How did this quilt get started? The blocks are all hand pieced and then sewn together by machine. Hand piecing!?
Back in 2004, Jenny Beyer wrote an article in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine about her journey with hand piecing. Hand piecing. Not a chance, I snorted after reading the article. Not a fricking chance.
Flash forward to early 2008. I had a lot of charm squares and a need for a take-along project for me to work on when travelling back and forth between Toronto (where I lived then) and North Bay to look after my Mom. Perhaps it was on Pinterest that I saw a quilt and decided this was something that I could easily start and have with me to work on. My Mom loved to see what I was working on. The VON nurses that came to the house loved to see what I was working on. So, why not. But hand piecing. Really, Rosie, hand piecing? I know, I know, I'm eating my words. Hand piecing.
At first, I wanted to do just a little wall hanging or at the most a lap-size quilt, so that I could say that I tried hand piecing and be done with it. Instead, this quilt grew and grew and grew. I went a little overboard. LOL
There is even a tutorial on how to do this if you are so inclined to make one too. Visit here: https://appliqueandpatches.blogspot.com/2009/09/how-to-lovers-knot.html I did this tutorial because there were a number of queries on how I did them. It was easier to just show everyone in one tutorial.
I'm done with hand piecing. During the process, I decided that this method was not for me. EPP showed up and that is what has caught and maintained my interest. Still, I'm glad that I tried it out and can say that I did hand piecing at one time. Can you?
Quilt Details:
Started: February 2008
Top Finished: July 2018 (it sat around waiting for the perfect fabric for the border since September 2009 ..... sheesh)
Quilt Finished: September 2018
Quilt Size: 99-3/4" x 99-3/4" (102-1/2" x 102-1/2" before quilting, washing and drying)
Block size: 4-1/2" square unfinished
Pattern Source: The block pattern was found on Blockbase which is a stand alone computer software design.
Batting: Hobbs poly. I prefer a poly batting for winter quilts as it maintains body heat.
Machine quilted by Tella in Scarborough.
This quilt is nice and cozy warm for our winter months.
To end this post, how about a sunset photo taken in our backyard. Now that the leaves are off the trees, the sun can shine through and show us what mother nature can do. Beautiful!
Linking to: http://estheraliu.blogspot.com/ and http://needleandthreadnetwork.blogspot.com/
That is a beautiful quilt! Congratulations on your persistence.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh its beautiful it looks like it was inspired by the photo of the fall colours??? same colours! Glad you stuck it out it looks stunning on your bed what a treasure. !00's of hours here but full of wonderful memories shared with your mum. Cheers Glenda
ReplyDeletePS Just went in and read your GREAT tutorial on how you made these wee blocks Ohhh my goodness how time consuming each one must have been? But I'm going to make at least one LOL. You gave such good instructions and so many great tips. I'm a follower of Ginny's and have several of her books and loved hand work till my arthritis in my hands got to bad. It really is very fast once you get the rhythm going. Cheers
ReplyDeletePSS LOL You said your blocks were 4 1/2 inchs cut? Question how big was that corner square cut? 1inch cut?????
ReplyDeleteA beautiful collection of colors. I bet it sleeps really well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful result. What a lovely block.
ReplyDeleteI'm working on that design now but in black and white. I think next it will be a color one, after looking at yours. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt.. what a big job!! Thank you for the link to your tutorial..
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