Upended

It was nip and tuck with this one. Just a few days ago, I was thhhiiisss close to throwing it in the recycle bag.  Though I liked what I had made by the end of the Improv for Everyone :: Fat Curves and Skinny Lines workshop with Maria Shell @mariashellquilts, I just couldn't seem to create a finished piece I was happy with.

I had added an improv 'ribbon' between the two main pieces, and a spiky border to the bottom curve. I had also pieced in more background to top and bottom, though the piece as a whole I could barely tolerate. I had even made a backing out of leftovers from this workshop and a previous one, and and had basted a quilt sandwich together.

After posting the top photo, mentioning my disdain, of course I got good advice - put it away for a bit or un-baste it and cut it up. But you know what comment got me going again? "Try turning it upside down." ahh! Something about doing that made me dislike it a little less - at least enough to go ahead and quilt it up.

Like I mentioned, I had already made a pieced backing with scraps from the workshop. Nothing fancy, but at least I found a home for those triangle blocks which were from a workshop in January 2025.

I used Aurifil 40wt 5015 [Gold Yellow] to quilt a simple, uneven grid. Then I made a binding from a variety of the scraps, including some small bits in several of the colors. Problem was, I didn't like the scale of them, so before I stitched the binding on, rather than unstitch anything, I made pleats in those smaller color areas. And yes, doing that did add to their thickness a bit, but also added some interesting texture. After a good press, I though it would be ok to at least try it on this quilt.

Finished, this piece, which I named Upended, measures 26" x 34". It definitely grew on me, and though it still isn't my favorite finish ever, I can honestly say I'm glad I finished it.