Sunday 9 February 2014

My First Quilt - a 16 Block Quilt

Quilt making is something that my Ma has always done and to be honest the urge has never grabbed me, well that was until last summer when some vintage fabrics that's been lying around for quite some time started calling out for a little TLC.
 
 
 
 
 
Without a quilt book in sight I ventured over to Pinterest for a little inspiration. How lucky are we to be spoilt with so much inspiration with just a click of a button?! Within minutes I saw this 16 block quilt and knew instantly that I wanted to have a go making something similar.  
 
 
 
 
This tutorial came in really handy for learning how to cut the fabrics to save a little time. I didn't follow the full instructions for my quilt as I wanted something a little different, but for cutting the fabrics it came in very handy. I knew I wanted my finished squares to be in the region of 8.5 inches or thereabout so I just worked the rest out from there. Therefore allowing a quarter inch seam allowance on each side of the block for each 16 blocks.


 
 
I figured that it would be a good idea for my first quilt to be small as I didn't know how I was going to manage quilting a massive quilt for the first time, so I aimed for a finished size of around 40 x 50 inches and boy am I pleased I did!
 
 
 
 
I found the cutting quite therapeutic, especially seeing I did some of it sitting outside in the gorgeous sunshine we were blessed with last summer. This is definitely my idea of how one should go about ones quilting business. 
 
 
 
 
It was only during the month of August that I started joining the squares together to form a 16 block squares and found it a very enjoyable process. I definitely think having a 1/4 inch machine foot really helps to keep things nice and tidy and I wouldn't ever be without one again.
 
 
 
 
 
It felt so lovely to pick up these squares again in January after so many months and despite my nerves about doing the sashing, it actually turned out to be a pretty straight forward process in the end. On the other hand putting the quilt together was a little more tricky , but nothing that a good few safety pins couldn't sort out.
 
 
 
  
I found that keeping the iron handy really helped. It really is a great deal easier if everything is crisp and flat without any pesky creases glaring up at you
  
 
 
 
then came the quilting and if I am perfectly honest this is the bit that scared the socks off me, but it all turned out OK in the end (and it seems I still have my socks on, yay!). No it is not perfect and yes I did chose a very simple design, well to be honest I just did what I thought I could manage, so whether it is actually a design or not, who knows! I just did a simple diagonal cross through each of the squares, which seem to work well.
  
 
 

The binding is another aspect that kinda gave me the ibbies. I started off by just cutting the backing fabric a little bigger (around an inch), so I could just fold it over to the front, but with a slip of the scissors and a cuss of the mouth, we swiftly moved on to plan B. In my case this often involves YouTube and it seems that this and this link here saved my bacon. I really surprised myself with how much I actually enjoyed hand stitching the binding in place, who would have thought?!
 

 
 
Once the binding was on, it was popped in the washing machine and I must say it does come out looking a great deal better than it went in, so I will follow this advice in the future again.
 
 
 

I love all the colours and I especially how the grey frames the colours
 



So this is my Spring Quilt and for me
 

 

the colours most certainly have a feel of Spring about them and it sure makes me feel super cheery




 
For the back of the quilt I used an old duvet cover and I especially love how some of the colours of the retro prints are incorporated here
 

 

I also love how this yellow stripe sings!!
 



As a reference book The Quilters Bible has come in really handy throughout this process and I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested to start their first quilt or just wanting some information on quilting. It pretty much covers everything you need to know and more. I am sure I will refer to it time and time again as I venture a little deeper into the mysterious woods of quilting




For now it is sitting on little Es's bed, but I have just today been told to remove it as she still wants her nursery quilt there until I have finished her quilt. I was told 'but these are not the fabrics I chose and this really does not look like the quilt I ordered', so hey that's me told! Needless to say I have yet to start on her quilt, now where did I put that magic wand??
 
