Monday, May 11, 2009

bento box quilt


after a marathon of basting, quilting and binding this weekend, my bento box quilt is done! this thing is a monster!!! (it's a king size.) we even slept under it last night. (hurray!) i have to admit that i wasn't really loving this quilt until i had the last bit of binding done and i laid it out on the bed. it looks SO GREAT on my bed. :)
there is a whole lot of stippling in this quilt. i was thankful for every inch of arm space that my sewing machine has. i didn't time my quilting, but it took over 12 bobbins of thread. (i'm estimating that i used 2000 yards.) strangely, i think the hardest part of stippling this quilt was the very beginning because the entire weight of the quilt was pulling against me. (and because i was scared!) the middle really wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. i don't think there are any puckers in the back, except one little one on the bound edge. that's progress!
see, here's proof that i did all the quilting myself. :)

for the back i used a king size flat sheet from target. it's not an exact color match, but i love having a solid color (rather than muslin) on the back. for $14.99, it's quite a bargain. not having to piece the backing is worth that alone. i just squeaked by size wise...the sides of the quilt went into the hem to the sheet just a bit, but not too much so to hide inside the binding. whew!

i'll show a photo of it on my bed when i finish-or make, i should say-the pillow shams. hopefully it doesn't take me 6 months like it did the last time. :)

145 comments:

Meg said...

I love the color combo! It turned out great!

Marsha said...

This quilt is absolutely gorgeous. thanks for sharing.

Barbara Brown said...

wow! That looks like a big job. It looks great, love the colors.

Amanda M. said...

Wow, it is absolutely beautiful! Great colors! I am working on a bento box quilt right now in purples and greens - still on the piecing oart - and it is SO NICE to see a finished one. You did awesome!!

RosaMarĂ­a said...

that is an amazing quilt!!! you did a beautiful and a hard work!!! your quilts inspiring me!! simplemente hermoso!

Jodi Nelson said...

It's beautiful.

rachel griffith said...

i can't even begin to tell you how much i ♥ this quilt!!!

i am SO glad you put the brown in it, i think it really adds to the quilt's character.

can't wait to see it on your bed, with the shams.

Mary said...

Using that sheet was pure inspiration! The quilt looks wonderful and the backing color is perfect. Great job!

Mary P said...

Very nice. I do the same thing with large quilts--flat sheets are a great bargain and no piecing to do. I'm impressed with the quilting. I've done a full size on my machine before and it is quite a bear!

jabeybaby said...

That quilt turned out great! Awesome job!

Alice S said...

Really beautiful! You are brave to quilt such a huge quilt. The largest I've quilted was a twin size and it wore me out. I'll stick to lap and baby sized quilts. Very, very, very impressive quilt!

Valerie said...

I think this might be my favorite of your quilts so far! And I love the idea of the sheet on the back -- Target sheets are super soft, so that is a huge plus. :)

Unknown said...

I think it looks great! I cannot imagine quilting such a large quilt! Cant wait to see it on your bed!

Philigry said...

it looks so nice! i can't wait to see the matching shams!

L. jane E. said...

awesome awesome awesome! I love it!

Lucy said...

Well that is one huge accomplishment -- congratulations and it looks fabulous.

Shanna said...

Looks incredible! I love the darker colors mixed in there!! That is a huge quilt...what an accomplishment! Can't wait to see the pillow shams :o)

Katy said...

Absolutely beautiful quilt, and I love the colors! I've wanted to make a Bento Box quilt for the longest time, but I have way too much to finish first! Great job :o)

Dianna said...

Wow! That is fabulous.

Anina said...

L-O-V-E love it!

Ashley said...

Wow! This is SO beautiful! I really love the colors, and I'm glad that you left the brown in - it really makes it perfect! As I already said, I'm in awe that you quilted it yourself... you give me hope! :)

Kelly O. said...

Incredible!
Bravo on your quilting job!

anne said...

So pretty! And I like the idea of using a sheet for the back of the quilt!

Junior mama said...

