The Aerial Grove Quilt is finished and it may well be one of my favorite finished projects this year! This quilt design (the applique panel) is from the book Savor Each Stitch: Studio Quilting with Mindful Design by Carolyn Friedlander. I have however deviated from the design in the book by adding simple borders to the applique panel to finish the quilt.
The border fabric is a chambray fabric printed with a running stitch in blue by Andover Fabrics: Chambray Threaded in Linen. I love this fabric and had yardage on hand waiting for just the right project ... and this was it!
I have loved quilting this quilt. It was a quilting marathon which I don't mind at all especially when it all goes to plan. The stitches are long - 4.0 mm - and the lines are just a 1/4 inch apart. This is a slow process and starts by spacing lines evenly across the width of the quilt; first 5 inches apart (the width of the applique columns), then filling in the space between with equally spaced lines: 2 inches apart, 1 inch apart, etc. Some of this is made easy with a walking foot that is exactly 1 inch wide which allows you to accurately follow seam lines and previous quilting lines. The texture of these closely spaced lines is just gorgeous. I really do wish you could feel it by touching the screen!
I have also again used Aurifil 28wt thread (the gray spool) for quilting (28wt top thread - 40wt thread in the bobbin).This is a heavier weight thread which makes the stitches stand out and adds another point of interest. The stitches are long and the thread is heavy because I want the closely spaced lines of quilting to be a feature.
For the back of the quilt I have used a single print from the Cookie Book collection by Kim Kight for Cotton + Steel. And for the binding I have used an uneven stripe from the Essentials collection by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics.
QUILT STATS
Aerial Grove Quilt
Finished quilt measures 46 inches x 61 inches.
Aurifil 28wt cotton thread for quilting.
Low loft cotton batting ~
Warm & White batting from The Warm Company;
a low loft cotton batting perfect for use with low volume and bright white fabrics.
Click on any image for a larger view. |
Whilst I don't foresee too many applique projects in my immediate future - I never say never - I am really pleased that I have stepped outside of my comfort zone to learn a new technique! It is so important to keep challenging yourself, to embrace all that comes your way with an open mind, and enjoy the process. One stitch at a time.
Thank you for stopping by and for scrolling through the many photos! I really appreciate it.
Rita
RELEVANT LINKS:
Aerial Grove Quilt - Work in Progress
Aurifil 80wt Thread for applique available exclusively from The Fat Quarter Shop.
Aerial Grove Quilt from the book: Savor Each Stitch by Carolyn Friedlander
RPQ Finished Quilts 2016
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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission. This is original content from www.redpepperquilts.com.
Excellent! The Andover Chambray is such a pretty choice for setting off the main attraction.
ReplyDeleteThis may be my new fav of yours, Rita! I haven't seen that border print, it was perfect for the quilt! Well done!
ReplyDeleteLove everything about your finish, Rita!
ReplyDeleteThis is so out of the ordinary. I love when you throw curve balls like this. Or should I say "squirkle balls?"
ReplyDeleteI love all the elements of this quilt! Together they make a contemporary and unique statement that inspires me!
ReplyDeleteRita, I love it. Love the 1/4 inch quilting. Not sure if this is my favorite, because the last one was my favorite. I'm sure the next one will be my favorite. ALL your quilts are stunning.
ReplyDeleteThis is stunning! I have an Aerial Grove quilt all basted and ready to be quilted. This gives me such inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHoly straight lines, batman!! Those are impressive. 🙌🏼
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love each little squircle and that chambray is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWowee! Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt looks wonderful like any of your quilts. I really love the color choice. Did you appliqué the dots by hand??
ReplyDeleteMarvelous!
It's like an I Spy for adults. I really like the red/orange hatch pattern fabric, and your quilting is perfect.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful Rita! I love the chambray stitched fabric too, just perfect, all of it :)
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love the kitty print. Meow! The offset placement of the applique panel was a great surprise. Last, but not least, kudos for the quilting marathon!
ReplyDeleteAs others have said, all your quilts are my favorites, but this on really REALLY may be My Real Favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteThe bit I love best is that one row of black and white prints on the red crosshatch. Such an unexpected detail. Great!
Gorgeous quilt ~ I have loved this pattern from when I first saw it, it's on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt. Great finish.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful! Wow!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! It is so beautiful! Well done, Rita and thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteRita, it looks great! I love learning new techniques, too! Or simply trying something that's just a wee bit more difficult. Well done! XO
ReplyDeleteLove this one the most...but I'm a modern loving girl so it fits squarely in my wheelhouse. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnother very cool quilt, Rita. This one is different than all others, but it still screams Red Pepper Quilt!
ReplyDeleteYour workmanship is superb but it is your fabric choice that shines for me. I wish I had half your talent in this area. A gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDelete