Tuesday, December 04, 2007

another finish


This quilt was made for some dear friends that I have known for a long, long time. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in October, so this gift will be a bit belated. (I need to work on my deadlines!) They live in a hundred year old farm house and collect antique quilts. I hope this fits into their home nicely.

It all started with these squares that I didn't quite know what to do with.

When I saw this quilt, I got excited because I could still make a full size quilt with only half the amount of 9 patch blocks. Those 9 patch blocks get tedious!

The making of this quilt was touch and go several times. I had to do quite a bit of color editing. Several lighter colored squares made their way into my scrap bucket. That helped a ton, but once I got the quilt top put together I wasn't really thrilled. It hung over my banister several weeks. I started to strip piece the backing with pieces from my stash. That didn't last very long. I gave up, went to JoAnn's and bought a big piece of backing fabric...so glad I did. I thought about ripping the top apart several times. Or just cutting it apart and salvaging what I could.

But, I persevered. I decided to see the quilt through to completion. I must say that I am glad I did.

The backing is a large scale paisley that dresses it up nicely.

As does the large scale printed binding.

Someone asked me once (I think it was Megan) if I ever get nervous about how a quilt will come together. I would have to say ALL the TIME!

Is it worth it? Totally. Every time.

32 comments:

jeanette said...

It´s beautiful !!!!

Anonymous said...

Another beauty created by AmandaJean....Wow, again Sister! I cannot imagine how many, many fun ideas go thru your brillant mind daily! You continue to be a blessing to EVERYONE around you...A most thoughtful gift is teh gift of your handiwork in your quilts...they will cherish it! And, how adorable is little A, holding the purse? I must say! I need to give her some smooches! Love the paisley backing of quilt...it fits in so nicely! Awesome, just Awesome BUDDY! mISS YOU! lUCY

Linda said...

It's lovely! You have such an eye for color combinations. Very pretty!

tess said...

it's fantastic, and well worth waiting a few extra weeks for. they'll love it.

Vicki W said...

It's not just a finish, it's a lovely finish!

lera said...

Beautiful!!! As always.

Kim said...

I love this one! It reminds me of things I like to make, too. The color combination is very warm and inviting. ~>"<

Alice said...

Oh, I just love your quilt! I'm a new blogger and just came across all the quilting ones. I'm a quilter too and love looking at all the different ones out there. I'm going to make yours a favorite.
alice

Heather said...

You are a quilting machine!
Love the colors in this one too.

Anonymous said...

I love that quilt! I love 9-patch quilts for some reason, and I love those colors you chose!

Carrie said...

It's gorgeous! Your friends are sure to enjoy it.

Amy Jo said...

Another beatiful creation by Amanda. You are an inspiration!

Anina said...

OK, so how do you manage to get all this done???? Do you sleep?
It is absolutely lovely and they are sure to love it.

Heidijayhawk said...

fabulous as always my dear!

Sarah said...

What an absolutely wonderful talent you have!! This quilt is gorgeous!!

kirsten said...

that turned out so great! i love it - and the backing really does look nice.

(i'm tagging you tomorrow - just a head's up!)

this is my calling card:
http://kirstencan.typepad.com
until google/blogger sorts out the commenting problem.

Roxanne said...

I love how it turned out! The color combination is perfect!! Glad you stuck it out!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! My mom started a quilt for my husband and me when we got married (21 years ago), but never finished it. The squares have been in my closet for a few years now. I should do what you did with adding the large blocks. Then I could just finish it up quickly.

QuiltNut Creations said...

absolutely gorgeous!!

Unknown said...

Another stunning quilt. I'm sure the new owners will treasure it, not just for it's beauty, but for the love that went into each stitch.

Katherine said...

Jaw dropping gorgeous, Amandajean! Love the rich colours and how you broke up the nine patch with the large piece blocks. I'm also in lurve with that backing fabric, so rich looking. Another inspiring quilt! (You really don't sleep, do you??? You're a quilting wonder!)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful quilt!

Anonymous said...

dude. it turned out beautifully. the colors are great - very warm and inviting. lovely! :)

Stefanie said...

You are sew prolific! Way to go! I like how you draped the quilt over the sofa for the pic too. Something that has worked for the backing for me is good quality sheets if you can find them on clearance. And I'm sure that couple will be thrilled with a new addition to their collection, especially one with such meaning. Now I am going to go make my blocks for week 3 and 4!

LeeAnn said...

Good job! I am sure they will be thrilled! Just think in 50 years your quilts will be the convented antique quilts.

Mary Sarah said...

It's beautiful! Late or not, it's a wonderful gift!

Karen said...

Great quilt and what a nice gift! I'm sure they'll love it!

Oiyi said...

Another gorgeous quilt.

Clair said...

That is a neat quilt. The girt recipients will LOVE it.

a friend to knit with said...

you know i sit over here in amazement everytime i see one of your beautiful quilts. you are amazing!
can't wait to hear what you have in mind for a "beginner"....maybe after the holidays i can get started. :)

Chara Michele said...

It is beautiful!

sulu-design said...

What a lucky couple! I'm sure they'll adore this quilt. I'm impressed to hear about the amount of thought and editing that goes into color selection and placement and the like. Not being a quilter myself, I had never even considered that these topics matter that much. I respect your work all the more now!