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Sunday, September 14, 2008

She's Apples!

I have been waiting to do a post on this for ages but wanted it to be received first. Then I ran out of time as I had to get away for a girly weekend in Sydney. I'm completely exhausted but really want to show off my latest creation.

Some of you may have already seen this over on Fi's blog and on her Flickr photos.

DQS4 Apple Tree Quilt

I can't tell you how excited I was to get Fiona as a partner. It was quite funny considering she had just had me as a partner for the Four Seasons Quilt Swap.

I had all sorts of ideas for Fi who likes a bit of the vintage look. Then one afternoon while I was busy tidying up the kids toys I picked up a little plastic tree. Within minutes I was cutting up a heap of greens from my stash. And an hour later the quilt pieces were cut and ready for sewing.

I love how this turned out but it's actually the second version. The first I used vliesofix to attach the leaves before I appliqued it and it was way too stiff. It wasn't Fiona at all. Soooo, I redid it and just sewed around the leaves using a straight stitch. I like how it is fraying a bit around the edge. I also changed the background fabric to blue for the sky and green for the grass and I think overall it has a much softer feel.

DQS4 Apple Tree detail

DQS4 tree detail

After coming up with the original idea I decided I wanted a lovely vintagey novelty fabric for the back. And look what I found at work. Lovely new fabric just perfect for the back.

Doll Quilt Swap 4 quilt back

Quilt back detail

To add a bit more detail under the tree I used the little flower pattern from the back.

DQS4 quilt detail

Then it was just a couple of hours work with my little yoyo maker and I had lots of little red apples.

Apple yoyos

Finished off with a little label.

DQS4 label

And all packed up ready to go to my lovely friend Fi!

Ready to Go

And to finish, here's a snap from yesterday. Enjoying a glorious Sydney day with my Goddaughter Sophie.

In Sydney with Sophie

39 comments:

Kate said...

I think your quilt is amazing - just perfect!

Ali said...

Oh the precious apple yo-yos! It's beautiful Louise.

periwinkle said...

such a lovely little quilt - did you get your magazine swap partner info?
lisa x

Valerie said...

You never fail to impress with your adorable spunky and always so clever quilts!

And I love the picture at the bottom -- it looks like beautiful weather and of course, makes me want to plan a vacation to see Australia for myself. :)

Liesl said...

That is the most divine quilt. I love the perfect little yo-yos on the tree.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful little quilt!! Those teeny yoyos are very cute.

Anonymous said...

ANOTHER gorgeous quilt!! I love it! And I'm glad Sydney could put on at least *one* day of glorious weather for you :D Sunday wasn't much good for much other than travelling home or sitting inside.. :(

Anonymous said...

gorgeous work.... lucky fiona!!

Ashley Ann said...

That is so cute! I love the yo yo apples!

Ginger said...

Really lovely quilt, as usual. Your creativity is astounding!

Anonymous said...

Your quilt os gorgeous, I love all the special details. You have spurred me on to try my new suffolk puff gadget too!!!

CurlyPops said...

The quilt is just so beautiful...I love all the little details and the lovely stitching. Lucky Fi!

Jodie said...

Oh Louise, another gorgeous little quilt, well done!!

Jodie :)

Kylie said...

The quilt looks great - LOVE the apples and the colours of the trees. Your hand stitching just finishes it off - I would have found it hard to give away.

Kellie said...

I was thinking of you on Friday and wanted to wish you well for your weekend ... but then before I knew it I was rolling over and it was Saturday morning! :(
I hope you had a great time and are not too exhausted!
The quilt is beautiful with just the right degree of puffy softness!
I hope you are all are well!

Anonymous said...

oh this is truly gorgeous! So beautiful and sooo very special. How lucky is Fii I am sure she adores it!!

Unknown said...

I saw this on flickr and fi's blog and just melted - it's amazing!

Heart in the country said...

Brilliant quilt, you must be really pleased with it. I especially like the little label in the corner.

Unknown said...

Cute little Quilt..very creative..love the tiny yo yo's
cheers
maree

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Louise! It's just beautiful -- and just so perfect! LOVE LOVE the back -- it was meant to be. Love the pic of you too -- so beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely adore that quilt! What an amazing job you did!!!

Jade said...

It's beautiful, Louise! The details are just perfect.

Amanda Jean said...

what a beautiful and amazing quilt. I love how the edges are fraying on the tree. and the little yo yo apples...wow! nice job, Louise!

Beth said...

Perfection! The fabric, the quilting, the yoyos, and the view! Perfection!

Melody said...

Too gorgeous!

Jodie said...

As awesome as always Louise - I love the label !!! You are a crack-up!

susan said...

it did turn out so gorgeous, and i love the close up of the little yoyo. they are so tiny. cute pic of you and goddaughter

Corrie said...

wow and double wow!even the label is wow

Angela said...

what a special little quilt! the backing fabric is a perfect pairing to the gorgeous detail on the front. nicely done!

www.larksongknits.com

KR said...

I am in love with these precious little quilts. You have some amazing talents! :)

Hugs!

Kristin
http://homegrownrose.typepad.com/reclaimingthehome

Marisa said...

This quilt is adorable! I have plenty of space on my kitchen wall...maybe I'll have to make something similar! I was thinking an apple quilt may be in order soon. Oh, and ps, the quilt you made me is completely perfect on my doll quilt wall. You rock!

Pinkflowerbuttons said...

Gorgous quilt, fantastic.

Kimonos and Sushi(OLD BLOG) said...

I've just come acroos your blog. I love your Apple Tree...Your friend indeed is lucky to receive such a beautiful gift

Within A Quarter Inch said...

Oh my - it's good enough to eat! I love it! Such details.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous quilt! Love the apples and the details on the trunk.

Nikki said...

You are a SUPERSTAR!!! What an amazing amount of work and love went into that quilt!

PS. Great write-up in Living Creatively!!

Karen C said...

Just love that apple tree, ingenious.

Anonymous said...

Your dolly quilt is adorable, Louise...love the label on the back too, verrry clever. Love Fi's quilt she made for you too :) xx

Alyssa Thomas said...

Wow, this is so beautiful. I'm glad I found your blog today!