Tuesday, November 4, 2014

owls

I have half of the bottom border appliqued for my Bird of Paradise quilt.  I'm using some shapes from the pattern, some of my own ideas and images from the original quilt.  
 I added some apples for color.  My knowledge of owls is somewhat limited - do owls sit in apple trees??  lol  They were a bit tricky to applique and once done I felt that they needed faces so I scoured my stash looking for owl face fabric.  It's interesting to look at fabric in a whole new way :0)  They still need some embroidery details but I'm sure I can procrastinate about that until the whole border panel is done...
 Another black bird to add some black balance.

 And I thought a sprig of flowers would be nice for the center because on the other side -
there will be 2 race horses galloping along.  I just adore these horses from the original quilt.  They have so much energy and their shape is beautiful.  Julee, one of the posters from the Civil War Bride blog was generous enough to send me the shape for these horses copied from a photo of the original quilt. I decided to put them on the bottom border instead of the side so you don't have to turn your head to view all the parts of the quilt.  (Mine is going to be a wallhanging not a bed quilt like the original was likely intended)  I'm so excited to be getting close with this long, long term project!

Happy Quilting!

11 comments:

Every Stitch said...

Lovely work Janet! It's looking nicely balanced and the owl faces are a great addition.

Carrie P. said...

Oh, I do like those owls even without features.

Cheri said...

Those owls are cute, they were one of my favorite parts of the quilt. The horse is a nice addition also. You are getting close!

Kyle said...

Love what you've been creating. The Owls are charming and I'm glad you're horses will be running the right way. It's fun when you have to look at fabric for a specific purpose for an applique piece.

Barb said...

Oh it makes me so happy that you are adding your own touches to this quilt. After all, the first one is done, been done, why not make yours yours!
the owls are great and I think they would sit in a apple tree.
the running horses add a lot of movement -
you must be getting close with this!

Tina said...

Oh Janet! I love how great your borders look and I love the running horse!! Would it be possible to send me a copy of it? It would be greatly appreciated if you could, please….my fingers are crossed ;o)

tfitzleahy@sbcglobal.net

Lori said...

Fantastic! Love the owls and they absolutely sit in apple trees!
The galloping horses are wonderful.

MARCIE said...

The owls are wonderful! This quilt will be a masterpiece!

audrey said...

Love the details in your beautiful borders!

Teresa Rawson said...

I am SO loving your bottom border! The flowers and apples add the perfect touch to your beautiful owls!

Karen said...

Oh a horse. I am not a true horse lover but do like them on quilts.