skip to main content

Very possibly the last time I'll do something like this

9 years ago

Here is my version of Eileen Bahring Sullivan's "Birds of Paradise." I haven't quilted it yet, but I may not get to it for a while and I wanted to show and tell. It was a very tedious project, lots of ripping, even after I'd gotten the hang of paper piecing. The unusual shapes and angles were really a challenge, especially when I had to keep the directional pattern running in the same direction (where the leaves went into the frame). My advice would be to never use a directional print when paper piecing. If you don't know a lot of swear words, you will by the time you finish. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (23)

nannykins
9 years ago
Oh my! That is a work of art!

Theresa
jackier123
9 years ago
Love it!
Related Discussions
one last thing about butterfly gardens & then I'll shut up...
Q
Comments (21)
Thanks for the info, Ill. I'll be looking for some cowpea seeds and that red thingie that I've already forgotten the name of. And I'll definitely have a donkey's ears for you. Your July was rainy, eh? I don't think we got one single drop the entire month of July. I could see it raining to the northwest (probably at YOUR house) but nothing hit here until the first week in August. And then very little. I think it only rained maybe 4 times in August! We had one fairly heavy shower about a week ago that lasted about an hour, and that's the most rain I've seen in my yard since last spring! Arrrgggghhh. Marcia
...See More
At last, sleepy time for my hosta...Who was last?
Q
Comments (36)
Babka, you had me roaring with laughter painting that image! LOL. Regardless, you have beautiful surroundings, from every angle! LOL It was a treat to see some of your plants (white pots) and the way you had them displayed. It looked lovely....and I understand why you would remove the pics after a time. Thanks for coming back to reply. :-) Mocc, I really appreciate it, but I don't want you to feel put upon. Relax, enjoy your week-end! Have a great week-end, All! Jo
...See More
I'll huff and I'll puff & I'll blow the Houzz down
Q
Comments (58)
plllog -- yep, reset the bookmark, and it seems to be working. In the olden days, you know, last week, I only signed in when I wanted to post (laughable, I know, like I'm actually privatizing my forum trail and someone cares) and I could just use That Home Site Forums - Gardenweb menu to look at Kitchens, Cooking, etc. If I want my topics now, I have to sign in; otherwise, I'm sent to the Garden Forum. It makes sense signing-in, I get it, but I just need to grumble a bit. And I'll whisper: this change and not knowing what the end of net neutrality is actually going to mean, makes me want to grumble, grumble, grumble a bit more:) On a positive note: I thought I was too old to learn new tricks; yet, a new talent that I've acquired is filtering out the peripheral, intrusive, embedded nonsense on the sides, top and bottom of my screen/phone. Advertisers think I see their stuff, but I don't:0) CathyinSWPA
...See More
When's the last time you saw a RAINBOW like this one?
Q
Comments (27)
Beautiful rainbows. There is something magical about them. I have a bicycle that I rarely ride. Last year I asked my husband to get it down from where it is stored (up high in the garage). As I rode down my street, there it was, a beautiful rainbow. I wondered why I didn't bike more often. Then maybe 20 or 25 years ago we were coming home from the cottage and there it was----a rainbow from one side of the highway to the other. I wanted to stop and take a picture, but we had no camera. There would have been a lot of memories tied into that one picture as my in-law's (who owned the cottage for 30 years) are now passed and the cottage was eventually sold.
...See More
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL
9 years ago
That is some good hard work right there! You know all those swear words cause you're a sailor. But if they helped you paper-piece, go for it!! :-)
msmeow
9 years ago
Lois, it's beautiful! I've got to put that one on my quilty list! Congratulations - all of us quilters can really appreciate the work that went into that.

