I work at a local quilt shop and I make a lot of samples for them, plus I do some custom sewing from time to time. I enjoy all of that, but it keeps me busy and I don't often get to just play with the fabric that I love. So starting last summer I decided I was finally going to cut back on some of those projects and do more sewing for friends and family. Two of my sisters were pregnant and I wanted to make quilts for both of them, which were both a lot of fun (see here and here, if you like). I also really wanted to make a quilt for my mother-in-law. It was so liberating to be as creative as I wanted to be and to use up my stash.
I had a pile of fabric under my cutting table for almost 2 years waiting to be made into a quilt for my third sister and before Christmas I finally decided I was going to FINISH one for her too. I really loved the improv nature of this quilt and had a great time putting it together and using up a LOT of that fabric. (Feels so good, you know? And makes you feel less guilty about buying more fabric. Haha.)
The other part of this quilt that stretched me was the quilting. I don't often do my own quilting, partly because I just don't feel very competent in those skills and partly because I'm just lazy and partly because I'm terrified that I'll ruin the quilt. But this time I decided to gird up my loins and give it a go. I used a long-arm machine at the shop where I work. The process took longer than I thought it would and by the end the machine and I were practically in a rumble and I was feeling so frustrated and swearing never to attempt that again.
But when I took it home and looked at it again - especially the design in the brown solid on the back, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. Looking at it again now, I think it's pretty awesome.
I have had people ask me about a pattern for this quilt. Frankly most of it is improv so I don't even know if I could re-create a pattern with directions shorter than War and Peace, but because I like you all so much, I'll give you some basic block measurements and give you free licence to copy my quilt if you want.
The large blocks are finished at 15" and the small blocks are finished at 7.5". Some of the small blocks are solid and so I cut 8" squares for those. I made a total of 12 of the 15" blocks and 15 of the 7.5" blocks (that includes the blocks that are a solid square). All the pieced blocks I just kept adding scraps of fabric until the blocks grew and I squared them up to 15.5" or 8" (that includes the seam allowance). Use the first picture to see the block placement. The blocks are basically sewen into 5 rows before the rows are all sewn together.
Enjoy the rest of the Blogger's Quilt Festival. I always love all the inspiration I glean here. Thanks again Amy for putting it all together.
A.J. Dub.
Glad you girded and quilted it, because it looks great! That is a cute quilt in general as well. Nice job!
Debbie
Great quilt & I love your telling of it's "story."
Kulla Klan
Very pretty! I loved this quilt - the colors and the whole quilt - when you posted it last winter. I copied your idea and made a baby quilt.
Amy Gibson
Hi Amy! Just wanted to say hi, and that I really enjoy your blog and can't wait to meet you in person at the Sewing Summit in October (I just registered!). I'm from Denver and am good friends with Melissa Lawrence of Mel's Own Place, who I think you know since she's from Salt Lake. We work together at a local quilt shop. Anywho, I just started a blog of my own-
Cille
Lovely quilt. I especially like the color scheme and the combination of blocks. I will definately be a copy-cat for this one. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie
A wonderful quilt. You did some fussy cutting for a few blocks. I like everything about it!
cristina
I love it. I love the fabrics and the binding.<br />Congratulations.<br />kisses from Spain
Rhanda
I really want this quilt. I love it! So glad you shared it (and some of its measurements too)
Justine
Great colours in this quilt! Very soothing!
Judy Bagwell
This quilt is amazing!
jlk
That quilt looks great. I know what you mean about quilting machines. You think they should be fast and easy, but not so!
Happy Cottage Quilter
Great quilt!! Love the colors. Thanks for sharing about it.
Brandi
I LOVE this quilt!!! I think i may have to copy it! Or at least attempt to copy it. 🙂
Bonnie
I can't even tell you how much I love this quilt. Everything about it is just so rich and beautiful!
DeeRoo
"Gird up my loins".....Bwhahahahahaaaa....you always make me smile!:)<br /><br />Just think of how much money you saved too! That's most of the reason I have so many WIPs....I love the piecing part and I'm scared of the quilting part....and I'm cheap!;)
Katherine
Just gorgeous! Love the colour, the design and your fantastic quilting. Hard to believe you don't often do your own quilting, this one looks so good.
a little bit biased
It's really pretty, Amy, and I also love your paper airplane block that you made for Market. I hadn't seen it there!?! So cute! It was fun to see you at Market and I hope to see all of you guys again soon!<br /><br />Amber
Live a Colorful Life
This is a great quilt--the colors, the quilting, the photography against that white fence. (Note to self: look for a better photography backdrop...)
Sue
I love your quilt and now that you have done your own quilting it will be easier the next time. It sounds like you have a very lucky family.
Miki Willa
I really like this quilt. The pattern is really interesting, and I thank you for your information on the construction.
Aunt Spicy
A -- Totally love, but especially because you framed out some casey scroll so well 🙂
SewHappyGeek
It is a beautiful quilt, and you did a stunning job on the quilting! Aren't you glad you tried it? 🙂
ANudge
Beautiful quilt!
CHRIS
Love your colour combo,you did a fantastic job.Thanks for sharing. Chris
patricia clearly
what a fantastic quilt! i love your eye for design and color. great, great job.
Cindy
This quilt is amazing! I absolutely love it!
Layne Bushell
Hi Amy! It was so fun to meet you today. Sorry if I seemed like a stalker! Just wanted you to know I put up a link to your blog in my latest post! I love, love love this quilt. I think it's up there in my list of favorites! Colors are amazing!
Lisa
the quilting is beyond amazing! Great work!
Kari
Lovely quilt! I feel EXACTLY the same way about doing my own quilting. Your quilting looks expertly done.
stitchinpenny
I made a quilt in theses colors and loved it.
Dresden Quilter
The quilting looks fabulous and I love how you put it all together.
Hollie
What a gorgeous quilt. I am in love with how you quilted it!
Angela Flicker
I think you did a fabulous job on the quilting, the design and color selection for this quilt. I truly love it! Improv quilting is my favorite these days. It's so nice to see how it comes together. <br /><br />It was so nice meeting you this past weekend --and I agree, there just wasn't enough time to sit and talk with everyone 😉
Marg
Love this quilt, the colours and design are great, it really shows off the gorgeous fabrics. I know exactly what you mean about doing your own quilting, I don't feel competent, can't be bothered or I'm terrified of ruining something that I've put a lot of work into. I'm so pleased you gave it a go as it looks fabulous.
Mary on Lake Pulaski
Just a beauty Amy! And loved to hear how much you enjoyed the process - that's what it's all about!
FWD
Great job Madam. You should be proud!
Spontaneous Threads
The quilt and the setting for the photo are breathtaking. Truly beautiful and quite an accomplishment!
Manda
The quilt is great and the quilting is fantastic!
Leanne
I love this quilt! It is inspiring to just see a quilt full of improv style blocks working so well together.
Sandra
What a great quilt. Love the greens and browns. Thanks for sharing. I've got 2 entries, 210 my repro cheddar star and 214 my 1850 antique applique floral garden beauty.<br />Sandra in Moab<br />https://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com
Pamela
I came across the image of this quilt in a google search. My mother-in-law is making me a quilt and this is EXACTLY what I had in mind ... the color combination and design is amazing ... beautiful work !! I only hope my mother-in-law can recreate something just as beautiful !!!