I'm soooo excited...I finished my 36 patch quilt this weekend. There is a LOT going on in this one! I think I used 75 different fabrics in all. Wowza! All from the stash. Double wowza!!
If you recall, I made this for the quilt along I hosted this summer here on the blog in celebration of my 36th birthday. You can find the block tutorial
here.
I'm very pleased with how it turned out! I was stalled for quite some time trying to figure out the right backing. I wanted to make a 36 patch back, and I started by picking 36 different fabrics from the stash for the back. When I tried to lay them out, things just weren't coming together.
A good friend suggested that I use just 2 fabrics from my stash, so it would look like a 36 patch on the back. Of course! That made perfect sense. Thanks Tara! After rummaging around in my stash, this is what I came up with.
I used
Jennifer Paganelli dots (LOVE!) and this fun black/white/gray print from Prints Charming. The backing makes me happy! With a 36 patch on the back I realize that I was in great danger of carrying the theme way too far. But I had it in my head to do so and I just couldn't let it go. I'm very glad I stuck with my original vision. Here's a bit of a closer shot.
To quilt it, I used my free motion foot and quilted vertical lines down the center of each row, and added a little circle/loopy thing in each square. It went so smooth and QUICK! After I was done quilting, I couldn't believe it. I used less than 4 bobbins! I almost felt like I cheated. :) I am very pleased with the quilting, though. I'll definitely try something like this again.
For the binding I used Denyse Schmidt tiles fabric. I LOVE this fabric. LOVE. IT. It's a crazy choice, adding more chaos to the already busy quilt...but I like that, actually. Usually I like a darker binding, but this seemed to suit it just fine. Plus, I'm trying to get better at using my favorite fabrics rather than hoarding them. This is one little baby step in the right direction!
The quilt measures 72" square.
If you'd like, you can check out some of the other 36 patch quilts from the quilt along
here. Thanks to everyone who joined me for this quilt along...it was a lot of fun! I've got another quilt along idea up my sleeve, just waiting for January. Can't wait!
it looks really fun! my 36-patch blocks are all complete-- yes, all 81 one of them. i haven't had the chance or space to lay them out and piece the top, but that is a goal over winter break. quilting, that's a whole other story.
ReplyDeleteanother beautiful quilt! You do such wonderful work. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove the back!
ReplyDeleteI'm putting the binding on mine tonight.
Such a fun quilt! With all of the colors it almost looks like one of those optical illusion pictures :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT. The back is PERFECT.
ReplyDeleteWow Amanda Jean, your quilt is wonderful. And the back is perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you are pleased with your quilt, it's stunning and the backside is a perfect addition:-)
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt. I really like the back, nice way to celebrate and remember your 36th year. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletecindy
Love all the busy-ness in your quilt! It reminds me I need to get back to mine.
ReplyDeleteGASP!!! I'm in love! Adding this to my list! 2012 is going to be all about stash busting for me.....what a great way to start!!
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm back to quilting (and blogging). It's been forever!! Feel free to stop by and chat! Http://JessicaMauk.blogspot.com
- Jessica
Looks good! I almost want to make one.
ReplyDeleteIt's 36 kinds of wonderful! Love that you counted how many different fabrics you used to make it and especially love that you're using up favourite fabrics. Eep. You're not the only one with a crush on that DS fabric. Makes me drool every time I see it.
ReplyDeleteOhmygosh. I LOVE that quilt. And the back? That was a pure stroke of genius Ms. Crazy. You're amazing. Crazy and Amazing!!! I think you should change your name to amazingcrazymom. I even tried it on blogspot. The name's not taken. It's waiting just for YOU!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Congratulations on the finish!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to quilting mine now!
I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for another quilt along!
Two gorgeous quilts in one! What a finish!
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly beautiful and inspiring! Wow! Wasn't too ready to jump on the bandwagon...but...ummm...yours is awesome! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteNow this is my kinda quilt! I remember when you started the QAL: I wanted to hop on, but I have an embarrassingly small stash. This would use up most of it. It does my heart good to see the final product. I cannot find the right word to express the Awesome found in this quilt.
ReplyDeleteSo fun, so beautiful - nice finish!
ReplyDeleteOh my word, what a beaut! I love your old-fashioned simple quilts. They're so much more than the sum of their parts!
ReplyDeleteLove it! And the bonus is stash-busting, something I'm also on a mission to do. I'm so impressed that your squares match your squares, back and front! How on earth did you DO that!
