Monday, October 27, 2014

Bespoke Baby Quilt

Hello (-ello -ello).  Echo (-echo -echo).  

It has been too long, my friends.  I fell off the blogging wagon for a while, but I would like to climb back on as of today.  Everything is fine here, it is just that life took priority over computer stuff.  You know how it is.

While the blog has been quiet, I have been stitching away.  About three weeks ago I received a call from my friends D&D.  They are expecting a new niece or nephew to join their family this week, so they wanted a small (1 yard squared) quilt that they could give as a baby gift.  As they didn't know the sex, I thought the Mixed Bag line would be perfect for their quilt.  I started playing with HSTs immediately and quickly fell into the pattern of making stars.  Shocker, I know.


With the Sizzix cutting the HSTs, it took very little time to put the 9 blocks together and pop on a border.  For me, the challenge was to quilt this little friend.  This was the perfect opportunity to put my new frame to work.  I have been practising using scrap fabric sandwiches, but have not used it to quilt an actual project.  With lots of deep breathing, I dove in...


...and started quilting a line of circles.  Some looked great, others could use a little help but all in all the effect was pretty super.


I won't lie; the quilting took FOREVER.  I had imagined that this frame would make the machine work some amazing magic and that is simply not true.  Each line had to be created slowly with care.  I learned a tremendous amount in this process and can't wait to try quilting on the frame with my next project.  


With a bit of red binding and a dip in the washing machine, this little quilt is on it's way to its new family.  I love the orange border, love the pop of red on the edge and am delighted with the bubbly texture the quilting has created.


The back is one full piece of Mixed Bag Which Way, pulling together all of the colors on the front.


I am already creating projects in my mind that will let me use the frame to quilt a bit more.  You can be sure you will see a few large Christmas presents appearing here in the near future!  Until then, I'll just keep petting this pretty bubbly friend, content with my first try being (mostly) a success.  Woo hoo!









20 comments:

Sarah said...

welcome back, missed you! bonny baby quilt too. x

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Cindy! I love this quilt! You have picked the best, bright Fabrics and I really like the star block! Good luck with quilting - for me it looks great! x Teje

Missy Shay said...

It turned out great and I love the fabrics you used!

Unknown said...

Perfect colors for a new baby! Your quilting is nicely done and hope you continue to enjoy your new frame. It does take practice to feel more at ease with it. Best wishes! (celiaambrose@hotmail.com)

Henry's Shed said...

Love it! And I think your quilting is amazing! xxx

Leanne said...

It's a total success! I especially love the quilting, and you will get faster as your do it more. I advise just going for it on a bunch of quilts, before you know it you be far more comfortable.

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

It looks fab - go you!!

Jacinta O' Shea said...

Gorgeous Cindy ! That backing is one of my favourites. I used it recently as backing on the quilt I donated to the BUMBLEance project. Will defo have to order more from you !!

Tomomi McElwee said...

Nice cheery quilt! So you got the frame then. Looking forward the good work!

Melody A. said...

IT looks fantastic and such a happy quilt that will be treasured for years to come! Great Job!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

well done with the quilting, and what a happy baby quilt.

pennydog said...

Welcome back abord- definitely a success, I am a bit envious of your frame right now, window shopping time...

Tina said...

Love it! Great bright colours!

Ruth said...

Looks great - would love to know more about your frame Cindy!

Mamasqd said...

Gorgeous and bright:)

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Wow, look at you with a frame and doing gorgeous quilting! Bravo!

Nicole said...

Cute quilt!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

Adorable baby quilt and your quilting looks great.

Katy Cameron said...

Hmm, I'm suspecting the new toy has been distracting you from blogging ;o) Great work with it though :o)

Sarah said...

The quilting is so neat! It does look like bubbles. Did you buy a frame for your domestic machine or have you invested in a big quilting machine and frame?

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