The Hoffman is finished, as good as it will get. This picture shows the central image, the idea I started with. The whole composition, which I'm not revealing yet, was the hard part.
Technical issues have plagued this piece. My applique method is one I learned in a class by Jane Sassaman a few years ago. The image is not fused, but traced onto fusible, non-woven interfacing, which gives enough body for machine embroidery or embellishment before the applique is attached to the background (also interfaced). After zig-zagging around the image, the background is trimmed away. This doesn't produce stiffness as you might think, but just a good body, desirable in a wall quilt. However, Pellon has changed their interfacing. I knew it was different, but didn't think anything of it because it looks slightly different every time I buy it. But the new stuff is too stiff and crisp, and didn't fuse smoothly. By the time I realized this problem it was too late to correct it. The background is ok, but some of the more lightly quilted areas puff out too much because of the interfacing. More quilting might have helped the puffiness, but would have caused other problems, so it has to be what it is. I'm moving on...
Sometimes we just have to say "live and learn" and move on! From the little you are showing, though, I don't see any problems!
ReplyDeleteThere comes a time...I really like it in spite of the challenges you faced.
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks just fine in a photo! If you don't tell anyone you planned something different, how will they know? I've called Pellon some interesting names in the past myself. Not everthing that changes is good, but we do adapt.
ReplyDeleteOh Kay, I'll call it my most favorite work that's come outofthebasement - ever. It must be as I can't recall anything that glitters my spirit the way your Hoffman does! (okay the Red Star quilt) This piece will linger on in my mind for many years to come. Were I to see this on display in a friends home, a shop, a restaurant, a bookshop or a corner market it would pull me right over, take me in. It's something I would have in my own home. Very *karendianne, which brightens my spirit since it was created very much by Kay.
ReplyDeleteI read the technical aspect with admiration and compassion. There's a lot to learn from your follow through in the face of adversity. *karendianne.
I love the elephant's blanket and the way you have used the fabric there.
ReplyDeleteWorked on mine tonight and grumbled that this may be the last year. About a half hour later Wes asked me, "Do you think you'll enter again next year?" and I said, "if my friend Kay does, I will!"
Look fabulous to my eyes!
ReplyDeleteLove the elephant!!!
ReplyDeleteI still don't get the sequence of steps you use to get the applique onto the quilt...but that is what Jane S. gets paid to teach I guess....
Well, I love the elephant and can't wait to see the whole thing! Sorry about the technical difficulties, but I'm sure they bother you more than they will bother anyone else.
ReplyDeleteKay, it's absolutely beautiful--at least the elephant part that I can see. I know what you mean about those challenges. But they make us stronger in the end. I can't wait to see the whole composition.
ReplyDeleteWell, that fellow looks good. Sorry about the "technical" problems though-they do tend to mar the feeling of having made a great piece!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your finish! I think too often us quilters are entirely too critical of our own work. Our of adversity true creation is born!
ReplyDeleteI think this image is just remarkable but I have a thing for elephants.
Isn't it annoying when manufacturing changes impact a project? There doesn't seem to be a thing one can do about it, but it would be nice if they attached an advisory to the product.
ReplyDeleteYour elephant is beautiful, nonetheless, and I love the way you incorporated the challenge fabric into its blanket.
Stunnig, Kay! I'm with Karen - this and the Red Stars - my, oh, my!
ReplyDeleteCheers!