Thursday, March 10, 2011

flock quilt

This quilt has made my 8 year old son very, very happy. He has been waiting an awfully long time for it to be completed. I started this quilt because I wrote a tutorial for the flock block for Quiltivate and I just loved it, so I made enough blocks to make an entire quilt top. The blocks themselves only made a quilt 48" square, so I added a few pieced borders to make it larger. I love the traditionally pieced blocks (pinwheels included) mixed with the improvisationally pieced string borders. I also LOVE the color scheme so very much.
It finishes at about 60", and it's almost square. ;) It's a great lap size for my little guy.

I used Fairfield 80/20 batting, which has more loft than my normal warm and white batting. The extra loft threw me for a loop, so I had to rip stitches (less than a bobbin's worth), rebaste (oh, it was painful!) and then quilt again. It was worth it, because I was able to quilt it without puckers the second time around. Phew!

This is the first time I attempted machine binding both sides on a quilt this size. I was still quilting it after supper, but I had it done-binding and all-by bedtime. Woo-hoo! What a quick result! I really like the look of the top stitching on the front. It looks so finished and tidy...at least in most places.
I attached the binding on to the back of the quilt, then top stitched it on the front. I began by pinning the binding on 2 sides. I pricked my fingers way too many times, so on the final two sides I just folded the binding over as I went, without pins, and it worked about as well. It was much less painful! I did pin each corner, though, because I didn't want to mess those up. I'm pleased with my first attempt at this technique!

I was planning on binding this with Kona charcoal, but my boy picked out this little bird fabric for binding instead. I think it's a far better choice. It ties all the colors of the front and the back together. I like how it adds a bit of fun and whimsy to the quilt.
I couldn't choose just one perfect backing, so I went with a pieced back instead.
 
The roosters are so fun, I just couldn't pass them up. (How handy that they tie in with the name of the quilt!!!) The green is a Nicey Jane print and I patched in the grey section because I'm frugal. :)
I was telling some friends last night that if I knew how much I would love this quilt I don't know if I would have promised it to my son. I'm such a great mama, huh? No, really, I'm glad it's his and that he loves it so much.

76 comments:

Megan said...

I've played around on Quiltivate a little bit. So when I saw you quilt I totally thought, "boy, that looks like Quiltivate!" Low and behold it was.

I love what you did with the border! Totally adds an extra bit to the traditional blocks in the center.

mypatchworkantahkarana said...

Hello ... I am charmed with it you have still had since it and thank you for the tutorial. Congratulations and graces for sharing. (My Englishman forgives) Kisses from Spain. Ah .. and since you see I follow you jajajjaja

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

I do love those blocks. I machine stitch my binding (bring it to the back) and use the binding clips - they work well and then I also use them on oilcloth/laminate for no pin holes too.

Brooke said...

I'm glad to see you've tried your binding this way. That's the way I do my bindings and I must say I feel validated now that you've done it that way too. =)

Maria Harrits said...

It looks soooo great!

Lauren H said...

Love this quilt! do you mind sharing the names of the colors in it?

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

That is a beautiful quilt (or should I say "handsome"?). I'm sure your son will enjoy it for a long time. And I love every quilt I make and don't want to give one of them to anyone else. But if I didn't (and you didn't) we'd be sitting on a pile a mile high!

I always machine sew my bindings. It's fast and I'm not much of a hand sewist...

Char said...

It is a great quilt. Love that CT fabric he chose for the binding.

Melissa said...

I really like this layout and the colors you chose look so great together. He did an awesome job choosing the binding. Isn't it neat when the kids take an interest in making choices. It's awesome that you just went with it!

Suzanne said...

Can you hear all of the sighs of relief that quilters all over the internet are making that you have now machine bound a quilt? I always sew mine on by hand but have wanted to give machine binding a try. It would really speed up my production on some of the smaller baby quilts that I need to mass produce these days.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

I love how you did the binding. I will have to try that technique one of these days.

Linda said...

Love it! I'm sure P does, too. :)

Doris said...

Hey, I remember seeing this one in person....looks fabulous!

Joy said...

Thats just lovely. Great colours. I am a big fan of the border. I do that a lot. Mostly because I am tight with fabric!

Angie said...

wow - this is just beautiful!! I'm sure he will adore it for many years to come. :)

Live a Colorful Life said...

this is a great quilt--I too really like the traditional blocks with the string border, and the colors. And perfect binding choice--your son is to be commended! I would love to try machine binding..but right now I'm distracted by the thought of machine quilting...I may have mentioned that to you a time or two before.

