Sunday, October 5, 2014

An old UFO and design inspiration

Look what I just pulled out. An, old, old UFO that I designed and started back in the early 1990's that I am calling Fall Urns.

I remember the time very well as I was working on this long before we moved to Boston for one year in mid 1995. My home was decorated in shades of teal, peach and rust and I decided to design a very traditional 4 block quilt, usually done in red and green, and use my decorating colors. Well as usual, life got in the way and a move put this quilt on the back burner. When we moved again a year later our new home was completely different and my colors were yellow, green and raspberry. Little incentive to finish this quilt. Happily I had packed everything away very neatly in these two containers. All the fabrics, templates, pattern and design notes are there and since I only have one border and the 4 corners to finish I think I may be time to work on this one. And look at that great pillar fabric that I had purchased for the backing. I remember a crazy trip back to the store where I had purchased a small amout for the birds hoping that they would have enough for the backing. It is such a great print that I am almost afraid to now use it!

My home is now done in teal and ivory so this will be a perfect fall wall hanging which should provide me with the incentive I need. Looking at this old UFO has been such fun. While my appliqué has certainly improved over the years, I am amazed that I was doing broderie perse back then and had completely forgotten. The vases were fussy cut, something very popular theses days but not so much in 1993. And I so wish I had continued designing. This was done 20 years ago and we had far fewer patterns available. I did almost all of my own designs then but somehow as patterns became more available and I became busier raising my children I started just purchasing patterns. I started designing again a few years ago but still make many quilts from patterns, why I even ordered a new exciting one this morning, but seeing this old project has inspired me to start getting some ideas out of my head and onto paper. And hopefully someday they will be in fabric at last.

 

 

20 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

amazing you have all you need to complete it.

Karen said...

Your fabric choices for the quilt have not gone out of style. Gorgeous piece. I remember seeing the pillar prints when they first came out. I just could not think of anything to do with them so no purchase. Since then, I have seen quilts that made use of that style of fabric.

Debra said...

Beautiful piece! I can't believe it's 20 years old and you still have it! From the photos, it looks like you completed it yesterday! Have fun completing it!

Jane in Cumbria said...

Oh, Heather, I love it. Such beautiful colours, it will look wonderful as a wallhanging.

Every Stitch said...

That is a wonderful pillar print! and the birds look marvelous as broderie perse. So good that you finish this :)

Sil said...

Beautiful piece! It´s absolutely amazing! :) Sil

Kyle said...

Loved hearing the story connected with this beautiful piece. I'm glad you are continuing on

Barb said...

That is so beautiful...what an accomplishment

Anonymous said...

This piece is beautiful! I have some of that pillar print also in a slightly different colorway. I have used some for a small quilt back but have never used it for anything else. I am afraid to cut it because I love it so much. Which is really about the dumbest thing ever :). I love the way you cut the birds from it!

Karen said...

This is so beautiful and what a neat story. Looking forward to seeing this one finished.

Carla said...

You amaze me!

Nancy A. Bekofske said...

Beautiful work. I wish my UFOs were anything like yours--they might be quilted by now!

Karen H said...

This quilt is beautiful and it deserves to be finished! The pillar fabric is fabulous and it seems a shame to hide it on a back - it would make a great border. Whatever you decide, border or backing, it should be used and enjoyed!

Angie in SoCal said...

It's gorgeous! I hope you decide to offer the pattern too as well as finish the quilt. I love the teal and gold fabric you have behind it in one of the photos Would make a great border.

Anonymous said...

Lovely quilt! I love those colors and yes about every 8 to 10 years the colors return.

I love the sashings! Pretty Pretty!

audrey said...

Oh wow! This is a beauty! Love those flowers and intense colors.:)

Barb said...

can't believe this gorgeous quilt was a UFO It is so lovely!!

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Unbelievable that you still have this! Oh my gosh...you totally have to finish it now!

Sharyn Mallow Woerz said...

Oh THAT pillar fabric!! google dear jane pillar fabric :)

Gorgeous work!

Cathy said...

I love this quilt and I am in awe of your talent. Hugs