ReplyDeleteGotta get mine onto the frame and quilted, it is an overdue quickie wedding quilt. And that's not an oxymoron! LOL
Oh boy, I really like it! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I just love your choice of fabrics and such a great idea for the back.
ReplyDeleteI've made 2 36 path quilts since your quilt along and now I need to make another one because I LOVE how you did the back! It is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteSassy fun Miss Amanda Jean! Sassy fun!
ReplyDeleteVery cute! I'm saving all my scraps so I can attempt this one day! I love your fabric choice for the binding.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so looking forward to your next quiltalong! Your 36 is stunning - I made one but its not quilted yet. Thanks for all you do! !
ReplyDeleteOff the traditional 9 patch is so fun! I love the color arrangement! The simplicity of the quilting is just perfect for this quilt! I am learning machine quilting myself lately! It gets better each time and I watched the tutorial you made awhile ago and it helps! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am completely in love with how it turned out. Amazing job!
ReplyDeletelooks great. Mine is all together, just need to piece the back and I have the idea for it. Probably wont happen until January though. What's that you say? Another QAL in January? Oh my, I hope I am ready!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great - I love the backing idea. But since my blocks are still sitting on the floor - shall I send them your way to finish for me LOL !! Especially since you are now done????? tee hee
ReplyDeleteLove it! Great finish and way to stay with your vision! Smiles~Beth
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome. I love the back too, it's perfect. My blocks are um, still in the cut out stage but they will get done I promise :) I'm so inspired by seeing yours, might sneak off and sew a couple now!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteLove that riot of colour.
xxx
That turned out beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love it. Thank you for sharing before Friday. It makes me want to do one too. I didn't have the heart to try over the summer with holidays and all. Love the back. 36 + 1 = Awesome. You have a great friend.
ReplyDeleteAnother Quilt Along in January!! Oh what fun. I will make sure I have some free time, don't start any more new projects and only finish the ones ...Uhmm...some of the ones, I have going.
Blessings, Sandra
Awesome! Mine's ready to be quilted..another WIP in need of a finish. Your tutorial was great BTW!
ReplyDeleteSo cool to see such a great result after witnessing the very beginning.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun quilt! I agree - the back is perfect!!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! I love that it was all from your stash, I love the way you quilted it, and I love the 36-patch on the back! I think I'm going to make one of these from my bff's 36th. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFun quilt, so colorful, yet so simple, and the back continues the theme. You've got me inspired to make a birthday celebration quilt - different pattern but using my age in the design.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Lalexander733 (at) gmail (dot) com
This quilt is amazing. I have enjoyed seeing your progress on it. You have inspired me to make one of these!
ReplyDeleteI know you don't need another comment, but hey! I just had to tell you how wonderful your quilt is. I love the 36-patch theme (both front and back) and to know that you made it from your stash must be such a good feeling! Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth E.
occasionalpiece.wordpress.com
Just love it!
ReplyDeleteI very foolishly decided to make 6" blocks (so finished size of the squares is 1"), and then to sash between each of the blocks. Which means I'm still trying to get the sashing straight.
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabulous
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the end result in so much detail, really love it, and the cute quilting idea. Still working on my nine patch though... :-)
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt! Mine is not finished yet, I make a smaller version. Great inspiration! Look forward to your next sew along!
ReplyDeleteWow! It's really gorgeous. Congratulations, Amanda, the top and the back are both stunnig!
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos
Elena
That turned out fantastically!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great! I pulled my blocks out the other night. I stopped at nine. I could make a small quilt with them but I think I'll keep going. Your backing choice is really cool too.
ReplyDeleteLove that quilt! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve. I need to do a quilt along one of these times! No better way to start off a new year!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteOH MY GOODNESS! lol, How great that turned out, Congrats:o) I have trouble visualizing things in my head so I end up being paranoid to try different things afraid I won't like and then stop before I ever get finished. Thanks for offering encouragement by way of your posts. Sarah
ReplyDeleteI like the simple two colours on the back!! There is so much going on on the front that is makes a LOT of sense!! Great job and oh all of those fabrics!! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteYou and Tara are so clever. I really like the quilting. I just did that kind of loopy line on my Christmas quilt and my loops are fine...FMQ is what it is. The OCD part of me LOVES the regularity of the loop in certain squares. I better get cracking on my 36 so I can start January's with a clean slate--or at least as clean a WIP slate as I can. Heehee!
ReplyDeletewow, amanda! this is a great quilt. all of those tiny pieces are great!
