Well it has been a hectic few days, so I haven't been able to blog as much as I would have liked to. However, I am finding myself with some free time and thought I would share what I have been doing.
My sister recently commissioned me to make a quilt for her (except without the pay LOL). The task was simple in her mind - she had many of her first son's old clothing from his first year and as a way of having something precious to hold on to from that year, she asked if I would make a quilt. The theme was firetrucks (daddy is a volunteer firefighter). And being the generous and loving individual that I am (I am also humble) - of course I said yes.
So I began with designing what I would do, cutting the fabric, then piecing everything together. Then came the part where I had to decide how I would quilt the three layers. Immediately I thought I would tie the center patchwork (the main focus) with yarn. I liked this idea because I love the look, and it would keep the fabric of my nephews clothing from being stitched on (with so many firetrucks, I didn't want to take away from the pictures themselves).
After that was decided, I looked at the border and thought "how should I do this". Well, I have made many quilts that I have brought to long arm quilting businesses, but with the economy the way it is; and knowing as a Christian I should be a good steward of the money God has given (Luke 12:42) I have been learning free motion quilting and practicing on scrap material. It was time I thought to "dive in", take needle to fabric, and do what I have been learning.
I did just that and am proud to have a new ability (which I will continue to grow in) for my quilts. I will also say that the quilt making process was overall smooth, but when it came to free motion I did learn a few lessons. I was tense because I didn't want to mess up something that would mean so much - so by the time I had finished, my muscles were actually sore from my inability to relax. I also learned how important it is to have foot control for even stitches (I will be working on this). But, it was significantly less than other options (I already had thread, so it only cost me my time - and sore muscles).
This is the finished quilt - without the binding completely done. Completing the binding is tedious, so I will let my sister reminisce about her son's first year; all the 3am feedings, the cooing, the smiles, the cries, all of it - as she does the binding :)
My sister recently commissioned me to make a quilt for her (except without the pay LOL). The task was simple in her mind - she had many of her first son's old clothing from his first year and as a way of having something precious to hold on to from that year, she asked if I would make a quilt. The theme was firetrucks (daddy is a volunteer firefighter). And being the generous and loving individual that I am (I am also humble) - of course I said yes.
So I began with designing what I would do, cutting the fabric, then piecing everything together. Then came the part where I had to decide how I would quilt the three layers. Immediately I thought I would tie the center patchwork (the main focus) with yarn. I liked this idea because I love the look, and it would keep the fabric of my nephews clothing from being stitched on (with so many firetrucks, I didn't want to take away from the pictures themselves).
After that was decided, I looked at the border and thought "how should I do this". Well, I have made many quilts that I have brought to long arm quilting businesses, but with the economy the way it is; and knowing as a Christian I should be a good steward of the money God has given (Luke 12:42) I have been learning free motion quilting and practicing on scrap material. It was time I thought to "dive in", take needle to fabric, and do what I have been learning.
I did just that and am proud to have a new ability (which I will continue to grow in) for my quilts. I will also say that the quilt making process was overall smooth, but when it came to free motion I did learn a few lessons. I was tense because I didn't want to mess up something that would mean so much - so by the time I had finished, my muscles were actually sore from my inability to relax. I also learned how important it is to have foot control for even stitches (I will be working on this). But, it was significantly less than other options (I already had thread, so it only cost me my time - and sore muscles).
This is the finished quilt - without the binding completely done. Completing the binding is tedious, so I will let my sister reminisce about her son's first year; all the 3am feedings, the cooing, the smiles, the cries, all of it - as she does the binding :)
3 comments:
I have to say I love it just by the pictures and, can't wait to see the quilt in person. You don't know how much I really appreciate you doing this for Nathenial and I. The credit is all yours! He will also have a piece of you sown within it from your hard work and love that went into it. I will have to take you out to a real nice dinner with some quiet time from kiddos!! What do you think?
I love you sis! Thank you again SOOOOO MUUUCCCH!
How fun to be commissioned, even without pay! :) The quilt is adorable!
It's great present for little boys!!
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