Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Modern Freefall Quilt Finish



 Freefall Finish

The days have been gentle, and almost slow around here despite Christmas approaching. The major purge is over, and it's become more of a daily maintenance to keep things fresh. There are still small spaces that call for attention, but nothing is screaming. With this steadiness, it is easier to let go. I know they are just things--baggage holding me back from better things to come. I have control of them. Not the other way around anymore. I choose a few spaces each day to stay committed, but I'm back to quilting with new vigor. It's hard to explain how settled I feel, but let's just say it's a cross between relief and curious amazement. It's new found balance I didn't expect.



Our daughter is set to travel to friends in Germany soon, and I wanted to send something special along. I started with the Freefall piece I created during the Freefall Quilt Along at mmm! quilts this spring, and enlarged the background to 59" x 72". 



There is really so much going on in this quilt. No two leaves are the same fabric. I selected Art Gallery fat quarters from my stash scattered on a solid Grunge for the large leaf background. Even the neutral background has a subtle, but directional, metallic print. Selecting the large, modern print which borders each end was difficult, but necessary. I hadn't planned for enlarging this piece so much, and had limited background fabric available. In the end, I had only scraps left from any one fabric.


I wanted the quilting to support the energy already there so I kept it very minimal. Straight line quilting spaced about an inch apart left it with a loose texture. I used So Fine thread in a neutral color that blends well with the quilt top and backing.


Note both the tag, and the photo bombing doxie.


I had my daughter take the quilt to the back yard so I could snap a few pictures in natural light, and naturally the dogs joined in.





Simple and finished without a rush. 
It feels like I have turned over a new leaf. 
(Sorry! I just had to say that.)


Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go sew--



17 comments:

Pat said...

I love how you enlarged the original design. Has Sandra seen it?

Lena Pugacheva said...

What a generous gift! You chose beautiful prints for the original Freefall design and the enlargement fabric fits perfectly, a great quilt!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Wow, fabulous quilt!!

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi Julie,
What a fabulous finish for this quilt! I just love the photobombing doxie . . . that really made me smile. The quilt looks just beautiful wrapped around your daughter, and I wish her safe travels throughout Germany. ~smile~ Roseanne

Mary Huey said...

glad to hear you've found a zone of contentment!

DonnaleeQ said...

Your Modern Freefall quilt is wonderful. I love it and and the fabrics are just perfect. I use Grunge quite a bit. I prefer it over Kona as it has that extra bit of color differences and texture feel. Wonder work.

Quilting Babcia said...

Great blend of modern with a bit of traditional in this quilt, I love it!

PaulaB quilts said...

The quilt is truly improvisational with your enlargements and the simple Quilting. So glad you feel like you've come through to a balanced place within yourself. Peace be with you.

audrey said...

I absolutely adore that big red leaf against the cream and that bolder print in the borders is a great addition. This really does have a fresh look to it and the fact that you used a different print for every leaf adds wonderful texture to the quilt.:)

Angie in SoCal said...

They're going to love it! Congrats on such a serene finish.

Danice G said...

Very creative and pretty quilt. Those fabrics are beautiful.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

It looks like you had a fun photo shoot. I like the borders you added. I fell behind...have to get those blocks finished and pieced together.

Danice G said...

The quilt is bright and pretty. Very creative design.

wanda said...

Piękne

Rebecca Grace said...

I love your leaf quilt, AND your newly acquired peace and determination! How did you do the straight line quilting? With rulers, or channel locks? It looks great. I always forget that sometimes simple finishes are the best. In my own life, I'm doing some purging and organizing, too, but it's more about letting go of obligations and commitments and guilt and emotional baggage than going through material possessions. Trying to be more deliberate about my choices about what consumes my time and my energy, you know? Merry Christmas to you and your sweet doxies!

Sharon - IN said...

What a wonderful quilt to gift to your friends! Nice simplistic quilting too. Safe and enjoyable travels to you daughter.

Christine Slaughter said...

The quilt is fantastic! I really love the colors and the texture. I understand that calming feeling that comes from reorganizing and purging. It is, oddly enough, so very freeing. Wishing you and yours a joyous and peaceful holiday season!