Wednesday, August 14, 2013

out of my box quilt

Over the weekend I finished the binding on the "out of my box" quilt. I'm learning that having binding (or any type of hand stitching) is a wonderful thing at retreat. It is a nice break from stitching on a machine all day.
This quilt is made from 9 slabs, then it is pieced together in a rather traditional way with sashing and cornerstones. I love the mix of the two. The sashing adds order to the quilt and even though the black and white polka dot is busy, I think it works beautifully!
The orchid colored corner stones are one of my favorite parts of this quilt. They aren't very large, but they still pack a punch. I had enough scraps of fabric to cut 12 squares, but I needed 16 total.
So, I found a print that was similar in color and added 4 blocks in an alternate fabric and placed one in each corner. When you use scraps sometimes you have to get a little creative, but I love how it pushes you to find an alternate solution. The quilt is more interesting because of it.
The spiral quilting makes this quilt, doesn't it? I plan to do much more of it! I've gotten several questions about how it's done and I plan to write up what I've learned from my experience so far. But I'll save that for a separate post.
I am SO glad that I used a solid on the back so the quilting really has a chance to show off. It makes me think that making a 2 sided whole cloth quilt with just the spiral quilting would be a great idea! (Add it to the list, right?) I used a 70 weight aqua thread from Connecting Threads. Ocean mist is the actual name of it, and it's one of my favorites. It comes in a 3300 yard cone, so it lasts a long time! I LOVE that!
The quilt measures 43" square. Small for me, but a nice size to use as a class sample when I travel.  
 
This is scrap project #5. Only 96 more to go!

43 comments:

Svetlana said...

gorgeous!!! The polka dotty sashing and those corner stones are simply divine.

Anonymous said...

The sashing and cornerstones make the quilt for sure!

KR said...

Love the spiral quilting Amandajean! Will be interested to read your tips on this.

Susana Neiger said...

Beautiful finish! I love the organized scrappiness! The spiral quilting looks amazing.

Vicki said...

absolutely...the spiral is fantastic.

Deborah Hamilton said...

I think everything about it is perfect - the blocks, the sashing, the little squares, the quilting - just perfect!

MariQuilts said...

I love how this one turned out!!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

This is one stunning quilt, ma'am.

S Staum said...

It is stunning and to think I saw it in person!! Hi, Amanda. This is Sue from Camp StitchALot. I just got home to MN today and think I have figured out how to have my email available for a response this time. So let me know if it works. I'm going to go work on my slab from camp right now!!
It was so fun meeting and working with you!

S Staum said...

Here I am again!! I think for sure I have my email available for a response!! Hope so anyway- enough tech for one night. On to sewing!- Sue

KWILEY said...

Love your quilt...and I love the spiral quilting - I did that on a quilt for my nephew.
You mentioned using the 70 wt thread? Is that what you normally use to quilt? DO you do that both in top and bottom? What size need do you use with it? and is this on your juki or janome?
THanks for your help!

What Comes Next? said...

just fabulous! I wasn't aware that Connecting Threads had a 70W! Thank you for that info, as I do prefer to quilt with 50W or finer, and I do like shopping at Connecting Threads!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

What a beauty! The orchid cornerstones really make it pop. And what a great way to use up scraps to make up the last four squares .

Judy said...

Awesome quilt! Is there a tutorial for making "slabs "?

Jacque. said...

WOW! I really like the sashing and cornerstone colors...it does add a lot to the quilt. Lovely spiral quilting, too! Awesome!

Michelle said...

I too got to see this quilt in person at Camp Stitchalot! And this is the quilt I have next on my list! 1.For the slab technique which I found enjoyable and addicting! 2. Because I was drawn to framing in the slabs. And ....3. The spiral quilting is awesome!!!! Thanks Amanda Jean for all your inspiration!!

Tracy said...

So beautiful! Just love it!!!

Live a Colorful Life said...

So many things to love about this quilt. I love design decisions--dots in the cornerstones. Sometimes those little surprises are the best!

Jenny Watson Blogs said...

Indeed! These quilts are looking mind blowing thanks for the sharing and just keep up the good work.

Homes for Rent in France

Unknown said...

I love the spiral stitching on it! It really brings it out. Thank you for the tutorial. I cant wait to learn. Would you consider doing a slab tutorial? I have way to many scraps and I wont throw any away! Thanks again!

Chase said...

I love how you use the binding fabric. It blends into the quilt itself. It looks so nice!! Can't wait to see your scrap project # 6. Chase x

Lostrivernurse said...

The spiral quilting and the polka dot sashing caught my eye as soon as I opened the page...absolutely stunning!

Gunilla said...

It is a wow-quilt and wow-quilting! I love it!

Suzanne said...

Yet another quilt that I would be happy to take off your hands!

margaret said...

great quilt, lovely front, the pink certainly adds to it and the spiral quiltung looks a treat on the back

CrazyCatLady said...

Very striking! Love the colors and the spiral quilting.

Kathie said...

A beautiful finish and you are right the pink does add a punch!

Teresa Rawson said...

I LOVE this color combo and the bl/wh fabric is just the perfect zing to make the whole thing sing...very nice!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Anonymous said...

I really need to use more scraps. Heaven knows I have PLENTY!! This is beautiful.

Jessica Christensen said...

I love the polka dot sashing! I wish I could join you in your 101 scrap projects. I definitely have enough scraps to do it! I should finish my 101 WIPs first, though, right?

This is a great quilt. I am with you on the orchid setting squares. They give just the right punch!

Angela said...

Please write up instructions on how to spiral quilt! I have tried so many times and just cannot get the hang of how you start it. Thank you.

Diane said...

yep the polka dot sashing and mix of traditional setting and modern blocks really makes your quilt special!! I too will look forward to the spiral tute. :)

Barb Neiwert said...

Another hit! Makes a person rethink solids. Love the quilting, too!

Aliceart said...

I love, love this quilt! Fantastic color choices. Really, just so fun and pretty.

Pattie said...

GORGEOUS!!

I've been following your blog for almost a year now and just love it. I'm a traditional quilter, but your book and your designs are making a convert out of me: your more modern quilts light my heart on fire! :-)

the girlfriend gap said...

YUM-YUM! Scrappy makes me Happy!
Janita

Kim said...

Oh yes this is a real winner from the fabrics to the quilting! I can't wait to learn how to do the spiral quilting, I have an idea but not sure if I can do it without your guidance. Thanks for all your ideas, I love your book and your blog along with your generous spirit.

I wish you success :0) in all you do:0)

Happy Sewing

ConGhin said...

Hi all, just wanted to tell you I'm addicted to slabbing my scraps to have ready. I had put together red slabs and was able to quickly make a bag with pockets for my mom in rehab. She is able to tie it to her table or wheelchair and carry all her little stuff with her.
I love the looks of the quilt and want to try the spiral design, but I have a question. The link to the connecting threads aqua thread says it is 100% polyester. Is that what you recommend for quilting? I was a bit surprised it wasn't cotton thread. Please comment on thread choices, cotton or polyester or mix. Thanks for all the inspiration. Connie

Janet @ Simply Pieced said...

This is such a great quilt! I love your quilting.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely LOVE the polka dot sashing. It is my favorite part and really makes the whole thing sing!

Michele said...

Absolutely wonderful. The swirl compliments the straight lines so well.

Christine S said...

Love your blocks and the quilting is wonderful!

Sarah said...

I love these colours and I've always loved spotty fabric too!