Wednesday 20 February 2013

Tesseract {Emerald Quilt Challenge Finish}

My Emerald Quilt Challenge mini is done! First finish for the year (apart from appeal quilts) and it's not even on my FAL list. Anyone else notice how well I've been ignoring my list ;o)? I think nearly all my projects will have to carry over to the next quarter.

Anyhoo, I finished handstitching down the facing last night, and we have sun today so I managed to get some pictures. I've decided to go with Ella's suggestion of Tesseract for the name - as my other half pointed out, it gets automatic geek points since it's in the Avengers ;o) Other than that, to me it just fits (just ignore the Wiki definition, okay? I still think it's a cool name :o) )


The inspiration definitely came from actual emeralds - and happily, it is my birthstone! Although I'm not usually drawn to these shades of green, to me it says emerald. I love the depth of colour the Oakshotts give it - the photographs do it no justice at all. It literally shimmers.


I have had a creative grids 45 degree strip ruler for nearly a year and hadn't used it before (I bought it especially to make Lizzy House's Diamond Mountain quilt - still on my bucket list.) I adore Lizzy's quilt design, and that became part of my inspiration as well. It uses kaleidoscope blocks in a similar way to what I've done in this quilt.


I will definitely be using two layers of bamboo batting for mini quilts from now on - I love the extra loft it's given without the puff that comes from polyester batting. I didn't want too much puff on this one, but did want the greens to pop a bit more than they would with a single layer. Having said that, I'm not sure that it was such a good plan to go down the no-binding path. Getting it to fold over at the back was a bit of a challenge. Also, my corners are quite rounded, and I'm not sure how flat it will sit when it's hanging. I'd love to hang it on point like this photo - although I have no idea if it's actually feasible. Has anyone ever hung a mini on point? I'd love some tips :o)


It is pieced and quilted entirely using Aurifil 50wt thread (2021 and 2865) - I love that the quilting blends into the background so well (although it blended so well while quilting I did have a bit of trouble seeing where I was going ;o) ) I really loved doing angular quilting too - a first for me, but definitely not the last. I really want to make a triangle quilt and quilt it like I did the green bits on this one.


Quilt Details:
Fabric - Oakshott greens, various low volume grey prints for background.
Size - 24" square.

xx Jess

30 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

Well the name geeked right over my head, but it looks amazing!

Jessica said...

It's fabulous! Glad you went with the name :) I didn't geek out b/c I don't know The Avengers but usually I would :) I love the corners - I would suggest maybe hanging with three hooks - on three of the corners?

amy said...

holy cow jess, it's positively gorgeous!!! love the quilting, the pattern, everything! did you order the oakshotts online or buy them in a store? i'd love to use some, but the shipping to the US is pretty pricey for something I won't be able to pick out in person :/

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

You did a stunning job Jess

Maggie said...

Could you sew little rings to the corner and a few strategic points along the two sides that would be the top and hang it on point that way?

Needled Mom said...

Wow! That is beautiful.

Newbie Jen said...

Just gorgeous! Bravo!!

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

It is really beautiful Jess! I love how you have done the edges, it looks clean and classy!

Catherine said...

Oh wow, it is stunning-well done. I love the way you have used the colours and the quilting is just perfect

Kirsten said...

Gorgeous Jess! I bet those shot cottons are even more beautiful IRL - love how you have quilted this too.

Susan said...

Gosh, I love this!!! It looks especially striking 'on point'! You've done an amazing job on the quilting!

Sarah said...

Oh jess its really awesome! Love it. Your quilting is brilliant and I just love the shots and the backgrounds together.

Deborah said...

A masterpiece! That says it all!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

This is the most incredible quilt! Everything about is is fab!

moira said...

it's gorgeous and deserves to be on point. Clever lady x

Charlotte said...

so so beautiful!!!

CitricSugar said...

I absolutely love this - and the way you've quilted it gives it such dimension!

Carla said...

This is amazing! Just incredible. Congrats on getting it done!

Kathy@KayakQuilting said...

Wow...I don't know what to say! Absolutely spectacular! The colors are gorgeous! The design is amazing....wow.

Nicky said...

Great colours and backgrounds - love the architextures in there!

Way to go on the quilting - fab job all round. Great name too!

Catherine said...

I really love what you have done with the Oakshott, and your quilting is just amazing.

Katherine said...

Fabulous design and wonderful quilting. Takes my breath away!

Mareenchen said...

I love it. Turned out amazing! Good luck.

Kelly said...

I love this quilt - it's so multi-faceted looking! I've pinned it to my "Quilty Goodness" board on Pinterest (with proper credit, of course!). Feel free to follow me if you'd like: http://pinterest.com/lipglass/quilty-goodness/

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

Thanks Kelly!

Katherine said...

I adore this! It's so beautiful.

Congrats on your win!

Gillian said...

This is so clever. Congratulations on your win.

✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄ said...

So very beautiful - congratulations!

Susan said...

Congraulations on your win Jess, you so deserve it!

Lyanna L. said...

This looks great!!