Sunday, November 15, 2009

quilt weather?

Today is gorgeous here in our neck of the woods. The sun is shining and the temps are expected to hit 70! Great weather for being outside...not for snuggling underneath a quilt. But that's OK...I'll take this perfect weather even though I have a finished quilt that's just waiting to be snuggled under. Yes, that's right, I finished my Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt. Larissa was my teacher and she is fabulous. I referred back to her tutorial more times than I can count. Some days as I was working on different parts of the quilt I even had my laptop right beside my sewing machine. If you're wanting to try a quilt but have never done one before, I would loudly urge you to gather your supplies and link over to Larissa's! She knows her stuff! With that said, I followed her directions for all the different parts of building this quilt...but I did not have the courage or the equipment to quilt it myself. (The quilting is the top stitching that holds all three layers of the quilt together. ) I took my quilt to Jessica, who lives in our area and quilts for a living, and she did the meander stitching on the quilt. Her quilting machine takes up an entire room in her house! Ginormous! I have since purchased a walking foot so I can learn how to quilt through smaller sized projects. (I'm wanting to try some quilted potholders for Christmas gifts). I watched this video (several times) to learn how to make the double fold binding, sew it on and do the mitered corners. Each part of this quilt project was a learning experience for me. I am not a precise person by nature so I learned the importance of measuring accurately and pressing carefully. My favorite part was choosing the fabrics and doing the binding...my least favorite part was all the ironing. My family was tremendous as I worked on the quilt. They've cheered as I completed each milestone of the project. In the car the other day, I overheard John Samuel as he said, "Hey Kenzie, did you hear that mom's quilt is done at Miss Jessica's? She's going to pick it up tonight!" So touching to know that something so treasured by me is also high on their list of big news events. My finished quilt measures 41" X 51" and is a collection of cotton, flannel and some upholstery fabrics. (I included my new chair fabric). The batting is warm and natural and I added a strip of quilt blocks on the lower back for interest. Thanks again Larissa for all the wonderful help and encouragement along the way!

23 comments:

At Home Mommy Knits said...

GORGEOUS!!! What an amazing accomplishment and something I am sure your family will treasure always. One of these days I am going to attempt a quilt. Maybe after the holidays when I'm stuck indoors I'll pluck up the courage.

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Oh Lisa -- It is a work of art. Your color choices are perfect. If you ever tire of this quilt, please send it my way. Isn't it nice when the kids appreciate craftiness? I think we moms sometimes feel like no one pays attention to us. Your son's comment must have made you feel great. Good job -- now if only the weather would turn a little cooler you could put it to use.

larissa said...

Way to go, Lisa - it's so beautiful! I love the colors and how perfectly you coordinated them to your home. so glad you got the walking foot - and are planning to use it again. I love JS's comment - there's something about quilts that makes kiddos gravitate towards them, covet them, and even fight over them. and to prevent this and keep peace in the house we just need to make more! enjoy your gorgeous quilt - surely the weather will be cool enough by evening.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! That is quite an accomplishment to finish a quilt!! congradulations!! It is beautiful!!! =) Great job Miss Lisa!! =)
Emily

Anna said...

Wow - it is really beautiful! Good for you!

Kristyn Knits said...

GREAT WORK my quilting friend! Another skill to add to your growing list of talents.
BEAUTIFUL that's what it is. BEAUTIFUL just like you.
I love the colors you choose, the arrangement you decided on, and the quilt squares of interest on the back. what a wonderful student you were!!
Be proud, my friend, this is lovely.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Sigrun said...

You did a wonderful job. Everything about it is beautiful.

Tonya Gunn said...

How wonderful to complete such a beautiful project!
It is sweet when the children take notice of a project that has taken time, patience, and consistency and hopefully they remember that in their own lives.
Warm wishes.
Oh, I like the squares on the back!

Tracy said...

STUNNING...it is stunningly beautiful, Lisa! I just so in love with that quilt... It truly is a work of art, something very special. You did an amazing job on this quilt. The colors and detail are wonderful. And I love that row of log cabins on the neutral backing--sensational! This is a real cozy-comfort piece of home. I see lots of snuggling and smiles happening under that quilt. Just seeing it is a huge inspiration!I hope next year to do more quilting, for I do love the art. Thank you for sharing your grand finish. You should be very proud. Happy Week, my friend ((HUGS))

Green Acres in the City said...

Amazing. What talent! I would love one like that. I have such a fettish for quilts!

Heather said...

I have to agree that Larissa is amazing, and her tutorials are excellent, but you did an amazing job on your own! That quilt is gorgeous, and I am sure that it will be find a cherished space in your home.

cathleen said...

Lisa! That is so pretty! You did a great job. I think your beautiful quilt will come in handy with the winter fast approaching and it will be perfect to get all cozy and snuggly.

Hip Mountain Mama said...

Yes, beautiful, gorgeous, and stunning! There is something so special about quilts! Thanks for finding my blog again...there are a few hicups that occur when switching! Hope your Monday is going well!
Suzy

Stephanie said...

Really Beautiful! I have been wanting to try a log cabin quilt, you did a fantastic job! You should definitely get a walking foot for your sewing machine, I did a little while back and I love it. It takes some practice, but just jump right in. It's a lot of fun!

Gigi said...

Oh my goodness, love your quilt! I'm so jealous but too lazy to try making one myself -- maybe someday when I retire for real ;-).
Blessings,
G

Ruth said...

I have always wanted to make a quilt but have never had the time to. I am also afraid I will make a mess of it. I am not an exact person either. Your quilt looks gorgeous!! What a great job!! I love the colors.

Ruth

Jessica said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I do love that cozy quilt--it is perfect weather now to snuggle under it at night!

Mama Sewing said...

Your quilt is amazing! What a perfect time of year to finish a quilt---bet you just can't wait for the snow to fly!

Audra said...

That is gorgeous! I love the strip of quilt squares on the back! What a great idea. I've been thinking about making a quilt since all the ones I made are busy covering my kids. Kind of need one for me to snuggle under in the evenings. The quilting has been the deterrent for me, I need to find someone else to quilt it. Thank you for the beautiful inspiration and congratulations!!!

Journeying Five said...

It is positively lovely! I would love to have your 70 degrees instead of the snow that has come to stay. Soon you will be enjoying it though!

Adrie said...

Wow. Super impressed.

The WoodLand School said...

Congratulations! This is a masterpiece and quite an accomplishment. Great work!