Crush :: The Devil's In The Details!

Before, during or after a quilt,  I'm always up to working in a mini, wall or runner!  When I'm stuck on what to do next I just have to look at my fabric or scraps for color inspiration.  

The fabric in this wall quilt were left over from my 'Walking on Sunshine' quilt I made last November.  I knew when the time was right and when inspiration hit me, I'd be able to use those scraps.  

CRUSH
17" X 20"

To me,  'Crush' is the best of so many worlds!  Scraps, color, trapunto, texture and quilting.  My last quilts, (Feedsack Circles) I used a lot of restraint when I quilted it, and my 'Inspire' quilt I used trapunto for texture.  I wasn't finished exploring trapunto and you know, when an idea hits you it's hard not to jump on it!



I made inset circles in three sizes using the Six Minute Circle video tutorial.  I've used this method many times and have had fantastic results.  With the circles finished, I arranged them and filled in with different colors to complete the color picture I had in my mind.

Once I got that under control I was able to move on to the next step.  This is the part I couldn't wait to try!  My 'Inspire' quilt used what I like to call my batting rope method of trapunto, but I really wanted to try shapes this time.  Circles were the obvious choice!

I lightly glued three layers of batting together and set it with a hot iron.  I traced circles, arches and a double circle on to the batting and cut them out.  On a large piece of batting I laid my top down and placed the cut circles under the top adjusting until I had them placed just right.  Carefully lifting off the quilt top so the circles stayed in place, I then traced around the pieces so I'd know exactly where they needed to be.   Unlike the batting rope where I glued the lettering down, this time I decided to try some Steam-a-Seam on the back of the circles.  It worked perfectly!  They were not going to move and I could make sure the top was aligned just right.  It was pinned and ready!



The effect of the shapes turned out to be amazing!  I love that they gave so much texture and depth to the quilt.  



Of course, it wasn't just about the trapunto!  It was the quilting.  When I have a small quilt like this I often get to go crazy with the quilting.  Walking foot, free motion, micro stitches, matchstick quilting...it's all there...and the kitchen sink too!



I couldn't tell you how many different colors of Aurifil thread I used, but I was able to use several spools that were nearly empty.  It's a nice feeling when that happens!



As a rule, I like to fly by the seat of my pants when quilting, and this was no exception!  I take one idea, one section at a time.  Then move on to the next section hoping it all puzzles together in the end.  



I finished it off with a nice scrappy binding and added some hanging corners.  I have a tutorial for the corners here:  Hanging a Mini Quilt.  



Probably one of the best ways to see the quilting detail is on the back.  I don't often do intricate quilting like this.  



When it does happen I can't help but be proud of the accomplishment.  This was most certainly a labor of love.  I might not thought that while I was quilting it, but in the end I can say I love it!

LINKING:

OH SCRAP! ● MAIN CRUSH MONDAY ●  MONDAY MAKING 
MIDWEEK MAKERS ● NEEDLE & THREAD ●FAVORITE FINISH

PEACOCK PARTY  ● TGIFF ● WHOOP WHOOP FRIDAY

BRAG ABOUT YOUR BEAUTIES ● FINISHED OR NOT FRIDAY