May 30 10

…And Now the Fun Begins!

I had the most wonderful day today!  I worked outside cutting grass for a couple of hours (I love to cut grass!), and then I got this new quilt top fused up and ready to go.   It sure feels good to be making something purely for the joy of it!  It all started with some quick drawings of a few sizes of leaves that I jotted down on some scrap paper:

When I have applique pieces with multiple parts like the leaves, I prefuse those into single units ahead of time on an Applique Pressing Sheet like this:

…and that way, I’ve got tons of leaves and flowers that I can easily move around on the background fabric:  (I forgot to take a photo of the bunches of flowers)

And here’s a shot of moving them around to get to a layout that I liked:

(I use a hollow door covered with 1 layer of batting and then 1 layer of cotton sateen for my ironing surface.)   I need to add a lot of threadwork before I can place this into a final quilt sandwich, but I’m really looking forward to working on this quilt!

12 Comments

  1. SewCalGal Says:

    Sounds like you had a wonderful day. Love what you created. Can’t wait to see how you quilt it!

    SewCalGal
    http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

  2. What Comes Next? Says:

    I love it! I love those flowers – so freeform and organic. Can’t wait to see it all thread painted and then quilted. I’m glad you’ve got some time now to play just for you!

  3. Kelly Jackson Says:

    Oh well….just cut some grass and start another masterpiece….hmmmm…now I’m feeling a little, well, hmmmm….JEALOUS!!!

    I know it will be beautiful and I’m honestly inspired by your free form just do it sort of designing.

    Green Smiles,
    Kelly

  4. Patricia Whitman Says:

    I am new to quilting and am bowled over by your designs. I had never heard of thread painting before, can’t wait to get started.

    Patricia

  5. Wendy Says:

    This is going to be stunning! I can’t wait to see it finished!

  6. Pam Says:

    Geez. I had to come back for the second view to see that you used the flower cut-outs (G’s) at the top. I can’t wait to see how you embellish this one. It’s always a pleasure to follow your blog.

  7. Helen Says:

    I just love to see your quilts from the beginning and through their various stages.

  8. Marcia W. Says:

    Fabulous leaves — thank you for sharing the process

  9. Emily Says:

    I love it! I love those flowers – so freeform and organic. Can’t wait to see it all thread painted and then quilted. I’m glad you’ve got some time now to play just for you!

  10. diane Says:

    I can’t wait to see what happens to your leaves. they are just beautiful!

  11. Michele Says:

    I’ve just discovered your site when I searched your name because I get to hear and see your trunk show next week in Auburn. I can’t wait.
    Michele

  12. Mary Ann Mauney Says:

    Patsy, you never cease to amaze me! Your work is gorgeous and your videos are extra special. Thanks for sharing what you do!