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Modern Stupendous Stitching #2

Modern Pillow

Detail

Modern Pillow

Block

Learn It

This project was made as part of a Craftsy course:
Stupendous Stitching: Adventures in Surface Design »

Instructions

I started with 8" squares backed with fusible interfacing. Drew my pattern on with a compass and pencil and began stitching!

Difficulty:

Category: Sewing

Type of item: Home Decor

For: Home

Materials

White cotton fabric, Valdani #12 embroidery thread, Aurifil #12 cotton thread, Essential cotton thread for the quilting and piecing, fusible interfacing, fusible fleece, poly stuffing.

What was your inspiration?

Adapting Stupendous Stitching to the Modern Quilt movement.

What are you most proud of?

That I broke the rules already by using red thread (a no no!)

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

In hindsight, for a small project like this, I should have just started with one large background. Trying to match the stitching lines in a seam is close to impossible. If this was a quilt, I could have easily gotten around this issue by sashing but I like the interaction of the pattern so I chose to let the lines be where they lay (oh my, what WOULD the quilt police say???) Do I care?

120 comments

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pwalters

Dec 17, 2012

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I really like this modern Pillow - Great Work - It took me a long time to find it. How are the pictures displayed in the grouping? What is the quickest way to find one when you mention it? Thanks much.

Carol Ann Waugh

Dec 17, 2012

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Thanks for you kind words. I'm not sure how this works so I suggest you email help@craftsy.com to see what they recommend.

cobraone

Nov 12, 2012

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Looks great Carol. I like the idea of cutting it up and making new geometric shapes...........

Buttercup_ca

Sep 02, 2012

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absolutely gorgeous! love what you've done with design...! :-)

Ladymax

Sep 02, 2012

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I must tell you that I fell in love with this pillow. As I have taken your stupendous stitches course, I thought I would give it a try. I used hexagons for my shapes and went to town. I started with a larger than necessary piece of fabric, but did my stitching out to the sides, so it was much too large for a pillow. I decided to use it for a centre square in a quilt. I have almost finished and will post the photo. Thanks for the continuing inspiration.

Carol Ann Waugh

Sep 02, 2012

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Wow. I can't wait to see it!!!

Zagata

Sep 02, 2012

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Indeed. Just DO it!

lmspann

Aug 10, 2012

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Very pretty!

Ladymax

Aug 08, 2012

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This is just fabulous, but I would expect no less from such a talented instructor,

4Bird

Aug 06, 2012

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I'm wondering what the "red thread" rule is. I don't know any of the rules, self taught rule breaker is how I operate The design is a very appealing geometric. Nice!!!

Carol Ann Waugh

Aug 06, 2012

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They only encourage the use of the colors in this logo -- no red.

Silverlining101

Jul 03, 2012

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Love this. So beautiful.

Svetlana M.

Jun 28, 2012

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I like it very much! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Marie Withrow

Jun 25, 2012

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WOW! What a beautiful pillow - wonderful idea!

augustab

Jun 23, 2012

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My "modern" quilt instructor said that if you can't see "it" (the mis-join, or the mis-whatever) from 5 feet away, it's not a mistake! Actually, I think the mis-join make the design more interesting.

luv2qlt

Jun 23, 2012

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This is a great piece of art work. I thought about taking these classes but have been skeptical about it. I have heard alot of good things and maybe I need to give it a try. Thanks for sharing your work.

lilyf

Jun 23, 2012

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If you like it, that's all that matters. Doing something new is the way we learn; we learn what not to do as well as what works.

moniek

Jun 21, 2012

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Love it!

Country Gal

Jun 21, 2012

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Love it. Everything about it, especially the colors. It is so light and airy.

materialgirl

Jun 21, 2012

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This really does look like fun, and reminds me how little time I have recently to "play" with my sewing machines. Hate it when work gets in the way, but being in real estate this is my busy time of year... oh well, making money to buy more fabric and thread for the slower times

MaMaKat

Jun 20, 2012

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"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun." Katharine Hepburn. (This IS the correct spelling of her name. I ordered this a wall quote and they managed to spell it wrong, I corrected the manufacturer. Afraid spelling is the one rule I cannot in good conscience break, however.) I'm all for fun though. Even if I am the grammarian about whom your mother warned you. I love the pillow and can see it done in many different colors and sizes for wedding presents.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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I LOVE that quote! My mom majored in English so I totally get the spelling/grammar thing. this would be a fabulous wedding pillow. Imagine the ring being put in the center with a ribbon. Cool!

newstome

Jun 20, 2012

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dear carol; love this must try this one annie

Marie Kerbrat

Jun 20, 2012

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I love, love the modern look, it's what I'm all about (I think), but I have to agree with Gayla JM - I don't think this is your style, you are definitely about more is better. My sister took this same class and she is more like you, always wanting to add something more. Love your work! It is truly amazing!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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You are right. This is not my style. But I want to encourage EVERYONE to add stitching to their art/quilts/crafts. It's too much fun to ignore!

