Friday, March 06, 2009

vintage kitchen quilt

Here's my finished swell quilt. I like it but I'm not in love with it yet. Maybe I will be after it's washed and dried? Or maybe my feelings for it are tainted by the March funk I'm in? I'm not too sure. Either way, it's finished.
It took a long time to piece.
And to quilt. (Over a week and a half just for the quilting---off and on.)
This quilt is h-e-a-v-y. My son even commented on that while he was holding it up for the photo-it must be all those bulky seams from the triangles.
I paired the swell charms (I used 4 packs) with quilter's only cotton in the color parchment (from JoAnn's).

I pressed the first seams (the diagonal ones) open, rather than to one side, which made the assembly of the quilt top much easier. I learned that lesson after making an hourglass quilt.

It measures 58" x 75".
I love a striped binding. This is lighter than I would normally pick for binding, but the stripes won me over.

The backing is also from the swell line. I love the bold print. I think this is the first larger quilt I've made that I've splurged on the backing by using all "quilt shop" fabric. (It was on sale, but still, it sure adds up quick.) I'm glad I did.

Since this quilt looks somewhat vintage already (love that), it should get better with age. I can only hope the same for me. Ha!

134 comments:

pwl said...

It's a beautiful quilt, and I think you did a lovely job.

Anonymous said...

That is a darling quilt! The striped binding is just the perfect finishing touch.

V and Co. said...

since you aren't in LOVE with it...and I AM...you want to send it over here? ;) i want to make it now. why'd you do that?!

Lori Holt said...

I think your quilt is darling. You can't make a bad quilt using SWELL can you? I really love that line and you picked my favorite for the back of your quilt...I'm sure it will only get better with age.

Di~ said...

I really like it, hope you do too, eventually. Great binding too, but I know, I like to get something that stops the quilt. Enjoy it! you the woman! and yes I'm sure you are getting better! Again, thanks for your great posts and inspiration. Have you seen the fury over flea market fancy at tallgrasspraire? I'm smug, I have what I want...all because of you!:)

Sarah said...

Wow! You did such a good job with all of those triangles. It is beautiful! I am inspired by your quilts.

Valerie said...

It must be the funk because it's SPECTACULAR and once we have some April sunshine I'm sure you'll be head over heels in love with it!

Roxanne said...

It is super cute, but in a simple way. Maybe that's why you're not in love with it yet...it doesn't jump out and grab you. But that's what makes the vintage ones so amazing I think, the small details.

Karen said...

Your quilt is just beautiful! I like to splurge on the backing as well, but mostly I will be using less expensive fabrics for the backs from now on.

Marie' said...

How cute is that?! Is it going to be for your daughter?
I am all pumped up to start the Sweet quilt now. Thanks for the inspiration.

Sarah said...

I think it looks awsome and LOVE that striped binding!

nettie said...

i can't believe you don't like it, I LOVE it!

I'm in a march funk too. I just haven't felt like sewing at all...

Kristin said...

I'm loving it. I especially love the fabric on the back. Beautiful! Great job!

Cindy said...

Anytime you want to get rid of that quilt, I'll use it! HAHA, it is great, I love the look of the older quilt patterns. Esp. the scrappy quilts.

Angie said...

It looks like a beauty from here! I am currently working on my first quilt that you were featured in the Moda Bake shop with. It looks like a good beginner quilt and I am so excited to start on a new craft. I am learning so much from you. Thank you again for all your tutorials. You are a great teacher, thank goodness for blogs!
blessings, angie

Sara said...

I really like the quilt. It's shabby chic / cottage-y to me.

I understand about being in a funk - I've been trying to shake mine off for a good 10 days. Let me know how you manage to lose yours, huh? I could use the help!

Unknown said...

Is it going in the kitchen? Or did I miss something? It looks great! I agree the triangles tend to add a lot of weight - worth it though :)

Katherine said...

It certainly does have a lovely vintage feel to it, Amandajean. Very, very lovely.

I must agree that nothing is more fun than using stripes for the binding - yours looks great!

I think the only dilema with this beauty is deciding which side to place face up on the bed! ;o) The backing fabric is gorgeous.

Calico Road said...

Very nice, love the vintage look. However, the thought of sewing all those triangles makes me dizzy. Great job!

