Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Hourglass Quilt....the tall version

Sometime a while ago I started my second quilt.  My first quilt was made using Larissa's scrappy log cabin tutorial and it is a family favorite.  I think however, that it has been upstaged by my second quilt.  Not because my second  quilt is better, but because it is longer.  And in our family...a longer quilt is a good thing!
We are a tall family.  I am 5'11", my husband is 6'3" and my kids are still growing....with my middle one tipping the ruler at 6'.  So.  We need a quilt that can cover those long legs when snuggling on the couch.  When I was laying out my squares for this quilt, I realized that it wasn't going to be long enough for our height.  So, I added some borders which in turn added some length and width. It ended up being 54" by 67".   I used Allison's  Hourglass Quilt tutorial and a group of fat quarters that I bought in Lancaster, Pa several years ago.

 To freshen up the fabrics, I bought a tiny green and white polka dot fabric that shows up in the border and on the back as well.   I really like how it turned out....so soft and romantic.  It's quite the departure from my usual khakis and greens and reds.  There isn't much in our home that it actually 'matches'.
 But that's OK...it's getting lots of use and that makes up for it's lack of coordination.  I was laughing with Mckenzie because I originally bought the fabrics to make a quilt with her...but she didn't like them.  She didn't think they were bright enough.  (She's my tutti fruiti pink girl)  But it's Mckenzie that I find cuddled under this quilt each night...sweet irony!
My favorite part of this quilt is the scrappy edging.  I used every piece of fabric that I bought in Lancaster.  There wasn't a bit left over.  That is fabulous!  I love using things up!

 I also love that I quilted this quilt all on my own. It's just quilted with straight lines but I did it myself and that was a huge sense of accomplishment for me. It was a fun process....and Allison's tutorial was very helpful.
 I just followed the straight lines and diagonals on the hourglass blocks and then used straight lines around the borders.   My back was too large for one piece of fabric to completely cover it so I used a strip of patchwork to connect the two pieces so that I wouldn't have an obvious seam running through the back.
I really enjoyed most of the steps involved in making this quilt...I wasn't in a hurry and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much.  That's not typical for me...Usually I'm all about checking things off my list. I may need to adopt a less hurried mindset when working on big projects more often.  How about you, do you have a 'hurry and get it done' or 'enjoy the journey' kind of mindset?  

13 comments:

Tonya Gunn said...

Wow, Lisa, just beautiful - how wonderful to be covered by something handmade with love.

Leslie said...

What a beautiful quilt! A real treasure, that is for sure.

Meg said...

I just love it! It's so great--and I love that you were able to use all of your fabric!

I know what you mean about the "hurry up and get through it" attitude. I fall into that trap too--especially when it's something that I'm dreading (like attaching binding). But if I can slow down the process (or leave the unbound quilt languishing for a few months), I do find that it's actually enjoyable.

Christina said...

Beautiful! I LOVE it! Those are some of my very favorite pinks and greens, and you did such a nice job putting it together! Pretty sure that if I lived in your house Mckenzie would have some serious competition. ; )

Debi said...

Absolutely gorgeous... I love the colors. I love how you connected the two pieces of backing with the strip... very clever.

Kristyn Knits said...

Love it!! Awesome job!! Enjoy each and every moment under it (or seeing someone else under it). Seems like my "get it done" trait has molded into "are you ever going to make something?" Love when you share your projects...offers me hope and inspiration. xoxo

Anonymous said...

What a stunning quilt! I love your edging and also the stripe across the back. You certainly are a tall family.

Interesting what you say about not being in a hurry to finish. I've had a bit more practise in the last year of being content with process rather than speed and finishing!

From All Stitched Up said...

Beautiful! I'm so impressed. I have yet to put my squares together and you've done the whole thing. I like having the extra squares on the back. I also like how you quilted it yourself. That's my goal. Very, very nice

Larissa said...

What a beautiful quilt! You did a wonderful job and i love the addition of the green. Cannot wait to see what you'll make for Maggie. My heart skips a beat everytime you talk about visiting colleges. But i keep reminding myself that's why we do all we do - so that we can send smart, responsible, kind and curious people out into the world. And i totally agree about making a tall version - perfect for snuggling!

Gloria said...

You did a wonderful job on your quilt! No wonder why your daughter is using it so much. I don't have much of a "hurry up and get through with it attitude"...I need to have it a little more. I have quite a few unfinished projects in boxes. I get rolling once I actually do more than just buy the fabric! :)

Happy Thursday to you!
xoxo...Gloria

Tracy said...

GORGEOUS... the quilt is simply stunning, Lisa! I love the pink, white, green color scheme, and the scrappy edging is a wonderful finish. You should be proud of this one! And Lancaster, PA is one of the best places in the world, and for buying fabric too. ;o) Wow... you can just feel the love oozing out of this quilt. Glad this was such a great experience for you. I've not made a full-size quilt in some time, as my fabric stash isn't so big anymore and fabric is so expensive to buy over here. I'm a " joy on the journey" kind of crafter. Although, I've had my "hurry up quick" when making gifts on a deadline! LOL... We're all been there! ;o) So glad you shared this beautiful quilt and it's finish with us. Happy Days ((HUGS))

Liz said...

Beautiful. I often want to get them done, but I'm not willing to scrimp on quality and rush things. So I try to take my time and I end up really enjoying myself and the finished product.

Karen Andreola said...

I have some pink and green pieces cut out and stacked by the sewing machine so when I spied your beautiful pink and green quilt I had to comment. It's quite sweet. I'd like to try the hour glass piecing next. You've inspired me to give it a try.
Karen A.