I really didn’t think I’d see this quilt ever completed, but here it is! I went searching back in my blog to see when it was started, and looks like it was 2013 when I hand appliquéd the center piece. I would have made the next two borders sometime after that and then it sat in the drawer for years. I’d take it out once in a while and think I should finish it up, but was never quite feeling inspired.
A couple of months ago, I decided to stop overthinking it and just finish it up! And then a ‘sort of local’ long armer had their yearly sale, and I sent a few quilts off to be quilted, like I’m always tempted to do once a year. I do slightly regret not taking the time to hand quilt this one, because now that it’s done, I do think it’s a good one.
It’s quite bright, but overall the design and colors work well. I don’t really see anything that I glaringly dislike. The center piece was inspired by Gwen Marston’s Medallion Quilt book. I cut out and put it together without a pattern, and so it’s slightly wonky look is ok with me.
The first border with these floating pink squares is also an idea from her book, and I think it might be my favorite part of this quilt.
It’s pretty fun seeing all these fabrics that are long used up. This gray print that I used for the basket is a wonderful fabric. I believe it’s a Barbara Brackman from her collection ‘Metropolitan Fair’. Oh yes I know this because I’ve searched for it, but alas it’s nowhere to be found online. It’s just a great warm gray with a bit of a print. The very best type of fabric in my opinion.
These outside borders are more recent fabrics, ones that are in my stash now. That’s because I just added them on a few months ago… See the selvedge words that I left on that one star?
I used a cuddle fabric on the back… So it’s fairly soft.
It’s so fun to look at all these fabrics… I can name the designer of all of them, and the collection name of some… I know there are some other fabric nerds out there like me, I’m so glad I’m not the only one! It’s mostly useless info, but sometimes I wish there was a spelling bee type of competition where we had to identify fabrics from the last 15 years… wouldn’t that be fun?
I’ve actually fallen mostly out of touch in recent years as I’ve focused more on vintage and reproduction type fabrics and less on current designers. But still it cracks me up to think of all that info in my head that does me no good, lol. I suppose a lot of us have interesting trivia or facts we know about an obscure or maybe outdated topic. And wouldn’t it be kinda fun to impress people with it someday? oh well, one can dream…
yes, this quilt truly is a bit of a time capsule for me, so I suppose I’ll keep it… once again it does not fit my home decor colors or style at all… I seem destined to produce bright colored quilt. I love old fashioned faded things the most… but I’m also drawn to the designs of the current fabric designers. You know what would be perfect? If Heather Ross, the Ruby Star designers, Denyse Schmidt, Anna Maria Horner, and so many more, would make the same designs but in more muted old fashioned colors. Oh my, I’d be so excited!! I feel like Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt was an example of that for me. The colors were so perfect, and I’m still using them in pretty much every quilt… still holding out hope it will be reprinted.
But seriously is there any of the rest of you who would also like the type of fabric I’m describing? So imagine this Social Climber print by AMH (it’s the aqua background with the yellow roses above). in slightly more muddy muted colors. Oh. my. that would be gorgeous. Or pretty much any of the Ruby Star cute and whimsical prints but in warmer muddier tones…. Like actually the Heirloom collection was more that way… anyone know what I’m talking about? Sorry just getting abit fabric nerdy here. I’d like there to be a law that nothing could be designed with a pure white background. Just kidding, I realize this is only my opinion and some of you like cool crisp designs.
So I’ve got three more completed quilts to show you soon, and lots more in progress. I’m madly quilting because I sense spring approaching!
Hello! The quilt is gorgeous! I’d like to challenge you to a trivia night. I think you may have been quilting 1-2 more years than me, but I would be a worthy opponent! Also I am still currently obsessed and recognized the Amy Sinibaldi hearts. My friends laugh that I know them ALL!
Hope Valley has my favorite gray print—it’s a light gray with medium diamonds with darker centers. I’m sure you know the one!
Lately I’ve been buying Kim Diehl and Laundry Basket.
