My finished quilt-as-you-go project

Way back in the summer I began what, for me, was a very ambitious project – a new patchwork quilt for my bed.  I am a very careless cutter and my spatial reasoning is, to be perfectly honest, rubbish (guess who can never choose the right sized saucepan lid from out of the cupboard!?) so I knew that creating a beautiful complex design (and my online research showed me some truly wonderful quilts) would be totally beyond me.  So I settled for a simple patchwork quilt created from 30 blocks of 9 squares with white sashing between for a fresh, modern look. 

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But I do love colour and adore choosing different combinations.  For my quilt I used some of “Across the Pond” from Michelle Engel Bencsko, a little Lotta Jansdotter, some vintage fabrics, and other pieces that I simply don’t know where I got them or what they are.  Oh .. and there’s some by Stof, Robert Kaufman and other current designers too.  This was the most fun bit of my quilt … then I had to cut all the squares and carefully join them into blocks.  

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Although I was as careful as I could be, I am sorry to say that some squaring off was required.  (oops!)  I joined the blocks into strips of six, (can you see the 1950’s horse in the centre of this block?) and joined the strips using the quilt as you go method.  I did this as I knew I would so totally be unable to quilt it in one piece.  There are some wonderful videos of this technique on YouTube and I watched a large variety – a big “thank you” to all you lovely quilters who very generously share your expertise – I am so in awe of you!

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As well as colour, I wanted the fabrics I had chosen to reflect the natural world all around me.  And when I came to quilt my strips, I decided to continue this idea into the quilting.  I randomly stippled the blocks, and quilted the sashing  in straight lines – reflecting our fields, coast and woodlands all defined by the neat boundaries of roads and fields.    Then, when I’d joined the strips at the front of the quilt, I spent several evenings slip stitching the back seams and the reverse of the binding.  But finally it was finished and I put it on my bed on Christmas Eve ….

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And I felt proud!  I know it’s not perfect – very far from it – and not a work of art like some of those wonderful quilts I found online – but it’s the biggest quilting project I’ve ever attempted and I DID IT ALL BY MYSELF!!  

But I’m glad I finished it before Daisy arrived!  She is a little canine ball of energy and is wearing us all out – but as she’s so loveable we don’t mind one bit.  

34 Comments

Congratulations on your finished quilt! It’s very beautiful and absolutely a very proud moment! Certainly makes me want to dig out all those “half-done” quilts and projects and to finally finish them. Thanks for always inspiring me!
X Linda

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It is really lovely. I have a quilt on my bed with a similar principal with sashing and patchwork blocks. I love it. Your quilt is quite wonderful. You’re very talented. I have been quilting for 14 years, sewing all my life and I still have a hard time knowing which lid fits a pot. I’ve enjoyed your designs and incorporated some of them into my projects. Thank YOU!

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It looks wonderful. My son and his partner asked for a quilt made of simple five inch squares and I was delighted with the way it turned out. Sometimes simple is best isn’t it, especially if the colours and fabric choices work out well too. I must try some quilt as you go soon. I did one quilt like that very early on, but haven’t done it again.

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What a beautiful, cozy-looking quilt! I have gotten back into quilting again, too, and the fresh new fabrics, mixed with some old fabrics and white are just so much fun! And about squaring up – it’s not bad to need to do it! It means you’re human, not a machine, and that a real person put time, effort and love into the quilt. That, to me, is priceless! ((Hugs)). Cathy

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wow what a wonderful quilt you have made, I just love the simple blocks I think they are eye catching, you have done an incredible job. The thought about starting is the worst part. You certain can be proud of yourself.

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Your quilt is beautiful! Such gorgeous colour combinations too! I absolutely adore the yellow fabric with the foxes, it’s just too sweet.
You’re very talented, well done! x

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It is lovely and you did a fantastic job! Well done, and I can’t wait to see your next project 🙂

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Brilliant solution!!! I am loving how beautifully you have brought new and old together into this quilt and made them work together to create a stunning piece of eye candy!!!

Being a person who sees a beautiful fabric more for it’s design than as a design element or a dab of color, nine square blocks really appeal. Setting them off with bands of white – perfect!

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Lovely Helen I like plenty of colour makes you fell good, I will get round to it.

Pauline

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I think it’s beautiful and I’d be proud to have it on my bed. I have yet to finish a complete quilt. I piece the tops and then I freeze up. My goal for this year is to learn how to free-motion quilt. Your finished quilt is an inspiration!

Best,
Molly

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A wonderful quilt! Love your use of old and new fabric and your theme of nature…it comes through, and your mix of color and print size. You also did a great job with quilt as you go, something I have tried myself. Your quilt has encouraged me to give it another try. Thanks for sharing!

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Love, Love your quilt. What size did you make your squares? You did a beautiful job.

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mary burgio

What a wonderful quilt…congratulations. Thanks for creating this blog.
Second wee of reading….truly enjoy same

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Such a beautiful quilt! I have yet to try quilting, but yours is inspiring! I love to cross stitch and hand embroider, but am a beginner with my sewing machine. Thanks so much for your lovely blog and newsletter!

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Hi Helen

I think you did a great job I must have a go , are getting me thinking about

a lot of homely things I would like to do.

Best Wishes Pauline.

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Great job with the coordination of prints and colors on your quilt. sometimes I am overwhelmed when deciding on fabrics for a project.
Regina

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