Tuesday, April 7, 2015

I got it!!!

If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me "How long does it take to make a quilt?" I could probably retire. A good question. A fair question. But one that is so impossible to answer. For instance, there is a quilt I have been dreaming about for years. Maybe even decades. I will sketch it out during quiet times at craft shows. Play with the design in those early morning hours as I gradually awaken. Visit art museums and ponder how can I make it.

Now I know there are many methods of making quilts by now and some of them would allow me to create the design. However, with no offense to those who use these methods so successfully, they are not my methods. I don't fuse. I don't reverse applique. I don't paper piece. All of these methods would work--and there are many other methods that might also work. But they are not MY method.

So I continued to ponder and dream until finally it hit me. Yes, this just might work. I knew the colors. The concept. I could see a couple of tricks that might help. It has been a long cold spring. Shelburne Falls has been quiet. I might as well try.

quilt--Ann Brauer 2015

Nice colors. Although this is taking forever.

quilt--Ann Brauer--2015


Yes, this is finicky.

quilt--Ann Brauer--2015
Is it even going to work? Should I continue or put it in the UFO pile? I sleep on it.

quilt--2015--Ann Brauer




It only works from a distance.  I peer in through my window. Yes, my neighbors shake their heads and wonder.

quilt--Ann Brauer--2015

How many breaks can I take? When will I finish?

quilt--Ann Brauer--2015


Still so much to do. So many questions to answer. Can I keep the colors the same on the bottom? It was the end of the day and I was impatient--probably not my best idea. Sigh.

quilt--Ann Brauer--2015



So much more to do. So many more questions to answer. So many problems to solve. But the reward was showing the image to my DH and having him say "Wow". 

What do you think? How do you begin a new project? How long does it take? And what is next?




13 comments:

  1. I await with bated breath how the finished quilt will look, so far it is stunning and very clever.

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  2. I am so impressed by the endless variations you can create while staying true to your style and methods. This is great!

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  3. Wow is right! Keep going, Ann. I have found that the reward is great when something has been pondered for years :)

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  4. This looks awesome! I tend to think about projects for a while before starting, kind of trying out the options mentally first. But then once you start, all the plans usually fly out the window...

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  5. Love those AHA! moments - this is going to be beautiful!

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  6. Seriously impressive, how you can create that circle with your unique combo of quilt-as-you-go plus strip piecing. Wow. Stunning piece.

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  7. Wow indeed. I'm so glad that you are persevering with this as it's really worth it.

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  8. I think it is fab. Love your work, keep going.

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  9. I think it is fab. Love your work, keep going.

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  10. Ann, I found you on instagram which led me to your blog/website. Your work is stunning! Can you tell me, in this piece, do you piece the green and gray strips together before "quilting" it to you batting/background? or do you piece right to your background with some raw edges appearing on the front?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Lisa. It is all quilt as you go--one piece at a time.

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  11. Hi. If you do not use any of the methods you mention, do you glue it into place ?

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  12. No my quilts are all pieced one strip at a time.

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