What's that phrase, "Close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes." Well, I'm now going to include quilting in that phrase! Toyland Tree is just sooooo close to the finish line. Just six more yo-yo's and this will officially be called a finished flimsy.
The Toyland Tree journey started three years ago....but who's counting? It started out with a lime green background. No swags, yo-yo's or borders were in the original design. The quilt kept talking to me, and morphed itself (with a little help from me) into this final version. If this quilt could talk, I would have to bleep a few of the words out! This quilt and I had a few heated arguments over the past three years. It was sent to the back of the UFO closet on more than one occassion!
Over the past few days, I finished up some of the final touches. The doll needed a face and a ribbon for her bonnet.
The marionette needed little birds so he could move his arms.
The elephant needed big grey eyes and little pink toes peeking out of the stocking.
Last, but not least, the giraffe needed a smile while it hitched a ride in the train, riding the rails.
Who said you can never return to Toyland. I've been wallowing in it for the last three years! Now that I'm almost finished, I don't want to leave. This quilt kept me awake at night with many unintelligible notes scribbled on a note pad on the nightstand. I drew, redrew and changed almost every single block. I have finished blocks that never made the final cut. Don't worry, I've saved them for Toyland #2......NOT. No way, no how.
Next week, I'll work on the pattern directions some more and get this one on the quilting machine after Labor Day. I don't want to rush into this. I still have to figure out how I'm going to quilt it.
Now where's my glass of wine so I can propose a toast to Toyland!
Soon,
Lynn
P.S. When I'm finished basking in the glow of a finished quilt, I'll be offering this quilt as a BOM through In Between Stitches. I'll keep you posted when we will start taking signups.
Beautiful, Lynn.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see the finished quilt top, Lynn. It looks like such a fun quilt! I'm glad you persevered in your conversation with it, and I'm looking forward already to a BOM. opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThis is just so cute!!
ReplyDeleteI'm toasting you with my morning coffee! Amazing quilt! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteCheery wave from
Bev
Another "stunning" creation, Lynn! You outdid yourself on this one! October Magic was my favorite but now this one has taken its place.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is "wow!!!!!!", it is stunning, you deserve the wine and accolades.
ReplyDeleteYou amaze me! This is yet another wonderful quilt! I really really wish you were still in Paradise. I'd be at your house every chance I got just to be around the thought process that fuels your talent!
ReplyDeleteNow that Totally made me sound like a stalker. But I mean it, You are amazing!
I've been waiting for the big reveal! As usual not disappointed. Can't wait fow the BOM but first will be using some of your toys for Christmas Stockings.
ReplyDeleteSo impressive - really cute and original. Great for a BOM!
ReplyDeleteCongrats you certainly need a pat on the back and that glass of wine to toast this "nearly finished" gem.
ReplyDelete3 years! wow! It is so sweet. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteNow that's original! Congrats on finally finishing....Now it's the quilting..how long will that take...hmmm?...LOL
ReplyDeleteThis is an adorable piece.
ReplyDeleteHi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited your are going to offer the Toyland quilt as a BOM. I have been watching your progress on it and every block got cuter and cuter. I saw your quilts displayed by vendors at the International Quilt Show in Long Beach. You are an amazing quilt designer.
This quilt is just adorable. I can't wait to get my first block. I just hope that it won't take ME two years to complete.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on keeping with the project. I'll have to go and see how it has progressed over it's life.
ReplyDeleteI like how you decided to do your final border, very effective.l
Beautiful.....beautiful.....beautiful....I'll have to stop at In Between Stitches Next time I'm in town.....and see it in person...
ReplyDeleteOh, LOOK at that!! I love LOVE that border with it. Everything is perfect together. :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to set those blocks and use swags to suggest the tree rather than a literal tree! So cool! Dolly looks cute with the button on her bow and I'm so glad to see the stitching lines on her hands and feeties! I have to say I am lovin' that train! My little Engineer Grandson would be impressed! And then theres the pieced border! Scrumpdillyicious!
ReplyDeleteHere, here, Lynn! Your persistence paid off - Rome wasn't built in a day, but over time, look what happened - and just look at your beautiful masterpiece! I for one am so glad Toyland didn't wallow in the back of the closet! I know you'll transform it even more with the quilting!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
LOVE!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete