I've been thinking of sharing this quilt for awhile now...as humble as it may be. This one been dubbed "yellow quilt" by my kids, and it was finished in either 2001 or 2002. This was my first queen size quilt and it was made back in the day when I tied my quilts. It is made entirely from fabrics from JoAnn's. The quilt is faded and it has a few stains, but despite that (or perhaps because of that?) this quilt is THE favorite at my house! In fact, about a month ago, we played bingo to see who would get to sleep under the quilt for the next several weeks. (We like to do fun and crazy things like that at our house.)
The quilt has two layers of batting inside it, thanks to the suggestion of my husband, so it's nice and toasty! Wrapping up in it feels like a giant hug and I'm pretty sure that it makes one of the best quilt forts in all the land. :) I love seeing how my tastes have changed over the years, but some things still remain the same...I still love a patchwork quilt and I will always love a good gingham!
I love that this quilt is a favorite despite it's imperfections. I strive for perfection in almost everything, but it's reassuring to know that things DO NOT need to be perfect. What a relief!!! This quilt also shows me that I've come a long way in learning the skill of quilting. I love that even though it's been around awhile, it's actually getting better with age. (I can only hope the same for me, as a person!!!)
Why share this now? A lot of times I feel like I want the guarantee that things will be perfect BEFORE I even give it a try. How silly is that?
So silly. But that's exactly what happens! I made this quilt before I knew how to miter binding correctly, so the corners are slightly rounded. But do you know what? That's the best that I could do at that time. I like that it didn't stop me from trying...I just did it and I learned to do better the next time around. I wanted to share this with you to encourage you--especially if you are newer to quilting or if you are just beginning in your quilting journey--to keep at it! Most things get easier and better as you practice. You never know what quilt will become a favorite! And, perfection is overrated. :)
Happy Monday to you!
49 comments:
I like that you tried! And that you continue to share and inspire others to try! I learned to quilt from you (or rather, your blog) a little over 6 years ago, and I will always be grateful to, and for, you!!
I'm linking up a quilt in your next FiF that even 3 years ago, I wouldn't have thought I could make. (and it's SO not perfect, but I am so tickled with it anyways!)
Here's to always trying...
I love that sleeping under the quilt is a prize :-)
happy, happy sewing ~ Tracy
I've spent much of this evening trying to will myself to cut into some of the wonderful fabric I have in order to make a dress. I keep worrying that I'll fail miserably and so it's been a struggle. I just read this post as I got into bed and it's made me feel a bit more positive. Thank you.
Actually you quilt is perfect! It's job is to keep the people you love warm. It does it so well you have to have a contest to see who gets to use it next. Can't beat that!
Nothing wrong with this quilt and a lot right with it, my first make is very similar and still my favourite. There must be many memories tied up in this.
Thank you for sharing. Love the story that belongs with this treasured quilt. I too struggle each time I sew a quilt and would like to give it away, but...I feel it is not sewn 'well enough'. My oldest daughter always says 'goodie' and it gets tucked away in her room :). Thanks for your inspirations!
Such a pretty quilt. Thanks for sharing.
The quilt is lovely and one of those that will always be cherished in the family. Ones that everyone feels has the special memories attached.....perfect is not it is talked up to be.
thanks for sharing
I used to compare what I make to all of the wonderful things I would see on the quilting blogs I follow. It took a while for me to come to terms that I'm still learning and have far less experience than those talented people. So I look at it now as inspiration and try to learn from them so that I can make something as beautiful and well-made as them. Thanks for the story behind your quilt!
I love this one. It's confirmation that quilts don't need to be perfect to make someone feel loved.
Wrapped in a giant hug indeed! Love it.
I so love your inspiration and your lovely quilt! Your family is so great!thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this reminder!
Thanks for sharing your quilt with us. I have to mention that I have that same purple calico (just a few little pieces left now) and used it myself way back when.
I discovered your blog just as I was starting my quilting journey. In fact, I took part in your very first quilt-a-long. You have been an encouragement and inspiration to me for sure.
And I love that this quilt is the favorite in your house.
What a fun post. I love the idea of playing bingo for your turn with the quilt.
None of my quilts are remotely close to perfect. I don't sweat it though. With all its imperfections, it will still be around way longer than me.
I love that your posts are so encouraging and that you don't take yourself too seriously... you hit such a pleasant tone in what you write. A pleasure to read... and to be inspired by :-)
Piękny i elegancki quilt.
Pozdrawiam i życzę miłego dnia:)
Thank you for sharing this! Your quilt is lovely!
Love the colors! :)
My son has his favorite quilt that I made for him when he was about 6. He's taking it with him to college next September after I replace the backing and a few other pieces that need patch ups. Back then, I used a flat sheet for the back and it did not hold up. I'm glad that I can give it a make over, though.
