Midnight at the Oasis Quilt : FINISH

After nine years as a work in progress, my Midnight at the Oasis quilt is finished. Yay!

I bought the pattern at a quilt show a long time ago. The first blog post I found relating to making this quilt was in 2014, so I'm guessing that I bought it in 2013 - possibly at the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne.

I followed the pattern - mostly - but did tweak it in some places. The round with applique flowers had a pattern and was meant to have baskets at each corner. I thought I'd make some of my own freehand applique flowers in this round instead.

After quilting in the ditch between all of the borders, I proceeded to big stitch hand quilt each block. As it's been a WIP in for such a long time, I have used a variety of cotton threads for the quilting. A little bit of Perle 8 here, some Aurifil 12 weight there...

We've had some pretty crazy weather here lately, so I waited until the rain cleared, which turned out to be late in the day. No doubt, I'll be taking this quilt out for more photo sessions in future. After taking so long to make, with the bazillion stitches I decided to incorporate, it needs lots of photos :)

The last stage of finishing the quilt was to make my label. I embroidered it with 6 strands of Aurifloss in a lovely dark burnt orange/reddish colour on linen fabric.

I'm very pleased with how this quilt turned out. So many hours of stitches have given it such a beautiful texture.

Now I wonder what my next long-term project will be.

19 comments

Gretchen Weaver3/29/23, 9:37 PM
She's beautiful! Yes, she took a long time but she was worth waiting for. Happy stitching on the new project!
Anonymous3/29/23, 10:14 PM
Wow! Gorgeous quilt! I love the colours and fabrics you used. Your quilting just brings it to the next level! Congratulations!!!! Gail at the Cozy Quilter.
Karen - Quilts...etc.3/30/23, 12:20 AM
I bought the pattern last year but I haven't started it yet. Your version turned out beautiful - yours looks larger than I thought it would be
FlourishingPalms3/30/23, 3:18 AM
What a marvelous finish for you! Really, that's just wonderful! (applause) After having worked on it for so long, you have every right to show it off - again and again. It's beautiful! Your skilled color sense really stands out proudly in this quilt. I'd love to see Midnight in person, to fully appreciate your hand quilting too. I KNOW with certainty that the texture is incredible. Gosh, will you use the quilt? I think I'd be inclined to keep it "for special," whatever that might be. I also like that you hand stitched this quilt label. I've never done that, but I'm guessing you create your letters on the computer, print them off, and then trace them for stitching. You backstitched the lettering, right? Your label is the perfect finishing touch. Good for you, Anorina, on a well-done quilt finish! (I'm still applauding.)
Karen's Korner3/30/23, 7:16 AM
Well worth the wait. Congratulations on a beautiful finish.
Fiona3/30/23, 9:17 AM
It's a fabulous quilt...
Hugz
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting3/30/23, 11:57 AM
Oh, my! What a beautiful heirloom finish!!!
Lin3/30/23, 6:16 PM
Congratulations! Brilliant finish. xx
LIttle Penguin Quilts3/31/23, 1:32 AM
I have that pattern, too, but have never attempted it! I love all the color and your big stitch quilting. This is beautiful, Anorina!
Cheryll3/31/23, 7:34 AM
It's gorgeous Anorina... congrats on a wonderful finish...xox
Alycia~Quiltygirl3/31/23, 10:50 AM
That is a stunner!!! I love the photos where the light can show its texture - you put a LOT of work into that one!! Enjoy it!!!
Allison4/1/23, 4:44 AM
The big stitch quilting combines beautifully with the all the patchwork piecing and applique. Such a beautiful quilt, I do hope you will keep where you and others can see it everyday.
loulee4/1/23, 8:05 AM
A beautiful finish. Very worthy of more than one photo shoot.
Karen S4/1/23, 5:13 PM
That is a wonderful finish. Your quilt looks amazing.
Louise SS4/2/23, 1:57 AM
Such a beautiful quilt and I love your stitching!
Raewyn4/3/23, 5:22 AM
Your quilt is absolutely beautiful - well done on such a lovely finish. Your hours of big stitch quilting have really finished it off nicely.
Kim4/3/23, 10:52 AM
Oh what a beautiful quilt Midnight at the Oasis is! It's dancing in glorious colour and pattern. Such a beauty! Love the big stitch quilting!
Preeti4/6/23, 8:33 PM
Anorina, this is such an exquisite piece of art. I can see the love and care you poured into it over the years. It is an heirloom piece, for sure!
Carol Nye4/27/23, 10:33 AM
Obviously, this quilt was made by an expert quilter! I have been quilting for nearly 30 years and still would not try to tackle that pattern!! Beautiful job!!