattern or design your own and you definitely did on this block. Don't be surprised if some are inspired by your date addition!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is great Jan! I really love the scalloped border that mimics the basket. Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jan I am excited to see how your whole quilt looks with that beautiful dark background. I think the quilting is going to be wonderful it will show up real nice!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love what you did with this block. I have always loved black backgrounds with the brighter colors on it. Are you making the whole quilt? ...or was this just a one block deal. You are so right...this particular block was kinda of homely on its own. Thanks for sharing it here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is such a pretty little quilt, and I really enjoy how you made it your own!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wonderful block/ quilt, love your idea. XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  8. I look at that red border and I think rick rack. I would have guessed that is what you used. You did a perfect job on it.

    ReplyDelete