 

Fortunately it does seem that the quilting bug has bitten and the plan for the next is in full swing (albeit under a little bit of pressure from a four year old!). It seems like it might be a good thing after all that I am actually loving this quilting lark! Also joining in today with Chrissie for her 'Stitching Sundays'.
 
Wishing you all a very lovely week.
 
Warm Wishes
Hannapat
xoxo
 

 
 

32 comments:

  1. wow it's great seriously impressive, you've done a great job with it.
    Clare xx

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  2. Wow, great job on that quilt! I don't think I could have done that without a book pattern to follow. You are quite talented.

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  3. What a BEAUTY! Congratulations!!! I love love love this quilt, everything about it, from the jolly fabrics to the calming grey sashing to the cheery backing fabric. If your little one ordered a different one, I'll happily take this one off her hands! ;-) You should be might proud of yourself, my friend, that is no mean feat! I'm cutting squares for a simple patchwork one for Bunny, can't wait to see what you're doing next...Cxxx

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  4. Hello lovely....your quilt is absolutely stunning. I love it and like you say it is definitely very spring like. The backing fabric you have used sets it off perfectly. So, so lovely you should be very, very pleased with yourself!
    Marianne x

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  5. Wow, you did it Hannapat! What a gorgeous block quilt. Give your little one some time and hopefully she will appreciate all your efforts.

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  6. How funny about little Es's saying it's now what she "ordered"...I would tell her it's exactly what she ordered - it's perfect, Hannahpat! You must be a "ringer", because most new quilters wouldn't have picked up on piecing strips to cut into other strips to fashion into those little squares...most would have probably thought just to cut little squares and piece them into their blocks. BRAVO!!! Welcome to the world of quilting! Happy Sunday - off to bind a quilt myself, today...XOXO Tanya

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  7. Wow, that is so beautiful. Well done Hannapat! I would love to do more quilting but always seem to be pressed for time these days. The fabrics are gorgeous.

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  8. It really is a beauty Hannapat and you should be so proud of yourself for all that you have done. I know that you will love this quilt for a long time because it is so lovely and it is your first! It is so funny the way that little E said that it was not what had been ordered!!! That is just too cute, you better get going on hers now that she has seen what you can do! Oh, and not the point I know, but I love your wall of photos and pictures, very nice! xx

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  9. It's stunning ... well done you ! And putting a quilt together can be hard work physically too so kudos to you x

    Love that E is sticking to her guns re. what she ordered ... that girl will go far ;)

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  10. Oh how absolutely beautiful, I am so pleased you have made something special for you! If this is the beginning of your quilt making then I am afraid to think what beauties you will be making in the future. I love both side, I love the grey borders too, such inspiring and cheerful vintage colours xox enjoy every moment of using it x
    Ps. Your little E knows her own mind and that's a jolly good thing :o)

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  11. Ah my lovely friend, five gold stars for you - this quilt is absolutely magical and so professionally executed You have every right to be very proud of your achievement - I certainly am - and of you! Everything about it is perfect, neat, tidy, accurate, and the spring fabrics are glorious. I L O V E I T! And what makes me more happy is that it looks like you and I have caught the quilting bug at the same time - but - oh how adventurous you've been with YOUR first attempt - you are so brave and your valiant efforts have certainly paid off; well done lovely Hannapat!
    It was lovely to see all your family pics in the background and to hear of little Es's response to seeing the quilt on her bed - now there's a girl who knows what she wants so you'd better get busy!
    I'm off now to follow your links and see if I can learn a bit more on this mesmerising subject, so thank you so much for all the wonderful inspiration lovely!!! Sending much love and warm hugs, Joy xoxo

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  12. wowsa....its so gorgeous!....man im just a little green here! xxxxxx

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  13. Oh my goodness you are so talented, that is one amazing quilt. Lovely fabrics, you did a really fantastic job.
    hugs,
    Meredith

