Sunday, January 30, 2011

You know I'm a sucker

for a beautiful background. The colour and movement of a fabric can send my mind sailing away into new dimensions, whether it be for a quilt that is on my to do list or if not that, perhaps to a quilt I've seen and would like to replicate.

As evidence I present Exhibit 1: Phebe

I love the fabric in the background. At first I thought it would be too strong - it is not a tone on tone, but a definite design. It adds such depth to the quilt. As you can see I've been pedal to the metal on the next border. It was my goal for the summer to get to this point so I'm happy! Back to the next dogtooth, say farewell to Phebe, it might be some time before you see her again.

Exhibit number 2 is the background on Sallie Ann

An allover print in tan and softest lemon. It's a gorgeous fabric and gives the whole piece a warm glow. It is beautiful with my favourite yellow greens. The original Sallie Ann used this fabric too - hey, why tamper with perfection? Maybe I should call mine "Homage to, Homage to Sallie Ann"! Or maybe not! I loved this fabric so much I also used it as the backing for my "Blue Collection" quilt.

Panel two above is, so close to being done. I changed my mind on the green fabric for some of the leaves, so waiting for the new one to arrive has slowed me down a little - and it is a PILL to sew with. Thick threads that won't stay put - don't look too closely at the sewing - it is awful.

Exhibit 3 is the background for Lollipop Trees.

Kim's quilt is a riot of amazing colour with her quirky shapes and Kaffe Fassett's amazing fabrics. I loved this design which was originally on pastel backgrounds, but I wanted something stronger. I found the chocolate aboriginal dots and knew it was worth a shot.

Here is block number one complete. I'm really happy with the way the clear colours pop off this background. Block number two is ready to go

The fuchsias and oranges look great I think. I'm going to call mine "Chocolate coated lollipops"
just for fun.

OK, OK, so by now you're thinking this is just Deb's way of showing us what she's been up to. Well true, but it is also because I want to introduce you to my new love

Exhibit 4: Luna Notte of the pear variety. Sadly it refuses to be photographed in all its glory. It is actually a grey-green rather than a grey - but look at all that texture. I saw it as a pre-release on line and loved it, but then I tried to behave and not buy any. Then a few of my SSS's decided to use it. Merri is doing a beautiful Princess Feather, Julie is using it for DNQTTT and Meghan is going to buy some. Well it looked so good I knew I would regret it if I didn't buy 9 yds, so I did. Now I am regret free and that's a good thing. But what shall I do with it? Good question. But the good answer might be for next time.

Hope you have some beautiful backgrounds to inspire you,

Deb

19 comments:

Maggie A said...

Oh, Phebe is just beautiful and beautiful.

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Phebe looks amazing!
I love the Lollipop Trees too!

Adele said...

Hi Deb

If your like me i have never been fond of a plain background has to be something different take my Sarah Morrell (yet to start) background cappacino small print, my Roseville that background im doing mine is in Kaffe fabric called Hydranga spots very hard colour to put a mix of fabrics on but i love it still the same my Anne Daggs quilt (hexagons made) dirty brown print but i think you should use that green/grey fabric in Di Fords's 19th Century Flower Basket quilt i was going to use that colour in mine but i used a beautiful goldy butter yellow for my background couldn't resist it.
Your quilts are still the same gorgeous as ever :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful you have been so busy

Christine

Lori said...

It is so much fun to use a beautiful background. All of your projects are moving right along and looking fabulous!!

Kim said...

I love some texture to a background, and yours are beautiful. I have the sudden urge to delve in to some applique myself...and purchase more backgrounds. ;o) Beautiful progress on your projects, Deb!

Deb said...

Oh, Phebe is so wonderful. I could look at it all day. It's on my list to do, but it will be a while until I get there. Just loving yours!!

Teresa Rawson said...

It's so true...the background can make or break a project. Your Phebe is WONDERFUL!!

Janet said...

I love all the borders on your Phebe!! Such a gorgeous quilt with such beautiful background fabric.

Cardygirl said...

Gorgeous work...love those choc coated lollipops...the LunaNotte is just beautiful!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Your Phebe is a work of art Deb, it takes my breath away every time I see it. Wonderful to see what you are up to, love the chocolate lollypops! xo

Miranda said...

OMG....Who would not fall in love with Phebe! I'm just working on the middle part and make it al little bit different. And the Lollipop trees are jummy!

Anonymous said...

You definitely have a way with fabrics. The Luna Notte range is lovely, both in print and fabric quality - look forward to seeing what you do with your new acquisition! BTW Phebe is looking stunning!

antique quilter said...

I am in awe! beautiful Phebe, beautiful Sallie ann
and well buying background fabrics is so hard for me
I always love what you use and have learned thru you and your sewing group, SSS, I need to branch out and buy background fabrics with texture and a bold print
oh I love this one too and the fact that its a grey tint welll has me very interested...a little shopping in my future!
thanks!!!!
tomorrow is Feb almost time for him to come home
cant wait to hear all the stories! aren't you?
Kathie

Margaret said...

I thought I commented on this post. lol! All of your stitching is just amazing. The Phebe quilt is gorgeous of course. And the lollipops are so much fun -- great background! I know what distracted me from commenting last time. I had to go check out that lovely background fabric and see if I could find some. lol! Then I forgot to comment! I resisted the temptation though. I just don't quilt enough to justify the purchase. Anyway, I love how you use pretty fabrics for backgrounds. So cool! The Sallie Ann panel is so pretty too! You're definitely my idol!

Miriam said...

You have been very busy!!

I really love your Sallie Ann background fabric.

Thank you for the inspiration!

jaybee said...

Hi Deb
Just love the Phebe quilt - one of my all time favourites. I too love textured backgrounds which are hard to find in the larger yardages. The Luna Notte is beautiful - do you a reference number as not all web address have good colour. Hope you can help

John'aLee said...

That is one amazing quilt. Love the blocks too!

Bovey Belle said...

Such inspirational photographs.

There is an award waiting for you over on my blog, if you have time to check it out.

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