Jennifer said...

I love it! The pieced border is such a nice compliment to the more traditional and beautiful center. And I love that your son picked out the binding! He has great taste!

Jennifer :)

Asiyah said...

This is so cool. I love the solids you chose. Lucky boy, your son.

Beth J said...

Those colors and the pattern just work so great together. I am jealous of your son too. And his choice of the birdies was just right, he must take after his momma.

Lizzy said...

Wow, this is a stunning quilt! I really love the colors you chose and the blocks are lovely. I agree, the traditional blocks look fantastic next to the improv-pieced string borders. Truly beautiful. Your son is a lucky boy! :)

Anonymous said...

That's gorgeous! I am a pin wheel lover too!!! Love the colours!

Manda said...

Lovely! I really like your quilt top :)

Anonymous said...

This quilt makes me very, very happy, too!

Jill said...

I am just drooling over these colors! Beautiful quilt, thanks for the inspiration!

Purple Quilter Queen said...

Can I just tell you how happy it makes me that you decided to give the bloggin' thing another try?? This quilt is adorable!! Love the color scheme. Jenn

Chancy said...

It's gorgeous!

2ne said...

Et helt herlig teppe - i nyyyyyydelige farger. Flott quiltet - liker baksiden din også.

Christopher Lum said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sko_G knits said...

love this quilt too! the color scheme is really great, i may even have to try these blocks out for myself! thanks for sharing.

Annalia said...

NO surprise your son is thrilled with this quilt! Hmmm...I'll have to get brace and try that binding technique.

Love the rooster fabric. Reminds me of my chicken shirt http://mamaliaandthehooligans.blogspot.com/2011/02/farming-fantasy.html- subtle...as far as poultry fabrics go. :)

Mary Jo said...

I love it too!Mary Jo

Clair said...

That's the one you were talking about. Always nice when you get done with something, isn't it?

StuffandThings said...

It's awesome! Yummy colors.

Bessiemae said...

I've been doing my bindings like that too--it is definitely the best one for me! And I agree with Brooke up above, now I feel legit about it, lol.

Kelli said...

What I love about this one is that it's so traditional, but it feels fresh and lively with your great color choice and the excellent addition of the string borders. As always...great job!!

Jessica Christensen said...

Oh, wow, AJ, I love absolutely everything about this quilt right down to the pieced back and birdie binding (that you just got from Common Threads, yes?). It's so soothing.

Unknown said...

I love it Amanda Jean! I really, really love it. The colors are beautiful together yet I never would have picked them myself. You always end up showing us how taking a risk can pay off so beautifully. Well done!

Chris {frecklemama} said...

Ok, that last comment (from "Carrie") is actually from me! My sister was still signed in on my computer! Sorry!

Chris {frecklemama}

MB in MI said...

started doing my binding like this before i learned the 'correct' way of doing it!! :-) LOVE the quilt, you always do lovely work. your son will enjoy that for lots of years!! happy sewing

Jody said...

I have tried machine binding my quilts two different ways - attaching on the back and finishing it on top (as you have which is very nice).....and then I came across Rita from Red Pepper Quilts's method and I love it! You attach the binding to the front, flip your binding to the back, pin it, and then stitch in the ditch on the front of your quilt. The beauty of this method is that you get a perfect looking front and very neat finish on the back. It's now my preferred method!

unfinishedquilts said...

Absolutely love this! Love the rooster print!

Theresa said...

I love this quilt. It's gorgeous the colours and design are just perfect for a little boy.

Terriaw said...

Wonderful quilt! I'm so happy to see if finished. I remember when you worked on this one at retreat last summer, but forgot who it was for. (BTW, I still haven't finished my quilt tops from retreat!) What a great feeling to have such a beautiful finish!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Yes, remember seeing you working on this quilt and it's a wonderful finish Amanda! Lucky little guy.

LeeAnn said...

It is stunning! I find myself really drawn to quilts made out of solids. I also love the little detailing in the sashing- how some of the strips are actually pieced. Nice touch!

Karen said...

What a great looking quilt - yay for you!!! It's so rewarding to make quilts for kids :).

Miranda said...

What a great quilt! And what great memories he (and you) will have because of this quilt. That's the part I like best. Them knowing that you put a lot of work into it just for them :) I've gotten lazy (and lucky) with binding, I just pin it on and sew it all at once. I'm sure it will come back to bite me someday...

