Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Prism Finish!

At long last, I can say: Prism is completely finished! With some extra effort to ensure that the binding was attached on-the-square, and that the quilt is equal measurements across each side, I also hand sewed a sleeve across the back (for hanging in a show), and made and sewed on a label. It's been at least two months since quilting began on this puppy - seems like it's pretty much the only thing I've been blogging about for forever. I'm tickled that I can now get back to "regular sewing," whatever form that takes!

Though the Zen Chic pattern states that Prism is 73" X 73" when finished, mine ended up 68" X 69". I can't even begin to guess at where that four inches - plus! -might have gone. Whether some of it was taken up in the quilting, or I measured incorrectly, I don't have the interest in figuring out why it's smaller. I just know that everything looks even, and I'm not about to question that!

Much of Prism was quilted using a straight Fine Line ruler to make straight lines in the print diamonds, and outlines of diamonds in the negative space at the top and bottom of the quilt.

The problematic rough edges of my Pfaff's throat plate hole haven't yet been resolved; the top thread continues to shred and break. I've taken the plate to a sewing machine dealer, and I hope to learn more soon. Worst case, I'll buy a new throat plate.

These pictures were taken in the picnic shelter at Big Cypress Rec Center, on a beautiful hot day.

I have Debbie and Debbie, fellow Big Cypress Quilters, to thank for being my quilt holders. This picture is a favorite because I managed to capture a golf cart going by on the street. We're blessed to live in a beautiful place! 

Did I mention? I counted 41 different quilting motifs in this quilt. No wonder I drove myself crazy quilting it! The top thread is a very pale yellow 50-weight Aurifil. Really, it doesn't show much differently than white.

I love the dimension that emphasizes the quilting. Doesn't it almost look like trapunto? Loft was achieved in the quilt sandwich made with Quilter's Dream Request Cotton on the bottom, and Quilter's Dream Wool on top. I'm also smitten with this little insertion of two orange prints in the otherwise all-white Kona binding.

White quilts are great for showing off quilting, but a bugger of you're on Plavix (blood thinner) as I am! If I accidentally prick myself with a basting safety pin, needle, or seam ripper, I need to have a water bottle and white washcloth handy. Sigh. (I'll likely be on Plavix forever because it helps prevent plaque from forming in my blood. It's all what comes from having critical PAD -  peripheral artery disease. Darn.)

For backing I used a white-on-white print that has a circular pattern. The bobbin thread is white 60-weight YLI.


Prism is ready to be delivered to a friend who will take it to QuiltFest of Jacksonville (Florida) for judging and display at the show September 24, 25, and 26.

Que sera, sera. Linda

22 comments:

  1. Only one word for this quilt - - spectacular! !!

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  2. It is a work of art. The quilting is stellar. Great job.

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  3. WOW! What a stellar finish! Congratulations on quilting this beauty and good luck in QuiltFest!

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  4. I just knew it would be a showstopper! I am so impressed! I took a little time this afternoon to start working with my straight ruler. It's going to take lots of practice, I can see, but I'm looking forward to the learning process. I kept it simple today, just to get used to handling the ruler, blah, blah, blah! Have a nice new hotpad for my table now. You encourage me. Good luck at the show!

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  5. Your quilt is stunning! You have a real talent for quilting patterns and executing them. Congratulations!

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  6. What a spectacular finish to Prism. It truly is a work of art and a creative and talented lady. Your quilting is the icing on the cake. Beautifully done, Linda. You should be very proud of all your hard work and persistence in getting to the end of the last stitch in the label. It will knock the judges' socks' off!

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  7. Well done and good luck! It will be a hard one to beat.

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  8. Clear, bright colors and wonderful quilting- all 41 motifs!

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  9. This turned out SO beautifully!! I can't even comprehend the amazing quilting - what an artist you are! Best of luck in the show!

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  10. It is stunning! You did a marvelous job quilting it, and the colors are wonderful. I love the happy quilts you make. Good luck with it in the show.

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  11. Quilt sizes as stated on patterns are always for the finished quilt tops, I have found that there is definite shrinkage from quilting and squaring / binding - almost as much as the first wash will also shrink. Anyway, I like tracking that sort of thing so that when I need to make a quilt with a certain amount of drape when it is finished I have a rough idea how big to make the quilt top to start. It turned out beautifully, and for someone who is just clumsy with needles, I can say with confidence I also always keep some water and a towel handy around white quilts! :)

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  12. Prism is just fabulous Linda. Even though it might have seemed forever it was time well spent. Wishing you the best in the show.

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  13. Wow! It's just amazing Linda - congratulations on another gorgeous finish! blessings, marlene

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  14. It's so graphic and bold! Great job. And that song took me back - one of my favorites.

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  15. Your quilting is fabulous as well as the colors and transition to the next! So beautiful!

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  16. Oh wow. I really love it. As usual all the bright colors captures my eye.

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  17. I hope you bring home a ribbon, or four, for those absolutely gorgeous quilt. Sorry about the blood/pin pricking and the shredding thread, but what that tells me is that you are a true artist and consummate professional, because in this finished version, we can see none of those trials--just the beautiful success of your hard work. Love it!

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  18. Your quilt is outstanding! Quilting is extraordinary too. Did you wash and block it before binding and labeling it? Just curious.

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