This about 1/2 of the quilt. (The two fish in the middle that about to kiss are the center point.) This was a BOM at a LQS in about 1999. Luckily, my friend had the patterns. I did most of the fishes & as you can see I did some in multiples. Like the 4 "stripped bass" in the top right corner of this photo. My choices were based upon the fabrics in my stash. (I havd 4 of thise stripes, so I made 4 fish.) The BOM had individual blocks & some of the fish had "accessories" like goggles that I left off. I also did not do the big frog with a fishing pole... I guess I'm not a rule follower... :o) The over all size is generous twin. (I cut 6 yards of the water print in 1/2 and then sewed them together - much like the way you piece a back.)
close-up of one fishies... (The eyes are ultra suede.) I used Sharon Malec's applique technique. (She does a glues basted prepared method with the freezer paper on top.) On the very edge near the piano key border, you might be able to see a couple "orange" quilted fishies... The rest of the quilting was done using a sulky thread that had some glint to it - kind of like light reflecting on water. (I used it for the machine applique too.) That quilting has a watery appearance and goes over the appliques so that the fish look like they are in the water. The borders are quilted with pebbley texture. The binding is a "monet" landscape that has a lot of green and blue - I like the way is pushes the envelope on what "goes" with the quilt.
This is 1/2 of the back. I used a realistic fish print to contrast with the funky appliqued fishies. I also used my leftovers from the border... I pulled all of my scraps (Some from the fish, some from "bricks swaps" and some from other bright projects.) and trimmed them to 4.5 inches wide (A "brick" is 2.5 x 4.5 - hence the 4.5 measurement) and sewed them together. I apparently sewed too many for the borders - so voila, ! add them to the back.
Here is a closer view of the back.
22 comments:
What a fun quilt! My grandson would love it-and I like your approach to the back as well.
Fish-tacular! Looks like you had fun making it - I like the bass! And, great use of scraps on the back - one of these days I have to make a scrappy back!
Cheers!
Evelyn
your fish are very fun..
That is so cute! And I love the scrappy back also. ;) xoxo melzie
Wow! What are you going to do with the quilt? Thanks for all the details - photos and narrative. How long have you been working on this?
Cute fish and I love the border.
What a great quilt! Even the back is a visual treat!
What a fun quilt, Amy--front and back!
Love the quilt. Both front and back. Those fish are so groovy!
That is a fun fun quilt. I have a little fisherman friend who would just fall in love.
very cute!!!
Very cute....a happy quilt!
Cute, cute, cute!
Very funky, love those bright colours - and the back - think I might have to keep turning it over to look at it :-)
I like this very much! The quilted-in fish are a great idea.
I like the fish. Cute pattern.
love the scraps on the back- and the fun appliqued fish!
Oh wow! This one is FUN! I don't remember you talking about it before??
Jeanne
What a great quilt!! Who is the lucky person to get that quilt?
That is one great quilt! I love the fish.
I thought you might have gone for the cheeky cat in a corner somewhere eyeing off the fishes LOL. Great quilt and I love the colours and quilting :-)
what a fun quilt and I just love your backing! What a creative way to use all those extra pieces. I know it's a lot of extra work--but it makes looking at the back so much more fun!
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