Thank you so much for sharing, it gives me hope. I have admired your work ever since I stumbled upon it last year. I truly love everything you do - I've copied several of your pillows and one day want to make your scrappy pineapple block quilt. Thank you for sharing your beginnings and letting us know that with practice we too, can learn and improve.
Thank you for sharing this. The art made by my children 40 years ago is some of my favorite. The honesty in early art is endearing.
As someone told me recently, "the Muggles won't know the difference." And the quilters among us will know it for the work of love it was. I have to remind myself of that fact -- regularly. Thank you for that reminder today!
Thank you for this. I came at just the right time. I am a beginner and having just made a wee blanket on the weekend - I was proud and disappointed at the same time - loved the look of it but the things that I don't think were done great were making me crazy - I will stick to the proud feeling!
Thank you for the encouragement. Only today I was feeling a bit down as the quilting did not go the way I wanted. But the admission by Jean Amanda the she made mistakes and her corners are not perfectly turned out put things in perspective and thanks again.
What a great post!! I have early quilts, too, that are my kids' favorites. Now, my granddaughter sleeps under one of those tied, simple quilts! I made it in the '90's. They're really blankets of love.
Great post! I love how your quilt is the favorite of the family! Looking at it I can imagine how soft it must be after all that loving.
I think sometimes we forget that a quilt to be used is just that, a quilt to be used. No one else looks at it with the same eye we do. I sometimes get hung up on the imperfections of my work. But I'm looking at it from about 12 inches away. I'm ALWAYS happier with a quilt once it's finished and I can step back from it. I also enjoy the reactions from the family. The ones they like are not usually the "masterpiece" quilts. It's one of the things that keeps me trying different things.
Great, post. Thanks for sharing. My first quilt was the result of a class and pattern that were way above my skill level. But, I showed up with a shiny new rotary cutter (which I had no idea how to use), an uncooperative sewing machine and some enthusiasm. Thanks to a patient teacher and a little determination I finished that quilt. It is far from perfect, but the very best I could do at the time, and it made me want to keep improving. Twenty plus years later, I still learn something new with every project!
Thank you for sharing this! It's a great story. My grown kids still use the quilts I made early on and several of them are tied too.
I am not a fabric snob and I don't need my quilts to last 100 years. That being said I remember my first quilt. It was a log cabin and I should have been more of a fabric snob. Most of the fabrics were just fine but the black that I used for the center block was some kind of blend and must have been a cheap one at that. All of the center blocks disintegrated and the quilt had to be thrown out. Hated to see it go but there are always more to be made. I try to let people that I give quilts to know that I want them to use them and not just look at them or put them in a closet. More can be made if something happens to that one.
Yes, perfection is over rated! I have been quilting for quite a while, and none of my quilts are perfect, in fact they would never win awards. I admire those that win awards and have great skill, but I just enjoy the process. I grew up under "humble" quilts and still love them!!
"Progress, not perfection." That's been my quilting mantra since I started. I tend to be a perfectionist and refused to let that stop me from leaning and growing as a quilter. Now if I could just apply this idea to others parts of my life... ;-)
Love your family's favorite quilt. Thanks for a great post!
As I sew today, I'm reminded that even simple projects take time and as long as I put my heart in them, I am happy. Your perfection reminder is a good followup thought for me and I really appreciate the show and tell.
You've come a long way, baby!
thanks for showing us that!!! Keep on trying - that's what I do!!!
Thanks for sharing! Very encouraging to a very imperfect quilter.
:)
Hi big shout out from very cold Melbourne, I must tell you its you willingness to share old quilts that keeps me sewing. I learn from every quilt every project, and Im getting better. When thing go wrong I think of you and feel encouraged and go buy fabric... Thanks
marinaclark@live.com
Thanks for sharing that…many of us are far behind you in the quilting experience and you make it real.
I love your quilt too - what a wonderful story! I found a quilt that I made for my mum years and years ago when I was clearing out her house. Technically, it is a terrible quilt, but I love it because of the reasons why it was made. And, like you say, it was the best I could do at the time!
Some of my family's favorite quilts are still the old ones I was learning on. They never see the imperfections that we do. I too love a good patchwork and gingham is a classic in my book.
I just cringe sometimes when I look at some of my older quilts from years ago. I did just about everything wrong, I think! LOL It's all good though. I have enjoyed the journey.
I do not really know you, I realize that. However, I say this with confidence. You are awesome. And I really enjoyed your blog today.
Eu gosto das cores! E realmente a perfeição não é tão importante assim. E se ficarmos focados nela, tirará o brilho da brincadeira.
Bjs
It looks simple yet loved, very much. What a special memory to have n a blanket, all the forts, cold nights cuddling, family times vying for the blanket to be their's. Thanks for sharing this with us. It's important to see where you've come from and how much you've grown :)
I just wanted to thank you for the "figgy scraps" not sure what I will do with them yet. Might be a good start to a baby quilt for donation.
always good to hear. i am a perfectionist who spends more time worrying that my quilt wont be square or look just like the pattern and i dont get around to making it.
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