Thursday 11 October 2018

how does your garden grow

I've started to work through a few unfinished projects lately. Ones where I can either bust out a few pesky scraps or maybe breathe new life into fabrics that I'm out of love with because they’ve languished in the wardrobe way too long.

You may remember this WiP from back here, these string pieced tulips have been floating around for some time now. I took a while to decide which way to go with these, red backgrounds or scrappy neutrals, and I had no idea even how to set them.
Not so long ago I spotted a quilt pattern in one of my old Quiltmania magazines no.90, "brooklyn follies' by Sheena Chapman. Her "new york beauty" blocks alternated with improv pieced blocks, something a bit different and it looked very effective.

So I decided to give it a go, and here's how it's all looking up on the design wall so far . . .










I've still got those three blocks on the left to finish up, with some improv narrow blocks inbetween, but I'm very pleased with how this is going. And, I'm thinking I need to add one more final outer border, something quite neutral. Oh, and I'd really love to add some green wide ricrac for a couple of the tulip stems.

My tulip garden is steadily growing,
and I'm so happy these string pieced tulips are getting a new lease of life

Linking up with Kelly at myquiltinfatuation for 'needle and thread' Thursday


19 comments:

dutchcomfort said...

I love where this quilt is going! Great use of scraps and tulips are among my favourite flowers!

Julie said...

I love how this is looking Linda. Spotlight have wide ricrac, you could also try Etsy.

Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork Appliqué said...

I love your scrappy flowers!

Janie said...

Your tulips are delightful, I agree.
Sheena does have an exciting design sense, doesn't she?

Sue Rostron said...

this is lovely. i admire your colour sense.

For the love of geese said...

This is going to awesome when you are finished. Denise@fortheloveofgeese

Rebecca Grace said...

I love your string tulips. So many fabric treasures incorporated in this quilt, and probably just as many memories for you -- it's going to be stunning!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I really like your string tulips, Linda - I loved them on the red background, but they'll be fun with the low volume backgrounds, too! Have fun playing!

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

Oh yes! This is coming together nicely :)

Ann said...

I like the way you've updated your tulips. Love the improv you're adding.

Linda said...

This is looking good. The piano keys border is a good idea, it somehow draws the eye to the string tulips.

Quiltdivajulie said...

YES YES YES -- this is marvelous!

Cathy said...

Wonderful! And inspiring. I need to get into my strings!

Kate said...

Very bright and fun! It is always such a great moment when you find that instant of inspiration isn't it.

Marie said...

Love what you are doing with this one. On a whim last year I made up a batch of what look like scrappy flowerpots and I envisioned laying them out in a similar fashion but I'm stalled at what to put into the pots. So, I keep pinning ideas and pinning ideas and hoping that some day the penny will drop. In the meantime, I will just keep enjoying your work.

Kaja said...

Oh yes! This is a really good way to go; the improv blocks keep things interesting but still let the tulips take centre stage.

pandchintz said...

Your garden is growing beautifully! Love the improv look with the tulips, so subtle but so interesting.

Karen S said...

It is looking great. Love the choice you have made.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Thanks Meredithe. I’m enjoying this remake, and the softer palette with its little ‘pops’ of colour!
Looks like there have been more blogger changes, no comments coming thru’ to my email! So I’m back to checking back to earlier posts, and cut & pasting again!