Anonymous said...

Looks great!! Seeing it all done makes me want to try one like this too. How many do I need to have going at once???:)

Kerri said...

oh, i love it!! i love all the swell trianles paired with the white. i think i'll use your suggestion and press my seams open for the double hourglass quilt i'm starting. i've started cutting all the sqaures and now cutting them into the triangles. :)

lera said...

Oh my! That one does look like a lot of hard work. It's beautiful though.

And I have a feeling that you will only get better as you age. :-)

ilovebabyquilts said...

That's a lot of half square triangles! Hope you used the quick piecing method. I hope you learn to love it, because we all do.

Two Dogs and a Quilt said...

So lovely. I think Swell is such a great line, and the backing fabric is perfect. Spring is on it's way.

Alissa said...

Beautiful! Love the binding too... Triangles. I just can't bring myself to use 'em these days! Quilts like this make me think I should!

Laurie said...

Beautiful! I love it's simplistic look! And you'll get better with age too, creative people do because it's a relaxing time, it relieves the stress of day to day! I'm at my most content in my craft room, surrounded by fabrics, color, and inspiration! Like that that comes from my blog friends. I'm working on a pinwheel quilt right now, and pressing open the seams is the only way to go!

Anonymous said...

I love it!! It is one of my favorite lines by Urban Chiks!! I am pretty sure it won't take you long to love it too!! :)

Ashley said...

It's a beautiful quilt...do you have any pictures of the whole back of it? I would love to see those pics if you do!

Shanna said...

Another beauty!! I love the simplicity of it and how pretty it looks with the color choices.

dutchcomfort said...

It’s gorgeous! Love the striped binding!

Lisa said...

I get like that too. After I look at a quilt for too long it starts to be boring or ugly. If I put it out of sight for a couple weeks and take it back out, it starts to be pretty again.

I have had a few quilts that I really did get tired of and give to my mom or my sister to finish. I actually gave my sister my Cherry Surprise quilt to finish at one point, but she gave it back. Now I'm really glad she did. I guess sometimes it's too much of a good thing.

Mama Urchin said...

I'm working on a stack of stuff to send you :) I love all those triangles. I bet you'll love it too, you just need a little break from each other first,

Pattie D said...

I love your stuff! It is darling and oh so cute. I love the pick for the back, good choice. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Hugs
tricia

Betsy said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! So jealous. I am just learning to quilt and love the swell fabrics. Too cute.

roseylittlethings said...

I love love love it, I now need that fabric!~~

Leigh said...

absolutely beautiful! I love it!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love the "old" or traditional look. Why do you quilt it with the squiggles? Is that an easier way to quilt than the old fashioned, follow the seam type pattern? I'm just learning, from my mom and grandma, and I've never seen that squiggly before. Just found your website - love it! I've only done a little bit of piecing work and just learning to quilt my first top.

Laural said...

Congratulations on your finish! It's lovely!!

The Calico Cat said...

She's pretty. I'm a fan of striped bindings too.

Anonymous said...

The binding is so cute! What a labor of love with all of those little triangles. I love the look of this quilt and am glad you showed it to us, Miss Talent.

Regina said...

Your quilt is lovely!! I am in love with striped binding also. I finished a Christmas tabletoper this past holiday with a striped binding and I was hooked after that :)

Philigry said...

i really, really love it. especially the back. i bet it will grow on you. it is beautiful.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Well, I LOVE your new quilt. It is so pretty and pleasing to look at. The striped binding is the perfect finishing touch.

Jennie said...

That is really gorgeous! It looks so fresh and springy!! I have some charm packs from the "Fresh" line by Moda- and I'm thinking this would be the perfect way to use them! ~ Jennie

Jessica Christensen said...

I often start to despise my quilts or at least be kind of indifferent to them by the time they're finished -- especially if they take a long time to make. I just get sick of looking at them. Once they've been resting on the quilt pile for a bit, they start to grow on me. I love how this one turned out. I love vintage quilts, and this one has a great vintage feel to it.

Annie said...

I think it looks fabulous - and I too love the stipes for binding. You are amazing.

Renee said...

It's 'charming'!
You'll like it more once you get a break from working on it and can appreciate how lovely it is.

