Friday, January 30, 2009

a doll quilt


I started this doll quilt back in October. I was at my sister's house, without my fabric stash and I was desperate to sew. I had a few pieces of fabric with me that I was going to pawn off on my sister if she wanted them. (She didn't.) So here's the fabric, in doll quilt form.

For the quilting, I branched out. I was going after this look. It didn't go well. At all. I was tempted to throw the whole thing away and forget I ever made it. But, I persevered because I am a die hard finisher. I washed and dried it, and much to my delight, it looks a little better now. My daughter uses it for her baby. So success, after all.

Working on a doll quilt scale is a challenge for me. I much prefer lap quilts. But I do like the challenge of working out of my comfort zone. It's also a great size to try out new techniques. Even if they do bomb completely. ;)

38 comments:

Sarah said...

i tried quilting "that" look before. it turned out horrible. i cut the quilt up and put it in my scrapbox. but i want to try "that" look again, because it looks great. good for you for sticking with it.

Anonymous said...

it looks great!! it's nice to try something different sometimes... and to have it turn out nice... well that's a bonus!! Lx

KC Quilter said...

Lemonade out of lemons, I say! I love that little doll quilt and glad it is keeping a dolly warm!

Anonymous said...

Cracks me up. Your "complete bomb" looks wonderful to me! Guess it's all in the perspective...

nettie said...

i would never call this a bomb. it's darling, especially if your daughter uses it.

Toby E. said...

I think it's fabulous and would love one just like it. Something I see my hubby really liking.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

I would be giddy to *bomb* as nicely as you do!

Artsy Aut said...

I just found your blog through a friends recommendation. I am new to quilting but loving it. Im excited to try some of your tutorials! Thanks for posting such beautiful quilts, I am inspired!

Mama Urchin said...

The thing with a doll quilt is it's a great place to try something with little commitment. And in the end, even if you don't like it someone will because, at least in our house, there is always a need for more baby doll quilts.

QuiltNut Creations said...

it's very cute

Anonymous said...

love the quiet simplicity.

WoolenSails said...

I love the simple look and two color scheme. It came out beautifully. I think making small quilts is a great way to practice ideas.

Debbie

Leslie said...

very cute! the best thing about the dolly quilts is that they are small and finish fast.

Unknown said...

So glad your little one loves it - it's really cute!

Patty said...

The quilting makes me think of a chicken wire fence which gives the quilt a vintage look.

Emily said...

I have been obsessed with doll quilts these last two weeks! I can't make enough of them. I'm on #4 already! This little zig-zag one is so awesome! Love seeing what you come up with.

Thimbleanna said...

Very cute Amandajean! I've had fabric in the stash earmarked for a rail fence for YEARS -- just can't seem to get around to it!

Katherine said...

Your doll quilt is so sweet!

You're going to laugh to hear that coincendentally I just posted a tutorial on how to make a zig-zag doll quilt. Serendipity or what?

I totally agree with you on using doll quilts as a way to try out new techniques and quilting designs.

Anonymous said...

It is lovely - simple and stylish. Keep in mind I love colours and still like this one :)
Yes, doll quilts are fun and quick to make. You can experiment and see the result so quickly, you can afford trying anything!

Tacha said...

Wow if that is a bomb to you! I think it looks great.

Bonnie said...

Hi Amandajean. I think this little quilt is awsome! I'm just starting out trying to learn to machine quilt and I would be absolutely thrilled if mine looked that good. I just spent my evening last night ripping out. Please keep inspiring us!

Unknown said...

You are right, it doesn't look a thing like what you were aiming for. But it is beautiful none the less. Nice that it is being loved as well. I find smaller quilts more of a challenge as well. Precision is definitely key when working small.

Anonymous said...

i really like this pattern!
I can't imagine calling this a bomb, as it is adorable.

lera said...

I think it's great. I'm sure Miss A thinks so, too. That quilting does look intimidating.

Lynn said...

Correct you are - how are we ever going to learn and improve if we don't keep practing and trying. Plus better done than perfect - that's my new sewing motto.

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Hi Amanda Jean,
Thanks so much for stopping by!
I'm glad you liked the wallet tutorial.
I sooooo envy your ability to quilt and knit. Two things I would LOVE to learn to do in the future.
I enjoyed browsing through your blog and beautiful projects and will no doubt be back very soon. :)

Kimberly

Anonymous said...

I think that you did a nice job. I like the zig zag look. I might have to try that on a little bit bigger scale. You are always inspiring me!!:)

Katie K said...

Better that it's done & you can move on with life! Forget about it if you like, but you can see there are plenty of people who think it turned out just fine :)

tarabu said...

It's wonderful! Inspires me to dig through my UFO bin and make something sing!

Becky J. said...

i think it is just perfect and i have never heard a doll complain. :)

Duyvken said...

I love it! Well done. By the way, I recently finished an hourglass quilt using your tutorial. It turned out beautifully and your instructions were wonderful. Thanks so much!

Oiyi said...

I need to try some doll quilts to help me experiment. I just don't ahve time for full sized quilts.

giddykids.blogspot.com said...

You are incredible woman! I started doing a table runner I bought fabric and a pattern for LAST SUMMER! I'm irritated that I can't even get the 1/4" seam right! Grr. Yours are gorgeous!
Paula

Anonymous said...

I like the black and white for this pattern.

Cindy said...

This reminds me of depression times...simple and practical..quilts that were just "used". I hope this adorable piece finds a place to be "used".

pratima said...

So cute! Love the quilting pattern.
The fabrics are so sweet and simple.

katieP said...

love love love the pattern. Wanna help us beginners out with a tutorial of some kind...I think I get the basic formation but I'm thinking of whippin up a baby quilt with the diagonal zig zag. Thanks for all your inspiration.

Rebekah said...

loving the zig zag here...I've been totally addicted to zig zaggin lately :)