CraftyMad

Jun 20, 2012

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I love this!

nihsus

Jun 20, 2012

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Your pillow faces one of my biggest problems face on!!! Being brave enough to show something that isn't "perfect". There are some very good lessons with this pillow - and what to do, or not to do, next time. This project gives practice in freehand quilting, geometric design and joining pieces. A person can fuss and fuss with a project to get it just perfect - and with some projects - does it matter???? You can get yourself into a place where you never finish anything. This is a learning piece and I am impressed with it.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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I love how you understand me and how I'm trying to teach as well as create myself. I am a perfectionist in many ways. I always want to do things right and smartly. But one of the things I am discovering as an artist is that isn't the way to make art! Creating is a method of trial and error. One idea leads to another. BUT, I also have to say, I have no UFO's. I don't believe in them. You have to FINNISH what you start. If you throw it away at the end, that's OK but if you don't work through the "ugly" times, you will never learn.

Shoestring

Jun 20, 2012

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Carol Ann--this is crazy good. Love the mirror images. My goodness girl--this really took some patience. I love it. It's . . . stupendous and then some..

Gayla JM

Jun 20, 2012

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The pillow is lovely but it is a surprise, Carol Ann. Your motto is "more is better" and here you've done a minimalist piece. LOL

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Yes, trying to do the "modern" thing. Not sure it's my style!

Dot Dot

Jun 20, 2012

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This looks neat. I have a question. When i begin the decorative stitch, the design is often a bit wonky at the beginning. Any tips for getting it to be correct from beginning to end? mistyquilter@bellsouth.net Dottie

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Start with a bigger piece so you can cut it down. That way your "wonky" stitches disappear!

Sunvalleysue

Jun 20, 2012

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This is great. I wonder if it would look lacy using white on white , ivory, other creamy . Think I'll try it.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Good. Post it here so we can see!

MKK

Jun 20, 2012

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Why is red a no-no?

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Modern quilters limit their color choices. (Not my style!)

Ardelle Coult

Jun 20, 2012

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Freddie Moran says that red is a neutral color ....... I was so taken with the design of this piece that I didn't notice the misalignment until it was pointed out.....I see a pillow like this in my future!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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No one is perfect! Especially not me!

Karen Gonz

Jun 20, 2012

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I can see there will be more pillows on my beds! I love what you are doing with this technique. Please keep up the inspiration for all of your followers, like me!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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OK, I have one more to share -- coming soon!

Debbie11

Jun 20, 2012

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Carol, this is what I enjoy about your philosophy and method ~ design is a constant learning process and there are no rules - art is all subjective. With your suggestion, one solid piece would have likely worked better for this design, I love, love, love the overall design, flow of stitching and modern take on Stupendous Stitching. Thank you for sharing your work, even though you seem to be less than 100% satisfied, I appreciate seeing it and learning from it too. :)

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Sometimes, I love the outcome of my experiments. Other times, not so much. But it's the process that satisfies me. I will keep working.

Tanya W.

Jun 20, 2012

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It's very pretty and the stitching is absolutely stupendous! However, I can't help but have noticed the mismatched seams right away. With such a precise design, I would have re-pieced until I had it match up!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Believe me, you would not have been successful. The math involved in matching the lines is extreme since you are working on a larger piece and then cutting it down. It gave me a headache so I'm not going to try.

Joanna Strohn

Jun 20, 2012

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The quilt police might not have anything to say but with a piece like this the eye goes almost immediately to the mismatched joins. The design is wonderful - think wholecloth rather than blocks. Consider something asymetrical and the joins don't leap out deliberately. Thanks for sharing the creative process! Love the concept of this block!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Agreed. Moving on!

gigglerpa

Jun 20, 2012

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Why oh why is red thread a no-no? It's so pretty!!!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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"Modern" quilting queens decide on what colors are "modern" -- not red!

Clove

Jun 20, 2012

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I love it , can't wait to try myself,after I get back from retreat , have had a busy summer so far. Barbara

dnistrans408026

Jun 20, 2012

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Beautiful!!

Astriana

Jun 20, 2012

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Beautiful pillow!! It is so fresh and original. Love your work!!!

Sharon M.

Jun 20, 2012

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Such a nice pillow. I didn't know the Moderns had lots of rules! I thought they are the ones out there breaking the rules. Now you are innovative and breaking their rules! Got to love that!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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the "moderns" are doing what we older fiber artists did in the 70's. Just remember, what's is is new again!

lillied1260345

Jun 20, 2012

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Carol Ann, That is stunning. It's clean and fresh. Love it!

