Friday 28 September 2012

TGIFF – it’s here!

My turn to host TGIFF! How exciting! Hope that you’ve been madly working on a project to finish in honour of the occasion ;) Or is that just me?

Happy to say though, the madness paid off. I finished my paper pieced Iris Garden wall hanging!

Pretty Irises

Ahhh. I thought I was in love before, now I know I am. I think this is one of my most favourite projects. Ever. My favourite colours, my favourite flower, my favourite quilting technique. Lots of favourites make this a special project!

Paper pieced iris

Excuse the bright sunlight highlighting each pieced section – it was the only way I could get a photo that comes even close to the vibrant colours of this project. I used four different shades of green, four shades of purple (a mix of Kona Cottons and Bella Solids– shame I can’t remember all their names hehe!).

This is the reference chart I needed to keep track of what colour went where:
ReferenceIris wallhanging fabrics
As you can see – it was much needed!!

Despite having lots of pieces, no seam allowance included in the pattern (Iris Garden by Eileen Sullivan – I’d highly recommend her patterns!), and using freezer paper for the first time, it actually went together quite easily! A few unpicked seams – particularly at the end to line all the sections up but that was about it. The hardest part was deciding on the quilting!

Leaf quilting

At first I stuck with my usual straight line quilting – adding a bit of green to the leaves.
But then… I got brave.

Iris quilting and binding

I added a little bit of FMQ around the border. That’s right, I said FMQ. Something I am terrible at. I traced the design onto some paper and pinned it to the quilt then sewed over it. It’s still not terribly neat, but I think it passes muster. Barely.

Iris wallhanging

I think the border adds a nice little touch! My Wombat Stew girls helped me pick the colour for border and binding – and as usual, they were spot on. Thanks gals!

It finishes at about 23” x 30”. I added some hanging triangle sleevey things on the back. Now to just find somewhere to hang it. Currently it’s on the door of my sewing room so I can admire it.

So now it’s your turn! What fabulous Friday finish do you have to share?

TGIFF 2_new

Link up here, and make sure you pop around and visit some of the other fab finishes this week (and leave a comment, because really, don’t we bloggers just live for comments?!).

38 comments:

  1. Just stunning Kristy! I would love to try that but a bit scared after my last efforts! The solids just sing together -well done :)

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  2. It's beautiful Kristy! I love it with all the variation in colors. And "Go You" for trying FMQ - the border looks great!

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  3. Gooooorgeous! I love the way it looks! :) Well done, congratulations!

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  4. I go on holidays and you piece a stunner! Purple green and aquamarine rub along nicely together. Thanks for hosting TGIFF and Sunday Stash this week.

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  5. Its spectacular, you did a great job. I bet it looks amazing on your wall!

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  6. Just stunning, Kristy!! Seriously stunning!!

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  7. Purple Iros are my favorite's too. My grandmother grew them, so they alwuas make me think of her nbeaitifil finish.

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  8. wow! It's gorgeous, Kristy! It's going to look fantastic on your wall! I never know the colors of the solids I use either, but I do adore Bella.

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  9. OMG it is a masterpiece! Absolutely beautiful! Be proud---you are VERY creative!

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  10. This is really beautiful Kristy. Good on you for having a go at the FMQ - it looks pretty good to me! Love the binding colour too - gives it a perfect frame.

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  11. Wow Kristy, That is beautiful!! A special project indeed- You've done a fantastic job!

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  12. It's absolutely beautiful Kristy! Well done! The quilting does more than pass muster, it was the perfect choice :)

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  13. Wow! Well done! The quilting finishes it perfectly.

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  14. You should be very proud of you achievement! Beautiful!

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  15. It's absolutely gorgeous and I love the FMQ! To celebrate your turn, I'll be back in the evening with pictures of my flat ready to be moved tomorrow morning. On the last last bits now. And all I can offer. *weep*

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  16. Absolutely stunning in both design and workmanship. Congratulations. Cheers, Karen

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  17. Oh WOW! Gorgeous! You ARE the paper-piecing Queen!

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  18. Wow, that is stunning, Kristy! I love those colours and the pattern. Irises are one of my favourite flowers. Fantastic! Thanks for hosting TGIFF!, Kristy!

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  19. Kristy it turned out beautifully! Such pretty colors.
    Amanda

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  20. I absolutely LOVE your Iris. Thanks for the link to the pattern.

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  21. Perfectly gorgeous!! Have a great weekend!! Wish I had a finish to link up!

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  22. Love the Irises beautiful work

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  23. Beautiful! Congrats on the finish

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  24. So totally amazing!! I wish I could make things like that - it is breathtaking!

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  25. That is just beautiful! So great that you stepped out of your comfort zone with the FMQ, too. It looks fantastic! :o)

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  26. Oh my it is spectacular, Kristy! I loooove your beautiful irises!

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  27. What a fantastic project! Great job, I am sincerely impressed!

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  28. Stunning and yes surely crazy..but totally worth it .. It looks stunning..

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  29. This is absolutely stunning. I love your FMQ.

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