Boy did I go round and round with this one. In the end, a simple patchy (slightly boro-inspired) border of watery batiks, shot cotton, indigos, a little fishnet tenugui.
Barely visible is a nod to one of my husband David's favorite hobbies - fly fishing:
At first I had an appliqued brook trout going for the fly.... but, um, no. Decided to leave the line and fly though.
I don't think this quilt has a prayer of hanging straight, but... it's OK. This has all been improv and great fun - if by fun you mean lots of problem solving - and I do think the ongoing problem solving in quilting is part of the fun! Decisions, tryouts, re-dos... it is all part of the process.
I may do one more round for fun and to carry some dark indigo through, not sure. I may call it a quilt and finish it now with a strong (very dark or bright) binding. Decisions for another day.
I am posting early because I will be out of town through the beginning of October... wait, it is almost October? Be sure to check out the links at Lori's blog Humble Quilts starting Oct. 1st. The linky is posted here.
So many quilters have followed along with us, and it has been wonderful to see all the interpretations of the themes!! (Basket, childhood, star, log cabin, "something fishy"). Thank you to all who have quilted along, and to Lori for being the glue!
xo
Cynthia
I had a similar problem, my early fish designs all looked like sharks! But I hope I've solved it. Your fishnet fabric is perfect! Thanks so much for this great idea, Cynthia, the whole challenge has been wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how this has turned out! I think your large water inspired border contains everything nicely. I''. Or sure you need anything more than a bright binding, unless it is a thin border that mimics your design just past the childhood border.
ReplyDeleteOf course, if you are still working on this when I am back from India, I would love to come help you audition ideas! :-)
That third sentence should start "I'm not sure..." :-)
Deletecreative way to interpret the theme and keep your piece yours.
ReplyDeleteThe fly fishing quilting is a great detail.
Good for you for finishing Round 5 -- like the way you handled it.
ReplyDeleteA great addition. Love the mix of fabrics. I tend to get caught up in using one fabric for the borders and I do so love this look!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so glad you posted early because I felt I had sort of cheated the theme a bit. You have shown us all that you can interpret it any way you like. I love this final (well, maybe final) border! Hope you are going somewhere fun!
ReplyDeleteOh..yes..fun is where it is...and it is here...great job!!
ReplyDeleteI really think this must have been a fun challenge. So nice to see your creative solutions.
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun watching everyone doing their problem solving and experimenting. I like how you kept your border simple but used a variety of fabrics in different amounts to create your watery illusion.
ReplyDeleteGreat interpretation. Wasn't this fun. I hope we can all get together again for another sew along. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI think the problem solving is the beat part, too!
ReplyDeleteI love your border, and the whole quilt, too! This has been such fun, from baskets to fishies! Thank you so much!
I love the print that looks like kelp or seaweed that you included. I knew that the last border was going to be suggested as an applique but the fish twist surprised me so initially I also thought of fishing line but decided on Ocean waves instead. Yours is lovely. Thanks for your inspiration for this great QAL.
ReplyDeleteOh I love it. That black background really makes it pop. Thank you for the round you gave for us also :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your quilt are the twirled shapes. They look like snakes or worms. I can't explain why I like them but they got my attention right away.
ReplyDeleteLove your interpretation. And especially the line as a nod to your husband's fly fishing - very creative! I agree the tryout and challenges with each round have been inspiring. Thanks for your part of this QAL!
ReplyDeleteThese different blues match perfectly with the medallion !
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful finish ! Congrats !
I love how individual this piece is. Everyone's is unique, of course, but you've worked from a whole different place than the rest of us. I especially like the fly fishing line! What a fun project this has been - in spite of the mental gymnastics involved (or more accurately, because of them!).
ReplyDeleteYour border made the quilt (at least to me) take on a very different persona - oriental, island, sashiko - love it.
ReplyDeleteI like the gentle fabrics in your border as a finish to this quilt, Cynthia. Have you decided yet how you will quilt it and what color you will use for the binding? I hope you'll post it when you're finished. (I also liked the fish, maybe because this quilt seemed like a "family" quilt and the fish included your husband.)
ReplyDelete--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)
P.S. Did Tommy sing in the choir during the afternoon conference on Saturday? I can't remember if he's still at the MTC or not. (Or maybe he's not in Provo?)
I didn't see the close up on facebook. Love the fly and line! The fish is good too, but maybe not for this quilt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interpretation of the fishy prompt. Liberated quilts often have a sort of chaotic quality, but your quilt is practically Zen-like. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI love it! The dark background is really fun. I love the fly fishing reference!
ReplyDeleteI think the watery fabrics look great--nice finish!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love it !
ReplyDelete