Saturday, February 08, 2014

Gathering Baskets...My Obsession

What started out as a self-imposed "Block-A-Month" program, became my obsession--- I give you-

Gathering Baskets

The wind was  blowing.  The quilt has threads and wrinkles.  The temperature warmed up to 10 below and the sunlight was perfect. I couldn't wait any longer for a picture.  My snow boots got snow in them.  The snow I wading through was over 18 inches -- because I measured it.  This quilt is big-- something like 80 by 86.  The clothes line wasn't high enough, so it lays on top of the snow.  Before I finished taking snapshots---my ankles were a little numb.  Didn't matter.  I was having too much fun.

  I'm hoping to begin quilting today.
Here are the thread colors I'll use.  I saw pictures of this quilt when Lynda Hall displayed it on-line.  I saw more as it popped up on Pinterest.  I saw it once in person at Primitive Gatherings .
I never loved it any less.  My mom always said the best way to keep you from wanting that new dress was to try it on.   I guess it doesn't work for quilts...  Because when you see it in person you still can't get it out of your head.

Lynda talks about the freedom of using scraps -- I gotta be honest, the scrappiness almost bothered me at some points thinking, "this is never going to work...'  But somehow it all comes together.  I can't wait to stitch on the binding...(insert wink here).

15 comments:

Nicole said...

That is just gorgeous! What a wonderful quilt you have created. I love the scrappy dark blue corner squares. This project has me more excited than anything I have seen lately. So pretty.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

love it! the applique on the side really adds to it. long ago always thought background had to be matching pieces then I saw something with numerous white pieces for the background with tiny prints on them and I was sold on it - it adds character :) I do not envy you the cold and the snow - I'm freezing enough here which I'm sure is warm to to you

Gypsy Quilter said...

Awesome! Fantastic! Inspiring! Now please go and warm your toes with some hot chocolate and whipped cream.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I love this quilt; I think it's one of your best!

I made a scrap quilt once and was so tempted to organize the scraps so that they looked perfect together. But I didn't, and it turned out to be one of my best quilts. Drives me nuts to think of just grabbing HST's and using them wherever, but it works every time.

Kindred Quilts said...

My thoughts echo all the comments already written! LOVE IT! Thanks for braving the UP elements to share it with us!

Stina... said...

Its gorgeous.... A lovely quilt!!!!

Cornbread and Beans Quilting said...

It is stunning!! I love it!!!
That was a very brave photo shoot you undertook. LOL

Gayle said...

I adore this pattern and your version of it is just wonderful! I love the addition of just a bit of applique - makes it shine even more. Scrappy quilts are my all time favorite - I might have to try my hand at this one too! Thanks for the beautiful pictures and congrats on your finish!

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Oh, it is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love it!

Shakerwood said...

I saw this quilt finished at a quilt show several years ago. I fell in love with it all over again. And now I am again! Just beautiful......

Tazzie said...

Oh Melanie, it looks just wonderful. You've done a great job. Have fun quilting, it's going to be amazing!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Carol said...

Mel it is absolutely out of this world! Spectacular! And against the snow...WOWSER!

Anne said...

OK, I've got 15 other projects on the go, but this makes me want to stop everything and start piecing baskets. Stunning! I'm looking forward to seeing how you quilt it.

Anne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen said...

I cut out pieces for some of the baskets quite some time ago. Haven't seen them in a long time. The design is striking with the long stem on the big flower. I am going enjoy your version and not wonder where my pieces might be.