Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The rest of the circles

   I needed this finish for the month.....I needed the satisfaction of seeing a project to its end.  But what makes this special is the story it tells to me.
    November 2015, I began the year long journey of the Quilty 365 challenge. Make a circle a day and in a year you have enough for a large quilt.
I sailed along until May 2016, and ended up in the hospital and rehab for months.






    Included in the circles are fabrics that create a picture of memories.....events, trips, people I hold dear, and some special fabrics shared from blogging friends.   And several cardinal fabrics claimed a spot too.
    During the months of therapy, I would go thru the stack of circles that I had, laying them out in different ways.






   Lots of floral fabrics--of course---and sewing notions are there too.  A few duplicates worked their way in and I let them have a place in this story.  They are a reminder to me that I often do repeat quilt patterns because that pattern or design fills a need in my creative soul.  
  I broke up the border on this one by inserting some extra squares and a few small circles made just for the border.   I like the contrast, and change in the fabric and size of the circles.  It says, "Don't take yourself so seriously".






   And don't forget to flip this one over!  I had some extra circles.....half circles, and a couple of full ones....but not enough to complete a full row on the front.  I stitched the half circles together and created the offset row for the back.    There was a lot of labor in these circles and halves.....I did not want to waste a single one.









   A better back view shows the quilting better.  Through out the center section I used a meandering curl.....between the circles and over the circles.  The stitching is open---not dense--to have a softer feel.  In the border I used several motifs....feathers. swirls, stacked teardrops, leave and vine.









The label was sewn to the back before quilting.


  This  is called "The Rest of My Story", a companion to The Therapy Quilt.






I thought it was interesting to compare the different arrangement for the layouts.    The Therapy Quilt (on the right)  has 3 extra large circles with selected circles laid out block to block around them.  A solid border finishes it off.

The Rest of My Story has a staggered layout with half circle blocks at alternating ends.  The border is broken up with the added squares and circles.
   And that's my story for February, it seems!  Plans for next months....up next.  Happy stitching.  

20 comments:

Linda Swanekamp said...

So superior to a scrapbook! The quilts are tangible pointers in your memory and a comfort in themselves.

Ray and Jeanne said...

Congrats on this special finish! This quilt will always be a treasure and a comfort to you. It is beautiful! I'm so glad you have this completed. ~Jeanne

Gene Black said...

I gave a quilt to a friend that I made with lots of orphan blocks and some partial quilts (started but not completed) that I put all together. Every time I see it there is something, a fabric or a block, that sparks a memory. These are a great way to preserve your quilting memories.

Mary said...

This is a great finish. What a treasure. Some day I need to get my circles out and do something with them.

sunny said...

It's wonderful. So many memories are included, and it's fantastic that you were able to finish it.

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Absolutely fabulous! I love quilts with a story and these two are spectacular!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I love both quilts and they each have their own special story, too.

Janet O. said...

You've stitched up your memories and experiences in grand style!
I love the "same, but different" qualities in these two quilts.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I'm glad you were able to get this one finished. Both quilts are so special.

Quilting Babcia said...

I love what I'm seeing. Two gorgeous finishes, and a couple ideas for the extra circles in the box under my sewing machine. What could be better?

Mystic Quilter said...

Two beautiful quilts and with stories to tell!!

Béa said...

I love both quilts and their story. Congrats Debbie.

Marisol said...

Me alegro que vaya recuperándose, y pueda hacer una vida normal. El Quilt, ha quedado precioso.
Yo empecé con los círculos, pero los dejé para terminar otros trabajos. Al ver el suyo terminado y con esa fuerza de voluntad, voy a continuar el trabajo. Mucho ánimo y le envío mucha energía positiva. Besos

Hilary said...

Thank you so much for your perseverance and courage and sharing of your recovery. The quilts are beautiful and so much love and grace shine through. Having a blip myself the last few weeks and good to remember that we can recover and appreciate the precious gifts we are given.

Barbara said...

Well, it's just gorgeous, Debbie. I love it. Great label. I love the back too. I just love everything about it.

MissPat said...

I've always thought you had some of the most personalized circles and I'm so glad you got them both finished. They are the perfect documentation of youe journey through the last year and tangible proof of your strength and perseverance.
Pat

Louise said...

Congratulations on a great finish! What a special quilt this one is, Debbie. I teared up a little reading the label. Each day is, indeed, a miracle.

liniecat said...

Stunning indeed : )

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Another special finish! Looks great.

LJ said...

I love your quilt(s). I, too, have the start of my 365 day challenge. I began in September '16 - lost my way in November and December - but got back on track in January. Have doubled up with my December blocks finished in January; in addition to the February blocks, I've nearly finished November. I was so interested in how you've designed your quilts - the interesting layouts and the wonderful ideas you've used for the borders and backing. Congratulations on your finishes. You've spurred me on - who knew a small circle a day could be such a struggle!!

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