I surprised myself by finishing up the Snowflake piece that I started last weekend while at the Mountain Star Quilters retreat. I had really done the bulk of the work over the weekend. All that remained was to square up the blocks and add borders. Then it was ready to sandwich, quilt and bind.
I am pleased with the project – the fabric choices worked well. I had help selecting the fabrics for this one. I was at my LQS and it was a Thursday which meant that Sandra was working. Sandra Bruce is a gifted quilter/artist/long-armer in Grass Valley. I have mentioned her before – here and here. She does amazing quilts from photographs that she then pixelates by placing a grid over to piece the photo together. If you have a minute, pop over here to see some of her work – it is well worth your time.
Back to my Snowflake project. Sandra was working and I asked for her help gathering fabrics. I knew I wanted and icy blue and a deep burgundy to play off of each other. The suggestions that I appreciated most from Sandra was to use a Grunge fabric (first time I have done that) and a solid, bright yellow for the outer flange. I wasn’t sure about the yellow but I like it – it picks up the yellow in the Grunge fabric nicely.
I mentioned that the applique process was tedious, moving along each curve of the snowflakes. However the clear thread was forgiving and the little misses that happened along the way don’t really show up.
Quilting this one was very simple. I stitched straight lines through the star of the snowflake and then echoed around each one.
For the borders I stitched slightly wavy lines with little star/snowflake shapes along the way. Also, I did a snowflake on each corner. (I am not thrilled with how they turned out but that’s the way it goes sometimes.)
The backing is a piece of white with tiny silver polka dots that I found at a thrift store over the summer. I like the snowflake motif on this white shimmery backing. I even have a sleeve made for this but it still needs to be sewn to the back. Talk about a complete finish. 🙂
I don’t want to use this as a table runner because I don’t want to wash it. I feel uncertain about the strength of my applique. Instead, this quilt will hang in the living room up in Downieville – at least during winter. I should make another long piece to switch out during the other seasons.
Linking to my favorites – find them at the top of the page, under Link Ups.
I love this finish, Bernie! The snowflakes show up so well in the positive/negative arrangement, and the unique color scheme is really eye catching. You are really churning out the quilts lately! It’s so much fun to check my inbox and see what you have going.
Thanks Janine. I suspect it seems like I am making lots lately because you have been so limited in what you can do. Hope you are getting better each day. <3
You did a great job, Bernie! I love the yellow flange; it really does give the quilt a little pop! Did you like working with the Grunge? I’m seeing quite a bit of chatter about it but haven’t worked with it.
Thanks. That yellow made me a bit nervous but in the end, I like the way it looks.
Grunge was the same as most Moda fabrics to work with, quite nice. I do love the muted, subtle colors though.
Oh Bernie I love it! I am jealous of your wall in Downieville 😀 I absolutely LOVE grunge and buy it wherever I find it. Used it on my very first quilting project and love every variety of it. I think your quilting is gorgeous and very complimentary to the snowflakes. Did you use a setting on your machine or is that FMQ for the snowflakes?
Thank you. You are so sweet. The snowflakes are FMQ. Just me and the machine. I had not really looked at any of the Grunge colors before but I really like them. It will be fun to use again sometime.
Is it Cream Grunge?
I believe it is Lustra, though I am not 100% sure. 🙂
Great finish! I love your snowflakes. The yellow binding is an unexpected touch, like sunlight on snow. 🙂
This is a beautiful piece! I have never tried grunge though I have heard folks online rave about it. MY LQS does not carry it so I would have to take a great leap of faith to order it. Your recommendatioin has given me courage! Besides, how can you really go wrong as long as it is good quality fabric? It will be useful somewhere if not on the project you had in mind!
I agree, you will definitely put it to use. There are so many to choose from – have fun picking!
I really like the way the snowflakes look on the back of the quilt as well, Bernie! Congratulations on the fun finish.
Thank you! Have a great weekend Yvonne. 🙂
I like the grunge fabric, it turned out beautiful. Love the snowflakes front and back.
Thank you Cindy! Enjoy the weekend. 🙂
It’s beautiful! I got my surprise in the mail today and just did a post on my blog to thank you! Happy weekend! Hugs, Diane
I like the batiks mixed with grunge! Amazing how the yellow flange brings out the other yellow! Great finish!
Hi Bernie, love your quilt and FMQ. Your piece looks great.
Thank you Andree. I appreciate the kind words. I just need to get the hanging sleeve on it and put it up! Hope you will come by again. 🙂
Such a great winter project that will look great at Downieville. I won a fat quarter bundle of Grunge, but I’ve been so reluctant to use it. I’m on the fence on whether I like it or not. It looks great in this project.
Diana, The grunge fabric works really well with other pieces. I probably wouldn’t use it standalone but you could surely mix that FQ bundle into a number of projects. That was a lucky score. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Hello Bernie,
The muted colours are so restful, perfect with the complex shape of the snowflakes. Thank you for linking up with Free Motion Mavericks – your runner is this week’s featured project!
Love, Muv
Thank you Muv. I just put the sleeve on the back so it is ready to be hung! Also, thanks for featuring this project of mine. ?
Hi Bernie,
I emailed you a while ago asking you for the pattern for this
Table runner. I just love it. I don’t live far from you in Squaw Valley. If I remember correctly, you were going to try and find the pattern.
Let me know if it’s still possible.
Thanks Cindi
P o box 2645
Olympic w, .ca 96146
[email protected]
Hi: I emailed the information to you on August 22nd. Maybe I didn’t use the correct email address? I am trying again to send you the information I had left from the class. Hope this is helpful for you.
Love the pattern and the colours. Where can I buy the pattern – cheers Geeta
Hi: This quilt was made during a class I took. They didn’t really provide a pattern. I am sorry I can’t be of more assistance to you.