Some of you may remember back when I was working on my Storm at Sea (see the tag over the sidebar), which I had renamed Sea of Tranquility. I'd left it here, with the stormy portion pieced with the setting triangles, while I dithered about borders.
Border decisions were finally reached and I hauled out the almost-top and got to stitching.
This is actually hanging sideways and you can only see the left half of the top. (The top of the top, as it were. Or the bottom of the top. No wonder we're calling them flimsies now.) (I dream of having a bigger design wall.)
I've put all the lightest block bits in the center of the quilt and worked outward progressively darker. It gives it a shimmery watery glow.
The borders continue the watery effect - I'm really pleased with the prints I found.
This is the next one up for quilting. I have it in mind to start in the center and quilt a spiral outward, continuing with the watery effect. I may end up regretting this plan partway through - it's a big honkin' quilt.
If you hear a lot of swearing in the next week or so, it's probably me. I might get a little loud.
Sorry.
Linking with Quilting is more fun than Housework for Oh Scrap! Come see all the scrappy fun!
We just taught this block at guild - a series on blocks that create alternating patterns and movement. Good on you in sticking with finishing a whole quilt. I have done the circle and colorful words as well - it gets easier as you progress out.
ReplyDeletevery effective and unique take on this traditional pattern....no doubt a ribbon winner!
ReplyDeleteIt's a stunner - it amazes me how straight lines can give the appearance of curves!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't seen this quilt in far too long! It really is lovely. Your border fabrics are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
It's GORGEOUS, Gayle!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. I'm so proud of you for plugging along. The value gradation is special. Can't wait to see it quilted and out in the sunshine.
ReplyDeleteYou really couldn't pick a better fabric for the border. AWESOME! is all I can say. Congrats on getting another UFO off the list and onto the "flimsy" list. haha! ;^)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my all time favourite patterns and I love your take on it. Very beautiful and definitely gives a tranquil look. Congratulations and I'm sure your quilting will go well.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is the perfect border print. I would think twice (or three times) about that quilting plan though. Sounds like you'd be asking for trouble. (Back to Storm at Sea eh?) Wish you were close enough to have my son do the quilting for you. One of his favorite patterns looks like ripples on water. It would be easier to do on your domestic machine too now that I think about it. Too bad I don't have the technological know-how to draw it out for you somehow!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I can't wait to see it quilted!
ReplyDeleteYour border fabrics are perfect for Sea of Tranquility, Gayle! I also really like the way you have the lighter blocks in the center and they get darker as they go outward. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt. And I would once again offer up my design wall for display, except Molly has taken to climbing up behind quilts hanging on the design wall. And then it would no longer be "Sea of Tranquility" but "Sea of 'Molly STOP THAT'".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Magpie Sue about using a quilting motif that resembles ripples on water - not difficult and far less turning/twisting of the quilt sandwich than spirals will demand. BEAUTIFUL quilt top -- good luck with the quilting.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous. You inspire me to get busy with my Storm at Sea, too.
ReplyDeleteAnything is tough in the center of a large quilt but the spiral sounds like a good design decision.
A big spiral would look fantastic on this beautiful piece, but ooooooh what a lot of work. I did a 42" square quilt in a spiral and swore NEVER AGAIN. However, you may be a braver and stronger soul than I am :)
ReplyDeleteIn any case, the colorwash effect of your Sea is just stunning and the borders are perfect. Can't wait to see how you quilt it, no matter what you choose!
Loverly! And great border fabrics, too!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I love the way you arranged the blocks. Don't know the size of your quilt but a big spiral would be awesome for quilting. I did it on a Trip Around the World for my brother and didn't have many problems swirling it through the harp of the DSM but I don't remember the size of the quilt.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt just amazes me. It looks like there are a zillion curves in it but when I look closely at the pattern, it's made of all straight lines! I like your layout with the lights in the center. It will be a beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your color placement works so well. Perfect border fabrics too. It has to feel really good to have all of the pieces come together. Sometimes projects just have to marinate a little before they reach full potential. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove your colors and placement t on this top. Beautiful. It's on my bucket list lol.
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