Friday, May 15, 2009

Apples for a Special Teacher

Here is this week's major project. It's a table runner for my son's 1st grade teacher. School gets out in 4 weeks, but I wanted to get this done during my project lull. It measures 15" x 30". Initially I felt a little guilty making what on paper seemed so simple and quick compared to last year's grand adventure, but now that it is finished, I totally & absolutely LOVE it. I wish I could just keep it. It is hands down, my best attempt at machine quilting. The MQ gods and planet were definitely aligned. No tension problems. No thread run outs. Good design & execution. I couldn't be happier. Unless of course if it were mine, but I don't have plans in the next 3-4 weeks to have the time to make another.

Here's some detail pics. I did feathered hearts in the diamonds. It was challenging not to encroach on the appliqued apples, but they look pretty good.

I quilted with a soft tan thread so it definitely shows against the ivory Kona.
The feathers of the border were also free-handed. I marked a curved line and just stitched. Not too bed, eh?!
...And I love how the diamond setting stones pop on account of the stippling and ditch stitching around them.

I feel strongly about always labeling my quilts, but I am very torn because the back of this is as pretty as the front. Almost hate to put anything there ~

10 comments:

Vanessa said...

This is so lovely! What a lucky teacher. You should definitely label it. I am always disappointed when I receive an unlabeled quilt.

Anonymous said...

Stunning quilting, that is beautiful!! You might be able to make a teeny square label and place it on the back where those border squares are on point so it doesn't cover your quilting. (But that is tiny!)

Quilt Rat said...

WOWEE! absolutely love this, the colours, the layout and the quilting is just superb. Well done!

jovaliquilts said...

Wow, gorgeous job of quilting! And I love the apples, too, and the colors you used. Lucky teacher!

Emma said...

Stunning, as always! I agree about the label, I hate to do it sometimes, so I always photograph the back beforehand! You've done a wonderful design and the quilting is great. I'm most impressed by your feathers. I like the way you ditch stitch around the micro-stippled areas, it gives it a nice fniish - I'll have to try that. Did the apples get an extra layer of batting, or is it just the tight quilting elsewhere that gives them their dimension?

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Gorgeous table runner! Why don't you make the label in the shape of your apple and then applique it to the back of one of the quilted apples?

Lady Beekeeper said...

I just love that table runner. It is beautiful! That teacher is going to swoon. Great job!

Vivian said...

Don't know if you've already labeled this one yet but why not take a Pigma Micron marker and you can write the information (and your son can write his name) inside the apples on the back. That won't compromise your beautiful stitching which makes the back look like a wonderful wholecloth quilt!

However you do it it must be labeled so that years from now the teacher will remember the wonderful mom and kid who gave it to her!

Vicki W said...

That's one lucky teacher!

Lily Mulholland said...

OMG Margaret your quilting is AMAZING!