1.28.2009

a finished quilt is good for the soul.






so, I quilted.

I've had this quilt top in my closet for almost 3 years now.

Total Intimidation. It would smirk at me in a very condescending arrogance every time I stared at its possibilities. Like, I'm better than you. I could've just tied it up and stuck it in a dark corner, but that wouldn't have stopped it from yelling at me. It needed some real live quilting skills. I had decided on trading something of much value with a Quilted Sister to finish it for me.

However, I was inspired. And determined.

So I jumped in and accepted the consequences, which I love. I put a ruffle and an old button from my Grandma's stash on it (thanks mom), because the more I worked, the more personal it became. I love it.

I learned a couple valuable lessons:
don't make a plan.
there's always a pucker.
buy a walking foot. I'm not sure why exactly.
and a good quilt feels...good.


I'm proud of myself.

19 comments:

ShEiLa said...

I love this quilt.
the blue button & the kacie embroidered... such a personal touch. I bet finishing this project has done your eyes & ears some good. The smirks & yelling has stopped. Lucky kids you have.
ToOdLeS. ShEiLa

corrie said...

It's beautiful, Cally. Way to go. I'm off to try to finish the curtains. My first panel was -ehh. If I tie it back with a ribbon you can't tell the edge is wonkey. 5 more to go.

mandi said...

LOOK AT YOU!!! way to go! you are so good at finding your voice in your work. i feel like i'm still searching for mine, but i'm a newbie. i love that you are willing to go with your instincts- your work always comes out so great!

Anonymous said...

Looks like it was love at first sight for Kacie. From one sentimentalist to another, the button from your Grandmother is perfect!

Wonder Woman said...

This quilt is gorgeous. I of course love your pick of fabrics. And the ruffle is perfect.

I'm enjoying a sense of accomplishment, too. It feels nice. =D

Elizabeth said...

Way to go, it's beautiful! Learning to quilt is on my bucket list. My Grandma hand-stitches some of the most beautiful quilts ever, so I'm a bit intimidated. One day, one day...
=)

{dawn} said...

it's beautiful, but what do you create that isn't. I wake up every morning to "jimmie & me" and it is the best way to start the day :)

Donna said...

That was your first time? It looks fabulous. I HATE crafting, but I like looking at your creations. If you ever open up a shop I wanna buy some stock in your company, cause you could put Martha out of biz.

Lori said...

GORGEOUS! I want to quilt, I want to quilt.

Andi Kate, Children's Author said...

I am proud of you too. I made one quilt once. It took me about 1o years, give or take. Really. I am interested in it, but just think it might be more fun when it can have a room all it's own until completion. So when that day comes, I will quilt. Meantime, I will check your blog and dream.

cally said...

Donna...I've done little blankets with some hand stitching and kinda lame machine stitching. But nothing I'd really consider an honest to goodness quilt.

And Lori...we will. Oh, we will.

It's kinda addicting. Do I hear an amen Jenifer? I could use your help. My batting shifted everywhere. I used that spray you said, but it still went wonky.

Emily said...

Cally, I am just going put it out there, I want it. Give it to me... OKAY I am sorry, it is for your sweet little girl~!
I just love it to pieces (quilt humor, get it!!).
I have made one quilt in my life and whooo doggie are they hard!
You SHOULD be VERY proud of yourself!
Love you and LOVE LOVE LOVE that quilt.
I need to send you some photos of Adam's grandma's grand champion quilts, they are off the charts! (Although, truly would have to say I like the one you made so much more.
The colors, the lines, very you and you know... if you find an extra one laying around... you know...I will send you my address.
And money.
Okay, I am done.

Sharstin said...

IT Awesome!! great job!

Child Family said...

oh, Cally. it's BE-A-UTIFUL. i am so proud of you. and now you have a WHOLE NEW FAN BASE!!! and one more thing that i want from you...
yipeee! QUILTER!!!!

Donna said...

Hand stitching+little blankets= Dang girl, you've got a lotta patience! If you teach me how to sew a straight line, I'll give you a crash course in Facebook. For the record I'm going to start saying "wonky" its a good adjective.

wendy said...

I love the button and embroidered kacie -------such sweet touches. She'll love it, especially knowing mommy made it. You are such a gooood mommy.

jenifer said...

Yay!! I'm so proud of you... it looks fabulous... don't you love it?!! don't you want to do it again? a walking foot is a feed dog for the top of your quilt, so you're pulling the top and bottom evenly. BUT. YOU NEED TO TRY FREE MOTION quilting. seriously. it will change your life. better than canned yams. i LOVE it. remember it just gets better from here. you are no longer a quilt virgin!! (why do all my comments about quilts seem to end up in bed?) :) (not sure about the sliding batting... maybe you need to spray more so it sticks better.) Promise-- it's WAY better than pins.

cally said...

Uh...Free Motion? Kinda like free love, peace, and woodstock?

I don't think I'm ready for that.
But definitely interested. Can you do a quick tutorial...without ending up in bed.

Emma said...

cally it's so pretty great job