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Sunday, February 16, 2014

Mardi Gras

That time of year when you can unleash your crazy side and let the good times roll. I found this pattern that allowed me to do just that.



Yes I did, I played and went crazy.  It all started with this fun pattern from The Quiltery. You know, one of my favorite pattern places!   This "Masquerade Ball" pattern just screamed Mardi Gras to me!





These wild women


are what Mardi Gras is all about!





I chose a background fabric that had some poly in it. (my bad) Then I used a poly thread, that actually shrunk up a bit when I put an iron to it. Lemons for some, but lemonade for me!  It sparked that crazy "texture" thing inside me. I decided it was time to throw caution to the wind and just go for it.


I've been trying to break out of "my" box of boring borders a bit. Now was the time to do something I had never done before. I started by drawing out these shapes on paper. I traced them to my borders, stretching them by eyeball, (oh so technical, I know) when needed.


 And started quilting away. When I was done, it was just so flat looking.  I decided to go back over things with a silver metallic thread.  It was a subtle change, that made a big difference in the end!
Who knew...


I definitely need more practice on framing in my borders, but it wasn't too bad for a first time.
And I couldn't have had more fun!!


Don't you love this big mask in the corner?


And when it comes to texture...
my heart goes pitter-pat every time I look at this.

Yes, this is the quilt that "did in" my favorite Moosie sewing machine. 
I guess all that quilting and re-quilting was about all her poor little heart could take!
:-(
May you RIP...

But on a brighter note:

 New Orleans hosts the Mardi Gras celebration.  A celebration that lasts over 2 weeks. The parades started last Saturday!  I've never been, but I have heard the stories!  Some are legendary, and I won't share the names to protect the innocent! LOL!!  Feel free to share your tales from the "Big Easy" though!  (if you dare)   :-)






21 comments:

  1. OOH LA LA ! What a wonderful job on all sides. The pattern the quilting design and the terrific quilting. Love the mask.

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  2. I have never been to Mardi Gras but I know people who have and they love New Orleans. That quilt is just the cutest thing ever. Love all those wild women.

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  3. All of your details blew me away! You did such a wonderful job on each wild woman. I love the textures! (And I LOVE the border by the way!)

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  4. Love the pattern and the quilting is just super.

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  5. Are the ladies done in appliqué? Or did you paint them? The quilt is wonderful!

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  6. Those are fabulous! I love the texture and the mask. Wonderful.

    Mardi Gras in N.O. is a wild place. It is an interesting town.

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  7. What a fun quilt! You always find the most amazing patterns.

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  8. Now that is a really fun quilt. The mask in the corner is awesome! You really did a fabulous job. Mardi Gras Bliss!!!

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  9. What a perfectly lovely bunch of ladies. Can I be one of the ones in a red dress, please?? I love the accidental textured background. You will have to remember how to do that again because it looks great! Good fun with the border, too. You have created a lovely effect. And I agree with you - the mask in the top corner is stunning.
    Your quilt has to be the next best thing to being there!

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  10. This is such a fun, joyful quilt! Your ladies are so mysterious with their masks...and the large mask is fabulous!!!!! Way to get out of your quilting box - works great :)

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  11. What an absolutely fun quilt! Love it.

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  12. It is just fabulous and you did a great job with it.

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  13. that is just fantastic! I love the ladies and your quilting looks pretty amazing to me

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  14. That is just too awesome!! Is it Mardi Gras women ....or is it your crazy quilting buddies?!!!! Great job on the quilting also!!

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  15. Last year I was in Louisiana during Mardi Gras. It's not just New Orleans - it's literally everywhere, even tiny little towns that only have a gas station and a post office. I went to several small town parades and gathered up lots of beads to give my grandchildren. People take vacation time and there are celebrations everywhere! On another note - this quilt is amazing! Love, love, love it - love everything about it! blessings, marlene

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  16. What a wonderful quilt. Makes me want to finish mine. Everything is cranking up here for the parades.

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  17. WOW! I absolutely LOVE THIS QUILT!!!! Not sure how long it took you...but MAN OH MAN!

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  18. How absolutely charming is this quilt. So wonderful!

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  19. What a wonderful, happy quilt !! Your workmanship is just perfect !!!!

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  20. Thank you for checking our my blog. I always find your blog so interesting, sometimes it makes my day. Again thanks.

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Thanks for stopping by today. Your comments really do make me day!
;-)