Years ago I stumbled across Denyse Schmidt’s first book and immediately made precise cardboard templates to duplicate her patterns like my mom taught me. It only took the piecing of a single block to realize I could have accomplished the task in a few moments (not to mention all those templates), but it was truly a launching pad into improvisational quilting for me and I’m sure I’m not alone.
The thing is, I was all ambitious with my cutting and had a second quilt cut out before I even started the piecing the first. I’m efficient (or not) like that;) That first quilt was gifted. My lack of knowledge in regards to quilting density means it is likely falling apart, but as long as it was loved and used I don’t care.
I finally finished that second quilt! It now lives with my brother and sister-in-law in South Lake Tahoe and no, of course I never got a photo of the full quilt.
There’s a fabric mix party going on here to add some additional blocks to this king size mamma jamma. Mostly we have Carolina Chambrays (which Robert Kaufman came out with again), but there are also some other textural solids added. The clouds are an old Kaffe Fasset.
I brought all the blocks to size with Essex linen. The drape of this quilt is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Sandie helped me with the quilting on her long arm. Sorry, but I am NOT quilting a king size on my home machine (not even straight lines), I don’t know where I would even baste it without starting to call it bad names or needing my weight in beer. If you are one of those ambitious people, I bow down to you.
Flannel, I love you so. You are my go-to backing when I look for a quilt to pull up over me. This Anna Maria Horner flannel paired with the Essex on the front make a happy pair.
Blue it is for the binding, because it is what I had.
Ok, sorry, that’s a lot of photos for not even having a full shot of the bloody quilt. I swear, I’m working on my blogging goal, but not making it. Consider yourself lucky, you have more time to get things done the less time you spend with me.
I’m hoping next week to have some (exciting to me) news to share. No, I’m not writing another book, and no, not pregnant;)
Happy week peeps!
Cool quilt :). I really like the simple blocks and chambray background. I don’t know if I’ll ever quilt a king size quilt on a domestic sewing machine again… but if I do I learned a few things from the first time I did it.
I feel the same way about childbirth:)
you are very talented! 🙂
You are very sweet!
Thank you sooo much for sharing!’ This quilt is beautiful !!
I love it – I love it!!
I find it’s not easy photographing quilts, especially the big ones. I love the close ups you got of this one. And of course, you know, I love that flannel AMH print. I was just working with it tonight!
it’s the best flannel. dreamy.
I love it when I can really see the quilt up close so thanks for the photos! I love the quilting…looks really warm and toasty! I could use that right about now to warm me in this crazy frigid Philly winter! Hugzzzzz
This is a lovely quilt, simple but compelling, it does make you want to get under it. I love the turquoise, purple grey combo. I also appreciate the post, I’ve been in a shocking mood for two days and you made me laugh, you are an impeccable and generous blogger. Joanna Richards
Glad to be of help;)
Very funny 🙂
The grey background makes the colours pop right out at you. Lovely!
I love that grey quilt, and while looking at it my husband walked by and commented too on how comfy it looked! Great job!
Will you be doing your destashing again soon?
Peggy in NJ
Hoping once we get through February to start destashing again. You can email me directly at sewkatiedid.gmail.com to let me know what colors you want. Black is next.
That first book of Denyse Schmidt’s is incredible. When I got it, I had no idea that it was the leading edge of the modern quilting trend. I just knew that I loved the projects in there and that I’d finally found a book that reflected a quilt style that I could live with. I’ve made at least 5 projects from it… more than any other book in my library! Thanks for reminding me about it! ☺
I need to try the essex linen. I hear so much about it. I love the look.
Your quilt has a great texture. Is it soft on top? I like the pairing with flannel on the back. I’d like to give it a go, maybe others would be interested. Maybe to connect with some quilters and start a group block bee. It would be cool to blog about.
I soo love seeing your emails in my inbox!!
s
Sarah M. Ehret
Thanks Sarah!
Sent from my iPhone
I love the quilting for this quilt!!
I love the quilting
Love the background color and the quilting. Looks wonderful!
Beautiful quilt and lovely photos!
I love the quilt. The gray linen is perfect. I have been thinking about using the yarn dyed linen for part of my bee quilt. Question for you, do you prewash your linen or do you use everything (linen and quilting cotton) unwashed? How does wash up? Thank you!!
Hi Elizabeth, I wash everything!
Thanks! That’s what I was afraid to hear. 🙂
What an inviting quilt ~ ~ the blocks, the colors, the quilting, the fabrics!! I love visiting your blog. It always propels me back to my current project and to the drawing board for the next, next ~ ~
Thanks Kara! You made my day;)