Thursday 16 May 2013

Blowin in the wind

 
Ever since my daughter was little, I've wanted to make her a little bright and cosy quilt like the ones we used to see in her story books, where the lucky owner's of such quilts were little woodland creatures.

This sort of thing.........

 
Both these illustrations  (above and below) are from Woodland Stories illustrated by Eric Kincaid.

 

But being a busy working Mum then, bringing up a little girl, I never found the time to quilt.

But now I'm not working, and being inspired recently by the lovely quilt on the front cover of Nicky Trench's book "A Passion for Quilting" (mentioned a few posts ago here ), over the last couple of weeks I have finally got around to making that woodland quilt.

 

 

 

 

 

I finished hand sewing the binding last night, and this afternoon saw it blowing in the wind in the sunshine.

 

 

 

Even though it was on the line for taking photos, I haven't yet washed it, and I'm looking foward to seeing how it looks when washed - I know it will probably soften and gently pucker, making it seem a little time worn.

 

 

Both Bella and I are pretty happy with how it's turned out, and for me it's a first in that I have made my first machine-quilted quilt.

(My last full sized quilt was hand quilted).

It's a generous single size quilt made from 6" squares and quilted "in-the-ditch". I used mainly fabrics from my stash, with a few old fabrics and fabric from some of Bella's clothes from when she was little. The only fabrics I bought were a couple of new pieces near the end when it was laid out and I could see what colours were needed - the bright green floral and the small pink and red on white print.

The cheerful bright yellow backing and self-binding are a Robert Kaufman print, bought in the sale.





I love the way the light shines through in this photo.


So Bella now has a quilt to take away to uni to snuggle under and remind her of home.

 
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60 comments:

  1. It's beautiful Gill, an heirloom! :)
    V xxx

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  2. This is beautiful. What a lovely reminder of home for Bella whilst at Uni.
    June

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    1. Thanks June, i hope it will be of good use to her

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  3. Lovely work Gill, so pretty. Don't forget to label it :-)

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  4. How do I love thee.....let me count the ways! Your quilt is lovely and oh sew charming!!!

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  5. wonderful....indeed a label is needed

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  6. It's gorgeous Gill! And such a special quilt for Bella, with snippets of her childhood clothing included too!
    Helen x

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  7. Oh Gillian, it's lovely! Your daughter must be beside herself with joy! Thanks for sharing the illustrations of Eric Kinkaid! Must look into those!
    You have sun? Well, all I can say is, 'Hello' from Foggy Bottom island! It's a pea soup here...

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  8. oh that is adorable straight from the story book really pretty x

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  9. It's a beauty, Gill. I keep offering to make my daughter one but she won't have it! No taste...xx

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  10. Well done...so pretty.....ciao Alison

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  11. Incredible ! Absolutely wonderful and the photo in the garden with your masterpiece is so beautiful !
    You are talented Gill!
    Sending hugs to you...
    Olympia

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  12. That is just beautiful! I LOVE the colours - it really will bring a smile to Bella's face when she is away at uni. What a gorgeous gift! I have a quilt awaiting finishing and would be very interested to know if you had a walking foot for your machine - I want to machine quilt but I don't have a walking foot, so not sure if it is worth the risk...
    x

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  13. Oh wow Gill. You must have one happy daughter! That quilt looks so very beautiful: the pretty floral fabric and bright colours. It must have been so much work. It will look lovely on Bella's bed.

    Have a lovely evening!

    Madelief x

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  14. Gorgeous colours and fabrics and the end result is just like the illustration. Lucky Bella - it's wonderful!
    Sally x

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  15. Gorgeous quilt with really fresh and vibrant colours. They will fade over time but I think this will add to the homely feel. :)

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    1. Thanks for your comment, I hope it does all fade and look a little more worn as it looks so new at the moment!

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  16. I'm sure Bella will feel it was well worth waiting for! What a lovely, lovely thing to have made and to have. And what a lovely backdrop your house makes to the quilt on the line. Perfect. Axxx

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  17. I think I've fallen in love, it's truly beautiful. The colours, the way you've put them together and of course the sentiment behind it. Wonderful :) xx

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  18. It's GORGEOUS! I love the fabrics you've used and the wonderful colours.
    Your daughter will treasure it for ever.

    Bellaboo X

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  19. It's so beautiful, the colors are so gorgeous. You really can be proud!!!!!