Anonymous said...

I love it too! Just add one more to the pile on my "to do" list!

secondofwett said...

That is a lot of work but it looks gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Oh I loved that line of fabric sooo much! I made a runner out of it and I'm drooling over your quilt. I especially love your splurge for backing. Absolutely gorgeous!

Kelly said...

Oh, I think it's so pretty!!! I love the fabrics you chose. Fantastic job - as usual!

Why did you call it a kitchen quilt? are you putting it in your kitchen?

Thanks for all of your inspiration!

cathleen said...

Oh..my...goodness, Amandajean...this quilt is quite exquisite. How can you not be in love with it...it's a work of art, truly. You picked a perfect binding and backing. Who...who...who is the lucky recipient of this awesome quilt? LOVEY it!!!!!! I bow to you, girl...you are the Queen of Quilters!!!!

Gretchen said...

I love the idea, but think it's lacking a certain "ka-pow!"

And the quilting? Crazy!

Julie said...

You are such a quilt wiz. This one is lovely. Simply classic designs are great aren't they.

Laura said...

I LOVE IT!!!!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful! Even if you're not in love with it, I sure am :) Any tips for cutting triangles? I'd like to try my hand at something like this.

jennifer_vincent(at)med(dot)unc(dot)edu

Kristine said...

Beautiful! I love it!

jacquie said...

i learned that pressing seams open with my zig zig quilts...really helps. i love this fabric line...and what you've done with it! beautiful...i hope you fall in love with it too.

Anonymous said...

Uh...my tummy did flip flops when I saw that quilt!! I'm gonna make me one. So, so gorgeous.

Amy

Thimbleanna said...

V & Co (and probably others) took my comment! I LOVE it, so since you don't yet, I can offer it a warm and loving home. A quilt that gorgeous deserves to be loved LOL!

Julie said...

what a darling quilt.
I just love it. Maybe someday I will buy some charmpacks and make a quilt.
julie

Janet, said...

It's beautiful! Don't know why you're not in love with it, I am.

Karen said...

I love it! March funk must be the reason you're not loving it yet. That plus all the time you spent on it. If you don't begin to LOVE it soon, I'd be glad to have it...LOL!

Karen, aka Yaya said...

I really like your newest quilt here! I love your stippling. QUESTION--when you stipple all over a quilt such as this one where do you start--in the middle, on the sides, or corner??
Thanks. Karen

Andrea said...

March funks are no fun, aggravated more when ole man winter taunts us badly (did you get his visit too?)

It's a beautiful quilt. The colours are very water colour like in this photo - so pretty!

How did you find pressing the seams open? I'm doing it to one of my quilts right now, and find it annoying and more work!

jess said...

Well, *I* am in love with it. :-D
::gasp:: I do not always press my seams, or I finger press. But when I have pressed the seams open, I've loved the results and the flatness of it... I just have to be sure to use tiny stitches or it stretches open a bit, know what I mean?

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Love this quilt!! Swell is a timeless range - I sure it will become a vintage treasure.

Anonymous said...

I love love love this quilt! I've never done an all HST quilt but this has inspired me.

Paula

Helen said...

It's absolutely beautiful. You did a wonderful job on it in every aspect.

I'm sure you will come to love it...sometimes it just takes a bit of time. (I sometimes feel that way about some people!!!)

Patricia said...

I love your quilt. How large is it? You are a talented "fiber artist"---what my son calls quilters.

Amy Friend said...

I love it! I can't see why you are unsure!

Adele said...

oh my, this is awesome, I love it! I was about to start a different project, but now I think I'll make one of these.... hope mine looks half as nice! :)

Linda said...

I like it a lot. :)

Amanda Jean said...

kelly and amy,

i'm not going to be using the quilt in my kitchen, the fabrics just reminded me of an old time kitchen, thus the name. my kids are WAY too messy to have something this white to put into my kitchen. :)

aj

Shari said...

I really like this. I have some charm packs that would work well. I was also thinking of doing a disappearing 9 patch with them. Maybe I could do both...

Congratulations on the finish! I like the striped binding too...

Unknown said...

will you marry me?
okay, so i'm kidding... but you're amazing!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I hope it grows on you because that is one fantastic quilt!!

