new retro-modern quilt project

[hambox]

Hello craftinists, here is my latest quilt, only my second grown-up size. I *just* finished it. It is going up to San Francisco tomorrow to be given as a gift. I'll post notes in a second message, but here are the pics first. It is a queen size, self-bound, mostly vintage fabrics.

Here it is, lying on my bed, pretending it is my quilt:

The quilt is for my friend Molly, so I incorporated fabrics that depicted various aspects of our friendship: Las Vegas, road trips, obsession with all things tiki. I even embroidered a tiny cat on a square to represent her beloved late kitty:

And while I was at it, I embroidered a message on the back:

This was a fun, long-lasting, and intense project. I learned alot and look forward to continuing to improve as I keep on quiltin'. Next project: wedding quilt!

Update: More quilts and other crafting on my flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hambox/sets/72157594153145700/

[hambox]

Me again. Here are some lessons I've learned with the making of this quilt. I am largely self-taught, and this is the project where I have not felt like I was blindly feeling my way along.

What I've learned in the making of this quilt:
-- For me, cotton batting is where it's at. Minimal bearding, soft and warm. Check with me again once the quilt has been washed and the batting has shrunk its 5%.. I hope I'll like the puckery, antique look. But overall, I like the low loft.. I think it makes for a more versatile (and humble, non-showy) quilt.. I make my quilts to be used, and this one can be a coverlet or a couch one or can be rolled small and stuffed away with minimal fuss.

-- "Better Homes and Gardens' Complete Guide to Quilting" is a great book, when taken with a grain of salt. Sometimes I find the instructions and wording to be somewhat fussy. It doesn't really address the style of the new wave of quilters.. the ones who like imperfection, who like modernity, who don't have a ton of money, etc.

-- I use 1/2" seams. While I still wrestle with straight lines, right angles and proper measurements, 1/2" seams (instead of 1/4") give me more of a safety zone so that I don't sew to close to any edge.

-- The iron is my friend. I had to make it my friend since the alternative was to get deeply annoyed at how often one must press press press while making the quilt top.

-- I am grateful for my old Kenmore 10-stitch, but am happy the next quilt will be made on my just-purchased Kenmore 19233!

-- I am appreciative of the finite aspect to completing a quilt.. once you're done, you're done.. once the binding is sewn and the threads clipped, there is no room for editing, re-doing, changing.. somehow that's refreshing to me, a futzer.

-- Quilts are a *lot* of frickin work!

[SarahFroggy]

its really nice. i'm sure your friend will love it. oh and i love the antique pucker look it really adds to the overall look. hope you like it once its washed.

[lucid501]

Thats so beautiful! I have several actual vintage quilts and they are just so soft and cuddley--perfect for watching tv. yours looks just as cozy as the real thing--I'm sure your friend will love it!

[hambox]

Thanks for the encouragement about the antique-y look. I'm feeling confident that the pucker will just add to the whole thing.. as long as it stays soft and cuddly -- that's key! BTW, I do what I've done with my other quilt/blanket projects: I put it on my bed and slept under it last night, so I could see what it looks like when it's been tousled and used. Thumbs up. I'm glad it's being given away.. I'm starting to have separation anxiety.

[missmichigan]

 

gorgeous!!

[Shotgun_Bettie]

What an amazing present She's lucky to have such a good friend

[Rylizbeth]

Awesome quilt! I love the fabric! I just recently finished my first quilt, & I too have measuring issues. I'm not terribly happy with it , but oh well it's just for my guest room.

I'm a futzer too & part of me wants to rip it & start all over.   

[lisascenic]

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!  You're an amazing friend and quilter!  This is one of those quilts that is fun to "discover."

Yay for vintage fabric!  Yay for cotton batting!

[Mary Bell]

I come from a family of quilter going back four generations at least. I don't quilt (yet)...I can definitely vouch for the vintage look of this...I can see it hanging on the back of a chair in a house I grew up in.

You did a really good job and I bet your friend will be/was overwhelmed.

M