Thursday, June 25, 2015

Summer Potpourri

   Years ago on early summer mornings, I would gather blooms for the petals to make potpourri.  Daisies, and cone flowers, cosmos, and rose buds, and my favorite lavenders were snipped and then laid out to dry.  By the end of the season I would have a colorful mix for holiday gift bags.   I still have a yard full of blooms, but no longer do the  gathering for potpourri.





   Which leads me to this recently  finished quilt, named Summer Potpourri.   All the blooms of summer captured in  a quilt in the early morning sunlight.  Capturing memories in fabric.....it is part of what I do.













  This is the block I used......a quarter log cabin---ala Faux Braid layout.  
I love this versatile block.  It works up great in scraps, batiks, or my florals.



  On the design wall, I experimented with the layout.  The final arrangement was the old favorite, barn raising.  I just off set the final layout and added an extension into the border.






   I used a 1" purple strip to frame the blocks before adding a 6" border.   As I joined the strips for the border, I inserted a few random squares.....some of those flower petals that fell out of the gathering basket.  Actually, it is my way of camouflaging/ disguising  the joining seam.






  The quilting shows better on the back, which is a simple white muslin.  A lot of open swirls throughout the center blocks, and leaves and vines along the border.








 Summer Potpourri is 58" by 72".....bound and labeled.  Binding is a mix of floral prints.








  Another finish for the Year of Florals.....and not a dent in the stash!
   I have come to the conclusion that the stash will always be more than I need or can use.  No matter what I do.  The stack/pile in closet stays the same---insert evil grin---do you think fabric fairies visit me at night and leave more?    Maybe I will leave some cookies out for them tonight.

  Happy stitching.


15 comments:

Quilting Babcia said...

Another gorgeous finish! I love how your design spilled over into the border, great effect. Early morning sun is really the best light for photographing a quilt, isn't it? Your photo among the daylilies is just perfect.

MissPat said...

I second Quilting Babcia, what a gorgeous watercolor. I really have to do one of these, although it looks like my (only) machine needs to go to the repair shop. Maybe I should acquire a second machine while #1 is being fixed. :)

Elvira said...

Es preciosa, que diversidad de telas que parecen una
Besos

Vroomans' Quilts said...

EEEKKKK!! This is just gorgeous - oh, I love this! Perfect name, too. WOnderful photos.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Beautiful flowers, beautiful fabric, beautiful quilts

Dana Gaffney said...

The extension is such a good idea for that offset, I love when you do that. The quilt is gorgeous! Cookies sound like a good idea, I think I'll wait until I can have some control over the scraps though, my fairies don't leave me beautiful florals.

Janet O. said...

A lovely quilt, and I love the story behind the name, too.
Great setting--the fallen petals are a nice touch!

Mystic Quilter said...

This a real Summer quilt!! I can see this over a bench in the garden, a table set with lovely flowered cups and saucers and one of those old tiered cake stands - with cake!

Mary said...

I really like what you did with the border treatment. And I see you included your signature cardinal on the label. Nicely done!

Lynette said...

Debbie, this quilt is just absolutely beautiful! I love the scrappy florals all together on the bands of your Summer Potpourri! Hope you're enjoying your family :D

Jasmine said...

Your quilt looks so beautiful in your garden. Great photos of a great quilt.

Connie said...

Your quilt is gorgeous. I love finding blogs with quilters, I can use all the inspiration that I can get . . . your talent is far above mine, but I'm learning more with each quilt that I make. Not only is your quilt divine but the way you photographed it in the garden is delightful.
Your newest follower,
Connie :)

Nancy said...

What a lovely quilt from such a simple block pattern. I believe there are quilt fairies the scraps never diminish!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

This quilt is gorgeous!! THIS is why I love Tuesday Archives...cause I missed this one earlier....yet it inspires me to use of this
watercolor" combo myself. :)V

Terri said...

It is amazing to me, too, that a quilt takes so little fabric to make. I must have the same fairies at my house.
Love your quilt. I want to make one like it - but I haven't a chance of getting it to look like yours. I don't have many florals in my stash... mostly tone on tones.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Hugs

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...