GOOOOOOOD Job
It's look so grand! I wish to see the back of your quilt too :-)

connie said...

King Size. Oh, my... I hope I get there some day. I love it.

Kathy said...

ABsolutely beautiful! Love every aspect of it. This will be my next quilt (:

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Beautiful, there's nothing more I can say. Just beautiful and makes me think about (only think) making one for our bed.

Necia said...

I love it! It's very inspiring. I too have come to the conclusion, that I may end up buying sheets, for a simple, solid colored backing.

KateKwiltz said...

It's gorgeous! That's a TON of quilt to stipple! Congratulations, it's going to look fantastic on your bed!

Karen said...

Gorgeous, just gorgeous! I love everything about it, color, design, quilting. Using 12 bobbins of thread is a LOT of stippling. I cannot imagine doing something so large and you did it successfully! Great job, as always!

Angela Nash said...

Love the colors. Great idea on the king size sheet - especially for a bed quilt!

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

That is one beautiful quilt! What a lot of stippling that one took, but it sure looks worth it!

Lindsey said...

You win...that quilt it so wonderful...to die for...right on the money....great job!

Shawn said...

WOW! You did a GREAT job! That really ecourages me to try machine quilting with my sewing machine. And that pattern is so interesting- I'm going to have to try it...hmm.

Andi said...

Mazal Tov on such a massive quilting effort.
It was worth it.
Looks great!
Andi :-)

Hannah said...

It turned out beautifully!

MichelleB said...

Congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment. It looks wonderful.

Julie said...

that is beautiful! I just finished my ragged square quilt! http://julieethompson.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-quilt.html Thanks for all the insperation

Rebekah said...

wow! A king-sized stippled quilt...you are my quilting hero (and a good spokesperson for Jukis!)

I love how this turned out and can't wait to see it on your bed.

Betsy said...

That is beautiful. I bet you are SO proud.

Ariane said...

I love how it turned out. Beautiful!!!!

Amy said...

Congrats, the quilt looks amazing.

happy zombie said...

I think I leave you the same comment every time I come to your blog... I WANT TO MAKE THAT QUILT - and make it just like yours!

I love how you used the white background. I've seen so many beautiful quilts like this, but your fab choices plus with white background just knocks my socks off!

And your machine quilting... goodness - you blow me away!

Hillary said...

So fun! Really cool I'm just starting to try out free motion quilting! Doing anything bigger than a doll quilt is scary right now! But I'm also pretty excited to try and be able to say I did it!

So good for you! You did a great job!

kangaroo said...

this is soooo lovely! it has such a nice proportion to it; both in color and size. you are something else, miss amanda jean!

szkornelia said...

Congratulation! Really nice job!

Kerri said...

it turned out so lovely!! i can't believe it is a king!! maybe someday, after i get the courage to do a twin, will i do a king for my bed!!

Betsy said...

Amanda Jean, I was under the impression you could not use sheets for quilts because the thread count was not the same as quilt shop fabric?
I love that idea. I just worked on a queen sized quilt and the back piecing just about killed me!

Robin said...

so beautiful! I love it! You are so amazing! :)

Lana said...

I LOVE IT! Beautiful colors. I want one of my own! Great job!!!

Jacky O said...

I love it! I can't wait to make one! You know how I found your blog to begin with back in November of 2008? I googled photos on Bento Box Quilts!!! I was so inspired that I can't stay away :). Thank you for all your inspiration and sharing so much with all of us.
p.s.
I hope that you had a great Mothers Day!!
Jacky O

Lisa Boyer said...

I just love the colors you used! It's gorgeous!

Thimbleanna said...

Holy Cow Woman -- You're Amazing!!! The real question is -- are you arms and shoulders sore today hehe???

Andrea said...

it looks wonderful! did you use more browns? the final product looks more balanced than when you originally showed us as you were piecing it. Love the idea of the flat sheet - I've often wondered if that was okay to do, as you can often get great deals on flat sheets!

Amy Jo said...

Amanda, it's gorgeous!!! and the sheet looks perfect!!!!