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  20. Wow! Absolutely beautiful. I bet you - and she - are thrilled to bits. Well done! X

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    1. Thanks - I am pretty chuffed as I'm not always good at finishing things, so to do it from start to finish in couple of weeks is good going for me! Even if Bella has waited 15 odd years for it to happen, but better late than never! She's pretty pleased with it I think.

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  21. What a wonderful job you did. Bella will be as warm as toast when she is studying in her dorm room. Great flowery material with a fantastic vintage feel.

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  22. It's beautiful and the perfect thing for Bella to take away to uni with her. It will comfort her in more than one way :)

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    1. Thanks Sarah, I hope it will feel special to her

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  23. Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous and something for your daughter to treasure forever. I love those story books with the quilts too, everything always looks so cosy.
    Anne xx

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  24. The quilt is so bright and pretty. Very nice!

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  25. Such a beautiful treasure for her to have!!! Love all the sweet prints!! xo heather

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  26. Gorgeous. It's one of the nicest quilts I've seen. I love the ones in the Brambly Hedge books too, very sweet :)

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  27. What wonderful inspiration the story book quilts are, you have indeed made a fairy tale quilt. What a wonderful gift for your daughter. Sarah x

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  28. What a wonderful creation, and so personal since you included fabric from clothing. Really beautiful project, congrats :)
    Best wishes.

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  29. Such a pretty quilt! a real labour of love.

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  30. Absolutely beautiful, I'm sure it will become a treasured heirloom. I'd love to be able to quilt, I just can't seem to get my head round sewing, and I don't really have time for another crafty hobby among the others I already do. I am envious when I see such stunning creations though.

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  31. wonderful very pretty its almost the same as in the fabel story picture book looks so cosy and brightful have a lovely weekend
    leon10

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  32. This quilt is delightful . . . Oh, I want to cuddled up in it and take a nap. I love, love, love the colors and the many pretty prints. It will be treasured for many, many years to come . . . A+ Job!!!
    Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Connie :)

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  33. Oh boy it's just perfect! I love the yellow backing and binding too. Great pictures : )

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  34. Gill- You've outdone yourself on this one! How utterly gorgeous and special- not only for her to bring to uni, but to have something of her mother forever. xo Jennie

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  35. Gill, it is just beautiful! Bella is a lucky young lady to have such a talented mom!

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  36. Gorgeous Mother and a gorgeous quilt....what a labor of love! Heidi

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  37. Such joyful colours. Your daughter's mornings will have a cheerful start.
    Jean xx

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  38. What can I say? it's beautiful, really, really beautiful and I want it! Maybe one day I'll make one, though sewing is not my thing. But I will try... I will! You are such a wonderful inspiration! FANTASTIC! I LOVE IT SO MUCH! It looks so good, as it hangs outside, blowing in the wind, with a wonderful cottage in the background. The fairy tale quilt has been brought to life!

    ANNA
    xxx

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  39. You did a great job of replicating that little quilt in the book. Very sweet. Your blog is such eye candy!
    Enjoy your day.

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  40. Gill this is absolutely beautiful!!
    Livxx

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  41. Absolutely stunning Gill! It really is. I love too the sunny yellow fabric on the reverse. What a lovely Mum you are.

    Heather x

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  42. Wow Gill, I can't believe you made this in 2 weeks! It is really lovely, and blowing there in the wind with your pretty cottage behind, it is like something out of Brambley Hedge, or Beatrix Potter.Your daughter must be thrilled? Well done girl! Love Linda x

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  43. Gill, oh my goodness! I can't even tell you. Yes, I can. I am so madly in love with that quilt, and your photos, and the beautiful cottage [is that your HOUSE????] behind it. The only thing missing is a talking hedgehog wearing an apron and granny glasses. Oh my. I love it. A lot. Well done. :)

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  44. Wow! It really does look like the one in the book! You did a fantastic job and the colours and fabrics you chose were just spot on. Blend really well together - you have definitely got an eye for it! Lucky Bella! And you have made me want to try making a second quilt (I so enjoyed making my first one last year!). xCathy

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  45. Gorgeous quilt I love all the fabric you've used. Your really good at putting colours and prints together.
    Sure it will look even more lovely when washed...if that's possible! Mx

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  46. I saw your quilt on Pintrest and loved it, so had to pop over and read your blog ;). Seems we don't live that far apart either -I'm in West Sussex. I shall now enjoy looking through your blog as we seem to have a few interests in common.

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Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to leave a comment - I love to read them!
Gill x