After long last, 'Over the River and Through the Woods' is ready for quilting!
%20(1).jpg)
I ran into a little problem when I assembled the stitchery and blocks
.jpg)
The stitcheries should have matched the two rows of blocks to 36.5", but did not. It was about 1/2 - 3/4 inches shorter on each side (see photo above). I couldn't do anything about the row of blocks; they were the right size; 6.5" by 36.5". I had to extend each side of the stitcheries by stitching the trees to fit the exact size.
Well, I can't draw, but at least I managed to stitch something that looks like trees! lol
I'm not sure how this happened. My hand stitch tension may have been too tight, or the backing fabric for the stitcheries made the top fabric shrink? The lady at the quilt store in Norway (where I bought the fabrics) recommended some sort of loose woven material with glue on one side, to be used as stabilizer. I've used Moda Marbles and that stabilizer was ironed on to it before stitching. I used a hoop too.
Oh well, not a big deal really. It was an easy fix.
%20(1).jpg)
The blocks were meant for the Flying Geese border, but the contrast between the 'geese' and background was too dark. Other fabrics from my stash.
Not easy to get the right colors, photographed on a cloudy day.
I'm pondering how to quilt it on my domestic machine. I've seen one (Pinterest, I think it was), the middle stitchery (verse) was quilted cross-hatched design. I really like it, I think I'll copy that design. I have an idea how to quilt the 'Flying Geese'. How to quilt the blocks between the stitcheries as well as the stitcheries at the top and bottom?
Your ideas / suggestions are very much appreciated.
I'd been wondering when I purchased the pattern, I found it here. It was a birthday gift to myself in 2009! Visiting Norway in 2010, I purchased fabrics for the quilt. Time to get it done!
Earlier this year, I purchased this pattern from Coriander Quilts
When I first saw it, the reindeer put a smile on my face. I knew I had to make one!
I've made two; one for us and one for my DF in Norway.
%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
'Rudolph' #1
This is my friend's quilt. His favorite color is green, hence the green border.
%20(1).jpg)
Pieced backing. The center rectangle shows cute red foxes and I also added two orphan bauble blocks. They were originally meant for my quilt, but I decided on red baubles instead.
%20(1).jpg)
'Rudolph' #2.
I've had this red, green and gold plaid fabric for some time. It has been in and out of the shelf I don't know how many times. When I purchased it, I had in mind to use it for a Santa's pants, but it didn't work out. I like how it turned out as border on this quilt. It was half a yard and after straightening it up it was just enough!
It's not easy to see the quilted details on the photos. I chose to do outlined straight lines. I used gold metallic fabric for the stars and baubles, and these I quilted with gold metallic thread. The faces are free-motion-quilted, I used a variegated brown thread. For the rest I used an ecru colored cotton thread to match the background snowflakes fabric.
Rudolph's face (both quilts) could have been a bit darker, maybe?
Maybe not. These are winter reindeer, meaning their coat turns from brown (summer camouflage) to a greyer camouflage against the snow, makes them blend into the snowy landscape.
%20(2).jpg)
Pieced backing #2. Got to use up most of the Skaters fabric and other bits and pieces.
Fabric requirement for 'Deerly Loved':
Approximately 7 yards. And since I made two; approximately 14 yards fabric, all from my stash.
I haven't done any sewing the last couple of weeks. I've been on slow motion after I caught a bad flu. It's still hanging, but I'll say I'm 95% OK. As if the flu is not enough; I stumbled in my own feet and fell head down on the street earlier this week. I hurt the right side of my head; cheek and a small cut (from the sunglasses) on the bone next to my eye. I'm fine now and I have a 'beautiful' green-yellowish eye and cheek! LOL
I have finished a few cross stitching UFO's, but that will be for another post.
Hope you all are doing well. Be careful on icy roads!
Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2025)
17 comments:
Over the River is just beautiful, Astrid! I've seen that design and always wanted to make it. Your reindeer are cute, too. So fun that you made one for your friend. I'm sorry to hear that you took a fall like that - hope everything is healing!
Hello there! Your quilt came out so lovely and your trees look fine! The one row quilt I made came out wonky as well. :) I love your Coffee with Dad blocks and how you used truck fabrics. My dad was in the military so I'll be using those fabrics. Thank you for sharing!
I just think your "Over the River" quilt is stunning, Astrid;))) Beautiful work on this one. And Reindeer is really a cute piece. My daughter requested a Christmas bunting for her mantel after seeing mine on Thanksgiving..so, I am working on getting the flag bases together...hugs, Julierose
I love all your projects, Astrid. Your pieced backs are also very interesting, makes them so special.
Ouch to your injuries!! I had walked into the corner of the doorway in the middle of the night to the bathroom and had a bruise and almost blackeye for almost two weeks before it faded away last month!! it is not fun. Glad to see Over the River to the Woods done that one took awhile it seems.
Lovely finishes Astrid. Isnt it interesting looking back to see when we purchased or started older projects, how the years roll by! I'm pleased you have recovered from your flu, it takes a while, I had something similar which lasted 3 weeks. And it's upsetting when we trip up and fall over, you certainly sustained some damage, didn't you.
Love the reindeer! Your "Over the River" quilt is amazing! Your pieced backs are wonderful! What a great way to use up orphan blocks!
Well done getting the River and Woods complete, and finding ways to deal with the size problems. looking great.
The reindeer quilts are great fun. What a lovely gift for yourself and your friend.
Oh my goodness, running off the 1st cup of coffee I thought that was a panel 😄 that is amazing! both quilts are beautiful!
Over the River is so pretty! Love the two reindeer quilts also. You've been busy. I hope you are feeling all better.
Wonderful finishes! So sorry you caught a bug and then compounded your misery by falling too. Do take care of you!
Beautiful work, Astrid. I wish you good health.
Your Rudolph are so cute, I love both versions!
The pieces backs are so decorative. I have never seen anything quite like it. I really like the idea!
You did a wonderful job with the embroidery, dear Astrid! What a beautiful piece this patchwork "Over the River and Through the Wood" is, and that deer "Rudolph" is simply gorgeous... both are magnificent and bring joy to the heart.
All the best and a hug from Viola
PS: Bare ikke se deg i speilet :-))) Stor klem
Wow, Astrid you have outdone yourself! Over the River is stunning! And I LOVE the Rudolph quilts (and the pieced backing)!
Lovely quilts! I think I have that Over the River pattern as well (or maybe a similar one - the one I have is done in blues) I should dig that out and start it! It would make a nice project for these dark evenings. Love your pieced backs - such a great way to use up some stash :)
Post a Comment