Sunday, March 28, 2021

And......just like that..........

 

.......the applique is done! Finally, the last applique stitch is in place and the flowers are all 'growed'.  The appliqueing of these flowers has taken what seems aeons, to do. I started appliqueing my fabric garden way back in September 2018! Oh my, that is an age ago. But of course, there were others quilts, other pretties stitched and finished within this time so that should count for something....shouldn't it?? For the sake of my sanity and to prevent myself from going stark raving mad I had to, at times, put this quilt aside  and stitch other such fripperies.

When I started this quilt I wanted to try something new to me. I wanted to push myself. I wanted to skip along my creative path and discover new things that challenged me along the way. I wanted to jump off the secure quilty precipice, hurtling down, down, down,  into the valley of the unknown; the valley where applique reigns supreme. I wanted to wander around with those luminaries who design and stitch the most amazing applique quilts. You know the ones. Those quilts which when you look upon them, you are rather nonplussed, your mouth drops open with drool uncontrollably dribbling from the corners and as you scratch your cranium, you wonder "how on earth did they make that?". Not that my little applique flower garden has that effect on others but I desired to fashion a quilt that was just a little out of my comfort zone.

I wanted to see if I could coerce fabric into anything that half resembled a flower, or a leaf.....a butterfly, a bird, a bee; and as I skipped and pirouetted along the flower-kissed applique path I discovered I could. I discovered that this applique caper was actually fun. I know.....who would've thunk it!! Not I!! The coaxing of teeny tiny smidgens of fabric into blossoms was actually enjoyable. As I designed, snippety snipped, glued, played, cajoled, teased, stitched, embroidered.....before my eyes magical flower seeds germinated, transforming into hydrangeas, pansies, water lilies, daffodils, tulips, cosmos, anemones, gladdies, foxgloves, irises, daisies.........even the dreaded wisteria. As if by magic my applique flower garden sprouted, growing day by day, month by month, year by year; into a pretty that is most pleasing to my eyes. Can you tell I am just a little enthused with my little fabric flower garden?? =) I am beside myself with great joy actually, that my little fabric garden which has been swirling around in my imagination for a very long time is now blooming floraliciously before me. All I wanted to do really, is to design and stitch a quilt that is reflective of the garden that surrounds my humble abode and hugs me every moment of every day. For the garden that my husband dreamed of and slowly designed and built, and now tills, inspires me moment by moment, day by day.




But....although the applique flower garden is blooming in all it's finished splendour, there is of course a little matter of the hand quilting to be done. There is too, a decision to be made re the border fabric, and whether or not I want a straight or a serpentine edge. For the quilting, I am not following any templates but am simply going to quilt various leaf designs rambling all over the garden, ripples swirling round and round in the pond and straight-ish lines dancing luminously across the sky. I want each flower, bird, leaf, butterfly.....to stand out from the dense quilting. Again, just making it up as I go. Of course, it could all go belly-up and look a little  'how's your mother', but I will see where my muddly imagination takes me. There again, that precipice is looming before me. You never, never know if you don't give it a go; do you.



Thank you for popping by to read my stuff and nonsense and look at the happy snaps of my fabric flower garden. Thank you for visiting me and my little flower garden quilt each time, season after season, to see which flower happened to be flourishing and which real, ridgy-didge flowers happened to be blossoming in the garden at the time. Goodness, there has been a plethora of happy snaps, haven't there?? But that's okay, isn't it?? I don't think anyone would be  ho-hummish with the gazing upon a few 'hundred' happy flowers, would they?? =) It's not as if  anyone who visits my little place is not aware that each time my post pops up on their computer screen there will be the odd flowery happy snap or two. Why, flowers feed the soul and cause one to sing in one's heart. At least they do mine.

Each one of your visits has sprinkled a little joy into my autumnal day. 'Tis Sunday evening....again. Goodness me, March is blustering along and dancing upon falling leaves; and April is hurrying up my country road. I am going to pop into Kathy's place and see what all the other lovely ladies are up to. Have a beautiful day, lovely lovelies. May you, this fine day,  find a little beauty to make your heart smile.

Until the next time.....................








65 comments:

  1. Floral Garden is beautiful! The wisteria looks perfect and those birds are so lovely! You've done a great job. I didn't quite understand about a border, is there going to be an applique border? You'll have so much fun quilting this quilt, a good project for the fall/winter days ahead of you, happy stitching!