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  14. Absolutely well done you! I wish I had been sensible and started with a smaller quilt. I haven't clicked on your links yet, but will do for the binding when I eventually get there. Your quilt is fabulous and I love it. I like the look of your sewing machine with the quilters table thingy. Have a happy week... xxx

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  15. Wow, amazing ! Such a beautiful, beautiful quilt, can't believe it was your first one. It will become much loved I'm sure.
    Kate x

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  16. Dear Hannapat
    Wow! That is amazing and you should be incredibly proud of your first attempt (first attempt - it is doubly amazing!) Huge congratulations! I have bought some things to help with quilting, as it is something I have always wanted to try, but haven't yet taken the plunge...
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  17. Children are a hoot, aren't they? This first quilt of yours is gorgeous, I love the vintage bedding turned into a beautiful blanket. My mum an amazing quilter and I haven't had the courage to make my own creation yet because I would put myself under so much pressure to match her standard.... but I have been secretly squirreling away fabrics for the day when I am finally ready. Happy quilting! Christina x

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  18. That is a wonderful Quilt, even more so that it is your first attempt. I have signed up for a raggy quilt all day workshop to make my first one. Fingers crossed ;0)
    Hugs x

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  19. It's so beautiful! You did a wonderful job with it, especially for your first try! Wow, you should be very proud because it's just wonderful.

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  20. It is beautiful Hannapat!!! I just love all those vintage sheet fabrics in such small squares, and the natural/grey sashes offset the pretty florals beautifully! I love the bright breezy fabric on the back too, and the fact that most fo this quilt is made from upcycled fabrics - perfect!
    I bet you are chuffed to bits!
    Now on with the next "order" - i love what your daughter said!!!
    Gill xx

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  21. I love the colours together with the grey sashing - it really makes them pop yet keeps it elegant at the same time. I have a stash of vintage sheets I would like to do something similar with: if only I could find the time!
    I had that same yellow duvet for years and years and I loved it so much. I wish now I had kept it to use as a quilt back too!
    Jenn @JennsCraftyWorld

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  22. Just popped over from Joys to see your quilt and I'm glad I did it's beautiful! I would love to be able to do something like this. :)

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  23. So in love with your quilt. It is just gorgeous. The fabrics are so pretty and look wonderful together. That yellow stripe against the floral is lovely!

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  24. it's beautiful, well done on your first quilt! There is nothing wrong with straight line quilting, not for a beginner, nor for someone more advanced, so be proud!

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  25. Oh wow, this is so pretty and so neat, I can't believe it's your first quilt! Get busy with the next order ;) Have a lovely day xx

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  26. Gosh this is gorgeous... think you have a talent xxxxx its just so beautifully made, the colours, the design...the chocolate cake I spied ha ha
    Hugs Lynn xxxx

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  27. Congratulations on finishing your first quilt, it's beautiful!! I moved to Canada from England and was lucky enough to take lessons making my first quilt last year. Check out craftsy.com, they have some excellent teachers for cutting, piecing and binding, particularly Camille Roskelley. If you have problems getting the blocloc ruler on Instagram, please let me know, I'd be happy to post it to you. I've had problems getting quilting supplies sent to Canada even from the US, so I feel your pain. It's a very therapeutic hobby, enjoy it!
    Kind regards
    Sharon

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  28. Gorgeous quilt...I love the grey sashing, looks fabulous with the vintage fabrics. Sarah xo

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  29. Beautiful. The vintage sheets you've selected create that perfect colour pop against the grey. x

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  30. Wow, it's so gorgeous! I hope you are proud of it, it really is something to treasure forever. I love the way the squares are framed by the grey, and the vintage fabric on the back is just perfect. x

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  31. LOVE, love, love your quilt - well done, you did a great job, it's really beautiful. I love the mix of colours and the backing fabric is just so pretty too.
    I'm just catching up on blog reading this morning, so glad I didn't miss this post. Love & hugs, xx

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  32. it's lovely Hannapat, looks like a lot of dedication went into that! pretty use of vintage sheets too, Heather x

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