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

Its gorgeous! I can imagine it was tough to move around under the machine. It looks great!

Renee said...

wow - it looks amazing! well done! I really like your idea of using a sheet for the back - very smart indeed :)

Calico Road said...

OMG it's beautiful! My arms hurt for you. :)

Becca said...

I absolutely adore that pattern! I have to try that some day. It looks amazing!

I'm really impressed you stippled a quilt that large on your machine. Lap quilts are pretty much my limit, but I have a large twin quilt I'm psyching myself up to try.

Anonymous said...

Stunning! I'm a little scared to try quilting anything larger than a twin, you have definitely inspired me to try something bigger.

Bethany said...

What a great quilt! Wonderful colors and style. I love it!

Linda said...

You are a mad woman for doing a king size on your machine! It is gorgeous, though!

Katie Jean said...

That turned out gorgeous!! I love the colors. Funny enough, that is the exact sheet that I have on my bed!

Beth said...

So lovely!

I have a sheet to use for the backing on a quilt for my hubby, but it is meant for a Christmas present, so I probably won't start it until November!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Just perfect!!

Lori said...

Gorgeous!! King Size ! You are Inspiring me to do my own machine quilting. Do you have a tutorial for that???

Tracy T. said...

Once again I bow to your amazing productivity! Will learning (and perfecting) free motion quilting up my quilting speed? I've got a zillion tops just waiting to be quilt-ified!

Bento Box is gorgeous, nice work!

Mark said...

Absolutely Beautiful! I have never thought to use a sheet as the backing before thanks for the tip!

Allison said...

I really love the color scheme in this quilt, its so soothing! Perfect for a bedroom! Thanks for stopping by my blog and saying hello.....your blog was the reason I started free motion quilting, and I am still so amazed by how much you get done! And that you free motioned a KING sized quilt...that takes skill! -Allison

peaknits said...

Wow - what a gorgeous quilt! I love it! I love more that yu are sleeping under it, that's just what they are for:)

Ginger said...

Gasp!!! I LOVE it!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I love that you kept some of the darker browns. It really adds something to the quilt. 12 bobbins! WOW! I'm a new quilter and had wondered how many bobbin changes there could be!

Staci K. said...

Beautiful!! I'm so impressed that you quilted that yourself!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful!! Yay for the king size sheet for the backing! I'd do that too!! Hope you have great nights sleeps under your new quilt!

Carolyn cdn said...

Now that's what I call a marathon session...but the end result is nothing short of stunning...

Kate said...

WOW! King sized, so very impressed! It is beautiful.

holly said...

It is stunning. Now I want one for my bed in blue and brown.

Bee said...

Congratulations on a job well done! It is so beautiful:)

Rebecca said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your bento quilt!!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

It is beautiful - love the color selection. I am impressed that you got a king size quilt in that sewing machine. I know when I quilt large quilts, it is quite a challenge.

Mary said...

I LOVE the Bento Box quilt - the colors are fabulous!!!

Fulvia said...

Great eye for colour!

QuiltNut Creations said...

this may be my favoritest quilt of yours. great job!

Terriaw said...

Wow, that is one huge quilt. But so great! I love the colors and the way they give the quilt movement with this pattern.

Leslie said...

this is fantastic i love the idea of using the sheet for backing!!! thanks for that one!

jacquie said...

congrats!!! the king sized sheet is a great idea. it's beautiful...can't wait to see it on your bed.

Journeying Five said...

looks fabulous! love the polka dot binding!

Hayleyjo said...

I love the binding!

Ann said...

Yahhh!! Excellent, Excellent work.

Just a tad but jealous too :)

One Flew Over said...

GORGEOUS! Post some photos with it on your bed..I bet it is a show stopper

Janet said...

Wow that looks great, what a big job quilting it. It looks wonderful.

Cheryl Arkison said...

How is it quilting with a sheet on the back?

Jody Sanders said...

Fantastic! I love it.

Zarina said...

