Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Quilt Guilt

Have you ever participated in a swap, and received something way lamer than you gave? If you wouldn't be judged by it, would you just snatch your hand-made item back and run far, far away? I don't do swaps very often because deep down, I'm a bit afraid of this. And also, my lifespan probably isn't long enough to complete the unfinished sewing projects I've already started.

However, when Renee of Quilts of a Feather suggested a mini quilt swap, I happily agreed. I had preexisting knowledge of her amazing talent, uncanny ability to accomplish more that is fathomable, and commitment to deliver on her promises. I created a mini using raw edge appliqué with satin stitch (zig-zag with an almost non-exsistant stitch length) and free-motion quilting in a class taught by fellow Albuquerque Modern Quilt Guild member, Mandy Rudin and Becky Welch.


I drew some shadow shapes in Frixion pen. Then I outlined those with lines of stitching and made pebbles that increased in scale as they radiated outward from the top gold ring. I faced this quilt, but I don't mean standing in front of it and not looking away. I mean applying a binding that you can't see from the front. If you want to give this binding technique a whirl, this tutorial ought to be your first stop.

Now, I was thinking my mini was pretty good, until I opened up Renee's neatly wrapped package and 
YOWSERS!

As you can all see, it's amazing, incredible, contest-worty spectacular! I knew she was a phenomenal free-motion quilter but


Nope, that wasn't a typo. You don't type words when dictating the dialogue for your mouth hanging open and nothing coming out. Speechless. Ask my husband; he'll tell you that finding me in this state is a rarity.


Just look at this detail! I'll admit it, because it is terribly obvious. The quilt I received is far superior to the one I gave. Drat! I feel bad, but not bad enough to let her have it back. Because I'm selfish like that. Check out at those orange peels quilted in there. How could I part with them?


I plan on relieving my guilt by entering her quilt in Fiber Arts, because I believe I have, in my greedy possession, a winner. I will give her the attribution and anticipated prize winnings, of course.

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22 comments:

  1. Afton, I don't think you have a thing to feel guilty about! The quilt you made is pretty amazing too!! Both are definitely drool worthy :)

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    1. Thank you, I appreciate the reassurance. I want to do right by Renee, as I greatly admire her.

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  2. The quilt you made is not lame at all! It's gorgeous, and the quilting on it is amazing! You have no reason to feel guilty at all. What an amazing swap!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words, Leanne. I love that swaps provide a keepsake of another's creativity and effort.

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  3. You are being way too harsh on yourself! I've done a lot of swaps this year--I had one quilt go MIA, received a zip pouch that didn't open all the way (I ended up having to do surgery and fixing the zipper), didn't get any birthday gifts for my birthday (they were two weeks late and I'm still waiting for two more, which are 2 months late and counting!). So I can say with confidence that this was NOT a lame swap--your quilt is lovely and well made. The quilting is definitely my favorite part, the shadow pieces and growing size of the pebbles work with the appliqued shapes so well! I'm very pleased with our swap and the quilt I got from you! :-)

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    1. I'm so glad you like it, because I didn't want to let you down. I've already hung your quilt up in my sewing room. It's a bummer that you've had the short end of the stick with swaps since you always do such a bang-up job. I'll stop torturing you with idioms now. See you at MQG!

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  4. You are definitely being too harsh on yourself! Both quilts are stunning; I think it was an awesome swap!

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    1. Thank you, Yvonne. I appreciate the encouragement when I was really doubting.

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  5. I will not disagree with you on the fact that Renee is an amazing quilter. However, it seems to me, a neutral bystander, that your swap was a perfect match. You both made and received lovely, dramatic modern quilts. With your neutral backgrounds and bold modern shapes, I see lots of similarities!

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    1. Thank you, Carla. You make some good points about my and Renee's similarities. I am glad you didn't disagree with my perceptions of Renee's talent though, because that might just discredit you. :->

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  6. I agree! I say this swap was well matched. Both minis are impressive!

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    1. Thanks, Amanda. I have to say, I'd need to practice my pillow-making skills before I did a swap with you. ;->

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  7. Oh my word! I love them both. Don't feel guilty at all. You did fabulous

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    1. Thank you, Carla. I appreciate your kind critique.

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  8. Oh wow! I'm struggling to pick my jaw up off the floor because they are both just stunning! You are both incredibly talented :)

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    1. Thank you, Carie. Your sweet words are a wonderful encouragement.

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  9. O prefer the quilt you made. I love it. I loved the design and the quilting. The quilting add to the design of your colors. It is beautiful done. When I had to choose I choose your mini. I think the other mini beautiful too, but not as beautiful as your quilt.
    Love from Amsterdam

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    1. Thanks for visiting from Amsterdam. I suppose it's easier to be harder on one's self. Thank you for the words of encouragement.

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  10. Both your and her gifts are beyond spectacular! Gifted ladies you are

    Hillary

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    1. Thank you, Hillary. I loved your sweatshirt tutorial. I wouldn't have thought to use terry cloth material, but it would certainly hold up in the wash, and have a neat texture. I see a theme developing. Do you have more superhero posts planned for the future?

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  11. Both of you were a perfect match. The swap was a roaring success as both pieces are spectacular. The designs are amazing and the quilting is brilliant. So happy for you both.... You are both winners!

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    1. Thanks, Lorna. Your kind words mean a lot to me. I love your Wildlife quilt, by the way.

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