Congratulations. I have 5 ufo’s
Congratulations
This post has been so fun to read and has given us all an even greater insight into your fabric world. It would be great if there was a designer or manufacturer that would recreate the era of fabric you love. I can’t quite find the right description for it… maybe Grandma’s Cupboards or ThriftStore Shelves? We have had 30’s and Civil War Reproductions for a long time now. It’s definitely time to honor another era. 🙂
Yes! This has magic in it. Love it!
Oops sorry-the Blackbird dyeing link was actually for using a color remover(another way to distress). The dyeing with rit dye is in their book Home Sweet Home. Anne
I love your quilt, the bright yellow really warms it up. Your color choices are outstanding and brave!
I know what you mean. You should come to Italy. The quilt shops here all stock quilting cotton in those old-timey hues you like. The first quilt I ever made is just a simple nine-patch in those muted colors on a natural, rawish-looking creamy background. It has a tick stripe in a faded rose on a creamy background that I wish I still had. (I’d send you some.) It also has the greatest dark muted green with these teeny tiny natural-white polka dots that I might never ever find again, or maybe I would if I went out and searched. Like I said, the shops here are full of fabrics like that, but the fabric here is so pricey. I sometimes wonder if all the shops stocked their quilting fabric 100 years ago and they’re still selling it off as if it were spun gold.
Anyway, first-time commenter here, or maybe second-time, it’s hard to remember, but I am a long-time fan. Thanks for sharing your creations! I’m happy whenever you put up a new post with lots of pictures.
I’m with you on the muted, even muddy colors!
I love this quilt! Totally understand the search for muted fabrics!! I really don’t do much fabric shopping anymore but when I do, I am usually quite disappointed with what is out there.
Have you ever thought of designing your own fabric?
Congrats on the finish! Love the quilting pattern and the stars, well worth the wait and thanks for the share♥
That’s a marvelous quilt! All your fabric choices and color palette work beautifully together. There’s a lot going on there, but it doesn’t abuse the eye.
I’m such a fan of reproduction prints, especially the 30s feed sack types of any color. Though I make some coordinated quilts, most of my quilts are scrap quilts since I have so many, many scraps. I look forward to my granddaughter coming to stay with us so we can use them up.
Yes, you should consider designing your own fabric line with the designs and colors you like best. It would be a hit!
I am a fabric nerd like you. I don’t know why it’s so important to me to find out that information but it’s in my head and it makes me happy. Metropolitan Faire was a great line and I still have a few pieces of it. I loved Brannock & Patek and Blackbird Designs big florals. Oh, and Terry Clothier Thompson designed some great stuff too. Sigh~ I have a friend who teases me because of all the lines and designer information I have stored in my head. Your quilt is delightful and I bet it feels good to have it done so you can enjoy it.
Oh, I know what you mean about the muted fabrics. I’m tempted by some of the Tilda groupings because they have muted blues, and great autumn colors. They are a bit more expensive than regular quilting cotton.
It seems that some of us share the fabric encyclopedic memory. I have it with authors of novels, too. It’s funny what sticks in our minds, isn’t it?
When Gwen had her retreats I went to a few, and a handful of classes in other places. She would have loved your quilts!
Marvelous
I spilled a cup of coffee years ago that did exactly the right thing on a blue & cream print I had decided wasn’t right for the effect I was going for. I put the whole thing in a coffee bath for about an hour, rinsed it well, tossed it in the dryer. Perfect result.
Fellow fabric nerd here! Me, me!!! But like you I’ve lost touch in the last few years. I’d still be totally up for that Name That Fabric game with you. I recognize many in your quilt. It’s fun to hear your thoughts on your dream fabrics. I find the designs and colors exciting, but sometimes also wish they came in more subdued tones.
I’m designing a new house right now and when I look at all the rooms I love and decor that appeals to me the most, I sometimes think, “but my quilts wouldn’t fit in this type of house/room at all!” But maybe some vintage ones would. Idk. Hard to say. You’re right – we can dream about it! And blog about it.
Nice work on finishing this WIP. I have a Gypsy Wife I started in 2014 that’s still not done. Similar story. And it’s going to be a great scrapbook of my fabric collection over the years when I do get it finished. I’m just so used to it hanging out on my design wall that I hardly ever consider actually finishing it. Maybe in the new house when it’s done, another long term WIP for me.