Thursday, March 17, 2016

the beginning of an epic quilt

I need (no, really, I do!) a new quilt for my king size bed. The problem is, I have the hardest time picking out patterns/fabrics for bed quilts. It is quite the commitment!
I decided to pull out the good stuff from my stash. I have quite a nice collection of Denyse Schmidt fabric, so it makes sense to use it. Right?
It took me a few weeks to figure out a plan for the fabric, and on Monday, I started cutting. I had to laugh when I saw the year on the selvage. It's only 7 years old. Ha! At least it has aged well!
It took me ALL day to cut out the fabric. Thankfully, Mary was here for a sew day, so I had someone to visit with while I cut. I definitely needed the moral support! 
I cut each square at 12 1/4", then cut each square on the diagonal twice to make quarter square triangles. The blocks should finish at 11''. It's going to look soooo good on my bed!!!
This photo better conveys the scale. I only need 90 blocks, which means I'm already 10% done piecing the blocks. That's pretty exciting!
 
I have another quilt pattern picked out to use up some of the scraps. It's such a fun, vicious cycle!

42 comments:

Allison said...

That orange basket weave print is my favorite orange fabric of all time! I LOOOOVE it...this quilt is going to be amazing-ness! Hope your doing well!

tisha @ quiltytherapy said...

Congrats on breaking into the good stuff! How did you feel when you first cut into it? Excited to see your finished quilt. Enjoy the process and those lovely fabrics you've held on to.

Tine said...

It is going to be fantastic! Do you quilt your king-size quilts on a domestic machine? Or a long-arm? I have a big quilt planned, but the quilting on my intimidates me a little, because it is so difficult to quilt the large quilts on a regular machine..

Tish Stemple said...

I love these prints! They will add a fun scrappiness to your bed. When I saw the first picture I thought it was maybe a 12" block, glad you put the picture for scale :)

The Joyful Quilter said...

Ugh! I may have a KING sized quilt to make, too. My over-sized queen quilt isn't QUITE big enough for our new king sized bed. :o((

---"Love" said...

What a great start on your large quilt! I know what you mean about cutting into the "good" stuff; I had the same feeling when I dragged out my tubs of Civil War fabrics for my newest project. What I don't understand is: How did you keep all those little cut pieces so beautifully organized? My cutting table is a big mess! ---Love"

Mystic Quilter said...

Looking good, always love triangles.

Ella said...

That is going to be epic.

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW - that's going to be an awesome quilt. I also 'need' one for my king size bed but can't make that first step. You may just have given me the inspiration I need!

Julierose said...

Oh this will be lovely--I have only made ONE king size quilt--when i was a lot youngerand more flexible (LOL)...i did quilt it but mostly ended up tying it...hugs, Julierose

Live a Colorful Life said...

Yes, this is going to be a beauty!!

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

It's going to be amazing - and huge !!! Yay for dipping into the treasured stash for such a special quilt!

Tracybug Creative said...

It's already awesome!!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Oh, only 90 blocks, LOL!!! Mercy! Great start. I have made one king size quilt, and one almost king size. I might have one more in me, but that will be it!

cityquilter grace said...

good to use the good stuff, saving it from the thrift or a yard sale by your kids...gorgeous so far...

Kath said...

You've got a good start on your bed quilt and it looks amazing! I too have been trying to decide on a quilt for my bed. You're more courageous than I am - I have a large collection of DS fabrics also, but am to afraid to cut into any of it. Silly, right? I'll be following you to see how it turns out.

Kirsten said...

This is going to look amazing! I used over 180 DS prints to make my Scrappy Trip around the World quilt a few years ago and it is still one of my faves as all of her fabrics go so well together.

Anonymous said...

This will be spectacular. Congrats on cutting into your DS prints!

Angie said...

Can't wait to see it finished. I still haven't decided on a pattern for my rather large (and old) DS Quilts stash.

Mary Marcotte said...

Oh, it's going to be a beauty! All of those yummy fabrics and a pretty design. Like everyone else, I'll be keeping an eye on this one!

Anonymous said...

Your quilt looks wonderful so far. Beautiful colors and fabrics. I think it is a really good idea to use up the 'good' fabrics before they sit for so long you move on to other favorites. I have a few of those in my stash!

Teresa Palmer said...

Love!

Teresa Palmer said...

Love!

house on hill road said...

LOVE! Way to jump in and use it. I am trying so hard to do that this year...Maybe I need some large quarter square triangles in my life?

Kris Quilts said...

A king-sized quilt IS a big undertaking! At least you have beautiful fabrics to ease the monotony. Can't wait to see the finished project.

Unknown said...

It's going to be beautiful! Have to say looking at your pull there is some envy going on! There's some DS prints in your pull I'd buy in a heart beat if I could find them! Can't wait to see the finished quilt!

farmhousequilter8 said...

Love your blog

Leanne Parsons said...

I'm pretty sure I have fabrics in my stash that are at least 9 years old...though they probably don't still have the selvedge on them! Your quilt will be gorgeous when it's finished. I've been wanting to make a new quilt for our bed for a couple of years, but couldn't decide on a pattern. Like you said, it's a big commitment. Then I finally came up with something I loved and started cutting the other night. I can't wait to get it finished!

Lisa H. said...

That DS fabric line is one of my all time favorites. Congrats on cutting into it! I can't wait to see your quilt!

Fabric Fanatic said...

Amanda, how do you arrange your triangles prior to sitting down to sew so that they are randomly scrappy? Do you have a system? I tend to overthink and usually it isn't randomly scrappy. Can you give me a clue?

Anonymous said...

I love the fabric choices and this design is awesome! I'm going to try this soon! Thanks for sharing!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Epic for sure!!

Vicki W. said...

Ha! I am planning an epic Denyse Schmidt bed quilt too! Mine will be only queen size, though, and I haven't settled on a pattern yet. I do like your hourglass blocks! Seems like it should be a traditional block, right?

Cathy Melancon said...

Oh my! Can't wait to see the finished product but don't wait that long to show us your progress!! Denyse Schmidt is the best!!!

kathy-o said...

You had me at DS.....and hourglass blocks. Epic, indeed - and marvelous!

Lara B. said...

Epic is right Amanda Jean! Those fabrics, combined in those blocks look amazing!

KaHolly said...

Wow! This is going to be great! I can't wait to see it all finished!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

The colours and prints are awesome. It's going to be a great quilt.

Joy said...

I love it and it looks like an easy pattern... something I could do, ha! Great colors and prints, I like the mix.

Jeneta said...

I LOVE it!! I too need a king sized quilt for my bed, so I'm seriously considering making one like yours. What a fab stash buster.

Dawn said...

I love DS fabric. I just bought my second fat quarter bundle of Chicopee. I already have a quilt and a pillow but I want to pair it with a background fabric so it will be bigger. My favorite color is blue. Why do I love those fabrics so much!?!

Vicki Lou said...

Oh my....you are really digging into the best stuff! I have some DS fabrics from that era that I'm still admiring but unable to use! Crazy me.