I definitely have no problem starting new projects. The problem is always in finishing them. Anyone else with me on that? Luckily for anything work-related, there are deadlines, which means things do get finished. But for things not tied to work, they may sit in WIP limbo for…I don’t know…a long time…maybe even indefinitely in some situations. This is why finishing anything from the non-work pile can feel like a major victory. My recent Pickle Hawaiian finish is just one of those victories. Not to mention that it was finished and gifted to the recipient on time! (I know, crazy…)
For anyone familiar with Denyse Schmidt’s Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration, you may recognize this design from there. It’s the Hawaiian-Style Appliqué project, a quilt that I wanted to make the second I saw it.
The design is totally enticing.
It’s very much an homage to Hawaiian-style quilts, the very genre that got me interested in appliqué, but with a fresh twist to it.
In my version, I used Kona Pickle for the appliqué and my own grey Ledger print from Architextures in the background. I easily could have debated on this decision, but I knew this combo would be just right.
Interestingly enough, I took a picture at the start of this project, which means I know exactly how long I worked on it. (I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing…)
It was back in March 2015 that I started this guy, which really isn’t that long ago when I think about it. It felt like longer–not in a bad way–but mostly because this design takes awhile to get around all of the parts. I often thought about how many inches/feet/yards/miles it is around all of these edges. But for this reason, it’s also such a good project. It was the one thing that I could always take with me and not have to worry about finishing.
This project has been the one constant in my traveling Nest Egg Tote over the last year, and since finishing it, my tote has felt a little empty without it.
Once I started getting close to the end, I realized that it would be a great gift for my new nephew. The design is super striking, which could make for some good kiddo portraits, plus the palette felt appropriate for a new little boy…but not too limiting either. Both good things in my mind.
Once I knew the recipient (and that the end was near), I decided on the backing and binding–both from Doe.
The quilting is super simple…and soft. It’s a series of big-stitch hand quilted lines in all of the yellow thread in my stash. (The different shades aren’t super noticeable.)
And then there’s even some Euclid in the label.
As I finished this guy up, I started to wonder if I should keep it. I noticed a perfect spot on my wall while doing the hand quilting, but, no, he’ll like it. And there will be more quilts to make.
it is absolutely stunning! and what a treasure for your nephew. i, too, want to make this one, but i have a feeling it would take me much longer than 15 months. maybe someday.
Absolutely gorgeous. I love everything about it. I can’t imagine the time all the handwork must have taken. What a treasure for your nephew!
Beautiful.
THIS!! IS!!,,,,no words,,,,I love this. I was looking at this book just yesterday, I’m convinced I need it now lol !! Thanks for sharing and enabling my love of needle turn applique 😉
this is gorgeous!
tell me more about this beautiful wooden contraption you’re using, any ideas what it’s called? i’ve been wanting something to display quilts on, but i don’t like all the chunky ladder DIYs i’ve been seeing. this is exquisite.
A stunning quilt with each component carefully adding to the whole. It will be a hard one to part with yet if it’s still within the family it will be easier.
This is absolutely beautiful. I love the colours.
Absolutely stunning! I can’t believe that shape was cut out of one piece of fabric! I have so many almost-finished pieces lying around. A couple of weeks ago i worked on a load of old prijects just to get them finished. Most only took me 20 mins or an hour!
It IS striking! Really stunning! I love the colour combo which is so restful and lets the design shine. I want to want to make something like this but I don’t think I’d enjoy all that hand turning and stitching. If I did I’d have to REALLY love the giftee in order to give it away!!
Such a pretty piece! I could identify with the part about taking it with you because you didn’t have to “worry” about finishing it. Those are the good ones! (But then, so are the others!!!)
I think ist just and plain Amazing! Wow!!!!
This is a beautiful quilt! The colors are perfect, and the applique is amazing. I think it would take me more than a year to get something like this done. Did you hand stick the entire applique on, or was that just to hold it in place?
Love the modern feel from a traditional Hawaiian pattern. Love the colors!
Thanks!