Sew1uk

Jun 20, 2012

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I am going to say sorry first vbg, but the missing of the lines of stitching matching up would bug me . I would have to make them meet or not meet a lot if you know what I mean . The colours and fresh look is super and just what I like . Jackie ,Off to hide befor every one starts shouting at me ,

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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I agree. So, working with a whole cloth approach would fix this. But remember, it's these adventures that make us get more creative to figure out how to do it better!

moneill

Jun 20, 2012

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Your pillow is gorgeous as is all your work. If you are looking for new looks with your great style what about pieces that are bigger that combine some of your blocks interspersed with some plain hand dyes. I think doing something asymmetrical would be interesting. Perhaps a slight piece of one (e.g., a certain stick or couching) could run into the plainer block. Lots of possibilities. I'm sure whatever you do will be gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your work.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 20, 2012

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Ahhhh. Thanks for starting to suggest some new things to think about. That's exactly what creativity is all about!

YvonneG

Jun 20, 2012

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It's WOW great work.

marie-pierre

Jun 20, 2012

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Waouh !!!! Like it very much !!!!!

sewhappyjp

Jun 20, 2012

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Wow, I would ilke to make one too. I hope I will get the time soon.

Whirly

Jun 20, 2012

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It looks so fresh, just right for summer. Your ideas help me to move away from the pure traditional works and get that modern twist. Thank you for the great inspirations.

Grandma Patty

Jun 19, 2012

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Just beautiful! Love what you have done. Reall;y great food for thought.

BeckyP

Jun 19, 2012

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I really like this one, Carol! Amazing all the ways one can utilize this technique. I am eager to really start in on this class once we have moved this summer. Right now I'm just finishing up lots of stuff.

Christinehuxter

Jun 19, 2012

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OMG is there no end to your talent, I just adore this pillow. Now my mind is buzzing so is my machine lol. Thank you so much for inspiring me

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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I'm just glad we can inspire together!

Kathy Dempsay

Jun 19, 2012

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quite beautiful

lizkay

Jun 19, 2012

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I just love it

mirusel

Jun 19, 2012

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This is a must do...

mirusel

Jun 19, 2012

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Oh! I love it! So simple and dramatic too.

Susannahofnorth

Jun 19, 2012

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Very effective. It has the look of machine embroidery to me. Love it!

Susannahofnorth

Jun 19, 2012

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Very effective. It has the look of machine embroidery to me. Love it!

Madu

Jun 19, 2012

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Very nice! My rule breaking mind would have not had symmetry in the end. But I am always a bit off. I am enjoying this class, just started and doing the hand work now.... All of this first project will be a lot off because I was without some supplies (good interfacing, good heavy cording), but I forged ahead! I love this process, love my sewing machine.

Ellen McC

Jun 19, 2012

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Love this pillow. Looking for time to begin this project.

StitchMatters

Jun 19, 2012

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I love the look of this pillow, but trying to match the pieces seems to go against the grain of the freedom of stupendous stitching. I agree with the comments of either making it all one piece or making it obviously not match. And what is the rule about not using red thread? Is that for white fabric because it might bleed?

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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"Modern" quilters have all these"rules". Using the "wrong" colors or "wrong" fabrics make them cranky. They need to lighten up!

Like 3 people like this

Darns

Jun 19, 2012

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Like I don't already have about 9 projects running around in my head because of you, now you've added yet another wonderful pillow! Oh, well, who needs eating & sleeping anyway - -

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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I'm sorry. What can I say? he. he.

Jo-Mo

Jun 19, 2012

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I love this! It's like you found a way to sneak color into the minimalist's living space! And a hint of lime green :D

Like 1 person likes this

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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You know I LOVE lime green! But so do the "modern" quilters so we have something in common (except following all those rules!)

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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You know I LOVE lime green! But so do the "modern" quilters so we have something in common (except following all those rules!)

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Ahhhh. Lime green. You know how I feel about that.........

Pam Sews

Jun 19, 2012

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LOVE it! You are such an inspiration!! I love all things modern, too. I'm thinking I'll make my arcs go from center side to center side so they do not meet at the corners...and the rest will be the hand stitching so I won't have to worry about meeting....wait! Didn't I just learn from you not to worry?? Yup! I need the seams to bury the cut couching threads, so if my pillow comes out half as beautifully as yours did, I'll be SO happy. It's fun and wonderful and thanks so much for sharing.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Can't wait to see how you create! This is all just fun. Let's show those "Modern" quilters how to make REALLY cool quilts using stupendous Stitching!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Can't wait to see how you create! This is all just fun. Let's show those "Modern" quilters how to make REALLY cool quilts using stupendous Stitching!

pixi

Jun 19, 2012

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This is fabulous - I cant wait to start my next project! Can you tell me why red is a no no?

