Sunday, October 18, 2009

Playtime



Finally finished! This is Playtime, that I gave a sneak peek of way back in Sept. I got the binding all sewn down mere hours before I broke my arm, and it was in the quilt show last weekend.




Playtime 47" x 60"


Here's the overall shot. Sorry that the colors are weird - it was rainy and gloomy when I took the picture. I tried to adjust the colors, but it didn't help much. The colors in the photo at the top of the post are more true-to-life.

These blocks are 6" and the little circles in the border are about 1 3/4". I did them raw-edge applique. The border was inspired by Gwen Marston and Freddy Moran's Serpentine border in their Collaborative Quilting (#1) book.




Here you can see the wonderful quilting in the border that my long-armer Shari did. I really like the pattern she used in the main body of the quilt, but the border is just stunning. I love it.



On the back of the quilt.


I'm finally starting to feel some better. I'm now off the drugs and starting to feel more like myself. The arm is still painful/uncomfortable sometimes, but getting less so. I'm able to (carefully) use it a little more and spend most of the day without the sling now. (I'm trying to keep that shoulder loose.) I go see the orthopedist again tomorrow.


A close-up of the corner quilting.

I'm still not able to do lots and am still being waited on by DH. But I did 3 (easy) loads of laundry yesterday and even swept the floor a little. I'm pretty awkward and frustrated, but I can see progress. I even got into the quilt studio and did a little sewing - making some crumb blocks. I even tried a little rotary cutting - nothing precise, and pretty gingerly. I can't hold the ruler with much pressure from my left arm, so am being very careful with that tool. I sure don't need any more wounds!



Here is my pieced back, Belinda! I started cutting up my small stash of 30's repros into 10.5" squares for the backside of the quilt, but got tired of how slowly it was going. I also used up some extra blocks. You can see a little bit (on the left side of the picture) of my label. I typed it on the computer, printed it out on Printed Treasures fabric, and then pieced it into the quilt back. (I got this tip from Carrie over at La Vie En Rosie blog. I can't find the exact link right now.)




Here's the overall shot of the back. This clearly shows that I ran out of steam on those 10.5" squares! Again, bad lighting - I apologize for that.

Well, I think I'll go back into the quilt studio and do more one-armed playing!

15 comments:

  1. That quilt is gorgeous, and so is the quilting! I'm glad you're able to do a bit - just don't overdo. I hope you get some good news from the dr.!

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  2. All I can say is WOW! What a beautiful quilt. Glad you are doing better, but be patient. I hope the Quilt Judge sees how beautiful and inovative your quilt is. I'll keep my fingers crossed,LOL.

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  3. Another great quilt. I am glad you are feeling a bit better. Please be careful, though. Don't get too happy too soon!

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  4. What a sweet quilt! Wonderful quilting, and I'm a huge fan of pieced backs.

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  5. This is a very pretty quilt! Hang in there and don't push too hard. You don't need any setbacks at this point. Good luck with the doc!

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  6. Love the quilting on your sweet quilt and scrappy backs are a favorite.

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  7. Beautiful quilt Sharon! Shari did a great job too. You know I just love pieced backs. Try to take things slowly, don't try to do too much. Let Ed do the housework for awhile!

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  8. What a delightful quilt. And how fortunate to have finished it before the accident! As you may know, I'm currently piecing a back for my flannel quilt. In fact, the quilt might end up being reversible when it's done! (If you're really into maverick quilts that is.)

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  9. Very pretty quilt and I love the quilting.

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  10. Take care of that arm...trying to do too much can make it take longer to heal and/or you can stress other muscles due to awkward movements.

    Lovely quilt. I have a huge stash of 1930's fabrics. The border makes it all jump!

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  11. I love your quilt! The dots in the border add a wonderful punch, and the quilting is beautiful. I was inspired by your (and Gwen's) serpentine border to make one on an unfinished top of my own ... someday it will get finished.

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  12. Woop..Woop!!! Your quilt is just
    'marvee'!! (that's your word isn't it?) I love everything about it...especially how you did the border!! Your pieced back is perfect too!!!
    I am sooo glad you are making progress on your arm....easy does it though!!!

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  13. I love this quilt, Sharon. One of my favorites is to see piecing with applique...haven't done one yet, but want to. Your blog site is great.
    Dennise

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  14. Ooh, I like this one! It's got a good comfy vibe to it. Great quilting, too!

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