so i’m calling this runner “autumn’s midnight” which reminds me of those shorter days and nights of autumn into winter…
i chose the following threads, as seen below, to begin the quilting on this piece of hand dyed fabric by vicki. and i began with my newest thread-fave, 40 wt magnifico {by superior threads}, in a bright pink for the initial pass of feathers, a bright lime green for the hyper quilting.
so why lime green? well, partly because it’s just unexpected. and partly because the leaves paling on trees in the past weeks have so intrigued me; in that faded and varied green-soon-to-be-brown-n-gone shade. the green does look like it glows in the dark, {but that’s just the lamp!} but really why ~ because i was just curious! i wanted to see how those two opposite colors {basically green and red} on the color wheel would “mix” when they come together into the spine area. because they become to the eye, an altogether intriguing color story…
and as those two threads meld… the color changes, and it becomes a bit more complex; a richer, more visually interesting green, tones down the pink a bit, and ‘appears’ to be almost a golden tone, as it blends together. {perfect!}
this is one of my favorite parts of stitching feathers! and a fascinating effect. i then began echo quilting the perimeter with two passes of the gorgeous red-purple in magnifico, and then a third pass with the hot pink, and finally the thick, royal blue razzle dazzle {from superior threads}, in bobbin play, echoing the feathers from the wrong side of the quilt. it’s so pretty, and it’s one of my favorite techniques as a quilter. it too, also adds depth and dimension, blending, but adding light, to the deep colors of the fabric; as it accents and highlights, rather than overpower.
for the outside quilting motifs, i chose a magnifico thread in a periwinkle purple. i felt it had just the right luminosity to bring all the color elements together. it also helps tone down the pink, yet complements it too. i love how it’s brightness is visually pleasing, helping the dark-purpley colors of the fabric to pop, but lets the fabric shine with it’s depth of colors in the forest green and teal blue-greens in this piece.
i was asked by one reader “how long does something like this take me?” usually, it’s anywhere from 6-8 hours, start to finish; sometimes longer; sometimes shorter. of course, quilting takes the majority of the time, but it’s more than that. it’s auditioning threads, thinking about the color focus, the varied colors of the fabric, and how i can change, enhance, or create a different feel just by changing up thread colors or texture elements. it’s much the same process for choosing backing fabrics, binding, couching, too.
i list my quilts for sale based on time & labor, and cost of supplies, but also it includes a proportion of my time shopping for those goods, to ironing, cutting, stitching. but it doesn’t end there, either. i photograph, edit, and then list them for sale in my etsy shop. this requires writing descriptions, uploading photos, and when there is a sale, it’s processing time; emailing the customer, printing care instructions, invoices, and packaging a quilt for mailing, as well as commission fees from both etsy and various financial organizations. the price you see in my etsy shop reflects all of these things, but more importantly, the complexity as well as the originality of a piece.
because many of you said “holiday” table in your comments… i chose a holiday-feel backing fabric. this is a christmas batik fabric {that i have loved for many years!} and decided to bust into it and use some of it {that i have been hoarding – saving} for just such a special occasion. it’s berry red/purple, and teal and forest greens with highlights gold metallic stars and flecks in it. one could easily flip over the runner and use both sides.
i went with random.org for choosing a winner this time {as my favorite random generator-man was taking a nap!}… and it’s commenter #1! that would be… “barb” of mountain quiltworks ~ my idaho neighbor! congrats, barb!
this one is 8″ wide x 40″ long. now this is the deal, barb. you get to choose which one you would like… either this one, or the one from the post announcing the giveaway {it’s called bluegrass at midnight}.
all you’s guys! {she said with an enthusiastic new yorker accent} … i read all your comments; loved them! i giggled, laughed, and smiled! i was so honored to read your sense of humor, enthusiasm, support, and sweet friendship. thank you! {you bless my socks off!}
the wind is settling in on us from the northwest, {time to get the warm woolie socks on!}… as we say hello to snow and cold…. and likely say goodbye to the last of our perfectly beautiful autumn.
bless you ~ and soli deo gloria! saddle up! we’re off on a great adventure together!
linky tuesday party with one of my favorite blogs
“Freemotion by the River
love and more ~
leslie
Comments 10
Well, Barb (me) finally woke up and realized I won! Thank you SO much, Leslie! Connie is right – I will definitely enjoy this! Big smiles 🙂
Congratulations to Barb, I know she will really enjoy this! Thanks for the info on how you price, your work is so neat!
Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday
Beautiful as always Leslie!
Oh, a hearty congratulations to Barb! Woo HOO!!
Leslie, do you quilt with your Bernina with a stitch regulator foot?
You KNOW I adore your color choices and that backing is fabulous.
Now… if you see some slim woman sneaking around your place… 5'10", short white/grey hair,… looking guilty… don't let her in… I'll only pick your brain and want to run off with your creations… OR hang out and have a ball with coffee and stitching. lol
Thanks always
Grace and Peace to you and yours,
Christina in Cleveland
Your feathers are always expertly executed but I love the side/filler stitching on this one.
congrats to Barb.
Oh Leslie that is a gorgeous runner!!! The quilting is stunning and the thread colors and the fabric and I could go on and on.
I am glad you wrote about all the time and costs, etc. that you put into your work because most people have no idea of all of this unless they too make things by hand. I have had people contact me about what I would charge to make a quilt and I never quite know because of course if I haven't made it yet, I haven't added all those things up, so I guestimate and I know I never charge enough. But the odd thing is that I never hear another peep back from them. Not a word. I don't get it. I usually figure my material costs and so little for labor that if I really figured it out I would make 50 cents-$1 an hour and that doesn't even cover my electricity costs or wear and tear on my machine, iron, etc.
Some people have better luck selling their creations. I haven't been very successful in selling. Then again if you don't self promote constantly every chance you get you and you work won't get discovered either. There just isn't time to do it all. So I create as a hobby as I do get great enjoyment from making things.
Beautiful again of course. The threads just pop on this piece.
Lucky Barb! It's exquisite! It's interesting to read your thought processes behind your choices of thread too. Besides the quilting, you have a mastery of color and use of threads.
I pulled out my wool socks here last week too. And turned on my electric fireplace.
And we are saying hello to autumn here! Stay warm.
Gorgeous stitching once again….congratulations to Barb!!!!
Congratulations Barb!