I wouldn't have noticed it if you didn't point out the flaw. I don't know anything about entering quilts into shows, but I think it is beautiful. Every quilt has its flaws (mine definitely do), I think they add character!

I don't know much about entering quilts in shows...are they always entered for competition, or sometimes just for display? Because I personally would love to just view this quilt, and would not be looking for flaws. So maybe just give us quilt show goers a treat and enter it?

very pretty

One thing is for sure: you already know about the boo-boo, so if you do decide to enter it, it wouldn't be a nasty surprise being pointed out to you. However, there probably would be comments made and not only by the judges ... are you prepared for that? Or would you even be there to hear the comments, compliments and/or criticism? I wouldn't want you to get your feelings hurt, both on general principle and because the quilt and quilting are so fabulous.

There is that... I already know about it. The other side of that is sending in the required two pictures, a full one hanging up and a close-up of the quilting. If I don't show the flaw and it is accepted and then seen in person, that seems deceptive on my part.

I couldn't with good conscience do that. Would it be any different than knowing there is a huge problem with the backing and I only present a picture of the front of a quilt for consideration?

Enter it. So what if you don't win a ribbon. The quilt is absolutely gorgeous and anyone looking at it in a show will be in awe of its beauty. Go for it! :D

Have you thought about adding a fusible bias ribbon over the shadow? you can purchase it in tons of colors

also check out iron on threads - fairly heavy weight, and have a metallic sheen anywhere from 1/8" on up

a fun one to try is Mrs. K's Iron on Thread Assortments.

here is the link: www.kreinik.com

Vicky :D

I looked at the iron-on threads... interesting. then I did searches for examples but didn't find any. I did find iron-on embroidered applique. some possibilities in tiny 1 1/2" pieces and if I could find a light blue flower that might do. Then I thought of the little flowers that are in the fabric I used. Maybe I could applique them all around the border. Or, I have a lot of the border fabric because I was going to use it for a border around the outside. Maybe I could extend that motif around the outside of it. Even leave it loose like prairie points past the point of the shadow.

I could do this though it is a whole lot of hand work and it would be obvious that they are sewn on top of the seam, not into it. I have FQs left of several of the fabrics that I could back the "points" with.

Instead of going that far maybe just use fabric crayons
(or whatever they are) and paint something around the edge. That probably wouldn't be as obvious that it was done after the quilting.

I'm into making it as easy as possible but still retain the same elegant feeling of the quilt that you have right now.

I've used the fusible threads and the fusible tapes - I love them both! For a long distance, I strongly recommend using a ruler so you know the line will be straight.

The quilt is in shades of blue and white, correct? How about a 3-row line of threads (should be wide enough to cover the shadow) bluewhiteblue? if you think they won't be quite wide enough, use the somewhat wider ribbon instead of thread.

If you poke around the Kreinik site a little, they used to offer a sample pack - small quantity of a couple different products so you could play with a 'copy' of the problem spot on the quilt - take pieces of the same fabrics, sew together, add batting and backing, and sew the whole thing together around the outside edge. Now you can experiment to see what works best.........I love to experiment with stuff, but not at the expense of my finished project.

Please feel free to PM me if you've got any questions. I love problem solving. I'm sure if we talk about enough options, something in that list will be perfect to solve the problem.

That quilt is so gorgeous you have got to enter it! If the right solution can be found, you won't have to worry about whether the judges will see the shadow or not.

Vicky :D

I would show it. It is a beautiful quilt.

Show it! I think its beautiful!! "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained"!

I think it's beautiful.

If you've entered quilts in shows before then you know that presentation is EVERYTHING. Instead of calling it a mistake, call it:

"A unique experiment in fabric usage to enhance and further display the center of the quilt."

(Sounds good when you put it that way, doesn't it?)

Show it See what happens.

What a lovely quilt I would show it no matter what. Love it anyway.

I am not an expert on shows or quilting, and I know you are sick about this, but I think perhaps naming it to include the shadow instead of trying to do something to fix it after it has been so beautifully quilted, she did a beautiful job as did you fabulous quilt. This might bring out the mistake more, Perhaps something like "Shadow Framed" or something to include the shadow in the name. But I would definitely enter it and as others have stated if it is for your daughter she and others would probably never notice unless you point it out and she will obviously be so blessed that her mother did such an outstanding work of art just for her. I am sure if certain shows and perhaps in all that judges might notice, but if it has the word shadow in the name they may consider this as part of the finished quilt. Who knows about judges. I am still working on getting the bleed out of my daughter's wedding ring quilt I made for her, that occurred after the first washing. I am still sick about that. But I would definitely enter it, as far as many are concerned, you rate a grand prize ribbon for the beautiful work on this . Good luck in what ever you do, let us know what you end up with, Gerbie

How about using a stencil like this in green like the border to cover the shadow? It comes in two sizes and only about $4 to $6 each so I could try both of them and see which fits best. The one stencil includes all the designs.

