If you have ever read my blog before you have probably realized by now that I love to start projects and have a hard time finishing all of them. There is just something about the creative process during the beginning that is very enticing! I'm glad to announce one of my "big" projects is one giant step closer to being finished.
Remember this quilt?
Vintage Valentine, which I started, oh about 8 years ago! I finally had it quilted, and it is amazing!! I picked it up 2 hours ago and I can't stop smiling.
This was my first appliqué quilt and I learned so much through this process. When I look at the difference between the first and last block the difference in quality is quite noticeable. I learned that I absolutely love appliqué, I don't like needle turn appliqué, but I do love the starch and iron method.
I can't get a good picture of the entire quilt, but here are a few shots. Every block has the same background quilting, but the quilting on the appliqué shapes are all unique!
Center block
I love how she "framed" each block with a 1/4" border
The applique on these birds makes them my favorite birds in the whole quilt. You can also see the feathering in the border.
The hearts are about 1" and she quilted in each one.
The detail in this heart and ribbon is exquisite!
Just one more shot!
Monique Hudson from Scipio, UT quilted it for me and I wouldn't hesitate to send her another one. When I talked to her she couldn't stop swooning over it. It was really nice to hear someone else loves this quilt almost as much as I do. She kept encouraging me to enter it in some quilt shows or the state fair. We will see if I dare to enter it. I am always so critical of my work, even though it is beautiful I still see my flaws!
Now for the new beginning part! After much deliberation and fighting with myself tooth and nail I have decided to go back to college and get my Master's Degree in Education (did anyone think I was announcing a pregnancy?). I have put off this decision far too long and it is time. I will be studying Learning and Technology and I'm hoping to be finish between 18 months and 2 years from now. It will help my career, as well as my paycheck when it is all over. The thought of writing and writing and writing does not really appeal to me right now!
I am mourning the loss of quilting and free time more than anything. It will be worth it in the end and I'm determined to finish and move on! I'm sure quilting will be one way to keep myself sane during this entire process, even if it is just a fraction of the time I usually spend.
