Judie

Also have the book.. Isn't it a beautiful quilt?? I love it. I hope to make it one of these days. It really would be quite an undertaking!

sewbizgirl

Oh my goodness... this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime, master level quilts! I am so intimidated by quilts like this. Can't wait to see yours finished.

busygranny

Weezie. your album is gorgeous!!!! I love applique and am working on "Affairs of the Heart" right now with a black batik fabric background and using bright batiks for the applique. Is turning out beautiful. I would love to do this one, depending how much the book will be. The patterns are getting so expensive. Maybe will check the library, they may have it. So don't be afraid to try a different background color. They all work and are beautiful. Remember, it is YOUR quilt. Love what you make.

Suz

I can even think that a dark chocolate brown would be beautiful. I have found that black often does not hold its color. Of course, a quilt like this one would not get a lot of washings. I made a quilt for my son and wife which was mishandled and I believe that the "Tide" did a number on the black in the blocks, thus my apprehension of black.

Treasureit

I have done ---no tried hand applique with small pieces and got too frustrated. I would suggest practicing with larger pieces until you have a handle of turning those little things. I just saw a great tute on here not long ago and their style looked do able, but still don't have the urge to try it again.

piepatch

I like the lighter background fabric, but that's just an opinion, and not my experience, since I have never made that quilt. I'll bet it will be beautiful regardless of what background fabric you use.

nanna-up-north

I totally agree about the black, Suz. The quilt in my avatar was done on black and I loved it. But I left it on the bed when we came up to the cabin a few summers ago and even though the shades were pulled down in the room, the black has faded some. I'm sick about it but it's another lesson learned. Now I fold it up and put it in the closet over the summer. The winter sun doesn't seem to do any damage.

I'm afraid that a dark brown might be a problem as well. I want to get all the backing first. ... it says 8 yards but I'm thinking I'll get 9 or 10 to be on the safe side. That will be a chunk of change. But since I'll be using mostly stash for the applique, I guess that will be okay.

Treasureit, I totally understand your frustration with applique. I felt that way until I had the owner of our LQS up here in the northwoods show me how she does detailed applique. It made all the difference for me. I even taught it at a LQS when we moved I love doing applique now and have done so many pretty designs. I'd be happy to share how I do it but it would have to be a tutorial and it might be a little long. But don't stop trying. It will click one day and you'll have it forever. This is the applique wall hanging I did for my daughter last Christmas. It's all applique.... I drew out the design from a picture I saw and then put all the pieces together. She loves it.... and I got it done in a couple of weeks.

annelu

well, I started back. Wanted to make 1 bloc a month but it took me little more

Here is the result

nanna-up-north

Annelu, your block is just gorgeous. The little brown bird is peeking out on the side..... precious. I'm totally impressed with your handwork. I am getting better at those outside points but am still struggling with the inside points. I love this quilt.

I think I have found the fabric for my background. .... it's a dark brown crackle that should fit exactly what I have in mind. So, if the LQS has gotten it in stock, I'll be trying to get started this week. I have a couple of lap quilts that I have to get done for my last great nephews but I'm pretty sure I can work on all of them at the same time. I love doing applique while watching the ball game with my DH in the evenings. Thanks for sharing your block.

sunrise450

I have the book and every now and then I look at it and drool. Such a beautiful quilt. Maybe someday....