A show stopper? Perhaps. But again, it depends on the judge, the competition and a number of other factors. On the other hand, it's truly a show stopper visually. It's incredibly beautiful. It will be treasured, loved, admired, and adored. That's what it's all about.

Well, I ordered the stencil, a paint stick in olive green, and a couple different size brushes. Maybe I can fix it. The stencils go with the swirl designs in the border fabric.

I think you should leave it alone. It's beautiful the way it is and I am afraid that you may make it worse by trying to cover it up.

It took me a long time of looking at it to see what you are talking about. I would enter it anyway and be proud of the work you and your quilter did. You will never make this mistake again and to be honest, most people will not see this "boo-boo".

I'm with Bodie358. IMHO, If you do something to color it and it runs, it may not be recoverable and this is a lovely quilt to be ruined. I'd enter it as is.

Please just leave it like it is and don't try to cover it up with something that might really make it worse, as the others have said might run or do further damage. As it is the orig. fabric is only showing through the white and not really damaged in any way, please don't try to do anything that would make it worse. I think it is beautiful the way it is.

Pam..I know that since you are gonna test your solution with the stencils, I think it will be fine. I think that idea is a good one...I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I'm leaning this way also. It really is a beautiful quilt. Its purpose was not to be entered into shows, it is for your daughter and she loves it the way it is.

Since you already ordered them, use the stencils on scrap fabric, not on the quilt itself. Then you'll get an idea on how it looks. Hopefull you will leave it the way it is. :D

i believe that the judges will write about that "shadow". in my quilts i have entered they were picked apart. i sort of like that then i know where i can improve next time.

your quilt is simply stunning i love it and i hope you enter it and take blue ribbons. it really is so beautiful :thumbup:

I don't know what to say, but it sure is pretty

I'll try it out on the same fabric. I watched a Sharon Schamber video of her using these paint sticks, looks like a big crayon, to make her Fairy quilt.

Pam, I am so sorry for you that this is not how you intended it to be...BUT, imho...this is such a gorgeous quilt, even if it didn't win ribbons, bc of how picky the judges can be, it is too beautiful not to enter.
I know I would love to see quilts like this and who is to say you did not plan the 'shadow' effect?
Granted, it would be considered an unusual and 'modern' technique...but aside from 'shows',...this is a heartstopping quilt!
I think it's gorgeous. hugs, I know you love it anyway, and how could one small thing that is barely noticeable mar the exquisite beauty and care that you put into it? to me - it can't. :-D

Personally, I wouldn't change the quilt. You take the chance of making it worse. And in my opinion, it's not all that bad. But one thing you could maybe do, is tea stain the quilt. It will give it an antique feel and may be enough to hide this minor mistake.

Ha ha ha... could name it:

Coloring outside the lines
Thinking outside the block

Now theres a thought Pam :lol: :lol: :lol:

The quilt is seeeeewwwww beautiful! I definitely would not try to make any "fixes" now that the quilt is finished. I agree with everyone else, show it!!! You might be very surprised what the judges will overlook and/or not even see. But, defininitely do not try to tea stain the entire quilt at this point. I think tea staining is only for separate fabrics to be used in a quilt and should be done beforehand. (Just mho).

By all means enter this quilt. It is beautiful and even if the judge notices it will probably only have a point or two deducted and the merits of the rest of the quilt should still give you high marks. There are many factors taken into account when judging quilts and you never know what the judge is looking for. Each judge looks for different things. This quilt is too pretty not to share with others

I agree, you should enter it. Beautiful work.

it's an assum quilt an some shows do say not to let underniethcolor show but I think it adds something to it.looks
great to me.

Go ahead and enter it in a show , county , state, etc. you might win I could not see anything wrong with the quilt myself. It is beautiful and the quilting is super. also it has beautiful colors. and your mistake may not be noticed, and if it is tell them that is the way you planed it.

:lol:

I would enter it. It's too Beautiful not to.

The more I think about it, the more I don't want to mess with it.

Yes, it's a big mistake but I can just about guarantee that it won't happen again. It's how we learn, isn't it?

Your quilt is absolutely & totally GORGEOUS and YES, by all means you should enter it ... see what the "judges" have to say ... Just think of all who will enjoy seeing your wonderful quilt in the show !!

Also, I DO think that your machine quilter bears some of the blame. Her quilting is just beautiful ... but this should have been noticeable when she pressed and loaded it.
She should have called you & fixed it before quilting !!