September 21, 2010

Leila And The Love Birds...

Imagine my glee when I returned home to find a package from my swap partner, Artsy Creations by Leila, for the Blissfull ATC Swap group! This month's theme was "Leaves". Remember, my card to her which you can see here.

Along with her artist trading card, Leila also sent me one of her black and white art prints. Isn't she talented?
I love the detail that Leila put into my card. I think she really captured the theme, and her card is so beautiful. I'm constantly amazed by the amount of detail that my swap partners put into their cards.
Leila is another artist who finishes the backs of her cards. Sparkles and swirls...my favorites! Thank you, Leila. I love this newest addition to my collection, and your art print will be a cherished addition to my studio. (Please be sure to click on her link above to visit her blog. She's hosting a giveaway, too!)
I finished my "Love Birds" applique' quilt yesterday, too. I had a quilt guild meeting last night and wanted to take it to "Show and Tell". (We always refer to it as "Bring and Brag" in our house.)

I didn't work on it over the weekend. Too much slothing and drooling after driving through the night on Friday. (We don't bounce back from long driving trips like we used to.) Consequently, we rested over the weekend and I worked on my quilt again on Monday.
This was my first quilt for needle-turn applique', so I decided to try something else new, I incorporated a little shadow quilting on the same block to accent the applique' work. (Don't look too closely...it's far from perfect!)
I finished quilting the rest of the top by meandering each individual block. All the quilting was finished by the time I turned out the lights on Monday evening.
This is the detail strip I pieced into the back. I love this sweet floral fabric on the back. This fabric is also used in the front of the quilt, so it was perfect for the back.
I attached the binding by machine to the front of the quilt, and then finished it with hand-sewing. I haven't added the label yet, but will do that soon. No quilt is really finished until the label is attached, you know!

I'm happy with my "firsts" in this piece. I've got more confidence in needle-turn applique' now, and I also like the effect of the shadow quilting. I'll practice that technique to use in a future quilt. Now I can concentrate on the lap quilts for my giveaway!

17 comments:

  1. even with imperfections as you say this is a beautiful piece of work...very lovely Miss Donna..

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  2. Beautiful quilt, the appliqué birds look fantastic. As always you do the most amazing work.

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  3. I love the echo quilting. My first attempt at needle turn applique was in a class in Hawaii. I know go to Hawaii and take a quilt class??? Yes I did, loved every minute and now when I see that pillow I think of that fun trip. Anyway back to the point we did echo quilting around the appliqued shape on that project. Glad you have no long lasting trauma from that needle turn class you took with the teacher from ----. Hope the finger is healing.
    Debbie

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  4. What a supergreat quilt with the cute little bird inside! Love it!

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  5. I wanted to say I love Leila's ATC she did a great job on the front and on the back too! Leila is also having a giveaway for one of her pendants.
    Debbie

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  6. Awesome work as always..I just do simple quilts or the raggy ones (can't see the mistakes with the raggy one)
    Hope that finger is healing fast. We pick the truck up on Monday and computer and phone will be down then until we get moved and have everything turned back on...Then I will know I am home :) So you may not hear from me for a while :)

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  7. Your quilt is beautiful, Donna. Your work is impeccable, as always.

    The ATC is beautiful! And I think that's Louise Brooks in that black and white print - or at least someone very like her. She was a fabulous movie actress in the 20's and 30's.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on today's post.

    xo
    Claudia

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  8. Absolutely Exquisite! The color combination in you quilt is just awesome, I can't even imagine creating something this beautiful plus in such a short time! This would take months & months as there is not a lot of time left over for working on my creations. Too much housework, gardening, pool cleaning, washing windows & carpeting, mowing the lawn, cooking, laundry, errands, & so much more, where does the time go! At 66, my work list seems to grow not dwindle. And I thought "retirement" would give more "me time"! Ha.

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  9. Love this quilt ~ it's soft colors and turned blocks. Even the back is so pretty! Love the idea of the detail strip! Beautiful!
    Blessings!

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  10. I think you totally deserve to "bring and brag" about your quilts as they are spectacular. Your dedication to learning and honing your craft is unsurpassed. This quilt is beautiful. Happy quilting...

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  11. Thank you for your lovely comment Donna, I'm so glad that you love the ATC and print. :-)

    As Debbie mentioned, I am having a giveaway, you can check it out here:

    http://myartsycreations.blogspot.com/2010/09/im-having-giveaway.html

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  12. Hi Donna...i was just looking over my previous issues of cards and crafts magazines...alas..I have not talent that way

    your quilting is so pretty!

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  13. i came here by way of Shelley's blog. Am blog surfing and enjoying finding some new places!

    Lovely, lovely work and in so many areas. You got a beautiful ATC cards. What an incredible amount of detaii.I love making them but I haven't done any for awhile. I also love your quilt...something I don't do but appreciate.

    Creating is lovely and I love your quote about creativity and messy spaces! Outstanding! And handsome is handsome!

    Suz
    http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com

    (come and visit sometime, if you would like.My daughter and I make repurposed jewelry but our blog is about our life and other things we make and do, etc. etc. etc.!!!)

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  14. The love birds quilt looks so beautiful. And congrats on the wonderful ATC from Leila - it is so pretty! Theresa

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  15. Love your goodies! Isn't getting art in the mail so much fun!!
    Ok, your quilt turned out fabulous! Love it!!!!
    xx, shell

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  16. What exquisite gifts & quilt creations, Donna.
    Have a lovely eve ~
    TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna