Thursday, September 24, 2015

Back to the Blue and White

Seems like forever since I have worked on my blue and white version of Di Ford's Antique Wedding Sampler. But sometimes that is a great thing because when I finally got back to it this week it felt like a brand new project and I have been making great progress. I am one of those people who find it impossible to work on just one project at a time and being able to bounce from one to another sure keeps things interesting. Anyway, I picked up this project right where I left off and here is Block 13. I hand pieced this one and then added the broderie perse. A fairly simple block but the broderie perse really brings it to life.

Block 14. Another one of my favorite circle blocks from this quilt. The starburst is hand pieced and then appliqued to the background. Then some fussy cut circles in the center and leaf shapes around the outside really come together in a great block. The hardest part of this block was selecting the fabrics!

Here is Block 15. Whew, piecing this one was like making a complete miniature quilt but, since I was in a piecing mood the day I made this one, it was a perfect project. This was machine pieced and rotary cut, really wish the pattern included the instructions for machine piecing but I guess it just adds to the challenge!

And Block 16. So hard to pick a favorite of all these blocks but I do love this one. I am trying to incorporate as many different broderie perse shapes as I can and was excited to find these little fan like flowers. I think they add a little Asian influence to go with the look of Chinese blue and white pottery.

Fabric selection continues to be the most challenging part of this project. I find it is easiest to think of each block as its own little quilt making sure that the blues within a block coordinate well. For a block that includes broderie perse, I try to select the motif first and then build the other fabrics around that. Of course, I love to add a bit of fussy cutting here and there to add extra interest to the block. Here you can see Block 17 in process. The diamonds and little circles are fussy cut and the colors were selected to enhance the broderie perse rose.

And finally I try to balance the colors in the whole quilt by keeping all of the blocks up on the design wall and taking plenty of photos for reference. Right now I am starting to think about the sashing fabric(not sure about this one), setting triangles and final border and, because I am over 1/2 way complete, need to make sure to start repeating fabrics to keep things cohesive. What looks pretty haphazard to many is actually quite a challenge to keep balanced and pleasing to the eye! Well, here is how the design wall looks right now. The blocks are not arranged in any order but I think it is coming together well.

On to stitching block 17!

 

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! I love them, but then blue is my favorite color and I like blue and white/cream quilts. You might actually inspire me to start the antique wedding sampler.

Aunt 'Reen said...

I absolutely LOVE your Blue & White version of this quilt!

Debra said...

So beautiful! These are inspirational.

Kyle said...

Loved following your thinking process with your design process. Looking at your design wall allows all of us to see what exciting progress you continue to make. Beautiful!

Rose Prairie Quilts and Farm said...

Take my breath away. Love your version, personal you can't go wrong with blue and white. I'm looking forward to seeing it come together.

Judy Dietrich said...

The machine pieced block is fantastic!! I was at Baltimore on the Prairie this week & Cynthia Collier was teaching Broderie Perse in a 3 day class. I did not go to that class, but saw a 1800's Broderie Perse quilt at the IQSC (we went on a bus trip) during the week & she was with the group. I took a 3 day class with Susan Garman. I learned so much & am pumped to work on Baltimore Album blocks!!

Rachaeldaisy said...

OMGoodness, these blocks are so beautiful in blue and white. really amazing!!

Flickenstichlerin said...

Dear Heather,
you have don a marvelous job on your Antique Wedding Sampler blocks. Just beautiful, can't say more, it is stunning.
Love to play around with more than on project too, guess has to do with being a child and not just playing with one doll all the time.
Greetings,
Sylvia

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Each one is so intricate and beautiful.

Unknown said...

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Janet said...

Gorgeous. What perfect stitching. Thank you for sharing.

Barb said...

such pretty combinations of blue and white - just beautiful!

Unknown said...

There's just one thing to say you do beautiful work I wish I could just get half is closest what you do.

audrey said...

Choosing the fabrics might be hard for you, but it's looking wonderful from here!

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Gorgeous! Looks simply wonderful!

Karen H said...

It is looking AMAZING! Each block is a stunner but the little bits of broderie perse take them to the next level. This quilt is really going to be a treasure when it is done! I too like your block 16 because it is very lace-like and delicate!

Cheri said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I really like the two color fabric for this quilt. I have started one block, but doing it in reproductions. I may rethink this one. You are doing a beautiful job as usual. Love your Di Ford too. Beautiful quilting.