Do you have this problem? You finish making blocks for your quilt (or hand quilting or something…) and you get so excited and emotional about that achievement you about cry? Is it just me? Is it hand-piecing/handwork that does that? I can’t be the only one!!! I can’t. You hit a milestone so huge you don’t know what you’ll do with all that time you put in focused on the making process? I have this problem. It’s a good one to have but it’s emotional and challenging.
I guess the milestone is so huge because this one is a surprise. That’s got to be the reason for my emotions. It snuck up on me. I just didn’t have anything I was planning on working on after this. I thought I had a good stack of blocks left to make. Where to from here? There’s the challenge.
You may recall I’ve been making Carpenter’s Wheel blocks since February of 2011 but as of this week I’m calling the building process d.o.n.e.
This block didn’t start out like a piece of cake. It was a bit of work to learn. Once I got it down, I started to get a vision of a quilt with nothing but blocks and it certainly is amazing to see that develop. I liked it but it was awful busy and to be honest, I never was sure this was what I wanted. Maybe a little too much for me?
Well, moving on…
I recently picked up something that gave me a new vision of setting the blocks on-point. I thought “Huh, really? Can I do that?” Well yes as it turns out, I can. I have exactly the amount of blocks finished by chance. Again, this was just a surprise, not a plan. A thought to check into, nothing more. When I realized I can call it ready to set and plan some custom quilting in the setting blocks my heart raced. I brought the blocks and my new idea to quilting on Thursday. I engaged the help of everyone I could and we did a mock-up of this new plan. (imagine this as a 4 x 5 setting)
We played with the idea of neutral setting blocks, pink and cheddar. Pink failed. Neutral is amazing and you know I love cheddar so for now Cheddar wins the day. I’m not making any final decision yet though. I’m emotional about it. Neutral is… well… perfect. Antique. Cheddar is… well… perfect. Warm. Karen. They’re both really Karen! I think it’s down to a personal preference now but again, I’m a little to emotional to decide.
Thursday was so much fun. Playing and getting feedback. I don’t know why I didn’t take pictures of every mock-up!!! 
It’s the sharing that makes it so wonderful.
Here are some stats:
- The blocks are hybrid pieced. Partially machine and mostly hand-pieced using Inklingo.
- I learned to make this block with the help from one of my yes quilting pals.
- Blocks are 12″ finished.
- The quilt would be approx 68 x 85 w/o borders. I imagined something a bit bigger but a straight set of 6 x 7 is approx 72 x 84. Not a huge difference.
- I got the inspiration to make this block from a gal named Jackie Stevens. She had an antique CW quilt that got me going.
So that’s where we’re at. I’m interested in your thoughts regarding both the setting ideas – all over blocks or setting blocks with custom quilting? I’m interesting in your color setting preference? I’m interested in your experience when you reach a milestone. I’m interested in anything you have to share about this process. And, just for the record, we have plenty of time. No hurry. Custom quilting won’t be cheap and I’m broke. Car, Vet and Plumbing has left me cash strapped. We have time.
Thank you so much for letting me drop in, share and ask of you some time to provide me with feedback.
Quilting in the heart beat, *karendianne.
i like these on point, it gives them the room they each need to shine.
The blocks are characteristically Karen-gorgeous. I’m thinking the cheddar could overpower them. Neutral Love, N, NP
The blocks are so lovely and perfect! You’re a master using the inklingo!! I love the idea of them set in cheddar and would love to see what that looks like:)
First of all, it’s good to see you’re back (or maybe you’ve been back a while and I’m just finding you again). It’s natural to feel pride in mastering the complexities of a block like Carpenter’s Wheel. If emotion takes the form of tears, let ‘em flow! The blocks look amazing.
As for layout, I agree, the block to block setting is awfully busy. Blocks on point look fabulous but I’m afraid I can’t advise you on color without seeing the cheddar. Natural (muslin or small print) is classic. As the photo demonstrates, you can’t go wrong with it. I liked Siobhan’s suggestion to use cheddar as an inner border.
I think I understand what you mean about being so vested in a project and having it come to an end. It is like finishing a great book and finding there’s no sequel. You don’t want the story to end, but there it is. Now when you happen to have the right number of blocks for just the right setting, that’s the universe tapping you on the shoulder saying “You go girl.”
The solution is to just pack those babies up and send them to me!
Your work is so amazing – another incredible quilt! Can’t wait to see the final set.
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!!! The en-pointe is an unexpected surprise and a calming cheddar (of medium value) or a tannish neutral would also make those blocks shine but not jump at you.
Have you thought about big stitch quilting? That seems to be all over the place in blogland right now and it is quick and fairly easy to do and uneven stitches would make your quilt look even more antique.
I’m the same way when I finish something. After spending so much time on a project, I always say to myself … now what?! I feel quite lost until I find an UFO. Thank heaven for UFO’s at those times!
These are such wonderful blocks and I think the en pointe configuration is a great idea. I know what you mean about feeling like crying over an accomplishment. Sometimes the work is so taxing, and you put so much of yourself into it! I’ve felt that way about paintings, ceramic pieces, quilts. The joy of creativity is a wonderful one!
