Monday 14 September 2009

My First Real Quilt!!!


See this? This is the last stitch I made in my Family Memories Quilt. Yes, it's finally finished. And what a feeling. I was getting more and more excited as the day went on. Each step done, a step closer and closer to the completion of the biggest quilting project I've ever taken on.

And this morning I dressed Daughter No. 3's bed with her new quilt. I really wasn't sure if she would like it even though right along she has only made positive comments about it. I really wasn't sure if I even liked it. I know how many hours and hours I spent quilting the jolly thing but that doesn't mean it's going to look nice.

Lucky for me, seeing it all straight and neat on her bed today, with the sun shining through her window, I loved, loved, loved it!!!!! And when I called her in to see, she loved it too and gave me a huge hug. The little girls immediately jumped on the bed to find their favorite squares. I love it how they all like different ones. It's quite a fun game for all of us.

I think Elsa Bear quite likes it too. What do you think?

I decided to make patchwork binding too. I just thought that it would suit the look really well and I'm so glad I did. I used fabrics from the quilt and cut them at random lengths. All I had to do was cut them, throw them to Daughter No. 2, and she laid them out. Then she passed them to me in order while I stitched them together. So very helpful.

And a dream came true for me as well. I have always wanted to see a folded up a quilt that I've made. Look at all those beautiful colours!
It's looking a bit flat really, as it's not washed yet. I'll probably inflict you with more photos after the washing and drying stage. It's currently in the washing machine as I type.

It was really difficult to find a sunny place to photograph it in it's entirety. This will have to do at the moment. Half and half shots.

Look at all that stippling!!! I don't even want to guess how many hours I spent doing all that stitching! I really was completely bored doing the last quarter.

And a really bad photo of the whole thing. It measures 60" x 97" and fits perfectly on her single bed, with plenty left over in the length for tucking in.

No you really must pop on over to this fabulous site and check out the pattern I bought yesterday.

I saw it first on
twiddletails. It's the Garden Party quilt. Isn't it just the cutest collection of quilts? The flowers and butterflies are all fused on and then machine stitched in place. Much easier than they look. I think I'll be making a cushion to match. I love the initial one! There is actually a pattern on 'Don't look now's' blog to make a cushion if you are interested. I am having one printed out today.
Also very good news today. Kim, my giveaway winner has made contact and is very pleased to have won my goodies. Well done Kim! I'll be sending them off this week.
I hope you are all having a good start to the new week. Maybe you have a new project on the way? I'm off to buy some more backing fabric for No. 2's quilt now. Not as much quilting this time!

24 comments:

Unknown said...

Your quilt is definitely a success. you won't be able to stop looking at it! it really is absolutely gorgeous! I love it. what is about these wonderful crafts that make your heart sing. This Does! Suzie. xxx

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

That is a work of art you should be incrediby proud of. The work that must have gone into that ... your great grandchildren will be snuggling in it one day ;)

roseroomnz.com said...

Sarah, it is absolutely fabulous - a heirloom! Rachaelxo

Bev C said...

Hello Sarah, Congratulations on such a wonderful achievement. It will become a family heirloom. Happy days.

Andi said...

Congratulations. What a beautiful first quilt.
Can't wait to see the second ... and the third ... and ....

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is beautiful - you should be very proud of yourself.

Julie

Anonymous said...

Wow , Sarah, I can't find words to tell you how beautiful your quilt looks like!! I love it so much! Congratulations!!! It's gorgeous on your daughter's bed with that lovely teddy bear...It'll be a treasure your daughters will keep from you... with the next beautiful ones I'm sure you'll make during the years.

hugs:Manka

sallgood said...

Congrats on such a sweet and fresh 9-patch! It's adorable on the bed, and your photo with all the sunshine is wonderful!

I have a STACK of 9-patch blocks that have been sitting for a while, so this has inspired me to get at it soon!

Lululiz said...

Big, big hug, girl, the quilt is everything I knew it was going to be. It is simply beautiful and will become a true heirloom. What a fabulous achievement. I hope you are celebrating with a glass or two of bubbly.

Michela said...

Many congratulations Sarah! How cozy that little bed! Fantastic fabrics and lots of love!
Have a good week!

Edit said...

Of course she loved it, how could anyone not love such a beautiful quilt! It is so wonderful. Congratulations!

Megbud said...

It looks amazing! Congratulations on a beautiful job!

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

No bubbles over here Liz! The little one was blowing some outside today though, does that count?

The washed and dried quilt looks even nicer than before! I love running my hands over the bubbles.

Serenata said...

Lovely, lovely quilt, your daughter is a very lucky girl!

Floss said...

That is so wonderful, and even better for holding such memories! Congratulations, Sarah.

aseemlylife said...

Sarah, Your quilt is lovely. Really it's your first one? Now that it's turned out so nice your are doomed to be quilting forever. I'm working on a nine patch as well.
Such a great use of left over fabric.
Thank you for adding my site to your list of links.
It doesn't, however go to my home page. It goes to some "texty" page. I wonder if you might check it.
I added your link and found a problem as well. I forgot to put the sarah in front of the red gingham, very different site. But it's all fixed now. Have a great day.

Heleen said...

What a fabulous quilt!!! so beautiful!

Nadine said...

It looks absolutely stunning, well done!!!

Pomona said...

Love the quilt - it's really pretty!

Pomona x

A Bun Can Dance said...

Dear Sarah
Your quilt is wonderful - the design and colours are, in my mind, exactly how a quilt should be - you are so clever and patient too!
Well done!
Denise x

Donnelly said...

It is indeed beautiful! I love that your girls were hunting for their favorite blocks. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day.

meg said...

Congratulations Sarah :o) It looks like so much work, I'm much more of an instant gratification crafty girl.

Lace hearts said...

Oh wow, you deserve to be well proud of yourself. It's stunning, absolutely stunning. What a lovely thing for your girls to look at.

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a lovely quilt! I'm a big fan of scrappy bindings.