Thursday, June 11, 2009

Another selvage quilt


On the list of quilts I wanted to make this summer was another selvage quilt. I have a large bag of selvages, many sent by women across the country who are part of Swap-bot. So I went through Karen Griska's book, (click here) and looked through her examples. I saw one I like most of all and immediately began pulling dark prints from my stash for the background parts. Ah, some stash busting! Then I had to do other things but my mind kept nattering on how I would piece it. Suddenly it seemed more difficult that I had thought. Never mind, I could do it.

The next morning I sorted the pile of dark prints, added and subtracted and then had the very good idea to read Karen's directions for this complex quilt. WELL... I should-a done that in the first place! Her method is super easy and totally sensible. Why didn't I think of that? So I set to work -- this being while my computer was in the shop and I was looking for ways to allay my irritation that it was taking so long. Above is the result, minus an outside border [added after the picture was taken] and of course, minus batting and backing although the backing has been picked out -- two more stash pieces one of which was pre-washed but the other must be washed so I can't put it together just yet. I like this particular design very, very much. Using selvages satisfies all the frugalista urges I have and I love writing on quilts and the surprising designs of the color dots and the selvages that have a fringy finish add just that much more interest. Finishing it will be a joy.

6 comments :

Evelyn said...

It looks great! I love the look of the scrappy dark backgrounds!

I like to view the image in its large size, and look for the ones I sent you! :-) And it's good to hear (and see) that you also use the "plain" selvages (the fringey ones, and the ones with no writing), since I'd been wondering if those were really worth keeping for you. Now I know!

Nellie's Needles said...

This is a most appealing quilt.

I just discovered your other blog. Your writing is enjoyable to read. Thank you for sharing your view points and bits of your life.

Stephanie D said...

Well, I have been throwing away the fringey selvages because I thought they wouldn't work. However they look just fine on that lovely quilt!

Selvage Quilter said...

Hi June,

What a beautiful selvage quilt! You create the nicest things. I especially like the dark fabric with all the flowers on it.

I liked reading that you thought the directions were "totally sensible." Selvage quilting is curiously addictive, isn't it?

Karen

Kathleen said...

This works so well, I especially love the contrast with the darks.

arline said...

I love what you did with the selvages. Adding the dark fabrics with the lighter selvages makes a beautiful quilt. I can't wait to use the selvages you so generously gave to me while I was visiting you on the Cape. arline rubin