Sunday, September 14, 2014

Love Entwined - A BOM for Big Girls!

Look what I found! This BOM is NOT for the feint of heart! I started yesterday with the center of the center block that is inside 7 (that's right - 7 borders)! It's unfinished because it gets appliqued into the block.


Try not to judge me! My colors will be bright because I have to draw from my stash. So, here's the scoop on this amazing quilt. For those of you who don't know, Esther Aliu is an amazing applique and quilting expert. More than just an experienced quilter, she is an artist. Ester saw a photo of this quilt in a 1956 publication. This is not the photo of the quilt, it was done on the computer.


The quilt was dated 1790 by maker unknown. Esther was struck by its beauty and tried to get information but sadly, the quilt's whereabouts are also unknown. From the photos, Esther designed a version of this amazing quilt and offers it as a free BOM. It is truly a masterpiece. Here's a bigger pic of just the center block:
I fell hard this this and think that it would be an amazing applique project. Of course, when I started looking at the pattern, the first block is pieced - lol. I've never done a compass block before. I wrestled with color selection but just have to use what I have on hand. I know that this will take years but I really want to try it. If I live long enough, it will be an amazing accomplishment. Here's a computer version of the black colorway:

That block I did looks a very tiny part of the quilt, doesn't it? My intention is to work on this while I'm watching television. Also, the patterns I've collected from Kerry Green have instructions for embellishment that can be used on this quilt. Wonder what the odds of my living long enough to finish. At any rate, if you want to tackle something like this or learn more about it, you can find Esther's blog HERE. There is a Yahoo group of people doing this quilt (over 4000 of them). You have to join the group to get the free patterns. The amazing work that people in the group are doing just blows me away. So if you're interested in making something really detailed, check it out! And yes, I admit to being insane insofar as BOM's go. Hope you're having a wonderful Sunday! Don't forget to enter the Giveaway for some fun Union Jack panels! XO and cheery wave from crazy Bev!

10 comments:

Heather said...

I am working on this one. Beautiful but not for the feint of heart!

carol fun said...

My dear friend Linda has been working on this quilt for months - it is gorgeous! She is up to the border right past the zig zag - she's changed her mind about her fabric choices several times and ripped things out and re-done them. She's a better man/quilter than I am - LOL - can't wait to see how this turns out. Good luck and happy stitching!

Carole~Quilter on the hill said...

Wow and good on you for tackling this amazing quilt! Your fabrics and colours are going to look stunning. I came very close to making this quilt but stumbled at the first hurdle of fabric choice.

donna said...

Oh my gosh your center is amazing. WOW!
Hugs
donna

margaret said...

this must be the biggest challenge you have undertaken Bev and what a great job you have done for the centre block. This is one I will not be attempting!

Podunk Pretties said...

Seriously!? You go girl! I love this quilt, I've been saving the patterns as they are published for that someday that may never get here. I might do it in my lifetime if I use fusible applique. Can't wait to see your progress.

Plum Cox said...

Your colours are wonderful! I would love to see your stash - must be eye popping (in a good way!) if it's all as bright as this - I'm jealous of your fabric buying skills, as well as of your lovely compass!
I'm only planning to make the central square (compass, vases and first zig zag borders) - otherwise, like you, I could see it taking me years!
Great start!

Mrs. H said...

That is a beautiful quilt and yours will be attractive with bright colors.
I came across Esther's blog earlier this year and considered quilting along with her. However, I better finish my other ufos before learning such intricate applique.

Chris said...

I too have been collecting the patterns. I was all gung ho to get started last summer but colour selection has left me stumbling also.
So, instead, I have been working hard on my needle turn skills and hope to take the plunge in the near future.
It just occurred to me that I could start the center square without doing the compass first.

Marcy said...

I'll be watching you on this one. I don't think I could live long enough to finish those quilts. Ha ha