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  2. That is amazing! and who cares how long it took it's a work of art, I wish that there were more hours in the day so that we could try all the things that inspire and make our hearts flutter, I can never understand those who say they are bored, we are so lucky to have this urge to try new things. I'm sure that the border and the quilting will be amazing too, just go with the flow and have a peaceful Sunday. xx

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  3. Beautiful! There is such a lot of work involved so I'm not surprised it took a few years to make but well worth it. I look forward to seeing what or if you add a border and your quilting. As Gretchen says you will have the autumn and winter to add your stitches!

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  4. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your applique and fabric flower garden... this will help the winter there for you seem shorter I bet as you now quilt that top :) Have a happy day dear friend! Kathi

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  5. Your gorgeous applique top if finished, wonder how you feel now that you have stitched the last delightful flower, leaf and bird in place. Such a wonderful job, but as you say, it's not over yet, as you move on to thinking about borders. And knowing you, you will enjoy every wonderful hour as you sit in your garden or your wonderful new timber conservetory and start hand quilting this beauty.

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  6. Oh my! Fantastic! Your quilting will make it even more beautiful!

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  7. Your applique flower garden is magnificent. You did more than just coerce fabric into flowers. Each flower is a work of art and those birds are beautiful. A masterpiece like this is supposed to take time. Enjoy a long and happy dance!

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  8. Perfect ! The quilt and surrounding !
    Have a shinny week !
    Hug
    Anna

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  9. You will have all your garden flowers in the house all year long now with this quilt! Can’t wait to see it quilted

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  10. Your quilts are always unique and so beautiful. I love this one too, and congratulations for finishing it after few months (yes, years are only 12 months by 12 months ;)) ) Enjoy the pretty colors of Fall, soon.

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  11. Yippee, ki-yay!! What a great feeling to get all that applique finished, Kim. Do you know that (especially the first pictures) the top looked like printed fabric. I know, I know, with all your work, that's probably not a kind compliment. But truly, isn't that a part of the process of creating...trying to duplicate nature and trying to make it all come alive. YOU replicated those blooms, leaves, birds, etc. so that you can continue to enjoy them even when the temperature drops and the flowers are quietly waiting for warmer times? I'm so glad that you enjoyed the process - so what if it took longer than you expected? Have you considered putting a facing on this quilt with or without a border? If you haven't done one, write and I can send you a link that shows how to do one. Anyway...just an idea... Have a great week!

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  12. Oh Kim, even in my half-blind state I can tell that you've outdone yourself once again! How I wish I could see this one in person....it's such a piece of art, made from YOUR heart.

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  13. This quilt is impressively beautiful in every detail. You did a great job, Kim. Have a wonderful and happy week.

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  14. Is it so long since this was started? Well, congratulations on reaching an end, even if it is also the start of the next stage. I am sure you will find just the right way to quilt this beauty and then it will look even finer.

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  15. You certainly did push yourself with this quilt and created something wonderful. I love your quilt!

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  16. Your applique flower garden absolutely does have that "mouth open in amazement" effect on me! It's just gorgeous, and a wonderful accomplishment. I can imagine your quilting will just add to the effect!

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  17. Complimenti ,sei un artista il tuo lavoro è bellissimo
    buona domenica delle palme

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    1. You are very kind, Roberta; thank you so much. Kim Xx

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  18. Kim your Flower Garden quilt is exquisite! I love it to pieces! As always I have thoroughly enjoyed gazing at your beautiful creations and garden beauties, and loved reading your flowery prose! Thanks so much for another lovely visit! How I wish it could be in real life! Have a great week!

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  19. What an unbelievable breathtaking beautiful work of art!!!!

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  20. Another wow post!!! All most beautiful especially the quilt!

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  21. Such a precious piece of work that you can simply be proud of your imagination.
    Happy week, greetings.

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  22. It's easy to tell that your vision for this quilt has exceeded your wildest (and that's going some) expectations. Your exquisite flower garden quilt reflects your exquisite living flower garden. And now your quilt will not only keep you warm and cozy as you stitch away the winter chill, but will remind you of the color and glory of your summer flowers throughout the dreary season. I can't wait to see how your quilting enhances an already masterpiece of needlework. And the birds look so lifelike as they flit among the flowers. You are right to be proud and joyful and we are all delighted to see the result of your months and months of stitching.
    Pat

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  23. Your quilt is so beautiful and fits right in with all of the lovelies of your garden. I look forward to seeing your journey in quilting this piece. It is an heirloom for sure. Happy quilting.

