30 June 2006
Tada, it's finished! I shouldn't really be amazed, as it's only 'throw' sized (about 60" x 70"), but it still seems like quite a feat for five days. See the front (blowing in the wind) here and the back here. Like all projects, it seems, I ran hot and cold with this quilt. At times, I loved the patterns, but sometimes I thought it was all just too much. Now that it's finished, I'm pretty happy with it.
A lot of the fabrics are Mary Engelbreit, which is slightly surprising to me. I never really liked her style until maybe a year ago. It just doesn't feel like 'me,' but the patterns I used for this seem just right. The black and white leaf print I used for the border actually isn't Mary Engelbreit (I think it looks like it should be, though), but some 'random' print from the black and white section.
All told, I think the quilt (fabric, batting, binding) cost around $30, which I'm impressed by. With knitting projects, a jumper can often wind up being more expensive to make than it would be to buy, but I'm fairly certain I couldn't find a quilt like this for under thirty bucks (I'm not sure I could find a quilt like this, period). Seasonal sales at Mill End certainly helped keep the price low.
Other details? I used a thin cotton batting and machine quilted in a zig-zag pattern. It's not perfect, but it's close enough that I'm proud of it -- surprisingly, I didn't have to rip out quilting at any point! I bound it with red bias tape and then threw it in the washer; a few minutes later my mom wondered out loud if I had washed the binding before attaching it and whether it might bleed onto the quilt. Eep! It didn't though, much to my relief. Whew!
One last Booty on the quilt picture. He really does like it.
what a lovely quilt, Anna ! and Booty is just adorable ...
posted by Tania Ho at June 30, 2006 04:08 PM
I LOVE it!!
posted by Rosa at June 30, 2006 04:30 PM
It's really lovely. I like the colors and the design. :)
posted by Michelle from Green Kitchen at June 30, 2006 04:54 PM
Just beautiful! I love the mix of colors and design!
posted by keri at June 30, 2006 05:03 PM
Oh, what beautiful work! And I love how your kitty-cat loves it, too...
posted by crystal at June 30, 2006 05:47 PM
This is probably a stupid question, but can you machine-quilt on a regular sewing machine, or do you need one with a long arm? I love the quilt and I want to try to make one. Any hints?
posted by Zarah at June 30, 2006 06:08 PM
great job!!!! i love the red binding, and the back is great too...
posted by stephanie s at June 30, 2006 06:14 PM
I LOVE IT. I do. It's fabulous.
posted by Angela at June 30, 2006 10:40 PM
I would never have put those colours together (because I'm useless) but it really works.
posted by Megan at June 30, 2006 11:27 PM
What a fantastic quilt! Love the colours so much.
posted by manda at July 1, 2006 12:42 AM
It's fabulous! i'm inspired to make a quilt now, it's one of my 'must do this year' things. Now, if only i could get some other things out of the way.
posted by Nichola at July 1, 2006 10:54 AM
I was positive it was going to be perfect, but how it got even more perfect than perfect I just don't know, but it did!
posted by vegasandvenice at July 1, 2006 03:50 PM
Ooohh, aaahhh!
posted by jessie at July 1, 2006 08:22 PM
Congratulations! I love it. I have some M.E. fabric in my stash too. One of those things where I picked it out and only noticed the name when it was being cut. Huh. I thought I didn't like that, LOL!
posted by Kristin at July 2, 2006 04:28 PM
I love contemporary quilts. You have used a traditional technique but added a delicious modern twist - and well done for choosing a cat who coordinates so perfectly!!!!
posted by cherry at July 2, 2006 08:56 PM
Wow - that's gorgeous! I love the colours, the patterns... and the cat!
posted by Jane at July 2, 2006 09:00 PM
Wow, it's gorgeous, Anna. It actually looks really American. (In a good way.) That last picture? Enlarge, frame, and hang over bed with quilt on it. So adorable. Booty, pretending to sleep on it so you won't leave. :-)
posted by Alicia P. at July 3, 2006 12:53 AM
how lovely. your colors are so nice. i'm amazed that the fabrics are Mary Engelbreit. she's not my favorite designer, either. how inspiring! maybe i'll take another look at her fabrics.
posted by bekka at July 3, 2006 06:04 PM
Adorable! So simple and sweet, really love the colours!
posted by airessara at July 4, 2006 09:49 AM
Just beautifull!!
:)
posted by Rita at July 4, 2006 04:54 PM
it's gorgeous - and i'm impressed with how quickly you got it finished. i can't believe you called it "just a throw." you should be so proud of yourself.
posted by mary at July 4, 2006 08:01 PM