Saturday, April 19, 2008

A BLOOMIN' CHALLENGE IS DONE!

I have been piecing, ironing and quilting for a day and a half straight to get all my projects completed for next weekend's quilt show. With only 4 and a half hours sleep last night I am now more than very tired and think a nap will be in my future today. But staying up half the night was well worth it and all three of my quilts are finished and delivered to the quilt show committee. I even managed to get them there 2 and a half hours before the deadline!

As of yesterday morning I had one quilt done, but missing a label. One top finished but still needing to be basted together with batting and back, machine quilted, bound and labeled. And this quilt that I'm posting a picture of here was only a half pieced together top still needing all the basting, quilting etcetera as well. To say I knew it was going to be a long day and night is a major understatement.

But as I said with only 4 1/2 hours sleep between 6:30 am Friday and 12:30 pm Saturday I did get them all done and delivered.

This quilt was part of our guilds annual "Bloomin' Challenge" in which we are given 3 pieces of very bizarre and challenging fabrics and told to make a quilt or other quilted item out of them. I added the black fabric to the mix and this is what I came up with. I felt the black toned down what were otherwise all very bright bold fabrics. The corner appliqués are made up of flowers I cut out of one of the pieces of the fabric given to us. All in all I am very happy with how this quilt turned out and hope others enjoy viewing it also.

I'm not posting pictures of the other two quilts I am entering in the show since I have already featured them in other posts. If you would like to see them once again you can click on their names and you will be transported back to the original posts. Bucket Inspired Stars and A Bowl Full of Traveling Dreams.

I love quilting and am constantly amazed at the energy I get from it. The marathon quilting session was great fun. I wish live had more time available for such things, and for marathon stamping. Unfortunately there is a reality called work and life which now I must get back to. After my nap that is............

8 comments:

Beth said...

Oh Suzanne-this is stunning! I can only imagine the "before" picture with the fabrics you received-a color challenge bad dream, I'd bet, lol. The finished artwork, however, is GOJUS!

Sleep well! ;-)

Lee said...

Oh my gosh Suzanne!!!! First I have to say you are an amazing woman!!! What a quilting machine you became!! LOL As with your other quilts....this is FABulous!!! I agree.....the black really makes the quilt just gorgeous and not over the top in any way at all!!! I sure hope you get some well-earned rest and then just enjoy winning in the show!!!! Hugs!!!

Teresa said...

All three quilts are GORGEOUS!!!!

Sarah said...

Suzanne - This is stunning!!! I love how the tones down the colors alittle, but adds a dramatic pop. You are quite the talented quilt maker my friend! Good luck!!!

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

What a fantastic quilt, Suzanne! You did good! I love quilts even though I don't quilt.

Congratulations to your friend Caroline - how exciting!

And the unmounted stamps idea seems like a GREAT one. Already my stamp sets are tkaing up a LOT of room. This might just be the way to go in future, even if I start right now storing them in CD cases. Thanks for the details on how to do this :-)

And thank you so much for your comments on my blog. I appreciate your kindness.

Diane Noble said...

Oooh! This is absolutely fabulous! You are indeed amazing! Love these bold bright colors. You should make a card that matches each of your quilts!!! Beautiful!

Also just wanted to let you know I finally posted regarding the award you sent my way. Thank you again! I'm truly honored.

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

Suzanne, I was laughing out loud as I read your comment on my blog today!! In keeping with it, I found a special new forum to try out. I am sure they will have some spare coffee grounds fro you to play with! ROTFL!

Amy said...

That's gorgeous. I love the black with those vibrant colors, it really makes them pop.