20 August, 2007

Birds In A Red Sky

I have the blocks all pieced. You may remember this as the "Red Sky At Night" cover quilt from Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine, July/August. This was a fun quilt to piece, all the small triangles pulled from my stash. I'm entitling my version "Birds In A Red Sky" when I realized that it is totally comprised of "Birds in the Air" blocks, not "Ocean Waves" as I mistakenly called them in an earlier post. Yes, indeed, it was fun to piece. I think that was due, in part, to two things: 1. I have switched to Aurifil 50 wt. thread for piecing and I absolutely LOVE it! It is smooth, virtually lint free, and buries itself into the fabric; it's nice. 2. I have spritzed the pieced blocks with Mary Ellen's Best Press and they lay flat, true and stable. I have been completely blown away by this product. It's called a "clear starch alternative", whatever that means. I used the Citrus Grove scent, the studio smelled like a Florida grove all afternoon! (The scent is pleasant, subtle, and doesn't remain on the item once the iron heats and dries it.) The construction method for this quilt is bias-cut triangles; slashed squares to form the half-square triangles. I used the Best Press when I had the small sections done, a spritz followed by a quick press of the iron and then I let them cool in place and didn't over-handle them. They lined up perfectly with the larger, red triangles, when it was time. Another spritz, press, and off to the design wall where they are currently pinned. I let them 'steep' all weekend and after much intense scrutiny, I'm satisfied enough with the arrangement and will join them today. It's 60" square, I have located the perfect fabric for the backing, just happened to locate that in my stash, too! Oh, yeah!

Life is Good!

24 comments:

Carol said...

That is a beautiful quilt! I love the color combinations!

Jim V said...

Wow. If I'm counting right, that looks like a total of 640 inidividual pieces, right? Pretty amazing stuff.

I'm curious: to achieve the red sections, you've used alot of different red fabrics. Is the assembly totally random, or do you invest alot of time into putting lighter shades here, darker shades there, etc., to get it just right?

Amazing work!

SuBee said...

Awesome quilt - I was just looking at that magazine again the other night. It works up so beautifully!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Congratulations!! It is gorgeous! I do so love scrappy style quilts... and I have GOT to get some of Mary Ellen's Best Press. I have heard and read SO much about it, I've just got to try it for myself.

Libby said...

Your quilt looks great . . . I must agree - I love that Aurifil 50 wt thread. At first I was reluctant due to the cost. After that hurdle, I just couldn't be happier.

Angie said...

Gorgeous, Mrs. G!!! :>

Paula, the quilter said...

I have heard so many good reports on Mary Ellen's Best Press so now I have to try some. Thanks! Beautiful quilt, too.

CONNIE W said...

Way to go! I've been looking for that new product buy my LQS isn't carrying it yet. Everyone who's tried it gives it raving reviews. Your quilt flimsy looks perfect. I'm impressed with the speed you can begin a project and then make production. I need to let some of your habits rub off on me.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

It is wonderful! And, boy did you get that done quickly - I have barely had time to LOOK at that magazine, let alone even think about piecing something from it. I must admit though - I bought that issue for the very same pattern. Your version is lovely!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Sue Seibert said...

Love the quilt top...the red and blue is great! Thanks for the recommendation of Best press!

We are back from Alaska. Glad to be back online.

Tanya said...

I'm always interested in what products other quilters swear by. I'll put these on my list of things to look for next year when I hit the States.

Lovely quilt! I don't think I have this much red in my stash but it is very striking this way!

Shelina said...

You said the pattern is in the July / August issue. You mean of this year?!?!? Don't you know anything about proper marinating periods? You're putting us all to shame!

Kidding. Looks like you had a fun quilty day. It is a beautiful quilt.

meggie said...

Lovely quilt!

MARCIE said...

Look at you go! Your quilt is wonderful! Totally half-square triangles. Love that it smells good too. I am all for that.

Anne Heidi said...

It is just beautiful! You did a wonderful job on this :) Guess what arrived at the shop today... I will send it to you tomorrow!

atet said...

What a great quilt and let's hear it for the stash!!! I've seen the best press in magazines and been thinking about trying it. Nice to know it's so highly recommended!

Nan said...

Your quilt is beautiful!! Hooray for the stash!!
I totally agree with your assessment of Mary Ellen's Best Press, too! I did an endorsement of it on my blog awhile back - it is just too good not to talk about! Magical stuff, isn't it? Thank you for the recommendation of Aurifil thread - I have been wanting to try it, but wasn't sure. I am definitely going to get some now!

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful top in such a short time, don´t you sleep?! I like very much all the scrappy reds. it brings depth. I wonder how you are going to quilt it. Take care.

Ancestor Collector said...

Since I'm not really a quilter, I don't have a lot of technical things to add, but I do know that the quilt is just beautiful!!! Where will this quilt call home when it's done? Is it a "keeper" or are you making it for someone special?

keslyn said...

well done your quilt looks fantastic, I have only just dicovered that magazine, and a friend asked me to cut her a kit for that same quilt just last week, I will have to send her over to your blog to have a look.
I like you name,
Happy sewing
Kerry

Carole said...

Oh.... that is one sweet looking quilt! So glad you have found a thread you like. So much more fun to piece. I have to get myself a bottle of Best press. I haven't seen it in my neck of the woods. Then again, there's not much around here! Thanks for sharing!

Teodo said...

This quilt is wonderful,and you BRAVISSIMA.
ciao ciao

Mama Spark said...

I love this quilt. I find it difficult to believe it was a easy ar you say. Good to know about the Mary Ellen's spray. I have wanted to try it but wasn't sure about it.

Darlene said...

This quilt is stunning! I loved it on the cover of the magazine but yours is wonderful.