Summer SHIMMER – completed!

 These are the threads I chose to create Summer Shimmer:  YLI threads in three styles: Candlelight, Pearl Crown Rayon, and Designer 6, all wonderful textures of thick threads from YLI.  I also used GLITTER and Rainbows tri-lobal polyester from Superior Threads.

I cut it into long, curvy pieces, and placed them where I wanted them on my quilt top, before I began quilting.  (It’s really alot easier that way!)  I added additional angelina fibers, too. 

 The picture above was when I hung the piece in my dining room to evaluate.  Hmmm… I’m likin’ it … still – it needs ‘something more.’ Back to the machine! Add the GLITTER thread in a darker, turquoise blue.  Binding is already on it, too, at this point.  But I knew that I could still add thread play without any buckling or warping… so I DID.  Can you see the difference in the picture below?  A matter of personal preference… but I did some MORE!

The next picture is without the Glitter thread… 

And I think this piece is just right now!

I found that after playing with it on the wall, I really liked the versatility of it hanging either vertically or horizontally.  My favorite is the horizontal, which evokes childhood memories of playing at the pool, laughing, screaming, splashing, taking swimming lessons… the beautiful cool, aqua blue water, and then later in the afternoons… the heat waves from the hot prairie sun as we dried off! The pool was very much a sanctuary for myself, my brothers and sister, and some peace of mind for my Mom.  She saved to buy our family season passes, and made sure we knew how to swim.  As a single mom, at least for those few summer months, she knew we were well occupied, having fun, and safe at the pool.

Let me be transparent with you all here, regarding the photo above, with the yellow and blue curly-q’s.  I’m not sure I’m crazy about the blue ones… perhaps I went too far. Or perhaps I could have chosen a different motif… I don’t regret it, it’s just part of the fun of exploring, trying new things… and stretching yourself beyond what is comfortable!  Be adventurous… be something of a risk-taker! I’m glad I did, as I’ve discovered more about what I like.

But I sure do really dig the overall look, and feel, and the happy SUMMER memories this evokes for me.  It gives me great joy!

 I dig the binding, too.  It is a commercial batik… and I think it most excellently ties in with the feel of the quilt—it’s colors, it’s movement, enhancing the overall quilting style, yet defines the space and shows off the lovely curving edges that emulate that pool-like quality I was going for.  It’s a darker color value in the same color family, and finishes nicely (in my opinion!). Most importantly – it makes me happy when I look at it. 

Begin! Choose something you love, whether it’s the fabrics, a pattern, threads, quilting, motifs, or all! Be inspired. Love what you do. In teaching, I encourage students to do just that.  Just begin!

Which way do you like it best?  Hanging vertically or horizontally?

Note: picture above was taken before I added the additional Glitter thread.