03 September, 2012

Against The Grain

Ami Simms calls it OTF (Off The Floor) Patchwork. I use a folding table set up alongside my cutting table from which to pull all the odd shaped, irregular scraps for border building.  I suppose, by Ami's definition, I am doing OTT Patchwork, (eliminating the stooping)! I spent the weekend constructing borders for my latest Picture Play quilt. I have a bin containing the leftovers from fussy cutting a vast collection of novelty prints. There's nothing wasted when these hunks and chunks combine into units which, ultimately, join into border strips. There are no rules: just grab pieces one after another, stitch and trim. It's messy though... this type of piecing goes against MY grain, it's a burden I tell you. As borders grew the fabric debris accumulated until I couldn't stand it one minute longer; I had to stop and tidy up. Time spent folding and stacking may have been good for my emotional well being but it didn't help in my seeing the task through to completion. I'll finish up soon.

I'm almost there, more than  three quarters of the way around.

Neatness reigns, once again.
Life is Good!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, how I can relate! The paper piecing project I am working on makes a big mess and I will need the smaller scraps later for the borders. I am having a fit to trash them all, just so I can clean up!!!!! Your borders are looking as if it was worth it! Hang in there!

Janet O. said...

Isn't it funny what "needs" sometimes control us? Some people wouldn't be phased by the mess, others can't abide it. It is looking really good. I've never seen a border made this way. Such a fun quilt!

carol fun said...

What a great quilt! I love everything about it and a clean floor is an added bonus - LOL!

LizA. said...

What a striking border it makes! I will definitely have to try this sometime. But I'm with you, it will probably be tough to ignore the grain.....

lindsey said...

This quilt is fantastic! the border is lovely...I can certainly relate to having to stop and tidy up :)

Shakerwood said...

Looks like fun but since I don't do novelty fabrics, I don't have a OTF or OTT pile to start with. I suppose all that will change when my granddaughter gets here!

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Oh dear ... I need you to come visit and help me with my cleaning and organizing. Just moved and stuff is EVERYWHERE to the point that I walk in the room and just do NOT know where to start. It's overwhelming ... it's paralyzing! I can fully relate to your dilema! Adorable quilt and border though ....