Today I couldn't resist sewing stars on three sides of the medallion. I have two more star blocks made, but one of them is just not acceptable color wise. It's been relegated to the orphan drawer. That means I have nine more stars to make before I can finish this round. After this round is the final chintz border. This is a BIG quilt. With the star border it measures 85" square. The final chintz border is to be another 8" wide - thus the finished flimsy will measure 101" square. This is fitting to the era also - beds were tall in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Many bedrooms were equipped with a small step stool to help one climb into their bed. Many early medallion quilts were much larger than this - 120" square or more.Seems like the more I try to spread that bright gold fabric around the quilt the more I find myself sticking it again and again in the same place. I'm going to need to take out that one gold star and put it into the border still to be constructed. That still leaves a bunch of gold in one spot near the center, but I don't think I want to start ripping out that far into the quilt. Every time I look at it I find it bothering me, however, so I just might have to do that.
In the back of my mind I'm trying to figure out how to quilt this monster. Since sewing machines weren't invented in this era the only authentic way to finish it is by hand. I don't think I'm prepared to do that however. Most quilts of this era were also quilted in straight lines or a diagonal grid. Both of those would be very difficult to do with a longarm. I believe clam shell quilting was done in this era, but I don't have a clam shell template for my longarm. Baptist fans were not yet done on quilts - they weren't done until the Civil War or later. So until I can solve the question of quilting this it will go into the closet with my other finished flimsies.
9 comments:
Maybe you need to get a clam shell template. The quilt is fabulous. I'm guessing it looks even better in real life. Thanks for posting pictures of your progress!
Becky in Georgia
the quilt looks great......you will be so pleased when it is complete........
That is one incredible flimsie. Just beautiful.
No you can't just pack it unfinished away! It deserves to be used and loved because it's just amazing.
Oh Patti, it is so beautiful. I'm this close (imagine thumb and pointer finger touching!) to starting one right now - completely inspired by you! Of course, it won't be as wonderfully authentic as yours - I just love the amount of attention you have put into the historical detail. Are you going to put it on your bed?
it was great to see your progressive decision-making. My kind of quilter..I often do not have a complete plan when I start. Just like to see where the fabric leads me!
This is so lovely. I like the bits of gold and they don't jump out at me. It might be because you are aware of trying to use it sparingly? I too love the idea of clamshells. I didn't know you couldn't do straight lines with a long arm. I see that you medallion is sparking some creativity elsewhere :)
It is so beautiful. It is an amazing quilt. It needs to be hung front and center somewhere in your house.
Looks stunning.
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