Saturday, March 2, 2013

Friendship Garden is finished!

One binding down.   This is the best we could do for a picture - my husband is tall but he'd need to be seven feet to have the arm span to hold this out straight.  I'll get a better picture next time our son is here to help hold the quilt.


This is definitely one of my most favorites of all the quilts I've made.  The design is by Alma Allen and Cherie Ralston.  We have a blue bedroom, so this is going to look great on the bed.  Unfortunately the book is out of print, but there may be second hand copies to be found somewhere.

The top picture was taken outside, so the colors are very true.  The rest of the pictures were taken with flash inside, so the blocks appear much brighter than they are.


The center block is a vase.

The top, bottom, and side blocks are wreaths with birds.  All are different, but quite similar.




The corner blocks are flower sprays.



Each corner is appliqued also.

The fabrics in this quilt span at least a 20-25  year period.  The oldest are some of the yellow background squares.  I loved picking fabrics for this quilt - it was so much fun to make!

If you love the look of appliqued quilts, but are fearful of your applique skills, then pick a pattern like this one.  The pieces are large with gentle curves and fat points (for the most part).  Take a look at my three applique tutorials (listed on the left sidebar) and go for it.  Have no fear.  You'll be so glad you did.


12 comments:

Linda said...

It is fabulous! Awesome finish.

Quilts And Pieces said...

I LOVE it!

Vicki B said...

Absolutely beautiful! Love it! Did you finish it while I was shopping?

Carol said...

Stunning! and you did a fab job! know you are glad to have this one finished.

Holly said...

Just beautiful! Love your colors. I've just picked up applique again after many years of just piecing. My fingers are very rusty & slow, may have to start using the machine, but am not a fan of the look. You've certainly done a great job!

sewkalico said...

STUNNING!!! Shouty shouty, I know, but I'm a long way away and it's gorgeous and I wanted you to know I thought that!

Ginnyb1313 said...

What a beautiful quilt!I just love it.

cityquilter grace said...

very nice patti, i love it! and i agree with your advice about applique; after that it's just practice, practice, practice!

Lily Boot said...

I too am so impressed with your applique skills - your work is exquisite! My favourite block is the bottom left hand - I love the oak leaves - but they're the wrong colour for our oak at this time of year - it's busy throwing all of it's now brown leaves to the ground. And your quilting is incredible as well. So glad you've started blogging again Patti - you inspire me to get back into my quilting - especially the civil war blocks!

Kigwit said...

I love the birds-they really look like they are flying!

mary-myneedlethead.blogspot.com said...

Absolutely love this one!! Hugs, Mary

Linda C said...

What a wonderful addition to your bedroom! Hooray that it is done too as it deserves a spotlight on it.