Monday 9 November 2015

Quilt plans

Despite having made three quilts (here, here and here), I still haven't exactly been bitten by the quilting bug. All three quilts were gifts for family members, so maybe it's because I'm always one step removed from the finished product? I'm not sure. Whatever the reasons, I've decided to give quilt making another go, but this time, the quilt will be for ME!  Call me an old lady, but I like nothing better than to be wrapped in a blanket whilst watching TV or reading on the sofa. The blanket I currently use is a ratty old fleece specimen, so a replacement in the form of a quilt is long overdue. It can serve double duty by brightening up the end of my bed during the day too. 

Colour-wise, I've been inspired by this beautiful baby quilt by Crafty Blossom

A Quilt for Harry by Crafty Blossom
Mustard and grey are two colours that crop up quite a lot in my bedroom furnishings. They feature in this print by Eloise Renouf...


...and in the fabric that covers this chair



My bedroom walls are painted cream and green/blue so I'll be picking out both of these colours too. The fabrics I've chosen are all from M is for Make, with the exception of the Hemingway grid print (RHS in the second picture) which is left over from my 1950's shoulder tie dress. 



As I'm a beginner, my previous quilts have all used the simplest of designs. So this time round, instead of using all squares, I'm going to be using…. rectangles and squares, talk about edgy! For the design, I'll be using the Strawberry Fields Bricks Pattern by Amy Smart for Moda, which seems relatively idiot proof. And because I can't bear the thought of cutting up countless plain, cream squares for the lighter accents, I'll use these pre-cut squares. It may not be strictly ballroom, but do I care? Nope. 


I'm making slow progress so far. I've almost cut out all of the rectangles and I'm hoping I'll soon be able to play with the patchwork pieces on the floor to make a pattern, which is probably my favourite bit! If I get my finger out, I may get this finished by Christmas, as long as there aren't too many party dresses clamouring for my attention in the meantime. The fact that I've outlined my plans on the blog will certainly give me a bit of a kick up the arse anyway.  Anybody else have any mad quilt plans? x


23 comments:

  1. I love that crafty-blossom quilt, I've ogled many of her creations! I also have some mad quilt plans - I have 3 on the go and 2 at the fabric-chosen-cutting-out stage. Those two are intended for my baby, who is due in less than 4 weeks. I'm slowly coming round to the idea that this may be impractical.... So to me your plan sounds pretty sensible!

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    1. Oh wow, my plans do sound pretty sensible when you put it like that! Good luck with your quilt(s) and with your impending arrival! x

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  2. I'm the same - I haven't been bitten by the quilting bug - BUT I have made a number of easy quilts just from sewing squares together both for myself and friends/family.

    One thing that I typically do which makes the quilt a bit more snuggly is that I don't use batting and backing, I simply back it with a fleece fabric. Yes it's not as thick and you can't see as much definition on the quilting stitches, but it is much softer and snuggly for those winter sofa/duvet/film days :-)

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    1. Ah that's a good idea! That's how I made a baby blanket for my nephew, but as it was so small I didn't quilt it, it was just patchwork on one side and fleece on the reverse. I'm definitely thinking of either fleece or flannel for the backing, thanks! x

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  3. Love the colour scheme you've chosen for this project Jane (and loving that chair too). Never tried quilting, but you got me at the snuggling up on the sofa bit reading, sounds perfect. Should think the whole project will be more motivating now you've taken control of it.

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    1. Thanks, I love those colours too and I especially look that chair! It's a nursing chair so designed to be really comfortable! I definitely feel more motivated now I've committed to it on the blog! x

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  4. I love you fabric choices. Great colour combo! Best of luck with this quilt. I've been working on my king size quilt for 3 years. Wish I didn't commit to hand quilting. Very characterful but oh my time consuming!

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    1. Oh wow, that puts me to shame! Hand quilting doesn't even appear on my sewing radar! I've been enjoying reading your blog by the way! x

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  5. Oh my god - that CHAIR Jane, I love it!!!! Such an unusual shape. did you buy it upholstered like that or did you get it done (or do it yourself?!)?
    Good luck with your quilt, I love the colours you have picked (what, no red?!). And I certainly wouldn't cal you a granny for wanting to curl up under a gorgeous handmade quilt - I was actually thinking the exact same thing a couple of nights a go...but I still haven't finished the quilt for my son, so my knees shall just have to stay chilly for a little longer!

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    1. Thanks Suzy, it's a lovely chair isn't it?! It was Jon's Gran's and I had it re covered a few years ago. I spend my whole life curled up on the sofa so this quilt will be very well used (when it's finally finished!) x

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  6. Chair envy! I have a quilt I started as a child that needs finishing. Also several other quilts on the go. . . last year or maybe the year before now I made cosy blankets for the children and husband for Christmas. They love them, all backed with fleecy blanket fabric.

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    1. Your cosy blankets sound lovely! I'm nor surprised they all loved them! x

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  7. Ha! I have a started but not finished quilt project in my WIP pile. I keep trying to get on with it, but other things crop up. Maybe I could finish that before Christmas ...? But then, I might not finish all the other things I want to make before Christmas!! Oh the dilemma :-)

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    1. I know, there are always new, shiny things to distract aren't there?! x

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  8. Ooh lovely quilt inspiration and fabric choices! Those colours and prints are going to look gorgeous in your quilt. I'm currently making a quilt too, a scrap busting one where I'm not allowed to buy anything new for it (my own rules). i am enjoying it, and i know it will be satisfying to have made something out of "nothing", but you're soooo right, cutting out loads of plain white rectangles is dull as dishwater. You definitely have the right idea buying pre-cut! Looking forward to seeing your finished quilt! x

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    1. Thanks Ree! Good luck with your scrap busting quilt too! x

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  9. I'm in the process of making my first quilt - it's only lap quilt sized - and while I'm loving the way it looks I'm not sure that I'm actually enjoying the process. To me it seems a strange mixture of stressful and boring, but my husband is already telling me that I could make a double bed sized one next, so this may not be my only quilt after all!

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    1. I know what you mean about the mix of stressful and boring! Just remember how satisfying it will be when it's finished! x

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  10. I have plans for about 5 more quilts, but they all involve lots of embroidery so I think they'll take a while to complete. Plus the *actual* quilting process is...unpleasant for me, so I'm never super motivated, ha. But I do love the finished products and gets of compliments on them! Can't wait to see yours.

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    1. The actual quilting bit is my least favourite part too. I've managed to get quite a bit of my quilt done this week so it's looking promising! x

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  11. I can't wait to see your quilt (no pressure!). Obviously I love the colour scheme you've chosen - and your chair! I use my quilt most days so I'm really glad I finished it, even though it took me a while. I have started collecting fabrics for my next one but I think I'm going to put it off to make a quilt for Élodie, I'm thinking a simple Liberty and cream top. I seem to be able to cope with 1 quilt project a year so that will be next year's.

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    1. Ooh a Liberty and cream top quilt for Elodie sounds lovely. Yes, about one a year is my limit too. Although if I finish this one before Christmas it will be two this year, a minor miracle! x

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  12. This is so fun! I can't wait to see your quilt! I've been on a major quilting binge lately... I think because I haven't had much time to sew, but I can bang out a block here and there in a way that makes me feel like I'm getting something done (I don't really enjoy sewing garments just a little bit here and there-- I always forget where I am and it's just an inefficient way for me to work). But this is gonna be gorgeous and OH, your chair is just beautiful!!

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