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Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Quilted Barn Rule #2 (finally)

FINALLY the silo is pieced.  Wheeww -- a load off my shoulders.  It is embarrassing to be one of the main hostesses and be late.

I REALLY wanted to hand piece the entire grey area with hexagons to meet the rule, but the silo just took too long and so I settled for a window.  Most of the block is paper-pieced with some hand applique on the curve and upper window. 
The words are kind of fun for me.  Grandpa Bud was a dairy farmer, and while this doesn't look anything like his milk barn, it stands as a memoir to him.  I played with several fonts on the computer until I found one I liked.  Next, I accidentally discovered that I could fill the words in with holstein cow hide.  That really sold me.  I then pondered for days how to get the words on my barn.  I finally resorted to fabric paint.  It was rather time consuming, but worth it.  I then outlined each letter in black thread with sort of a free-motion threadwork technique just like I did with the tree in my former block.

Here are both blocks together at last.  The silo is a little tall but ok.  I have no idea what inspired me to make a strip of red going down the silo.  I think it would have been better without, but too late now.   I will still try to put leaves on my tree.

I just wanted to add that the rules are making this so much fun.  There is no way I would have thought to put flying geese in the silo without the rule, and my windows were going to be rectangular in the original drawing.

Now I'm off to decide whether to finish building the right side of the barn or start something new on the left...hmmm.  Let me just admit that I change my mind EVERY DAY I work on this project.

9 comments:

Felicity said...

I really love it! I especially like how you incorporated Bud into it. I know this quilt is going to turn out awesome.

Marie said...

Wow, it's wonderful. Your silo is really a work of art. Those pieces are very tiny. I can't wait to see what you decide to do with block 3.

Ann T. said...

I LOVE IT!!!! You're right, it looks nothing like Bud's barn, but he would be proud to have that remembrance. I am sure he is looking down and smiling, with that little chuckle of a laugh he had!
You have really made a beautiful creation there.
Block 3 ??? can't wait.

crickets said...

Wow wow WOW! Really amazing. I mean, it's simply amazing that you were so patient with all those little pieces!!!! Bravo!

dorine said...

Simply love it! You are such a clever quilter! Fun design! And I remember your Grandpa Bud well. He was a sweetheart of a man!!

lynne said...

i think that the stripe of red diagonal on the silo makes it--i mean, even more than all the incredible work that you did on it. i think it gives the quilt movement and balance of the strong red of the barn......i think this is perfect and bud, i am sure, is smiling ang giving that little chuckle....you have every right to be proud!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful the way this is going together.

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

Wow that is a lot of work!! I am absolutely in awe with your quilt. Now that I see how everyones "theme" is working out. I want to do something different!

Betty C said...

I hope you do the other side of the barn soon. It looks really good.