Allow me to introduce Sun Rays, my improvisational curved quilt!
For a year and a half, I’ve had this quilt as an Unfinished Object or UFO, waiting for me to figure out the kind of quilting it needed. It took the 2016 Finish-A-Long to inspire me to get it done.
Related:Â Finishing Along Goals
Related:Â Getting My Curve On
After setting the goal of finishing it, it waited for a few weeks until I figured out how to quilt it and made it a priority to get it done.
Inside the wedges shapes, I quilted wavy lines, alternating in direction with each wedge. I used monofilament, or invisible, thread so that the thread would blend with the different colored wedges.
I filled the negative space with echo quilting. The lines are spaced 1/4″ apart.
Related:Â Want an Easy and Effective Quilting Design?
I was stumped for which fabric to use for the binding. I debated between going the subtle route by using  the same fabric as the background, a scrappy binding of the same fabrics as the wedges, or a black and white stripe.
I went with the black and white stripes. I love how it contrasts with the white background and the wedges.
So in the end, it took having a deadline and public accountability to inspire me to turn this UFO into a FO.
What inspires you to focus and finish your UFOs?
24 comments
Nicole, I love the quilting you did on the improv curves. It’s gorgeous! Congrats on a lovely finish!
Thanks, Jess! The quilting stumped me for a while. So glad I finally figured it out!
for me it is the same, deadline and accountability… on top of the finish-along my guild has UFO challenges that really help!
Deadlines and accountability work, don’t they?!? I’m curious about the UFO challenges your guild has. Do tell me more, please!
This turned out beautifully!! I love it even more after I read its name – perfect! And I love the binding choice. Overall a beautiful quilt – congrats on getting that wip done! Can I share your post on our FAL fb page?
Thanks, Debbie! It feels like a major accomplishment. Of course, you can share on FB! Thank you for considering me.
p.s. I was able to post on fb via the icons below your post!
Debbie, you are very resourceful! You know I always say yes to you anyway!
Wow Nicole! This looks amazing. The quilting is so detailed. Love the binding.
Thanks, Meredithe! I’m so happy with how it turned out!
Congratulations on a beautiful finish! The binding is wonderful. I think this quilt needed time so you could come up with that wonderful quilting design.
Thanks, Shasta! Yes, so true! Sometimes it takes a while of letting a project sit for the next step to be clear.
Lovely !
What size is it?
Thanks, Elaine! It’s about 45″ by 45″ – it should make a nice wall hanging.
Your quilt is just stunning Nicole! I love the colours and your quilting is perfect. I’m typically a start to finish quilter so I’m often inspired to finish something so I can get started on something else. But having a deadline and listing the WIPs on my FAL list sure has helped too! 🙂
Thanks, Izzy! I used to be a start-to-finish quilter. Someday I’ll get back to that!
Nicole, this is gorgeous! I love the design and those beautiful colors! Your quilting compliments it perfectly. Sometimes great ideas just need to percolate! I love doing improv piecing, I definitely need to give improv curves a try.
Thanks, Lynn! You are so right about the need to percolate! Sometimes that’s all it takes is time. Yes, give improv curves a try. I think they look more intimidating than they actually are!
Love the movement in this quilt! Just wonderful in every way. Pinned it to my Gorgeous Quilt Board!
Thanks, Staci! I’m honored for the quilt to make it onto your board!
This is fantastic as always!! I love the design and your quilting is amazing. I like having lists and goals to keep me accountable, which is why I like the Finish-A-Long! Thank you so much for participating in the Finish-A-Long, on behalf of the 2016 hosts!
Thanks, Stacey! The Finish-A-Long is a great motivator for me!
What inspires me to finish a quilt often is the fact that I can just start a new one! LOL! Often my quilts are for gifts so I want to get those out and into the hands of people. Also, dwindling down mountains of scraps, script and yardage is freeing.
I hear you Lindielee! Unfortunately, I don’t wait to finish one before I start another! Thanks for stopping by.
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