Saturday, January 24, 2009

It's a BEAUTIFUL thing. . .

Over winter break, one of my resolutions was to finish quilt tops that were partially done. I finished the house quilt which had sat in the drawer with all of the blocks done since the fall.

When I first started blogging last year, I took a class on paper piecing a New York Beauty quilt. A few of you may remember that, but most of you I hadn't connected with yet.


The owner of my favorite quilt shop encouraged me to take it saying anyone could paper piece. Well, she was right and I did love the ease of paper piecing. However, the next part...the part she failed to tell would be very difficult and I was too fresh of a quilter to realize what I was getting into....the curved piecing part, well that wasn't quite so simple. My blocks really were wonky and a bit out of shape, even though they connected with the arks just like she told me too.

Last night, I sewed all of the blocks together and then put the borders on. I had put this off for almost a year and I know the reason why I did. I feared it would be an uneven, crooked nightmare putting them together. (Please imagine the horror show movie music playing here.)

However, I am delighted to say that it was not bad and really the blocks look pretty good. I am proud that I tried a new technique and lived to tell about it!

I also think that getting an extra year of sewing experience behind me before dealing with the mis-shapened things really did help me. I have done a ton of sewing this year and there have been several times lately that I have noticed huge ways in which I have grown in technique.

21 comments:

Carol said...

It really is beautiful. I haven't tried the NY Beauty quilt yet, but I would like to someday. Your quilt is really nice and what a great feeling to get the project done.

Karen said...

I love everythimg about your NYB...and maybe one day I'll finish the one I started.

Unknown said...

Good for you for persevering!! It truly paid off. I love what you did and I also love to paper piece. It was probably a good thing that you had gotten that little bit of extra experience for the curves as you really had a great result. Congrats!

Carla said...

It's just lovely!! I don't think I would have tried to finish it. Congratulations!

Loralynn said...

I turned out beautifully! You really did a good job!

MichelleB said...

I love it! Everytime I see a New York beauty I am awed by it. Yours is no exception.

Vickie E said...

That is GREAT! I haven't tried a new york beauty yet...

Carol said...

What an accomplishment...you should be very proud...it's beautiful!

Miss Jean said...

Good for you. I'm usually too timid to attempt anything very tricky. Paper piecing I like. Curves scare me to death. I'll have to try it not that you have encouraged us with your success.

Megan said...

That is AMAZING!! I loved the Sonnet fabrics anyways, but your quilt makes them even more beautiful! Nice work!!!

Pat said...

Beautiful!  You did a great job.

Erin said...

I love it!!! what a nice job, your fabrics are so nice too!!

Phyllis said...

You did a great job on this! It's quite intimidating to me - you're brave :)

Red Geranium Cottage said...

That is so pretty. Great job!

lissa said...

That is absolutely beautiful!!Great job!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow, is that ever PRETTY -- I love it! I made a New York Beauty table runner for my sister several years ago, only the pattern wasn't on paper, it was on muslin. It was AWFUL 'cause the stupid muslin gives. I didn't think that thing would ever come together, but it ended up looking not too bad. I sure learned a big lesson about muslin though -- it will only be paper from now on!

ferne said...

You brave girl! I have done a lot of paper piecing but, am afraid of curves which is funny because I used to make a lot of my clothes and did sleeves so it should be similar, right? You have inspired me to give it a go.

Dawn said...

This is one of thee most gorgeous things I have ever seen....you did such an amazing job on it. It is stunning!

RG said...

Wow..I love this!
I laughed when you said you lived to tell about it...hee hee
I did my very first PP like this (but i gotta say not as gorgeous as yours :D)..last january...Wooohoo...it opens up a whole new world.
Also thanks for stopping by and commenting on my sewing companion.
hugs
Robyn xx

jen duncan said...

WOW! It's beautiful! I hope I can get that good at piecing. :-) Thanks for visiting my blog!

Lisa said...

Oh my goodness! it sure is beautiful! absolutely gorgeous! I love NYB's!!!!