ReplyDeleteWhen you first posted your plans for this quilt along I was only kind of eh on it, but then seeing it come together block by block has totally changed the way I feel. It turned out so awesome! I love how bright and colorful and cheerful it is! I love your plan for the 36 patch on the back and I think the binding is just perfect, no matter how crazy of a choice you think it was. I can't wait to hear about your new quilt along idea!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. And I think the backing is very fitting of the overall theme. I should also thank you for adding to my To-Make list!
ReplyDeleteThis turned out so, so cute. I love your color choices. It is just perfect and the back makes it even more perfect! Great job!
ReplyDeleteSo, I hate to admit it, but when you started this quilt I wasn't really feeling it. BUT, as you showed your block groupings as they were finished I started seeing a glimpse of the beauty. Now that it's done I totally "get it!" ...I should've never doubted. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quilt - but whew, lots and lots and lots of sewing! You're so brave!
ReplyDeleteAwesome quilt! I love Tara's idea for the back too. How cool to have a true reversible quilt. Also love the quilting, with that curlique in each square - nice touch. It's very encouraging to hear how quickly this came together for you. It's fab!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love that you made a 36-patch out of 36-patches ... and a 36-patch for the back! AWESOME finish!
ReplyDeleteI love how you did the great big 36 patch for the back, how fun!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt and I love the back.
ReplyDeleteAah! Speechless...♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the back too! I have still not quilted mine... My 36th birthday is on Dec.31st and my goal is to have my quilt done before then. I am going to borrow my mom's long arm to quilt it. I just love scrappy quilts!!! Thanks so much for this quilt-along! It was my first and definitely not my last!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt! Mine is going together first thing after the Christmas holidays!
ReplyDeleteOh wow! AWESOME JOB! I love the look of this. It's beautiful. I really like the one you've shown with the pink solids too.
ReplyDeletejust finished mine up on friday past i love how it has turned out yours looks fab ,i used a scappy border .got to put photos up on flickr !
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastic! I've never been a fan of 36 patches, but I love this one. And I adore the big 36 patch on the back. Great work.
ReplyDeleteIt turned out great! I was going to join this one, but figured I should finish the last quilt-along first. Feel free to check it out - http://bluecrabquilting.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-quilt-pillows.html
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the next quilt-along, I'll try to join that!
LOVE IT!!! I participated in the quilt along & can't wait for you to do another... But next time, you need to teach me (us) how in the world do you get your backing to line up with the front like that. AMAZING! I need to learn how to do that.
ReplyDeleteOh it is wonderful! And I love how excited you are about it after all the little hurdles along the way. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt's backside and the quilting. I hope I can finish my 36 patch quilt this year, too.
ReplyDeleteLovely post..Moms are so much more powerful than they realize. How they are feeling on a particular day can have significant effects on the entire family. A Mom can and does influence so many things in her environment. And that can affect how she feels, and in turn how the other family members feel.
ReplyDeletelove it. now I want to make one--there's just too much to do.
ReplyDeleteI love the back!!! Well, I love the whole thing. It's so pretty. And your swirly quilting move is cute! How fun to finish your 36-patch!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am trying not to hoard favorite fabrics--so I totally understand. I feel like it's like overcoming a phobia: fear of running out of a favorite print! Agh!
I love how this looks now that you have quilted it. I am inspired to keep going and finish mine..!
ReplyDeleteAmanda Jean,
ReplyDeleteIt turned out so great! It is so fresh and fun. I love how busy it is. It's just perfect!
The postage stamp quilt is so great! Simple, but effective. I love it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo this is where this blog gets the name from ;-) I love your quilting on this piece and I think the one block you showed in close-up to show off the quilting is particularly lovely!
ReplyDeletethese colorful quilts looks really beautiful
ReplyDeleteWhhhaaaaaaa!!! I only got as far as choosing my fabrics, which still sit in a basket. This quilt makes we wish I'd made time to actually MAKE the 36 patch quilt. Adorable!
ReplyDeletei'd like to admit right now that i didn't know how this quilt was going to come together. is just wasn't my favorite design or color scheme or pattern. but then i saw the finished quilt up on flickr this week and i was astounded at how fabulous it is all together. way. to. go! i'm impressed with your mad skilz.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt! I love the last photo! One of these times I hope to join in on one of your quilt-alongs :)
ReplyDeleteWow! It's beautiful. Love what you did with the back, too! I'm giving mine to myself for my 36th birthday later this month! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely love the pink / black / white quilt...Good job. The "Finish it up Friday" is an awesome concept for folks like me who have WIP's bursting out of my sewing closet!
ReplyDelete