So, long story quite short, I needed to "practice" making some quilts because I've been tasked to make some for my family out of my grandmother's clothes (she passed earlier this year) and with the strict fabric "allowance", I can't afford to be making huge mistakes that would have me tossing loads of these projects into the trash because it's not like I can go buy more fabric.
Killing two birds with one stone, I'm making a pair of quilts for my best friend and his sister as Christmas gifts. I'm *almost* finished with hers (just need to add the binding) but I couldn't wait to post it. I'm so proud and inordinately happy every time I even look at this quilt. I don't know if it's the colors or the love put into it or what but I just smile every time I see it.
She really loves rainbows so I did a google search to get an idea for rainbow quilts and came across
this blog post. I had already planned on doing a disappearing nine-patch quilt as a starter because they seem so easy even though the effect is stunning and somewhat complicated looking. So with that, I ran to the store and bought me some fat quarters and got to work.
Since I'm making other Christmas gifts off and on (is there such thing as a serious diagnosis of crafting ADD? because I totally have it... oh look, a shiny! *wanders*) this has been about 3-4 weeks to make although probably only 3-4 days of actual work. I've made some mistakes, some I could fix and others I didn't bother, but my new sewing machine and I have become friends throughout the process and I'm slowly learning all of her little quirks and foibles. Overall, I'm very pleased with this quilt and like I said, can't help but smile every time I see it. My hands always want to reach out and pet it... but anyway, I hope she ends up loving it as much as I do. <3
Enough sentimental rambling though, here's the pics:
Btw, the cats LOVE this quilt...
I can't keep them off it. So apologies for the camera hogs there.
And some artsy in-progress shots because all the colors are wonderful <3. I plan on printing and framing some of these to hang on my craft room wall they're so happy and delightful to me.
So there it is, my first quilt. <3
Things I learned:
* Dual-Feed Foot = a MUST HAVE... omg this thing was pricey but soooo totally worth it!
* proper pinning/basting is necessary, take your time and re-do if needed (the best tip I read was to pin backing to carpet, worked like a charm!.. even if my knees are still bruised
)
* I need more practice with free motion quilting and/or a pair of quilting gloves, my fingers cramped up sooo much.
* I should take more time with ironing and paying attention to seam direction (it's not awful, I did do a decent job, but in the future, more patience could be a virtue)
Next up: Log cabins!
Thankies for looking! C&C welcome and appreciated.