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  24. Congratulations, Kim, on a marvelous achievement. It is gorgeous and so beautifully captures your garden. You did wonderfully matching all the colors. I am sure your quilting will elevate it even further. By the way, I've been "planning" to quilt the quilt I quilted yesterday for a year and a half, so one of us managed to get more done than the other.

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  25. Hi Kim, what an amazing quilt - made even more beautiful next to your incredible garden. WOW!!! It's so full of colours and life - simply gorgeous (I'm running out of adjectives but I'm sure that you get my point :-) ) Take care.

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  26. ¡Vaya! lo has conseguido y es un fiel reflejo de tu jardín (el jardín de Kim) y me encanta, un esfuerzo más y terminado por fín. Muchos BESICOS.

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  27. Congratulatiins on finishing your stunning applique garden, it is just beautiful. Looking forward to seeing your quilting plans develop. We can never have too many flower photos.

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  28. How beautiful it looks dear Kim - you have certainly coaxed a flower or two to life. They look exactly like your real flowers beside them - gosh you are so clever with your needle & thread Kim. You must be so chuffed with how stunning it looks - I look forward to seeing how you quilt it my friend. xx

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  29. Absolutely stunning! Such perfect colours and details of flowers and leaves and birds. You have every right to be proud of every stitch you put into this utterly fabulous creation. Now you will always have some spring and summer year round.

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  30. Absolutely beautiful!! I love your quilt and it’s going to look amazing with your quilting. Hugs,

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  31. Just beautiful. But I knew it would be.💁

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    1. You did??!! There was many a time when I did wonder how this fabric garden would bloom. I must say though, I am delighted with the fabric flower garden that is before me. Hope all is well with you Gail. I am supposing autumn is beginning to delight with its glorious hues there. Have you been getting all the rain that has been working its way down the east coast?? It is strange but as yet, here the leaves haven't begun to change quite yet. We are still experiencing warm days which is rather lovely. Though the mornings and evenings are getting a wee bit chilly. Take care, lovely Gail. Thank you for your beautiful visit. Kim Xx

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  32. Hi Kim
    Your quilt is truly amazing. What a wonderful idea to quilt your garden. Just love to look and see all the wildlife. Good luck with the quilting.
    Best wishes Kay c Xx

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    1. Sometimes ideas do work out, don't they. =) I too, love the little birdies, butterflies and buzzy bees. I am thinking I might need a little luck with the quilting. =) Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely Kay. Have a fabulous week. Kim Xx

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  33. Hi Kim,
    I can only guess the sheer anticipation and excitement to have this gorgeousness finished! I can only guess the ton of time spent on stitching it, but in the end I am sure the beauty of it, compensates for everything!

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  34. Simply stunning, Kim, your applique designs. I can't wait to see this quilted, showing off the various appliques in dimensional attention. The photos over the water of the quilt are comparable to Monet's Irises and water lilies....so ethereal!

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  35. You did it, your little flower garden blooms profusely! What a precious piece, all those small but beautiful flowers, not to mention the birds and butterflies that splash off your quilt.
    Dear Kim, it is so nice to let us follow how this quilt grew so beautifully.
    Here the sun is shining, but at Easter it gets cold again, brrr.

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    1. Loes, yes I did it. Amazing really, that what was in my imagination actually became a reality. I must admit there were times when I did wonder as to my lunacy as to thinking I could interpret the garden around me into fabric. Some of those flowers/leaves, and the itty bitty buzzy bees were impossible. But.....it's done and I am so happy I threw caution to the wind and went out of my comfort zone and attempted something new and exciting. Love the serendipitous nature of my fabric flower garden. I am glad the sun is shining for you. Perhaps the weather forecasters have got it all wrong and Easter will shine for you and bless you with warm sunshine. We can but hope. =) Enjoy a beautiful week, lovely Loes. Kim Xx

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  36. Stunning Kim, just stunning! And I have enjoyed following you along on this journey. xx

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  37. What a perfect setting to show off your artistic creation. Painting in fabric with stitches as the brushwork IS amazing. I will love to see how you leave it in your home...and my goodness, what a lot of loving work! Hugs, Sandi

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    1. Sandi, my fabric flower garden was a lot of work with every stitch filled with love, but now that it is blooming I am rather pleased I kept at it. I love your thoughts of "painting in fabric with stitches as the brushwork"...that is exactly what a quilt is, isn't it. Thank you for your beautiful visit. Kim Xx

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  38. It is masterful, Kim. It’s absolutely gorgeous and so at home in your beautiful gardens. Well done!

