Thursday, March 31, 2011

March Clamshell Report



Great progress has been made this month as I stitched down 63 clamshells.  In other words, 201 of 720 are now pieced together.  With almost 10 rows completed, it is beginning to look like a quilt top, once all pieced together the clamshells will measure approximately a 65 inch square.  

The question is To Border or not to Border?  Without a border the focus would remain on the clamshells. With a border, I think it would have to have something special about it, so as not to be boring, but at the same time not to take away from the clamshells. 

I have plenty of time to think about it, but your suggestions are always welcome.

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

25 comments:

Amy said...

wow alot of clamshells. I think it will be stunning.As for borders I am not sure.

carine said...

You've already a lot of your clamshells! Well-done Greetings from Bruges Carine

Jeanette said...

Well done Karen. They look beautiful. I'm not sure about borders either. I've gotten nowhere with my clamshells as of yet except promises to myself every month to start sewing them together. :(

annemieke said...

It looks lovely and the colours are nice as well. You have already done one third, good for you. Have a nice day.

Gr Annemieke.

Annemieke said...

That is a lot! Maybe it's an idea to applique the clamshells on a darker fabric ( on the border) ? Then there is some kind of a border but the clamshells spring out.
Groetjes
Annemieke

Merilyn said...

I would probably wait till you have sewn all the clamshells together, lay it on a bed and look at it for a while! If you believe that quilts talk to you! then it will let you whether it wants to have a border or not!!! My quilts always talk to me! I have no choice but to listen, they are usually always rightLOL!!!

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Wow, this is going to be a beautiful quilt. I love how you have it displayed over your window. This quilt will be a treasure for sure. I agree with some of the other comments. Wait till you are finished and you will know what to do for the border.

I would love to make a clam shell quilt one of these days. It is on my wish to do list.

Your quilt will be a treasure! Thanks for sharing your lovely work.

Hope you are having a wonderful week doing what you love.

Carolyn :)

katrien said...

Great your clamshells.

Crispy said...

WOW Karen you have made great progress on the clamshells!! I'm not sure about using borders or not, I guess it depends on how the quilt will be used, like on a bed it may need more for draping over the edge.

Crispy

Teresa Rawson said...

Your needle sure has been busy lately! The clamshells are FABULOUS! What an heirloom! And all the Klosjes and other things in your previous post...all those little bits do add up fast. I love your display of patience and determination with these ongoing beautiful projects.

I don't know what to say about borders. I need to go on an antique clamshell quilt search...we just don't see enough of this kind of quilt these days!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

You quilt is going to be amazing! I would say wait until you are finished before deciding on the border.

Paula said...

Absolutely stunning, I love your clamshells, every one looks so special, beautiful colors. Border, maybe not. I think it should be decided when the top is done, but no harm in thinking and planing ahead.

Take care.
Paula

Roxanne said...

This is going to be beautiful. and I agree with Merilyn, let that quilt talk to you about the border.

Pat said...

I keep going back and forth about a border too! I'll be interested to see what you finally decide. I like the idea Merilyn had about viewing it on the bed for awhile before deciding.

Browndirtcottage said...

W-a-y to go girl!! Progress looks good. I have sort of slowed with mine, but I'm with you about the border. I have been mulling it over like you. Have you looked at the photo I showed of the one in a book I have? It has a border around it and I think it looks ok.

Quiltpassion.blogspot.com said...

How stunning!!! It looks like stained glass, I love it! I've never seen a clamshell quilt finished, so I can't advise you, I'm looking forward what you are going to chose.
Happy quilting, Cisca

Jossie said...

Beautiful Karen. They look like stained glass against the light. You have made great progress. I will add a border to mine. I have cut it I know but can't remember where I put the material. Would not be surprised if I used it for something else. Maybe you could have a look at the quilttop my friend made. She added a wide blue border which really frames the clamshells. Here is the link http://cybelespatch.blogspot.com/2010/09/little-surprise-een-kleine-verrasing.html
I guess we are the only ones showing clamshells this month. Die hards aren't we!

Gerda Hartman said...

Oh, they look great. Very nice job!

Anonymous said...

WOW....love the look of all your clamshells.

grendelskin said...

Woohoo, you made good progress this month! It's so beautiful! I've started thinking about borders too; I guess it's probably time to surf a little and gather ideas, then decide once the shells are finished. Happy clamming!

Wendy said...

Oh that's beautiful! Looks like stained glass the way it's hanging in front of the window. Hmmm...will think on your border dilemma. At least you do have some time to think about it!

Karen said...

Your photo intrigued me. What an interesting way to display the clamshell piece for a photograph. Looking good!

Funoldhag said...

What a beautiful quilt that is shaping up to be. You are doing a wonderful job in your piecing - looks just perfect. I just love it.

Loralynn said...

You have been a busy girl! That's a lot of work and if I were you, I wouldn't want to take away from the lovely look of the scalloped edge...just my two cents worth!

Robin said...

I love seeing your progress on this! It is just beautiful. I can easily envision it with a Jinny Beyer-type border print-- it would be very rich looking, I think. I don't even know how one would approach it with no borders... would you just trim the edges straight, or would you bind all of those curves? I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it!