Even though it's been years since my daughter was a student, decades since I taught school, eons since I was a student myself, there's something about the end of summer/early September that seems to push a refresh/reset button in my brain. Because I relate well to routine and a certain amount of structure, the references to a school day seem to recall routine to my life.
That having been said, it's time to dust off the keyboard and push the reset/reboot key on the blog.
The break from the "blogisphere" did not transfer over to a break from either sewing machine or needle and thimble. Over the last few months both have been gainfully occupied and have produced some finishes and, as always, new starts and more Phd's (Projects half done).
First on the priority list was the little "High Flying" baby quilt. It was finished and sent off to it's new little owner in June, where hopefully it brought sweet dreams with it.
My quilting designs can come from almost any source. The cloud pattern used in the background (close-up below) was inspired by the embossed pattern on some paper towels. Why not?
As the quilting design for the sun evolved it seemed to take on an "Aztecy" pattern. Because the shapes of the sun were fairly large, I decided to break them into smaller sections first before filling in with denser quilting. As each section developed, this "Aztec" look seemed to be emerging. It quite surprised me, but sun and Aztec sort of make sense together, so I went with it.
The kite tails, and it's bows and bobbles, were probably the most labour intensive bits in the assembly of the quilt. Getting them together involved Celtic bias bars, fusible web, wash away stabilizer, machine satin stitch and then finally machine applique of all the little bits and bobs. (Little bang for a lotta buck!) They better not come off after all that.
Each little kite got it's own quilting design.
At the outset of this quilt, the goal was to use only fabrics from my stash. I even had the batting. And... , I almost made it. For the backing, I had intended to use the same polka dot fabric that is in the border on the front of the quilt. However, it would have needed an additional 1 - 1 1/2 inch border stitched onto each side. When push came to shove, I found it too distracting, so I opted to support one of my favourite local quilt shops. This fabric is heavier looking then the polka dot fabric, but it was the best option that I could find on short notice.
The quilt was fun and relatively fast to make (in quilting time!). I have to admit that I am quite taken with the "Seams Baby" side of stitching.
And who knows, one of these days, my stash may actually give birth to a complete quilt!
That having been said, it's time to dust off the keyboard and push the reset/reboot key on the blog.
The break from the "blogisphere" did not transfer over to a break from either sewing machine or needle and thimble. Over the last few months both have been gainfully occupied and have produced some finishes and, as always, new starts and more Phd's (Projects half done).
First on the priority list was the little "High Flying" baby quilt. It was finished and sent off to it's new little owner in June, where hopefully it brought sweet dreams with it.
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| Completed baby quilt. |
My quilting designs can come from almost any source. The cloud pattern used in the background (close-up below) was inspired by the embossed pattern on some paper towels. Why not?
As the quilting design for the sun evolved it seemed to take on an "Aztecy" pattern. Because the shapes of the sun were fairly large, I decided to break them into smaller sections first before filling in with denser quilting. As each section developed, this "Aztec" look seemed to be emerging. It quite surprised me, but sun and Aztec sort of make sense together, so I went with it.
The kite tails, and it's bows and bobbles, were probably the most labour intensive bits in the assembly of the quilt. Getting them together involved Celtic bias bars, fusible web, wash away stabilizer, machine satin stitch and then finally machine applique of all the little bits and bobs. (Little bang for a lotta buck!) They better not come off after all that.
Each little kite got it's own quilting design.
At the outset of this quilt, the goal was to use only fabrics from my stash. I even had the batting. And... , I almost made it. For the backing, I had intended to use the same polka dot fabric that is in the border on the front of the quilt. However, it would have needed an additional 1 - 1 1/2 inch border stitched onto each side. When push came to shove, I found it too distracting, so I opted to support one of my favourite local quilt shops. This fabric is heavier looking then the polka dot fabric, but it was the best option that I could find on short notice.
 |
| The completed quilt. |
The quilt was fun and relatively fast to make (in quilting time!). I have to admit that I am quite taken with the "Seams Baby" side of stitching.
And who knows, one of these days, my stash may actually give birth to a complete quilt!
I love this quilt! It's so happy and pretty, and the composition is beautifully balanced. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie. It was fun to make.
DeleteThis is exquisite. I LOVE the quilting you did...especially the Aztec type in the sun. And the clouds in the background are delightful. Super idea. Your machine quilting is breathtaking. Wish I could do that. Mine is always "wonky." Hope this quilt is for your granddaughter! It's adorable!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen. The clouds were probably one of the easiest background patterns I have quilted. It was super easy to design and quick to quilt. I'm glad that it seemed to work.
DeleteThis quilt was made for a cousins grandson, but there is another one in the works for little H, one that will be a little more "user friendly" then the star quilt is. It will come up on the blog sooner or later.
I love those clouds! "Aztec" was my thought too, how interesting that it just evolved that way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous little quilt. It is so bright and happy, I'm sure both mom and baby must be the same every time they see it. Can't wait to see what else you did this summer!
Thanks Monica. I really liked making this quilt; maybe the bright colours had something to do with it.
DeleteKind of crazy about the Aztec look, because it's not something that I would have sought out in the first place. Hope baby likes the look.
Oh, this one is simply stunning!!! It is good to see you blogging, again. I love seeing your projects pop up in my feed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle. It's so good to hear from you again. I miss your regular posts. Any chance of an occasional updates?
DeleteI don't know. It's been so very long since I've felt like writing. My life has taken such a very different turn, and yet I just can't muster up the will to put all these jumbled thoughts into words. I'll never say never, though! :)
DeleteWhat a darling quilt! Your piecing and especially your quilting are very beautiful. I just made a quick baby quilt for my great nephew, but it's nowhere nearly as gorgeous as yours.
ReplyDeleteKnowing how precise and beautiful all of your work is, I'm sure that the quilt you made for your great nephew is beautiful. I very much appreciate your comments. Thanks Cynthia.
DeleteDzięki za odwiedziny i ty rodzaju komentarza.
ReplyDelete(Thanks very much).
Hello. Any chance you have a pattern I could purchase? This is beautiful and I would like to make it for a friend
ReplyDeleteHi Melissa. Thanks for the thumbs up on the baby quilt. I made this quilt for a baby in the family and had not thought about selling the design. I appreciate your interest and will let you know if I ever decide to publish the design.
Delete