Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The REST of the grapes...and the finished top!



It looks like I changed my mind about my original grapevine appliqued outer borders for Folk Art Applique and made a summer squash border instead, doesn't it?!?  I didn't lose my mind...I made these squash-shaped patterns to help me place the grape clusters.  Since I am laying them out right on the border strips with no real detailed plan, by using these paper clusters, I save moving the individual grapes too much as I plan the layout.


First, I glue baste the vines on using the "dot-dot-not-a lot" technique.  I had some pattern weights, so I used them to hold glued elements until I was sure everything would dry nicely in place.

I just arrange grapes under the paper patterns, peeling up one side at a time to place each individual circle, using my tweezers to hold the circles instead of my clumsy fingers.





I used a little more glue on the grapes than I usually do...I caught Weasley picking at them on the first border I prepped...BAD kitty.  I will soak the borders to remove the glue, so I am not too freaked out about glue amount.


Little embroidered tendrils were added after all the grapes were stitched down.


 Here's the finished left border,

 And the rest...




And...drum roll, please...here is the finished top!


I guess I could have avoided the grapes altogether and just finished it with the blue scalloped inner border, but I like the look of the grapevines.  Since I am hand quilting this, I will quilt something nice in the four plain corners.


Off to baste all the layers together so I can start the hand quilting...I'm going to use a Hobbs Heirloom Wool batt.

In stitches,
Teresa  :o)

38 comments:

  1. Just in awe! This just "ROCKS" girl - so pretty and knowing you, the handquilting is going to be outstanding.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your finished top is stunning. I can't imagine a better border finish for this quilt. Way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Absolutely perfect Teresa!!!! This is a fantabulous quilt and the grapes were a wonderful addition :0)

    Crispy

    ReplyDelete
  4. The grapes are a perfect addition and they make the quilt a show stopper, fabulous. I am getting ready to begin stitching soon on an applique border (my first) and was wondering if I might want to use my fabric glue in this method, your post was so timely for me. I'm not quite ready though, I'm still deciding on the arrangement of the applique pieces as my border is being done without a pattern. You have given me so much inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just gorgeous work, Teresa. Love the grapes--the finishing touch. What color thread are you planning on quilting with? Can't wait to see it all done. Do you mark for hand quilting? Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, you got that border together quickly and it looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Years ago, I had pattern weights. They are long gone but now I see a very good use for them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. WOW, WOW, WOW!! You are amazing! This quilt is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gracious!!! How DO you get so much done so quickly??????????? I'm in absolute awe.

    I must say that I'm prepping pieces for my first attempt at applique and I'll assure you the flower petals and leaves are just a tad bigger than those grapes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. No other words except Beautiful Quilt. Beautiful Applique.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great applique. I like the bold, strong colours against the black, and of course, all those grapes are great. how big is this quilt?

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's a clever idea using the squash pattern. This is an amazing quilt the colors are just wonderful. I can't believe how fast you are. Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Stunnning! The addition of the tendrils is the perfect finishing touch! Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm stunned by this beautiful quilt! And holy cow.....didn't you just show us a minute ago, all the grapes lined up on the table? Sheesh, you are fast! I was just yelling at my hubby, "No way!...She DID NOT get this done already!?! Holy cow! Look at this!" LOL

    It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  15. So Divine! That's just beautiful! Love the grapes, and especially the detail of the stitched vine!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I am in awe--Teresa, this is simply gorgeous. How do you accomplish so much so fast? I think those grapes are just perfect...Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  17. another amazing top, have fun quilting, I can't wait to see the reveal. cw

    ReplyDelete
  18. The grapes/grapevines are perfect! Love the colors in this top and can't wait to see it all hand quilted....let's see, with you that should be what? next week!! LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Holy cow! That is simply AMAZING! I've really enjoyed plowing the progress of this quilt--thank you for sharing. Just beautiful. Your appliqué work is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Teresa, that is one amazing quilt! Wow. I am just here with my mouth hanging open. Gorgeous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Absolutely stunning! The colors are perfect and I love the grapes.

    ReplyDelete
  22. i just love your blog and your folk art applique top is stunning. you have help rekindle my love affair with not only quilting but fabric! thank you for sharing
    janie edwards
    waco, texas

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gorgeous! And you are SO FAST it is stunning what you get accomplished! Another option for the plain corners would be to round them slightly and add your special quilted motifs. I love the grapes, although I would have gone completely insane stitching all those circles! I've been working on a floral border for a quilt for a year already and it's only just over half done! Great job, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Teresa! I can't imagine a more perfect border than your grapes. it is incredibly beautiful. Can't wait to see it quilted.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Amazing! I can't believe how fast you got all of those grapes in place. It is a great looking quilt. What a joy it will be to quilt. Congratulations.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm in awe...that is the perfect finish to this beautiful quilt! I so admire the patience it takes to applique since it's not something I possess.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow, the hole quilt is beautiful, but those grapes are the best! The border makes the whole quilt wonderful. Great job!
    Cheri

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sorry, "whole" quilt, just finished a 12 hour shift and am a little brain dead...

    ReplyDelete
  29. It's stunning. I think the grapes were the perfect ending.

    ReplyDelete
  30. your work is great I love how it looks so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ta da!! woohoo what a wonderful quilt!! I love your process and the grapes look absolutely fabulous.
    Are you using a black batt? I have used it in the past and it was great.
    Hooray for hand quilting - have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your quilt is beautiful. It is so colorful. Thank you for sharing your way of placing your grape clusters. I like the grape clusters, too.

    ReplyDelete
  33. You got a lot done since last Friday! Looks great.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I as just in Port Huron - and boy was it ever cold. Do you live anywhere close to there?

    Love the quilt - the colors are just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Forgive me for I have sinned! LOL! I have been focused on other challenges and have not been reading many blogs lately. I have missed reading about your progress. I love, love all your grapes. It's hard to imagine all the time that you have put into the quilt, but I know it will be a show-stopper, once you finish it. Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. It makes it easy to understand and helpful in designing.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

    ReplyDelete
  36. that is gorgeous; love that you are in MI too! I am in the Thumb and own a small quilt shop in Caro,MI (Catty Wampus Fabric Co) we are on Facebook too; I hope if you ever come up this way you will stop in and visit; hopefully you will bring one of these beautiful quilts to show us! I am loving your organizing tutorials; thanks for that; I have a hard time doing it myself. I have been a long time follower of your blog; can't wait to see what you do next; Thanks, Merrie

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow, Wow, wow.........Oh, Oh, and Oh. I love it. I will come to see you again. Saludos from Spain

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by the quilt cave...I love your feedback!

I am sorry, but you need a Google account/Profile to pose a question or leave a comment. That is very easy to get (FOR FREE) at Google.com.

Of course, you can click on my email and contact me there any time!

I am no longer able to accept comments from Anonymous readers...too much weird spam!