Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Fireball

So, back to more cuddly things today. I'd like to thank my readers for their respectful comments on my last quilt. It was heartening to see those of you who didn't like the quilt express your opinion thoughtfully and respectfully both in the comments and in personal emails. Thank you.

 I finally got the binding sewn onto the Fireball quilt and I made a quilt change so it could take center stage for a bit. It would be perfect on the couch, but my hubby has the flu so I thought I'd keep it clear of the couch for now. It's pretty striking on the wall!
I made this quilt as a sample for my Stitch and Flip technique class.  I wasn't sure I'd like it after I added the borders....they nudge it a bit more toward the traditional for my taste, but now that it's done I love it.

This was my first opportunity to collaborate with a local longarm quilter.  Anne, of Embella Quilting did the work on this quilt.  She does mostly traditional work, but when I met her earlier this fall we sort of clicked.  I'm glad I gave her a try.  We had so much fun talking quilts and throwing out ideas.  Collaboration is rare around here and sometimes I long for another eye and another brain working with me. Anne is willing to step out of her box and go with me where ever I want to go.  I think we're going to be a good team.

When I first had the idea for this quilt I imagined flames in the quilting, so we went with it.  I also wanted some kind of linear element.  Anne helped me combine those in a cohesive quilting design that I think enhances the piecing and supports the overall concept of the quilt.
You can see her exquisite work up close.  It was her idea to change the thread color as the flames progress to the outer edges of the quilt.
It wasn't planned, but it has a bit of a Harley Davidson, motorcycle mama kinda feel to it.  Come to think of it I might look fabulous in leather with the wind blowing through my hair.

45 comments:

Mary P said...

The quilting is awesome. I love how it turned out.

lovemyabbie@gmail.com said...

Oh my this is lovely!!! I love the flame quilting and the other lines are so subtle they blend so nicely. It's really beautiful!!!

Sequana said...

Vroooooooooooooooom!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Want to see the photo of you in leather with wind in your hair! The quilt is great.

giddy99 said...

Fantastic!

Teresa in Music City said...

Gorgeous! Love the color play and the quilting is amazing!

SusieDW said...

Love everything about this quilt! It is HOT! Really like the notion that you collaboration with Anne seems to have helped her advance and experiment with new ideas she may have. Very nice! After buying your book I've tried Stitch and Flip on a couple quilts. It's FUN!

Joannag said...

Fabulous quilt!
Love the colors, the quilting.
Thanks for sharing.
Joanna

Anonymous said...

This is staggeringly beautiful! Thank you for sharing -- an inspiring!

Sharon S said...

I think you've found your kindred spirit. I hope we see more collaborations from the 2 of you. Brave on the quilt & quilting!

Tina Short said...

IT's a stunning quilt and the quilting is perfect.

Patti said...

Beautiful quilt, and I really like the progressive thread colour in the flames!

Molly said...

Wow this quilt is HOT- and I am sure you would be in leather too! :) I love the quilting, it perfectly compliments the piecing and I am glad to hear that you have such success in collaborating with a local longarmer- always cool to see someone who is in a traditional comfort zone go wild and find success- I am sure you are a huge inspiration to her.

Margaret said...

Wow, this is amazing! The change in thread colour is something that I would never think of, but it is a wonderful detail.

Anonymous said...

Wow.

Anne D said...

It is gorgeous! The borders look fantastic and the quilting is amazing.

Dianne said...

Oh I do love this quilt! The borders seem to contain the energy of the center and therefore give it a greater sense of power. The quilting is brilliant the layering of the stitches and the colour change take it to a whole different level. Did I say I LOVE it?!!!

Anonymous said...

In Love!

Leanne said...

I really like this one, I am not a border person either but the borders really enhance both the image - it feels like looking down into a tunnel to me - and the feel of this quilt - it just feels so warm.

Patti said...

Fabulous quilt. Love the movement in it. So glad the two of you hit it off. Synergy. Amazing things can happen.

Mama Pea said...

I love this quilt. Well done! And I agree that she did a great job quilting it. The quilting really contributes to the quilt nicely. And I thought the same thing about the Harley feel! LOL.

By the way, I watched your episode on TQS last night. I adored it. You rock so much. I was seriously in tears twice, especially during the after set. I'm so happy the quilting world has been good to you, because you sure are good for the quilting world! We MUST get you to Michigan. We started our new Modern Quilt Guild, and we're working on it! I would so LOVE to take a class from you sometime. Or even just hang out with you a bit. I enjoyed meeting you at Market at the book signing. You are amazing.

Cynthia said...

That is a fantastic quilt. Wonderful collaboration. The quilt reminds of a modern take on an Amish quilt.

Lee D said...

the quilt is amazing. BTW Your cousin Carol in Calgary and I are in the same guild. Your name came up in conversation this weekend while on quilt retreat. It truly is a small world.

MariQuilts said...

Beautiful!

mascanlon said...

Just wow!

Carol E. said...

This is gorgeous, and the quilting is amazing. What a beautiful piece!

Paula said...

Beautiful quilt, and I love the borders, something modern quilters don't use much. I love a good border!! Quilting is fabulous and the thread changes make it all happen!

Leather...fabulous.

Elsa said...

Love the quilt and the quilting is perfect!

Pat said...

I love this quilt and the quilting is just so perfect for it.

FlourishingPalms said...

It's a stunning quilt. Do leave it on the wall! The quilting designs suit it, and the idea to change thread colors is completely inspired. Perfect. Thanks for sharing!

whale said...

I love the quilting on this quilt... It fits the theme and quilt perfectly!

pamela said...

There are so many great things about this quilt. Love it!!!!!

Jo Ann said...

Thats HOT!

Vicki said...

Beautiful. I love the patterned quilting combined with the straight lines. And the different colors are genius. :)

ipatchandquilt said...

Flaming hot and super cool!

Dana said...

the quilting on this is fantastic! Love the change of shades!

Krista said...

Stunning work, but at first glance I thought it was an homage to the CBC (our revered national broadcaster in Canada) Their logo used to be very similar. Still a beautiful quilt.

Anonymous said...

Wow! All-around stunning quilt!
Debbie R.

Denise said...

Vibrant and exciting! Love it!

Jenny Wren said...

A fantastic combination! Works so well!

Unknown said...

Just wow!

LoBo333 said...

Awesome quilt and I was thinking Harley Davidson before I even got to that section of your post. The design, the fabric colors, the flames, the colors of the flames - definitely a quilt to put the "hot" back into one hot mama! Thanks for sharing!

Peggy said...

Holy cow, that is fantastic!! I think it needs to stay on the wall - it looks great. I absolutely love the quilting too - it all meshes together wonderfully.

Nancy said...

The quilt is fabulous and so is your sense of humor!

Melody A. said...

Your quilt is very striking and looks fantastic hung on the wall, the quilting is fabulous! Lucky you! for such a great quilter to work with!