Carol said...

It's beautiful. I love the colors too. :)

Bente-I like to QuiltBlog said...

What a beautyful quilt and lovely colours!
Bente
http://iliketoquiltblog.blogspot.com/

Amanda said...

Oh- I would have a hard time giving it to my son too. :-) Awesome quilt, he is one lucky little man!

Lori said...

It is a great quilt. I love your colors choices too.

Tiff said...

Beautiful quilt and colors!

Lisa H. said...

This turned out great! I juts love the look of the string border. How great that your son picked the binding fabric. I think I must find some of the rooster fabric, it really makes me smile.

bingo~bonnie said...

what a great quilt for your son! And since you love it so - it's great that it's not leaving the house and you can still enjoy it too :) Love those roosters on the back side!

Happy Weekend & Love from Texas! ~bonnie

sulu-design said...

Happy birthday to your son - he's one lucky boy! I love the color combo in this one. The gray looks great with the blues. And the border was the perfect add-on.

lisamarie said...

Aww that is just so precious. What a good mama you are. My kids cherish hand made things too. EVERYTHING I want to donate/don't think is special my almost 7 yr old boy says "but mama that's a keeeeepsake!" I think it's a good thing ;)

Jantine said...

At least when it is his you will be able to look at it for years, or is he not home anymore?

Poppyprint said...

I can certainly appreciate how difficult it is to give this up to your son - I adore the colors in this quilt, too! Love the solids and how fresh they all look together. It's just gorgeous - the solids really give the traditional blocks mod appeal, don't they? And your border is just genius. I never would have thought to put wonky piano keys on such an orderly quilt - it looks amazing!

Liz said...

I just love the colors on this one!

Anonymous said...

Very interesting back...and very inspirational! I will have to try this for those fabrics I don't have enough of, won't cut into smaller pieces, and would look great on the back! Beautiful!

Thimbleanna said...

That's adorable Ms. Crazy. I'll bet your son does love it -- it's the perfect size. I love the colors too!

Ruth said...

I really love the back with the Rooster print. I used it in several quilts, and still each time, it makes me smile.

Always enjoy your work.

Maria Wallin said...

It's so beautiful! Wow! <3

ButtonMad said...

Wow, that rooster print is lovely - what a great quilt. cheers, Shannon

April (Polkadot Sparrow) said...

I love it! Everything you did for it just fits perfectly with everything else.

Though I guess I need to be giving binding props to your son. :)

And what a nice finish job on the machined binding. I've been wanting to try it myself but know that I'm not ready yet. Unless I'm looking for disaster. ha.

Tree Dellinger said...

I've also top stitched my binding (although my grandmother said her mother would never have allowed it!). Sometimes I'll make my binding a little wider than usual and then top stitch it three times in parallel rows, so that the stitching gives the quilt even more of a modern feel.

Anonymous said...

Hello, I love your quilt, so I went over to the Quiltivate site for the pattern. I think $19.00 is a bit steep for a pattern that you have to print out at home. I could buy a book filled with patterns for that price. Please don't get me wrong--You are worth every penny, but I would rather buy the pattern from you directly and skip the middleman (person). As a matter of fact, I wish you had a book for sale with all of your wonderful patterns.
Quilter on a budget.

Absorbent pads said...

It looks such a very beautiful and totally different to do with the unwanted stuffs. Good to share with us.

Anonymous said...

The reason I follow your blog, even though I quilt only sporadically, is because you have such a great eye for color and design. It's always a pleasure to see what you've been doing, and this particular quilt is strikingly beautiful.

Ashley said...

absolutely love this one! these solids are so gorgeous together!

Judy said...

What a great quilt for your son! I bet he is simply delighted to have such a colorful quilt to wrap up in.

nettie said...

I love this. Traditional, but still modern--the colors are so great.

Cheryl Arkison said...

How fun to see it finished now! It really is a great quilt.

linda said...

I love your ragged edge quilt. I made one out of old blue jeans for my brother. I recently started a blog and I hope you will visit.
http://craftsbylindam.blogspot.com/

Jayme said...

Did I miss where you told about the Rooster Fabric? I LOVE that fabric!!! Where can I get some????

~Diana said...

Do you have a pattern for this that you'd share? I love it! Gorgeous colors, design...I bet your son loves it! And...as a chicken fan, I love the rooster backing! Thanks for sharing the inspiration!