For me was quilting the edges of a king size. Congrats on the finish and just love the overall colors.

nettie said...

amandajean, it's beautiful. the colors are so perfect. you are brave to quilt a king...i think i have decided to never give it a try...maybe if I had a sewing machine with arm space.

Unknown said...

Looks fabulous! You are giving me inspiration to try machine quilting. So far, I've done only tying. Check out my bento box wall quilt:
http://bostonsewer.blogspot.com/2009/05/better-pics-of-bbcq-and-blurb.html

Rose said...

Is that just a REGULAR sewing machine?? If it is, I really suck as I won't even do a baby quilt on mine! not stippling anyways :(

Alissa said...

So so so beautiful!

The Calico Cat said...

Congrats on the finish!

heather said...

Congrats!! Feels good huh? Good job!!! It's not as bad as you think and yes the beginning part is harder for that very reason. You will be doing more king sizes now!:)

Dana said...

It is stunning. Great job on the quilting!!

Casey said...

it turned out great!

Diane Barfield said...

What a great job you did and quilted on your machine. Love it! I have the pattern, now I want to make one for my king size bed.

Sarah said...

I love it! The colors are fantastic. I'll have to remember the flat sheet backing trick when I get to making my guest room quilt...

Bonnie said...

You do lovely quilts. I love this one just as much as the others you've shared. GREAT JOB!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Mrs. JP said...

It is beautiful. I saved a picture of it because I've never seen that design. It's so great. I love buying the flat sheets for the back. Such a good job.

sulu-design said...

It's funny to me that you weren't so sure about this one 'til the very end because I adore this quilt: the colors the pattern are just awesome. And I'm so glad that you're happy with it now, too. That's what's most important, right?

Mary said...

Beautiful! I am doing a queen size quilt up next and plan to get a sheet from IKEA for the backing. Definitely a bargain, and so much easier than piecing!

Anonymous said...

I've had this pattern forever, add it to the list.

Have you ever used sheet material for piecing on the front? I have a gray sheet that I like the hue and shininess of...I am contemplating trying it.

Aimee said...

Beautiful, as always! Great job quilting such a monster!

Anonymous said...

this is so impressive, and inspiring! you do such amazing work. happy tuesday :)

Anonymous said...

Wow! It's beautiful. I can't wait to see it on your bed with the pillow shams! And how clever and resourceful are you to use a sheet? See, I learn something new from you all the time!

Liz said...

Stunning. Just stunning.

Jane said...

All I could think to say is S*T*U*N*N*I*N*G, and I see that I am just adding to the chorus of voices already here!

Katherine said...

Love it! It's a beauty and I can hardly wait to see the pillow shams you'll make to go with it. It will look just dreamy, I'm sure.

lera said...

Wow! Wow! WOW!!!!!

That looks amazing! So when are you going to start those shams?!?

Kelly said...

I adore this quilt!! It's beautiful :)

Anonymous said...

wow! that's a beast!

Judy said...

Wow, you give me hope to one day attempt a quilt for my King size bed!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

looks good! I just put my (hubby's bday gift) king stacked quilt on our bed! yeah, I stippled it too, geez, I thought it would never end... pheew!

Cristin said...

GORGEOUS as always! Love your color choices... someday I hope to sleep under a quilt I've made... if I can manage to stop giving away/selling mine! ;-)

Allie said...

I love the colors you chose! I have this pattern, I really need to make one for myself.

Cindy said...

Wow, that is beautiful! Love those colors you used!

Ashley said...

wow... it turned out *so* pretty!!!! the colors are beautiful together. i want to make a quilt really bad! i'll just add it to my long "i wanna do this" list. :-D

duckyhouse said...

this is really so fabulous!! You are an inspiration.

Kucki68 said...

It looks wonderful and it will be a nice "cool" quilt for warmer days, colorwise.

Jackie Russell said...

Love the blues and greens in the quilt.

Lavinia said...

Wonderful job!! I absolutely love the quilt, the color combo is perfect! Congratulations!

Unknown said...

GREAT finish!! I love the brown bits in there :)

Anonymous said...

