finito
I've just spent the past two evenings on the couch watching the olympics while sewing on binding, and - finally - my first proper quilt is complete. It's not perfect, but I don't care! It's big(ish)! It's crinkly! I made it!
This is the best photo of the whole thing I could manage today while Henry was sleeping. Those are Audrey's 4 year old hands for scale (she wanted to be in the photo). For me, obsessive sewer of small toys, this was a big project. Like reading a fat novel - it took ages to get through, but has been incredibly satisfying to finish.
The back. Ack, terrible photo - it only looks puckered like that in the middle because it's been folded in half over a chair - it's really not that bad. It's quilted in zig zags and some vertical stripes with white thread on top and red on the bottom. All of the fabric for this was from my stash, apart from the two solid red cottons and a quick dash to the fabric shop to stock up on some more white.
Thanks so much for all your suggestions and input into this one meagre blanket. I can't believe how much I've blogged about this single project! Now? I'm off to plot the next one.
This is absolutely beautiful. I've been thinking of doing a scrap quilt from a huge bag of fabric scraps from an aunt...maybe something like this. I do feel intimidated though with the scale, like you mentioned. Most of my projects aren't this intense...and take this LONG.
Glad you persisted...it's wonderful.
Posted by: Beth H | August 20, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Fiona, this is absolutely beautiful! Good on YOU!
I have entertained ideas of doing this one day- you are so inspiring! I also have a little tacker around Henry's age- so there's no excuse for me!
Posted by: Zofia | August 20, 2008 at 09:32 PM
It's absolutely gorgeous! Really lovely & I love the piecing on the back.
Posted by: Kirsty | August 20, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Beautiful quilt! You did a wonderful job!
Posted by: Heather | August 20, 2008 at 09:50 PM
That's beautiful! Of course red is one of my favorite colors but I'm not bias! I love the texture the quilting gives to the backing. Gorgeous!
Posted by: LeeAnn | August 20, 2008 at 10:06 PM
It's so beautitful! Congratulations!
Posted by: Ellie | August 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
It's a wonderful quilt, it has been good to watch it come together over time.
Posted by: Angie | August 20, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Oh I know what you mean about it being like a long novel. I started a quilt for my daughter mooooooonths ago and haven't picked it up since...mostly because I had horrid morning sickness, but now that I am almost 5 monsths and it is finally passing a bit I need to get back to it...with a new baby I may never pick it up again!!!
You have an eye for color! Yuor quilt is perfectly lovely and the back may be my favorite part!!!!!
Posted by: Amy | August 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
the back is perfect! well done, fiona!
Posted by: erin | August 20, 2008 at 10:37 PM
It's gorgeous! I bet you spent a lot of time looking at it after you finished. I've a few large projects that I worry I'll never finish but seeing your progress gives me inspiration to pick them up again. :)
Posted by: Pink Sky | August 20, 2008 at 11:01 PM
FABULOUS Fiona!!!!!!
I am still (blush) hand quilting my red schoolhouse quilt (because I am a masochistic idiot), and I am sooooo jealous that another red quilt is out there in the world and its STILL not mine.
I'm so impressed, its REALLY stunning. It will give you pleasure for decades.
note to self: apply effort like Fiona has and finish that classic 8 year old red quilt. Two uni degrees and a fulltime job in the meantime is a wimp's excuse! Fiona can have a baby and still do it!
Posted by: Laura | August 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM
I love it! The reds are so pretty, and I love the grey with it. My quilts are never perfect either...I like to think it makes them look real.
Posted by: nettie | August 20, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Oh yay, you finished! You did a great job.
Posted by: Andrea | August 21, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Your quilt is beautiful...what a sense of achievement. Beautiful.
Posted by: Paloma | August 21, 2008 at 02:26 AM
It's lovely! What an accomplishment and it'll be enjoyed by Henry.
Posted by: Sandy | August 21, 2008 at 02:48 AM
It's very very lovely!! The red is so nice and i LOVE the back too!
Posted by: flora | August 21, 2008 at 03:36 AM
Great quilt - the piecing on the back really adds to it.
Posted by: Natasha | August 21, 2008 at 04:29 AM
it's beautiful, you did such a good job! I love the wrinkles... that's what makes it a 'proper' quilt, you know :)
Posted by: amanda | August 21, 2008 at 06:26 AM
So gorgeous! The big crinkly ones really are the best ones, you know!
Posted by: Lauri | August 21, 2008 at 06:34 AM
That is really stunning. (I love the small hands for scale, too!) Weirdly I was thinking about this quilt of yours the other day and wondering if you had finished it. Well done, you!
Posted by: Kate Mason | August 21, 2008 at 07:12 AM
Wow you should feel proud of yourself that is a fabulous creation and I am sure it will be loved for the many hours that have been out in it. I love the stripe on the back.
Posted by: Cindy | August 21, 2008 at 07:53 AM
gorgeous.... well done
Posted by: Abby | August 21, 2008 at 08:43 AM
That is awesome! Well done. You definitely don't look like a first timer to me.
Posted by: Leah | August 21, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Gorgeous quilt well done. It looks so big too
Posted by: Cass Ward | August 21, 2008 at 11:48 AM
It looks great, I love the colours and the triangles. Congrats on finishing such a big project!
Posted by: Emma | August 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM