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.