Wednesday, September 7, 2011

WIP Walk of Shame #1

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced
I have been meaning for some time to do a WIP walk of shame. But there are too many for one post, so here's part one.
3) I'll start with the third oldest WIP, which we shall call the Breast Cancer Quilt.
I started this about 8 years ago, when my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a fairly traumatic time for my family, and having something to do - when there's really nothing you can - helped. The fabric was just perfect. But I didn't plan terribly well, those flying geese drove me nuts (I'm not a huge fan of piecing triangles I've discovered) and it keeps going back in the cupboard. I will finish it one day.


2) Second oldest WIP.
Was fairly new to quilting when I started this - very early noughties I'd say. I liked the lattice design (still think it's fairly eye-catching). Was into florals at the time (not so much any more). Have the fabric to finish it, but it just feels really dated now. And I don't have a single bed to put it on. Don't really want to throw it away or put it in the Good Sammy bin, so keep putting it back in the cupboard. Sigh. Any suggestions?

3) Oldest (and most shameful for not having finished WIP).






The photo doesn't do it justice. It's bright, two-tone jewel colours in a sea of plain black homespun. It was the first quilt I designed myself. It's king sized. It was intended as a wedding present for a couple who have just celebrated their tenth anniversary (*cough*). I think I was too in love with the colours to give it away. So I never finished it. I pieced AND quilted most of it on my first machine - a very cheap, bottom-of-the-line Elna. Can you imagine struggling a kingsize quilt through a tiny little domestic machine? Nightmare. No wonder I didn't finish it. I've been adding some free-motion detail lately on my swishy new bigger than usual Singer Quantum L500 with the open toe foot, huge extension table, extra mouth space and auto thread cutter. But it's looking a little dated. I really really really should finish this one!

I'll draw last Wednesday's giveaway tomorrow. Good luck!
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13 comments:

  1. RenateSeptember 7, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    Wow! I really really like the look of your oldest WIP! Lovely bright colours!

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  2. SusanSeptember 7, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    I made a similar quilt (like your last WIP) for my son 10 years ago too! I think it deserves to be finished!

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  3. NicSeptember 7, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    I love your oldest one. From what I see, it doesn't loom dated to me. There are still plenty of us who love brights/jewels on black. I say, finish it and put it pride of place in your house if you love it, regardless of whether you think it's modern or not. I'd call it a classic, and classics don't age :)

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  4. Janine @ Rainbow HareSeptember 7, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I love the lattice design. Maybe you could put it together with a new quilt top to make it a reversible.

    I sympathise with the Kingsize - I've just attempted my first Queensize on a Sewist. I can't imagine how you managed but it looks great!

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  5. GilesSeptember 7, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I'm amused at all the WIPs all you long-time quilters have stashed away ;) ... I can't tell the colors, butI can make out some of the pattern in that last one :) and I do like that!

    I wonder how I'm going to find running my quilt through my Brother machine - it has a quilting foot and a moderately-larger table... the quilt is not-quite-queen-sized so hopefully won't need too much manhandling!

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  6. Marjorie's Busy CornerSeptember 7, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    The black quilt is striking!! You get at those and finish them...they are all beautiful; really...if it won't fit your bed; sell it....I love all of the colours...the cancer one is sweet...flying geese can be a pain in the butt...lol but hey; aren't we all ; once in awhile...haha

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  7. KerstinSeptember 7, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    I think it's great that you pulled out all your older wips. And I really like your oldest one, the colors look so vibrant!

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  8. MelindaSeptember 7, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Girl, finish that oldest UFO! You're making me want to go back and pull out my old ones and finally get them done.

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  9. The ThompsonsSeptember 7, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    All three are absolutely stunning - very beautiful! They totally deserve to be finished. Good luck!!

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  10. LynneSeptember 8, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    I think they're all lovely. I can see why you wouldn't want to give that "black" quilt away - the colours are gorgeous!

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  11. LynetteSeptember 8, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    I say: Who cares if they're dated? ;D Isn't the whole idea of such quilts that they'll be around for generations to come? And actually, that brights-on-black is still a very popular combination. I love every one of these projects - my opinion is that you should use WIP reports to motivate a finish on each one and show us!

    The lattice may be an older fad, but it's lovely. Much better to have a finished quilt in the cupboard than a UFO, and you could take it out occasionally. The middle quilt is hands down the best cancer quilt I've seen. I usually run away from them, screaming inside, because ever since losing my mother to her rare breast cancer 7 years ago, I can't stand those pink ribbons. But this quilt is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.

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  12. Quilter KathySeptember 9, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    I love the jewel tones on the black...hope you finish it and keep it for yourself!

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  13. æbleSeptember 11, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    I really hope you take the time to finish #3. It's just too lovely too sit in the dark!

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