Spring Tulips...

While I was doing some shop hopping, I found this cute pattern... now, I wonder what I was thinking. It is called, "Tulip Bells Table Runner." by Annette Ornelas at http://www.southwindquilts.com/ and I liked the idea- I am a sucker for doing things in a different way. This isn't a new pattern(2000) but I decided to give it a try. It takes a lot of fabric for a 42"x15" project, almost 2 yards for the top, alone. I soon learned why.

The bottom picture is how the original block looks- there are all kinds of tiny little 1 1/2" folded blocks layered on top of the other blocks... when you get all that sewn together, then you fold the little edges over and topstitch them down. It reminded me of a cathedral window. But it was kind of tedious and kind of addictive all at the same time. I can see how it will go faster as you figure out what you are doing. I thought that there was a whole lot of places where the whole thing could go tragically awry, but amazing, it didn't turn out too bad. I ended up making mine just a little table topper, instead of making three tulips and having a table runner. I used reproduction fabrics and I wonder if it isn't too Christmassy? I DO think it is cheery. Hmm... so I'll likely try it again with something else. Something a bit darker, even though I prefer the bright and sunny look of red tulips. I'll need to find a deeper green. That might do the trick. It was a fun project to make and certainly different than our traditional piecing or applique. And hey! These flowers won't wilt!