Vicki W said...

I think it's adorable!

sewinginthegap said...

You make it look so easy to choose colours and patterns and to quilt....I wish it was !!! What is being "in a funk" I haven't heard that expression before ! I am a new follower of your blog, and am inspired and impressed by everything you have made/make.

Thanks for your instructions and hints etc !!

Anonymous said...

I really love this. It is so springy and fresh! hmmm, can not imagine why you don't love it!

Unknown said...

What a terrific quilt! It definitely looks vintage. They are heavier when they are bigger, that is for sure.

Donna said...

This is truly a beauty. You just got tired of looking at it. It'll grow on you.

Amanda Jean said...

karen,

i start on one long side of the quilt and work my way around, filling in toward the center as i go. i don't know who said to start from the center, but i have never done that. starting from the side works for me.

i hope that helps!

aj

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

It is absolutely gorgeous - front, back and binding - a work of art. I know you're going to love it! I don't like any of mine when I first finish them, but then the more I look at them, the better I like them. :)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT!!! It is so vintage and delicious. I hope it will grow on you because it really is fantastic. It seems like such a traditional departure for you, so maybe it doesn't give you the thrill that more modern designs do? I love the fabric choices and as usual I am drooling over your impressive free-motion quilting job. Thanks for sharing the finished project with us!

Em said...

I love the simplicity of this quilt - it's beautiful. I'd love to see a photo of the entire back - I love the fabric you chose for it!

Angela Yosten said...

Very, Very, CUTE! Love the simplicity of it. I am with V ... you can always send me the quilts you don't like ;)

MichelleB said...

I love your Swell quilt. You've inspired me to start working on mine!

Jeri is said...

it is vintage-y and gorgeous!

Journeying Five said...

it is gorgeous, you did a fab job!

Jodi Nelson said...

It's fabulous! I really like it. ooxx`jodi

soggybottomflats said...

omg, this is one of the prettiest quilts I have seen since...I last looked at your snippet quilt. You really have a gift and I really enjoy looking at all your quilts. How big are the triangles? Thanks for sharing, Elaine

momawake said...

Love it!

WoolenSails said...

I love it, beautiful colors and design.
It has a great vintage look to it.

Debbie

tami said...

Stunning. I love it!

ale balanzario said...

I like your quilt, looks very nice, but most of all, love your sons fingers on top holding the quilt for you to take the photo.

Kate said...

The quilt looks gorgeous! I love a stripey binding, it just adds that something extra.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm..isn't taste a funny thing? I'm not kidding when I tell you that that is my very favorite of all your quilts. (and I do love them all!)
I often wish that you lived close by. We could be BFF and you could come to my house and pick out my fabrics for me. :)

Sarah said...

Oh, I love it! So vintage and pretty! Thanks for the piecing/pressing tips--I may need to make one of these; it reminds me of my grandma!!

Anonymous said...

I love the old fashioned feel...it makes me want to take a nap! How big did you make your HSTs?

EmmaTM said...

Beautiful quilt!! I love the backing fabric too. Sure got a lot of comments!! If you get down to mine, I have a question...

Can you explain more why pressing the triangles open makes the top go together easier? Thanks!

Jilly's Space said...

Every quilt you make is beautiful and this one is no exception. Lovely!!! <3

sulu-design said...

Oh, no! March funk? What can we do about this?
The quilt - regardless of the funk - is beautiful. I do love the vintage quality it has.

Terriaw said...

I really adore this quilt! I love the colors, the quilting and the size. Feels like a great quilt project for me to work on this summer. Excellent work!

Jane said...

How can you be in a funk when you have produced this lovely quilt?!
Just amazing, Amanda!
~jane

Denise said...

I LOVE your lovely spring quilt! Which fabric did you use? It looks beautiful. Thanks for the idea of opening the half-square triangle seams. I hate matching those..they never seem to ease together very well when sewing the rows together.

Amanda Jean said...

sewinginthegap-

in a funk=not feeling like myself. :)

aj

Amanda Jean said...

denise,

i used the swell line of fabric from moda.

aj

Amanda Jean said...

quiltie comments,

by pressing open the seams, i am able to elimanate some of the bulk of the seams in the corners. does that make sense? i hope that helps.

aj

Amanda Jean said...

soggybottomflats and charlene,

i started with 5" blocks, and the finished blocks (after making the triangles) are about 4" finished.

aj

Heather said...