Re. directional prints - I don't recommend them for stack & whack, either. They make relatively boring kaleidoscopes! LOL

Donna
toolgranny
9 years ago
That's just beautiful. And, it is so reminiscent of the islands. Do you call that a "whole cloth" paper piecing? I've never tried anything that big and complex. Good job.
donna_loomis
9 years ago
That is truly lovely. I know it must have been quite a challenge. That is quite an accomplishment.
Fran
9 years ago
That is spectacular and definitely worth the effort. I have quite a repertoire of those words myself.
littlehelen_gw
9 years ago
Oh wow...was my first reaction on seeing this...it is fabulous! I've done some paper piecing and love the results, but not the process...Congratulations, it's lovely!
quiltnhen
9 years ago
It's beautiful. I hope you can enjoy the finished product.
trouzernc
9 years ago
Wow! That is gorgeous! But I hear your pain in making it - I'm not a fan of paper piecing just for the reasons you mentioned. I think you really love, love paper piecing or .....it's just not your cup of tea. I have made a few simple projects using paper piecing, but a guild raffle quilt using pp New York Beauty was my undoing and I haven't touched it since.
FlamingO in AR
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That is absolutely stunning and you did a magnificent job on it. I can understand what you're saying about the directional fabric, I get so confused when I'm doing paper piecing and trying to get things to line up directionally.
nanajayne
9 years ago
What a charming accomplishment. The results are beautiful and you have something to be so proud of. I appreciate your PP as I am one of those who find it beyond my realm of patience. Even the bad words don't help. lol.
Ziemia
9 years ago
Literally (and I do mean literally) took my breath away. It must seem nearly alive to you! Thanks for sharing. (and for the warning along with it)
Robbi D.
9 years ago
I love it!! I hadn't seen a paper piecing project of that size. I like a challenge, and may have to add it to my bucket list.
bev2009
9 years ago
Absolutely stunning! The directional pieces might have been a bear, but they really do add to the design. I hope you are keeping this for yourself.
day2day
9 years ago
It's beautiful!

TFS.

~Geraldine
User
9 years ago
That's really beautiful!
Best to you,
Sandra
bozogardener
9 years ago
It is gorgeous! I really love it.
magothyrivergirl
9 years ago
Breathtaking! Absolutely Beautiful!
grammyp
9 years ago
But it is so very beautiful.
wendyfaye
9 years ago
WOW! This is gorgeous. Love it!
loisflan
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all so much for your generous support.
rosajoe_gw
9 years ago
Beautiful! PP drives me nuts, but I do love the finished product.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES I'll Have the Same: How to Design With Monochromatic Color

Indulge the eye, offer a break from visual chaos and make decorating easier with single-color rooms in any shade you like

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

KITCHEN WORKBOOK 8 Kitchen Amenities You'll Really Wish You Had

By The Inman Company

Keep kitchen mayhem and muck to a minimum with these terrific organizers and other time-saving, mess-preventing features

FALL GARDENING 6 Trees You'll Fall For

By Therese Ciesinski

Don’t put down that spade! Autumn is the perfect time for planting these trees

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Cookware So It Lasts

By Laura Gaskill

Avoid damage during everyday cleaning and stain scrubbing, with these tips for pots and pans made of popular materials

HOUSEPLANTS Meet a Long-Lasting Houseplant With a Forgiving Heart

By creative jewish mom.com

Low light and little watering won't scar Zee Zee plant for life; this East Africa native has a tolerant nature and an exotic beauty

KIDS’ SPACES 9 Pro Tips to Create a Long-Lasting Kids’ Room

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Hear what professional designers have to say about turning your nursery into a kids’ room that will last through the preteen years

EXTERIORS Roofing Materials: Slate Makes for Fireproof Roofs That Last

By Rachel Grace

It stands up to weather and fire without losing its high-end look. But can your budget handle it?

ORGANIZING Something Wicker This Way Comes

By Lisa Higgins

Store your stuff neatly and easily in any room with stylish, versatile baskets

Sponsored

More Discussions

I’m a bit anxious

18

I came across an oriental fan pattern.....

5

Sailing/quilting update

3

Children's cancer quilt

4

3