Finally, after loads and loads of un-sewing, the lilac is done!
The back, after pressing but before grading of the seams.
Before last night the number of times I changed my mind about a fabric in this flower was beginning to seem endless. The only fabric in this block which was in the first group of fabrics I had pulled and printed for the flower is the one used for the 12 centre pieces. Every single one of the other fabrics has been changed – and some more than once or twice. I’d even gone so far as to attach the background fabric pieces to what I thought was the completed lilac, but then wasn’t at all happy with how one of the fabrics looked after that was done and I took photos. So back to some more un-sewing I went. I was thrilled when I found that background fabric worked so well for the lilac!
Next is a bit of a hard decision to make – which two blocks will get left out of the Garden Gone Wild top? I think I may have an idea but I’m keeping my options open until I have the setting fabric figured out which is the next step. I have to begin looking to see if I do indeed have anything that is going to work for the setting blocks and/or as a sashing. I’m wondering if I may have boxed myself into a bit of a corner using so many different prints/colours for the backgrounds of all the flowers, but it will be a fun corner to find my way out of if that’s the case.
And the spare parts department of ribbon flower pieces? Well, it has definitely grown. It also includes some background fabric pieces as I did change my mind a fair bit through the process of making the 22 ribbon flower blocks.
All that’s left to do is write a couple of posts – one about the sewing sequence I used to make the flowers, grading of seams and one about plans I have for the orphan blocks.
I’ve already put away all the batiks that were used in the making of the Garden Gone Wild blocks, although I have kept a couple out that weren’t used and that I may have enough of to use for the setting blocks and/or sashing – if they work with all the backgrounds, that is.
It feels like yesterday I started making the flowers for the Garden Gone Wild quilt, but I know it was just before Canada Day when the Inklingo Ribbon Flower collection was released. Other than one very short diversion to play with half clamshells for an evening, I have been absolutely focused on these blocks all that time. In a little over four months I have made 23 of these wonderful blocks – and every stitch has been a joy to sew for me as every single seam involves curved piecing. I could happily make many more of these, but there are other ideas calling to me as well.
“Just ’cause it’s purple!”
Jake is still spending lots of time in the kitty tree. Even though it seems like we’re getting an unwelcome blast of quite cold weather right now, the leaves are still on the tree outside our living room window and it has, up until last night, been really quite wonderfully mild all fall so far.
Baxter was helping me change the bed again. I’m thankful Jake doesn’t get in on the act as it would be impossible to ever get anything accomplished.
Quilt Obsession 
Cathi I have loved every flower in turn but this is definitely my favourite. Can’t wait to see what you do next with them. Maybe a green will bring them all together. I know it will be fabulous whatever you choose.
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Thank you, Shirley! I’ve loved making every one but this one is definitely my favourite as well.
I like the idea of a green as the setting fabric – it will be fun seeing if I can find just the right one!
Cathi
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OMG I love the depth that you have created using fabric. Absolutely beautiful. Love Jakes eye brow lashes. So sweet.
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Thanks, Liz! It took a lot of trial and error to get the final look – but it was definitely worth it.
Jake is a very sweet cat – as sweet as he looks in that picture.
Cathi
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This is definitely the most beautiful of all of the blocks!! The transparency is perfect with your choices of fabrics. The style of prints as well as the value were perfect.
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Thank you so much! I couldn’t believe how many times I changed the fabrics in this one – but it was worth it!
Cathi
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Don’t think of “losing” the two leftover blocks. Think of “showcasing” them on the back of the quilt. Do you quilt your quilts yourself? 🙂
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I have another idea for the orphan blocks as well – and will show that on my blog, likely next week.
If a quilt calls for very simple machine quilting – as in basically straight lines or something with only a gentle curve, then I can quilt them myself. But this one is definitely going to require some special quilting!
Cathi
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Congrats on the finishing block! I am so anxiously waiting for the big reveal! Your cats are looking good!
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Thank you! I hope I have the right fabric for the setting pieces as that will make it easy to get the top assembled quickly, because I can’t wait to see it either!
Cathi
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This is translucent, I love the graduated colours in every one, but think this shows them much more. And a special on purple at the ice cream shop, what next??
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Thank you! It was definitely worth spending the time getting the right fabric mixture for this one.
Cathi
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It’s beautiful Cathi! One of the best. Can’t wait to see the whole quilt.
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Thanks, Liz! It may take me some time to find just the right fabric to use to set the blocks, but it will be worth it.
Cathi
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In this corner of the world (where winter has arrived), purple ice cream would be huckleberry. Yum, yum. What a dilemma you have created for yourself! I vote for green too, but it is your quilt.
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We’re just having a day or two of nasty cold, and then we’ll be back to our lovely extended fall weather – I hope!
I agree – a green is a great idea. Now I’ve got to find just the right one!
Cathi
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Beautiful! This one has such movement in it! You are very focused and tenacious. I’m so happy that you’ve had such a good time with this Quilt. I’ve certainly enjoyed watching it come to life. It is stunning. As always, another great toon and beautiful kitty photos.
Sandra
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Lovely and ethereal.
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Thank you! That’s exactly the look I was hoping to achieve.
Cathi
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