Friday, March 13, 2009

big reveal



Here it is. All finished.

Usually when I make a quilt it is an emotional process. I get substantial highs when I think of a great idea and I get frustrating lows when my inner critic gets mean and merciless. This happens with quilting more than any of my other creative endeavors. And I think it is because quilts are such a big deal. They cost more. They take more time. They are a more substantial product, than say, a loaf of bread, or a scrapbook page. And so that just makes the process more. More difficult. More fun. More frustrating. More rewarding.

This little guy though, did not inspire the emotional roller coaster that others have before it. I think this is because it came together quickly (I finished it in a week) and I allowed myself to break some rules.

My highs were: breaking the rules. Letting that batting show. Allowing some fraying of the fabric for the added texture. Putting on the big yellow border.

My lows were: worrying that it would be too busy. worrying that the pieced squares were competing too much with the appliqued squares. worrying that breaking the rules makes the final piece less practical. I mean, this quilt is not really one that can be thrown in the ol' washer dryer. And, I think that's okay.

Anyway, my overall opinion is: love it. Loved the process. Love how bright and sunny and friendly it is. Love the cows. Love the cows. It's a cute one.

This quilt is for my friend Loralee and her baby Patrick. The squares each represent something in their lives. Their dogs, their garden, their chicken coop, their clothesline, their home. And, although they do not own any cows, they plenty of bovine neighbors that are near and dear to their hearts (and by that I mean they live around several dairy farms...).

Ok. That's it. I am still in Vermont and am heading back to Brooklyn today. Have a great weekend!


9 comments:

Susan said...

Love it!!! I feel like all of us who were recipients of your creative generosity pre-blog should send you pictures of your old stuff, too. I just love these "story" quilts you do and I've got a pretty rockin' one at my house :)

Marti said...

Susan, I've been dying to see your quilt for years! Please send us pictures!

Goes On Runs said...

so super cute!!!

Kirsten said...

Adorable! The clothesline is great. Did you give it to Loralee this week?

Loralee said...

The quilt is absolutely amazing--as good a photographer as Robyn is, her pictures don't do it justice. It is draped over a chair in our living room and I get to brag to everyone who comes through about how lucky I am to have such an incredibly talented friend.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. That quilt will be cherished.

Jessa said...

Robyn this quilt is the best ever. I want to run to my sewing machine right now and break all the rules. Too bad I'm about 1500 miles away from my machine. That's a long way to run. But when I get back, look out!

Mama V said...

It's so cute! It turned out GREAT, Robyn. I love how the house is at the center of it all...

Anonymous said...

oh, man...is that ever cute?? I love, love the cows and chickens..adorable..lucky Patrick! Lucky, indeed.

Anonymous said...

It is BEAUTIFUL -- I love it!!

-Steph