So despite it being uber hot and sticky yesterday afternoon, I valiantly pressed on and, amazingly, finished off my patchwork quilt. It didn't actually take me all that long to do in terms of actual hours cutting out, ironing, and sewing it all together, but in terms of time it's been hanging around for months - although I really don't know why.
It's a lap-quilt size, measuring approx. 44 x 52 inches (with each square being 7.5 inches square-ish), and I think that was probably a sensible size to try out quilting with. Anyhow, the finished size was really dictated by the number of patchwork pieces I was given from Mum, topped up with a few pieces cut from bits and bobs of fabric I had around the place.
Nothing new was bought to make the quilt (unless you count the uber-expensive Gutterman thread I bought in Southend at Easter - £7.00 for a ginormous reel - but, my goodness, what a difference it made to sew with some decent thread instead of the cheap cr*p I've used in the past.) The patchwork pieces came from Mum, the purple leaf backing material had been knocking around for years in ye olde stash, and the wadding was cut from an Ikea picnic blanket I got from a charity shop a few years ago.
I used some white crochet cotton (a charity shop purchase a long time ago) to make a tie in the corner of each square, which I hope will be sturdy enough to keep all three layers tightly together. The quilt has got quite a nice weight to it and should be wonderfully cosy in the winter.
It's a looooooong way from being anything like perfect but I do have to say, I'm mighty pleased with it - especially as it was made entirely from bits and bobs I already had - and the cheerful colours should really brighten up the darkest winter's day.
It is great. Well done. When are you starting on the next one?!
Posted by: Lindsey | 07/21/2010 at 04:48 PM
I like that, the colours are so vibrant, it will brighten any room up.
Posted by: ilona | 07/21/2010 at 06:56 PM
Looking great, nice bright cheerful colours and I bet it will be warm as well.
Good for cold winters evenings.
Well done for perservering
Posted by: sharie | 07/21/2010 at 07:46 PM
I love it - so lovely bright and colourful!
Did you put the wadding in after you had sewn on the backing, or at the same time?
Posted by: Lorraine | 07/22/2010 at 08:08 PM
It looks SO good - I'm glad you finished it after all. And of course it didn't take long - isn't that always the way with WIPs that hang around for ages ?!
Posted by: Librariann | 07/22/2010 at 08:26 PM
wow! you're quilt is lovely and beautiful and fun.
i'm actually going to start my first quilt soon too. and i'm looking to my readers for fabric.
i'm doing patches like you did as well.
just love it!
Posted by: Michael - Innkeeper | 07/22/2010 at 09:11 PM
It's beautiful Elizabeth, perfect for snuggling beneath on cold evenings. I've been collecting fabric together myself to make a patchwork quilt someday, you've really inspired me to get a move on! Love the colours.
Gill
Posted by: gill | 07/23/2010 at 10:31 AM