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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The "Modern" Quilting movement also restricts the colors you can use in your piece. Primary colors are not on their list!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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"Modern" quilters have all these"rules". Using the "wrong" colors or "wrong" fabrics make them cranky. They need to lighten up!

Like 1 person likes this

Pam Sews

Jun 20, 2012

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I agree with Carol below - REALLY modern artists do not make artificial restrictions. If I wanted a ton of rules to follow, I would sew in a library. (Before you howl, I was a librarian....)

dsquibb

Jun 19, 2012

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This really blends quilting w/ the thread art...I love it.

dsquared6031

Jun 19, 2012

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I love it. Great idea.

madonnadonovan

Jun 19, 2012

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I love the geometric design and the crisp white with rainbow coloured threads very Scandinavian look I thought. I think I would just have a go as one piece. Quilting effect is great. You should be so proud, it is just beautiful.

Jean Black

Jun 19, 2012

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Beautiful! Can't wait to have time to do this project.

Joanne Leclerc

Jun 19, 2012

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I love this one, we can practice our machine quilting at the same time!! Beautiful!!!

gaitor

Jun 19, 2012

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I LOVE this!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Thanks!

Rain62

Jun 19, 2012

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I wonder how it would look if you offset the squares even more, which would eliminate the matching problem, or turn the squares so they don't match. It's an adventure! I like the pebble quilting in the middle.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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EXCELLENT idea! I'm actually working on a third project which I will post soon and show you how I tried to solve this by creating different blocks and then discarded everything to make a (small) modern quilt with sashing -- but not your traditional sashing!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Of course! When things don't match, make it obvious. I love your thinking.

Kiwi Jan

Jun 19, 2012

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I like this idea

Sunnye

Jun 19, 2012

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I love it. You are so inspirational to me. I love everything you do. I can't wait to start on your slashing class. Except now I'll have to try this also! Thank you for all you do.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Thanks for your kind words. Life (and making art) is FUN!

QuiltyJan

Jun 19, 2012

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Love it! when you start putting sections together does it make it difficult to do it truly on a free hand basis to have things line up? What you have done looks great but would seem more difficult than sections broken by a free form sashing of some sort.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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If you know me, you know I like creating on the fly. I don't plan ahead -- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But it doesn't matter in the end since I get joy out of the process as well as the end result. Sashing solves the "match-up" issue but not the design issue.

KHP

Jun 19, 2012

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That's Fabulous!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Thanks!

Depanyi

Jun 19, 2012

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Yaaay! for breaking the rules, Carol! That's called "creativity."

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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In my world, you learn the rules just so you can break them!

Like 1 person likes this

Barbaraczekaj

Jun 19, 2012

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*start I love this pillow! The lines are graceful. The colors are great! End*

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Thanks!

Beadywoman

Jun 19, 2012

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Quilt police are NOT allowed! This pillow is great!

Like 1 person likes this

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Thanks!

embrlady

Jun 20, 2012

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I do agree with a few of the others about doing this as a whole piece to avoid having the joining pieces misaligned, BUT I love this pillow design and the colors. I need some new throw pillows for our family room and both of the pillows you created have been added to my 'to do' list!

gkJenn

Jun 19, 2012

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I like this a lot :)! - and it's "up my aisle" as it looks like it is all done by machine :).

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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It is. Go for it!

Pupster

Jun 19, 2012

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I really like this piece. It has such a clean, modern look and the geometric designs look great on the white background. I love your free motion quilting, too. This is a nice direction to take your stupendous stitching!!

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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I'm thinking of working on black next. There are so many choices!

Like 1 person likes this

Boxy Sandy

Jun 19, 2012

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This is beautiful Carol - the detail, gentle colours and texture - well done and a great design. I can see it in red actually - or even the popular grey that some quilters now use. Navy with white, red and yellow would give a real nautical sense.

Carol Ann Waugh

Jun 19, 2012

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Let me see what you can make! I love your color ideas.

This awesome project brought to you by:

Carol Ann Waugh
Denver, CO
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Modern Stupendous Stitching #2

Modern Pillow

Learn It

Instructions

Materials

What was your inspiration?

What are you most proud of?

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

120 comments

Add your comment:

This awesome project brought to you by:

Related Projects

Discover

Take Craftsy with you!
Craftsy Apps for iPad® and iPhone®. Read more »

Modern Stupendous Stitching #2

Modern Pillow

Learn It

Instructions

Materials

What was your inspiration?

What are you most proud of?

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

120 comments

Add your comment:

This awesome project brought to you by:

Related Projects

Discover

Elsewhere

Take Craftsy with you!Craftsy Apps for iPad® and iPhone®. Read more »

Take Craftsy with you!
Craftsy Apps for iPad® and iPhone®. Read more »