Hi! My name is Patricia and I'm from Brazil! WOW! Did you REALLY quilt at home that wonderful king size piece??? I was taking courage to make a single size quilt for my daughter, but I was afraid I couldn't quilt it myself, because here we can pay for quilting, but the price is about 50 dollars!

Now I can see it's possible to do it myself! THANK YOU!

Thank you for this great site! You are helping a lot! I'm a patchwork begginer, and EVERYTHING here is soooooooo inspiring!!!!

Tchau (bye-bye in portuguese) :)

Patricia

Jantine said...

I really love your quilt a lot, and can imagine you are glad for it to be over with! and the sheet is smart thinking I have to remember that one...

Jeanne said...

WOW 131 comments, hope you read mine so you can answer my question. How many different fabrics did you use in your Bento Box quilt? TIA, Jeanne

Amanda Jean said...

jeanne,

i think i used 16 different prints and one background color.

aj

LizzyHouse said...

This is soo beautiful!!

Amanda Jean said...

metropusial designs,

you should try using the sheet on the front. i don't see why it wouldn't work. i've used bits and pieces of sheets on the front of quilts and they work great. it should work for sashing as well.

aj

Shrinkie said...

I totally adore this quilt! I am just in the process of finishing up a Bento Box quilt myself that alternates coloured solids with patterned fabrics, but now I totally want to do a whites and small scale prints version!

Mel said...

You are so much braver than I would be. I don't think I'd have the courage to try and quilt something of this size!!! It turned out so beautifully!

Mel said...

Oh, and I think my next quilt project will be your stacked coins baby quilt that you had up on Moda Bakeshop. I think it is a great way to showcase a fabric collection. I'm completely in love with Moda's Aviary, Collection for a Cause, and Patisserie. I have all the charm packs and yardage...I see three quilts in my future. Thank you SO much for posting that baby quilt. It really inspired me!

heather said...

I LOVE using sheets to back quilts. So easy to match, and cheap!

www.sisterino.blogspot.com

Susan said...

I love this quilt! The colors are wonderful. In fact, I am playing around with the idea of using this quilt as inspiration for a knitted blanket. I found a mitered square pattern that is perfect to recreate this. So now I'm just experimenting with different yarns and needle sizes to get the right combo. I always love to see a new post from you - it never fails to make me smile and gets my creative juices flowing. Thanks!

Dazy said...

That's just height of creativity from you. I'm trying this, but not sure if it will be as pretty as your picture.

Jennifer said...

that is gorgeous!

Michelle said...

Hi,
This quilt is gorgeous!

I just found your blog and have been enjoying reading through it. I still need to spend more time, but I LOVE it. I got so excited to see you using sheets for backing. That is ALL I use! Most of mine come from Goodwill for about $2.38 each. I buy sheets even when I don't have a project in mind, if I like the color or design. Sometimes the quilt gets cut up and used to make a quilt.

I don't know if you wash your fabrics before you make a quilt...I don't, unless it came from Goodwill...but I used a brand new sheet for backing once, right out of the package, and I had a heck of a time with thread breaking. I believe it was the fact that there was so much sizing on the sheet that the needle was like literally poking holes through paper, and the rough edges were stressing out the thread. Now, if a new sheet is used, it gets washed once or twice first.

Your blog is very inspiring, and I plan on being a reader for a long time.
Be blessed,
Michelle

Jeanne said...

Amazing! I love your use of color in this quilt. And to quilt a KING-size on your home machine...WOW!

Bearpawquilter said...

I recently completed the top of a Queen-sized Bento Box quilt - background is Kona black and the boxes are bright batiks. It has three borders: 2 1/2" black, 2 1/2" alternate black and batik squares (called stones in the pattern), and 4" black. It has 36 12" bento squares, all in different batiks. The pattern is strip pieced and can be found at quiltsoflove.blogspot.com. The back has black background and chili peppers. It is ready to go to the quilter tomorrow. I hope to have it finished for my son and fiance's wedding in July. The binding will be bias multicolored stripe on black. Love striped bindings!