Showing posts with label Bonkers quilt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bonkers quilt. Show all posts

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Bonkers drove me bonkers!

Yep, the bonkers quilt is done...I'll let the pictures do most of the talking..but I will just say I'm relieved!  I do love the finished article - I think the quilting and washing it gave it a more relaxed feel (I was worried it was going to be a bit too "in your face").
(thanks to mum-in-law for standing on a stool in her garden so I could get this picture!)

The things that drove me bonkers (lessons learnt!) were:
  • Quilting a large quilt with a stipple makes your shoulders ache.  I snapped 5 needles as the weight of the quilt pulled the needle forward onto the plate..doh.  I really need to get over my vanity and get some sexy quilting gloves!
  • Do not try to machine-sew a binding on if you are not practiced at it.  I ended up unpicking the whole 260+ inches in order to hand-stitch it on properly
  • And finally, do not underestimate the time it takes to sew in all the thread ends and trim all other loose thread off...2 hours work I reckon!


Quilt Stats for the bonkers quilt:
Pattern: Large scale disappearing 9 patch
Size: 60" x 72"
Fabrics: All from the stash, I counted 26 different prints and solids.
Backing: Quilt is backed in the black, white and green swirl that appears on the front.  This was originally a king-size cotton duvet cover by Hobbs.
Quilting: A large scale free-motion stipple pattern


Anyway, this one is destined for a local shop, but if it doesn't sell it doesn't matter, cos I reckon I can find it a home right here... now..on to the next project :)

x

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Bonkers quilt is coming along...and a slice of fabric heaven

I definitely had a moment of angst with the plan for the quilt I mentioned in my last post.  Having cut 45 10" squares in VERY bright fabrics and arranged them in 3x3 blocks of 9, it all looked....well...a bit bonkers.   I was more than slightly concerned that the finished quilt would look like a pair of dungarees I had in my late teens...you know the sort, worn along with the tatty dyed hair and the army boots...and somehow I think that's what's good for 1990's dungarees, probably isn't good for a quilt now!

I persevered, and made the first couple of sets of disappearing-9-patch blocks (shown here on my car bonnet because it was the only dry place outside!)

and do you know what?  dungarees or otherwise, I liked them...

Spurred on I finished the other sets and pieced them all together last night to give me a completed quilt top measuring 56" x 70".


Phew, that was a pleasingly quick top to make...I think I may add a border to give it a little extra size but due to poor planning I don't have a 70" length of any of the solids.  Anyone got any good ideas for pieced borders?

In other news, I have to admit that I had an online fabric splurge with my Christmas money (thanks to both sets of parents!) a couple of weeks ago.  The first of three anticipated parcels arrived earlier this week, so you can imagine my glee when out spilled this selection from Pink Castle Fabrics.

Some yummy solids Kona Cyan, Bone, Stone and Pepper.

Plus a whole host of half yards that just took my fancy as I was browsing..including the clocks from Melody Millers new line, Ruby Star Shining, some Etchings and some Joel Dewberry.   Typically for me, none of them match, but I love them all!


And then, as I was about to hit publish on this post...the postman arrived with another two parcels.  Out came the camera again...how lucky do I feel!

From the Fabric Shoppe I'd chosen this Mod Green Pod Kaufman print, and these adorable birdies by David Walker for Free Spirit.  And Susan, I'd just about packaged up your birdies, but since the envelope is still open, I can add some of these in, if you'd like :)

In this package, I'd also ordered a pot luck bundle...2 yards of scraps (although I don't think I call just shy of half a yard a scrap!) so by chance I've got myself some of the fabulous scissor print I keep seeing everywhere at the moment.

And finally, the last parcel was from The Intrepid thread...and it did not disappoint... half yards of Lark by Amy Butler, and Terrain by Kate Spain,

A yard each of these lime green parrots by Tina Givens, this Aubergine Domestic Bliss print by Moda,  and the "Dazzle" print from Andover fabrics

And then (as if that wasn't enough!) two mini half yard bundles - Taza by Dena Fishbein and Karavan by Valorie Wells.

It's all a bit much, I think I need a lie down (and a ban on Internet shopping until Easter)

x