03 April, 2012

With Feverish Determination

String Fever ~ 60" X 76.5"
I was focused and determined to get String Fever to the completed flimsy stage before I slept last night. The outer pieced borders presented much more of a time commitment than I had bargained for; I originally thought that I could use leftover string sets from the inner HST blocks to construct the borders, but as it turned out I needed more than that... many more. Cutting, joining, more cutting, and more joining used up an entire afternoon. I also trimmed down the neutral inner border from what I had originally planned, I believe that adjustment gives the entire piece more visual impact. Once the string borders were together I stay-stitched all the long raw edges before attaching them to the inner quilt, that did help to keep the top stable during the construction process and I am pleased with the results; everything remained true and square, something  I was worried about because of the sheer volume of skinny strips contained in each border. This quilt is made with fabric entirely from the stash closet, nothing was purchased; I believe I'll piece a scrappy back from the leftover larger chunks too. I found a wonderful Celtic design with interlocking triangles that I am eager to try my hand at quilting in those large background triangle areas. I'm thankful to Ami Simms for teaching an inspirational workshop, this definitely won't be my last string creation.

Life is Good!

19 comments:

Julie in the Barn said...

Wow, a stunning string creation. Thanks for the tip about stitching to stabilize the edge. Those simple borders always seem to take way more time than we think they will. And I never cut enough at first and then end up with a bunch left over.

45th Parallel Quilter said...

I am inspired to try a string quilt. This one is definitely a beauty. I can just see the shirt fabrics (from DH's worn out shirts) making an appearance in my quilt. What fun! Thanks for sharing.

Marie said...

Thanks for sharing this very outstanding creation!!! I am not sure I understand the concept but would like to try if you could share any hints that woud be great. The only other sting quilt I have seen was very thin strips and I am not sure of how to do all this. I think I have brainlock again!Love to see your work. HUgs, Marie

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

I like this, especially that wee skinny first border!

Karen said...

What a fabulous looking, graphic quilt. Great job! Can't wait to see the quilting.

Salem Stitcher said...

That is fabulous! Am I seeing your signature piping in there too?

KaHolly said...

At this point, you should stand up and take a big bow!! How utterly gorgeous! Your hard work paid off.

quiltkeemosabe said...

Looks good!

Janet O. said...

I love it when such a simple concept translates into such a stunning quilt (though I know there is nothing simple about sewing together all of those strings)! Great job!

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

All the time spent on the string border was well worth it as it makes the whole thing come together beautifully. Good luck on the corner designs.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Love the detail in your inner borders (teeny-skinny dark/light) and how you handled those mitred string border outer corners. VERY nice, indeed.

Congrats on the finish!!!

Nane said...

Is it piping or a flange I see? Very Nice Mrs G

lindsey said...

This is beautiful, the border widths are perfect and you are right to be pleased with it. I also love the little Easter dress...so pretty

AnnieO said...

Beauty! I haven't gotten the string bug but your fever worked out wonderfully :)

LizA. said...

I love this. The colors are so soothing.

AmiSimms said...

Well done! I'm honored! Thanks for the mention.

You ROCK!

Carolyn said...

yes, piecing from your stash is so rewarding! Way to Go! It looks good!

Becky G said...

Absolutely stunning! Such a wonderful graphic quilt... The border treatment feels so well balanced. Congrats! Hope you hang this one in our next guild show, as i believe it is inspiring! Thanks for sharing! B

JudyCinNC said...

This is really quite lovely - a simple little pattern that makes a really bold statement. Thanks for sharing this. Judy C