This is beautiful. I love how your quilts look so well put together. Mine always end up bunchie in spots when I am quilting. :(

Jocelyn said...

AmandaJean

If you have time, stop over to my blog and take a look at the Flea Market Fancy quilt that my sister in love made! They are so beautiful, and you would be proud! Maybe one day I will get mine done too :-)

Thanks for your great blog! I love to read it, and I check it every day (no pressure here).

Jocelyn

http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/

Una said...

It is truly beautiful. - And LOVEABLE!

Thank you for sharing on your lovely blog.

Una in Norway

Anonymous said...

Your quilt has a wonderful vintage look about it. You did a beautiful job!

wayfarer said...

just beautiful. that backing rocks my world and now i must find some!

Patricia said...

You have probably received before---but I am passing the Kreative Blogger Award to you. I first started reading your blog because of the title (I have been known as a crazy mom on more than one occasion). I really enjoy your blog and read it daily.

Patricia (patricia-myquiltingadventure.blogspot.com)

The Catnap Cottage said...

Well, I think it is just lovely - love the stripes and roses too!! Just plain eye candy!!

j. said...

I love this quilt! I think the more you look at it, you will fall in love with it too. If I have a project that takes longer than I anticipate, I usually fall out of love with it as well. Maybe that's what happened here?

Karen, aka Yaya said...

AJ-thanks for telling me how you quilt! I was told to start from the center and often find that hard. So i am going to try on the side first this next time.
Blessings, karen

Busy Little Quilter said...

I think it's beautiful.

I made a quilt that used all half square triangles. It's funny, but I didn't like it either, at first. I made it about 4 years ago and never brought it out. In fact, I wrote a post on my blog and asked people if they ever made something and wonder why they made it. I laughed when you said yours was heavy because mine is heavy, too.

Well, this past Fall I was trying to find a fall quilt, that I had on hand, that would look pretty on my dining room table. Guess which quilt was gorgeous on my dining room table with my Fall decorations? You guessed it. Now I know why I made the quilt, I just didn't know it at the time.

Anonymous said...

The quilt is gorgeous. I remember when you wouldn't try triangles. The fabric choices you made are so nice. It was worth the price of the fabric. What an accomplishment.

Alice Grace said...

That is absolutely gorgeous! and as usual, so well done by you!

Aunt Spicy said...

I ADORE it! I used up all my swell on doll blankets and am so sad because I adore the prints. Does your quilt shop still have the Swell line?

mikawendy said...

So pretty! I love how it turned out. The colors are so pretty. I'm with you on pressing the seams open. I read about that in The Modern Quilt Workshop by Ringle & Kerr, and I swear by it now, for all of the patchwork I sew.

Thriftin and Craftin said...

GORGEOUS! LOVE the colors and the striped binding.

Cathy said...

I love it.

Em said...

Hi Amanda -
You mentioned you used 4 charm packs for this quilt. Just wondering, did each one make 2 half-square triangles?
Love your new "hopscotch" quilt, too! I always enjoy looking at your photos.

Anonymous said...

Darling!!! Love it!!! I used Swell for my free Applique BOM last year through my website. Wouldn't you know with my busy schedule these days, I'm still working on the center medallion. When I get it finished, I'll send a picture over to you. The finished quilt will be a pattern someday . . . hopefully some day! ;)

linda said...

Just beautiful!

ctgardengirl said...

I LOVE this quilt! I love the colors, the simplicity of the pattern. Well done! And I love the striped binding too.

Danielle said...

ooh - I really like this. I'm adding it to my "to-make" list !

Anonymous said...

Funny that you're not that into it... it's one of my favorites of yours! I'm definitely going to try this one soon, though I'm dreading working with triangles :)

Maureen said...

If I make anything whether sewn, knitted or whatever - when I buy shoes as well - I often can't bear to look at them for ages. I think with the made things it is because I can see every flaw!

The shoe thing - can't give any reason of why that is - I'll live with that!

Term Papers said...

I appreciate anyone who will put their thoughts into writing for grumps to comment on. ;)