What a wonderful quilt this will be. Love the carpenter’s wheel on point with neutral blocks! You continue to amaze me with your skills!!!!!
I love your on point setting. Have you thought about borders at all? I ask because I wonder if you could use the antique/neutral in the middle and the cheddar on the side triangles and carry it into the border or vice versa. So many possibilities! I too wish you had taken those pics! LOL. Ah well…. Hugs and hope you are well.
Way to go, Karen! I think the second setting (with 4 x 5) is perfect and will showcase your beautiful blocks. Cheddar is a neutral I can’t wait to see the finished top.
Oh dear – now I have to brave the storm and say I love them best set together – NOT on point – though both would be lovely – I just prefer them set close – like friends. I get emothional too when I finish – I sometimes clap my hands and sing a song for the quilt – or jump up and down (lightly, as my vigorous jumping days are far past) – sometimes tears – it is indeed a very emotional time to finish a project.
I can’t wait to see your final decision – I love finishes!!!
They are all so gorgeous! I wonder if the surprise of being finished was what made you cry–next to the great accomplishment of each individual block
Glad you had the extra joy of sharing this project with fellow enthusiasts of your craft! Love the on point setting. Neutral would allow the blocks a different type of attention, but some warm and yummy cheddar would sure make them sing, in my book. Custom quilting would be wonderful but spendy, naturally. Poor you, car, vet, and plumbing all at once, gah!
All I can say is wow!! Those blocks are amazing, and when on point. double amazing.
The color you choose will be wonderful to set them with.
Rebecca
Beautiful! These blocks really shine on point, what a winner. I’m with a toasty neutral as I could see the blocks shining even more, I’m in agreement with quilt diva on that. Well done! You are right, it is a help to get together with friends that support your art ~
:-}pokey
I think you hit a winner setting these blocks on point, Girlfriend! They look even more impressive, if that’s possible. As for the in-between-the-blocks fabric – I am absolutely sure that whatever makes you happy will be perfect.
And yes, I frequently get emotional about finishes, and I am so frequently surprised that I actually did it, that it actually looks good, and that I am actually happy to give it away. We just put so much of ourselves into these quilts – how could we possibly NOT be emotional? Huh?
Another vote here for on-point…also like the idea of the neutral setting block so it doesn’t overwhelm the wheels…perhaps you could used the cheddar as a inner boarder? I have a 1848 Carpenter’s Wheel…I’ll try and post some photos. It is set on point and had a big chintz border (which now isn’t nearly as amazing as it must have been.) I too get emotional when I finish a project…at least I think I do…it has been soooo long!
Setting? On point – absolutely.
Background? What about a very, very warm neutral? Something that will allow the block backgrounds to be “lighter” than their surroundings.
Emotional? Oh, yes. Sometimes I pump my fist and shout to the heavens. Other times I realize that I’m totally spent and drained. Still other times I cannot wait to take photos and share. On occasion, I am stunned by the outcome and able only to sit and stare at the results.
Process? I love serendipity and how unexpected outcomes appear seemingly from the blue. I also love it when a carefully crafted plan comes together. I especially love “eureka!” moments of discovery.
Congratulations on your milestone . . . GORGEOUS work!
Karen, your blocks are stunning…..amazing! Like you I think they really shine when set on point. Cheddar would be a great choice, but would it overwhelm the blocks a little? Neutral – depends on the shade, I suppose….what about tan, light but not too pale? You have every right to be as emotional as you like because you have made something beautiful.
I love these blocks set on point! And I personally would go with the neutral for the setting blocks. I think that would let the blocks shine, where the cheddar may compete with them. But that’s just my little old opinion! LOL Congratulations on getting these blocks done! :0)
I’m going to go with the blocks on point because it shows them off so much more and you put so much work into them that they need ALL THE SHOWING OFF! I am conflicted about neutral vs cheddar because I need to see the fabric choices next to the blocks. Quilts are art and art is emotional. I cried the entire time I sewed the binding on Morph’s quilt. Sometimes it’s not just fabric; sometimes it’s your heart and soul.
Love these blocks and setting them on point really shows them off. I’m definitely leaning towards neutral so the odors in the blocks pop and are not overwhelmed by the cheddar. Sides, you know I’m not a big fan of orange/ cheddar color family…..Wish I could say I have some quilting to show off…will a slowly filling up storage unit do instead?
I love the blocks on point… it makes each block shine and creates a secondary pattern with the open spaces. I think you’ve hit on THE PERFECT setting for your Carpenter’s Wheel blocks.
As for neutral vs cheddar…. I’m not much of a cheddar/yellow/orange person so I would vote for the neutral…. but this is for you, so you must decide!
Summer is usually very $$$ for me… not because I go on a fancy vacation but because I do things like have the car serviced, dr’s appts, new glasses, work done at the house… things that must be done but I’d rather spend the money on fabric! *lol*
Karen, setting these on point is BRILLIANT! They were gorgeous straight set but on point is even more amazing. How is that possible? I know you’ll come up with the perfect finish.
I don’t usually feel like I want to cry. I’m generally happy, happy, happy though! You’ve had a real journey with this project and I can understand your emotions. It’s a really special project!
Oh Karen, congratulations!! What a wonderful achievement! Love those blocks on point!