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  39. You are like the Monet of quilts, Kim! I have never seen such intricate, delicate work as you do. This one is truly a masterpiece of all masterpieces! I’m in awe of your talent!

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  40. Oh Wow!!! Kim, you have outdone yourself with this beauty. What a gorgeous quilt. The birds are absolutely beautiful and I think I can smell the flowers from here. Just stunning.

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  41. Isn't it truly amazing how fast this year is going, we are almost to April... your quilt and it being surrounded by so many gorgeous flowers makes my heart sing today!!! You have done such an amazing job appliquing all of this and have made a fantastic spring/summer style quilt. I just love all the details you have put into it and can only imagine how more it will come to life once you have quilted it.
    Gorgeous post!

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  42. Hi Kim, your garden quilt is absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed reading your post and visiting your actual garden. You have so many beautiful dahlia's and live in such an idyllic place. Thank you for taking us on a little tour x

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  43. I love how this looks! I can't believe you've been working on it that long. It's been fun to watch it come together. Beautiful work!

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  44. I have always loved seeing your photos of the beautiful garden, and now you have beautifully recreated it with fabric. Absolutely amazing, Kim!!

    -Soma

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  45. Dearest Kim,
    I feel so amazed both by your last work of art, and your flower garden, so charming in autumn!
    Enjoy your Easter, dearest friend of mine!
    Be blessed
    XOXO Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)

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  46. I like to come to you to look at and hear your colors, your shapes ... flowers and birds ... a singing and sounding everywhere ... on your ceiling, in your garden and in my room. Thank you and see you next time. Best regards from Viola

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    1. Thank you so much, Viola. This little world of mine is a flowery one. Like Monet, I must have flowers, always. Your beautiful words have blessed my day; thank you. Kim Xx

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  47. It's absolutely beautiful, a masterpiece.

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  48. Dear Kim, as Polly said, your appliqué flower garden is a true masterpiece!! You are so right, it is good now and then to go outside our comfort zones and try something new. Your gardens are still lovely and full of color! Ours are slowly waking up. We had our (hopefully) last frost here this morning and the forecast is for much warmer weather the next week. I’m wishing you a very blessed Easter! Zenda

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  49. It's wonderful, Kim, a true labor of love, and so very pretty displayed in your garden like a mirror image of the real thing. Love the colors and little birds and all the blossoms and I can only imagine how delightful it will be to snuggle up under it on a cold winter day when you can only dream of blooming flowers. Such a treasure! Happy Easter blessings! xx Karen

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  50. Kim - congratulations! 2018, yikes! And yes, you have created many fripperies in the meantime. But this, my dear, is a triumph. You have honored your hubby in a delightful way!!! The garden was the perfect studio for the photos! Enjoy your weekend!

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  51. Replies
    1. Thank you, lovely Maristella. May your Easter be a blessed one. Kim Xx

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  52. Oh Kim. I can definitely see your joy in this quilt. Glorious really!
    I always enjoy visiting your blog to see what's on the grow in your garden and on fabric. Wonderful!

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  53. Absolutely gorgeous, Kim! Well done! And congrats on this amazing floral finish!

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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  54. Oh my goodness! It's gorgeous! I'm glad you are going to quilt it by hand. It will be such a keepsake - a work of art!
    I'm getting ready to launch Jolly Postman. I don't think I have your mailing address. If you comment on my blog and give it to me, I will just not publish that comment so it won't be public. Is that okay? I don't know if you have my email address but that works, too! You probably won't receive old Jolly in the mail for months and months and he will have a whole packet of potential wives traveling with him! Ha! You'll make your creative perspective mates for him and then send it all to me. Make sense? Thank you, sweet and kind Kim!

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  55. Thank you so much for your sweet visit and lovely comments. Kim Xx

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  56. in the UK spring has sprung though sadly in a haywire fashion , the odd beautiful sunny day coupled with arctic winds , snow flurries one minute and gardening in your shorts the next , frosts harder than we have had all winter but the garden is springing to life

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    1. Goodness, sounds rather chilly there. On the brighter side.....at least the flowers are beginning to bloom. Kim Xx

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