Friday, October 20, 2017

Ghastly Beauty

alidiza: Ghastly Beauty
What can I say, I'm still feeling rather Ghastly...  I was totally inspired by Natural Born Quilter's Nightshade Emperor's Wheel quilt and since my Ghastlies stash was still strewn all over my studio I just kept on going.

For the construction I adapted this NY Beauty Circle of Flying Geese pattern by Better off Thread.

I had a couple of options for adding the center section.  My initial thought was to turn under the edges of the flying geese and applique my ring to the center panel.  I also could have used my favorite circle technique and done the opposite.  Instead I decided to challenge my skills and sew an inset circle.  I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out and I definitely liked not having the extra bulk to quilt thru.

I had the haunting feeling someone was watching me quilt this;-)

Since I was challenging myself I decided to test out quilting with Aurifil's Lana wool.  As the website recommends I used coordinating 50wt thread in the bobbin and I switched to a 90/14 needle.  I love the extra definition this gives the rings!

alidiza: Ghastly Beauty
Making this pillow was great therapy, despite it's 101 pieces, but in the final analysis I don't love the result -  there's not enough contrast.  All those flying geese and they just don't pop.  If I use this pattern again I'll definitely try for something bolder. 

That said, it's a lovely addition to my ever-growing Ghastlies collection.  Still feeling Ghastly with this week's Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.

Pillow Stats:
Finished pillow is 21" x 21"
Pattern:Adapted from NY Beauty Circle of Flying Geese pattern by Better off Thread
Fabrics: from the Ghastlies collections by Alexander Henry, Spellbound by Cotton + Steel
Batting: Quilter's Dream Orient
Thread: Aurifil 12wt Lana Wool/Acrylic in Faerie Pink (8464), 50wt Victorian Rose (2445)

4 comments:

  1. You're unstoppable! I am so not a Halloween person, but it's been a blast to see your Ghastlie projects this year.

    I'm sorry you're not 100% pleased with the results here. I see what you're saying: you slogged through all those bits without the payoff you had hoped for. Don't let this deter you. You've definitely got another Ghastlie project in you for 2017!

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  2. it's a wonderful way to show off the centre panel, and while they flying geese don't pop from a distance, this isn't a cushion to be looking at from a distance - the centre panel needs you to be close up and at that range they stand out and look stunning :)

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  3. I really love your Ghastlie pillow and quilt! I understand how you're not happy with the flying geese, but it truly has a very unique look to it. The fussy cut fabric is just awesome and the colors are perfect too.

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  4. Hello (almost) namesake - what a great addition to your Halloween collection. All those eyes just following you around the room - AAaaRRrrrGGggggHHhhhhh!

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