Saturday, January 24, 2015

Becky's Spiky Set for Threads of Memory



Becky's finished top in line for hand quilting

She says that probably is not going to happen, however. She can piece a lot more tops than she can quilt. The quilt in the frame has been there for 20 months. She sent this photo to show how she photographs her quilts (note rolled up rug.) She hangs over the stair railing to get the whole quilt in a picture and then manipulates the photo into a rectangle with Photoshop (at which she's quite good)
.
 Memory's Crown by Becky Brown, 76" 99"

For her blocks made with my Moda Ladies' Album collection, Becky used a set inspired by the old Rocky Mountain/Crown of Thorns/New York Beauty sashing.


Quilt from the mid-20th century, possibly made from a 
Mountain Mist pattern called New York Beauty.

We're giving you a pattern here but must remind you that this is NOT for beginners in sewing or in computer-aided pattern drafting. It's a challenge.


Becky pieced spiky strips 12-1/2" x 4-1/2". When pieced to the blocks they finish to 12" x 4".


 Each spike is tapered from 1" on a 4" length.

Threads of History blocks with a Crown of Thorns set#1, 
52" x 68"

Becky did a lot of preplanning using Photoshop. Her first idea was to set the 12 blocks on a horizontal grid and sash the blocks with the 12" x 4" finished strips. This is the pattern we are giving here.

(This shot is probably the closest to the correct color of this quilt.)

Plan A: Separate the blocks with these strips and add a finished 4" corner square of a large floral print. Most prints she used are from my Ladies' Album collection last year. Her light plain color in the spikes is Moda's Bella Solid Parchment.


Measurements
  • Top is 52" x 68".
  • Blocks finish to 12".
  • Cornerstones finish to 4". (Cut 20 squares 4-1/2".)
  • Pieced sashing strips finish to 12" x 4". You need 35.
Here's a paper pieced pattern for the strips.


How to Print
  • Create a word file or a new empty JPG file that is 8-1/2" x 11".
  • Click on the image above.
  • Right click on it and save it to your file.
  • Print that file out on a sheet of 8-1/2" x 14" paper (legal-size). The template should be 4-1/2" wide x 12-1/2" long.
  • Adjust the size if necessary to the correct size.

Cutting the fabric.
Becky used a template to cut her fabric
before piecing it to the foundation.

Print this on an 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of paper.
It should make a template 1-3/4" at the base.
You may have to readjust the pattern to fit your printer.

Here she's cut 36 spikes out of a strip of Parchment solid fabric.

Note from Becky: "When piecing this border be mindful of starting and ending the sashing with light or dark fabric. 

It will make a difference."

Plan B: Set for 12 sampler blocks with 6 alternate plain blocks.

But she started thinking that she should place the blocks on point. The top would finish to about 68" x 90-1/2"


Piecing all those spikes gave her more time to think. She decided the cornerstones would look good with a pieced diamond star, something you often see in the sashing of those old Crown of Thorns quilts.

4" finished, hand-pieced star

Stitch 17 stars finishing to 4". You are on your own here. Draft an 8-pointed star to finish 4" ---BlockBase or EQ7 will do that for you. Becky hand-pieced them for accuracy.

First idea for star/sunburst

Well, you know Becky. She got another idea and she can sew anything she can think of and
draw in Photoshop. She decided those six plain blocks were just too plain and put an 8-pointed star/sunburst in them.

" I wanted these stars to float in the block so that it wouldn't compete with the other blocks. The placement of fabrics (colors) vary on these 6 blocks so they are all different." 

Again, you are on your own. (Do note there are many nice star/sunburst blocks already drafted for you in BlockBase and EQ7).


Detail of a corner to show you how she finished up the border.

And there you are. 
Note: No pattern for finished Becky masterpiece. It should remain one of a kind don't you think?

13 comments:

Suzanne A said...

That quilt is a gorgeous work of genius! Never seen anything like it. What a beauty.

Jeanne said...

Oh, this is stunning! My blocks remain folded in a bundle. Sigh.

WoolenSails said...

That is my problem too, I Have tops that need to be quilted, so they will get done, eventually;) Beautiful quilt and a great way to get a shot of it.

Debbie

Anna said...

Amazing quilt with a stunning setting...scares me, lol

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Incredible!

Jo said...

Absolutely stunning Becky, well done! Yes, one of a kind!

Dasha said...

Awesome borders Becky. And you have outdone yourself with the cornerstone stars

gibbygoo56 said...

Beautiful. Looks like lots of heart and soul went into this quilt. I love it!

Becky in VA said...

Thanks everyone, for all your kind words.

BuckleBerrieQuilter said...

One of the most beautiful I've seen. Thank you for letting us see it.

mamifleur said...

Wonderful quilter Becky !

Denniele said...

Becky...this is just stunning! Wow!

Valerie Z said...

Becky's quilt is just stunning! Beautiful, gorgeous, incredible workmanship and definitely one of a kind!