Monday, March 21, 2011

Veranda Views

Veranda Views had me excited from the start, because I love to spend time in the garden.  Fabric selection was pretty easy.  I had a few pieces in mind and just added to them.


Then I stitched it all together and didn't like the end result.  It was way too busy with all the different fabric and the stitchery was lost.  I took it apart (January 2010) and used the pieces for Quilters' Compost.

Since then, I selected three fabrics that went nicely together and hoped for the best.  It only took a little over a year to attempt it a second time, but it turned out much better than the first time and the focus remains on the stitchery. 

Click on photo for clearer image.

I did change it some from the original pattern by adding more sashing and I tried not to increase the overall quilt size too much, so as not to tip the balance.  It looks nicer in person then in the photo and I am pretty sure I will not be taking it apart again. 


Well working on Veranda Views, I had a chance to test out my Center-to-Trim Guide by Dritz.  Normally I work on blocks that have already been cut to finished size, but for Veranda Views you cut them larger and then trim back when finished.  This was a first for me and I was pleased with the ease of the Center-to-Trim Guide.

In the close-up photo you can see a series of measurements and dots.  First you find the center of your block and mark it, through the hole, with a wash away pen.  You continue to mark in the same way, for the size of block you desire.  Then, with a ruler and rotary cutter, you trim down your block.  So fast and easy!


Do you remember my Brother PC3000 sewing machine ordeal?  I drove by the repair shop the other day and guess what; they have gone out of business!  Now, doesn't that explain a few things?

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

19 comments:

carine said...

vzey nice stichery . Well-done Greetings from Bruges Carine

annemieke said...

It`s lovely your Veranda Vieuws.What a shame that the stitcherie was lost the first time, but you dit a great job, starting over again.
Greetings Annemieke.

Teresa Rawson said...

Wow...I think you are right. Your limited use of setting fabrics does focus the eye on your lovely stitcheries. That ruler looks SWEET...I'll have to check it out.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Crispy said...

What a great tool. I'm going to have to find one!! Love the effect of your sashing, really pretty :0)

Crispy

Cathi said...

Those fabrics really do frame the stitchery beautifully! Great choice!

Marieke said...

Wow: that looks georgeous! What size is it? Do you hang it an a wall, or use it on a bed? It looks wonderful. I wonder how it looked in january 2010, but I guess you are not going to let us see. Do you?

Jeanette said...

Your wallhanging is gorgeous Karen.Thanks for telling us about the ruler. I might have to look into getting one. Happy Stitching,

Raewyn said...

You will be pleased to have such a pleasing result second time round. Lovely!! I haven't seen those rulers before but hey look USEFUL!!

Nima said...

wow..lovely stitchery

Quiltpassion.blogspot.com said...

Love the story about the Quilter's Compost!
Your Verandah Vieuws is gorgeous now with the "Spring-green" fabric.
Happy quilting, Cisca

Funoldhag said...

Very pretty, Karen. Fabric does make such a difference! And sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and rip - she who sews rips! I went with the dark on the log cabin and it looks good. Will post a picture soon. Thanks for your input! Carol

Jane in Cumbria said...

Lovely! Such beautiful fabrics too!
Jane

LuAnn said...

Your stitcheries are beautiful. I haven't seen that ruler before. Looks like it would sure come in handy.

Daniëlle said...

Sure, compost can also be used on a veranda hihi!! it looks great!! Great tool btw! have a happy stitching day, hugs, Daniëlle

MiSala said...

Lovely!!!
The beautiful fabric too...!!!

Narelle said...

The views from your verandah are lovely!
Another I have on my 'wish list'. :o)

Vivian said...

I'm just back from my two visits to check out older stories--one about Quilters' Compost and the other re: your (mis)adventures with your Brother machine. One positive story, one not so much.
Well done with the setting for your stitching. It really does feature your stitching beautifully.

Jeanne said...

Wonderful work! It's gorgeous.

Robin said...

I want one of those rulers. How handy!!! I always make my blocks a little larger-- and then make mistakes when trying to cut them down to size. This would help a lot!

Veranda Views is lovely! I really like the arrangement of the dark, medium, and light shades you've chosen. They frame the stitcheries so well.