When my children were little I used to sew them clothes. I did not really know how to 'sew' but I muddled my way through it. I have not sewn for a million years until this Christmas when I made little ornaments out of those fat square bundles one buys at the quilting store. I had a few bundles left over so I thought I would make a quilt. I don't know how to quilt.I am grateful for my camera lens that can make anything look beautiful. You can't see the crooked lines, the puckers and caught fabric, and all the mistakes. Many, many pin pricks and bleeding fingers later (I cut myself with the rotary cutter), I got my quilt. Next time, I am taking a class. Apparently, there is such a thing as a walking foot that helps tremendously plus a thousand bloggers who I am certain would have provided guidance. (You did not want to see the face of the sewing machine woman at the sewing center when I asked her if they sold a 'running foot' for my sewing machine).
I love my quilt with all its flaws because it is only through our willingness to be imperfect that we can strive to achieve something beautiful. The hyacinth is just for viewing pleasure.
49 comments:
I love this quilt...the colors are lovely. Crooked lines and puckers and wonky seams are my favorite parts of homemade quilts. They always remind me of the hours someone put into making such a lovely item.
Your quilt is lovely! The best part about quilts is that they're made from your heart and will wrap someone with warmth and love. Well done!
The walking foot makes life a lot easier.
I picked up quilting this year and made quilts for each of my boys. You wouldn't think teenage boys would care all that much, (particularly in a temperate climate like ours) but they absolutely treasure them.
I also found out that you only notice crooked seams when you're working on the quilt. After it's being used, no one cares a jot!
What nice colours. And that is the beauty of hand-crafted - not the perfection of machine made, but full of character. Wow - you cut yourself with the rotary cutter? That must have been ugly.
That is a beautiful quilt! It doesn't matter that it's imperfect - that makes it 'human'. I'm sure it's warm and comforting, as well as being pretty - that's everything a quilt needs to be.
Well done. x
raina, the quilt is beautiful! when did you make it and how long did it take you? i can't believe you didn't post progress shots :)
i would LOVE to learn how to make a quilt - maybe someday!
Your quilt is so beautiful, I really love the colour combination, really wow.
Well done you for jumping in and making your first one...I keeping thinking about it but it does seem so daunting. But I guess having such beautiful fabrics the courage comes. Thanks for sharing x
All my first knits are so special for the same reason you so eloquently capture. Wishing you a fabulous 2009
it looks lovely, the colours are great!
and i imagine anyone who snuggled down under it would not care a jot about one or two crooked stiches, but just be glad of the warmth!
Fantastically well done Raina! I absolutely love it!
Knitting is going to be my "something new" this year. I swear it now, before the world, I will get off my duff and learn to knit!!! ; )
You are brave that you started straight with a quilt. And, I really can't see any mistakes on the photos. Good job. I have started my quilt some twenty years ago, it has been sitting in a basket with my sewing and knitting leftovers since then, and as well on the back of my mind and every now and then painfully cries out to be finished. Sorry, I probably never will.
Raina
It's beautiful:)
Raina - I love it! And it is true, as Frogdancer said - you only notice the wonky seams and puckers when you are working on a quilt. ;o) Judy
Your quilt is beautiful, Raina! I love the spicy reds, browns and cream shades. You did lovely work on that...A crooked seam only means you've been trying, and that's a good thing. I like a crooked seam myself. ;o) This year I plan to add a little more quilting to the creative mix. Quilting is a great art...the warmth intended always comes through. Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend, my friend ((HUGS))
The quilt is really lovely. If there are any imperfections, I think that just makes it all the better.
By the way, maybe I should borrow your camera for self portraits ... My camera makes other things look pretty, but if I point it at myself? Hello, pores and wrinkles and ruddy skin!
Oooh, your very first quilt and it's lovely. Love the colours, favourite combinations, red and cream, bit of earth.
I used to quilt quite a bit, it was more the process in that I did it all by hand. Needle, thread, thimble, hours of stitching pieces together then the quilting itself, took forever!
The beauty of a quilt, even if ,or especially because, it's not perfect, is in the fact that it's unique to you. No one else could make the same exact quilt. And besides,where's the love in those mass produced department store wannabes? That's the best thing about quilts you make yourself..... The love is stitched right in!
Now to the class! You already have a great feel for colour, and having cut yourself once [ouch! hope it's healed!]you won't do THAT again soon!
Great start to a new year!
Ok, I'm sorry...really... but I burst out laughing over the running foot line. Your quilt looks just beautiful from where I'm sitting! I love the colors. And Congratulations -- I'm so excited that you'll be joining the quilting world. You'll love looking back on your first quilt!
Rotary cutter owie's are not to be trifled with. I hope you didn't cut yourself too badly (one of my friends had to get 7 stitches after her run-in with a rotary cutter). Don't fret about the mistakes, because I've always learned more from doing it the hard way than I ever learned in a class (though a class may save time...?). A running foot... that's hilarious!
i love diving into projects, even when i'm not sure of myself. imperfections show it was handmade with love.
mmm...hyacinth. i think i should get a few bulbs.
It´s lovely! The rich colors look perfectly snuggly and warm. Kudos to you for giving it a shot - I also want to make a quilt someday but haven´t done anything towards that end. Maybe when I finally get around to it, I´ll be asking you for tips! :)
Gorgeous and handmade : )
I'm so impressed! What a gorgeous quilt and how much more meaningful that it is your first! I too love to go into fabric stores and buy the pretty fat squares. I would like to sew and hope to buy my first sewing machine in the not to distant future!
I love the quilt. First quilts are always a bit of an adventure to say the least and don't worry, you're not alone, I figured out the bit about the foot or whatchamacallit way afte the fact of pin pricks, puckered fabric and crooked lines myself - but gosh I love my very first quilt!
Beautiful post... quilts are from the heart & love imperfections are most welcome;)
I absolutely love it. You've inspired me. :-)
I clearly remember my first quilt-bandanas stitched together for a sweet little boy. It's the only way to learn-just do it.
it is very beautifl. patchwork quilts are so heart warmng! the colors/glow of light in those shots are gorgeous!
I think it looks beautiful. And don't feel bad. My sewing machine and I have a very strong love/hate relationship. I also have no idea what a walking/running foot is, either. lol
flaws become the beauty of any handmade piece.you have accomplished much here..much beauty.
my compliments to you! this is so wonderful and the colors are so warm, i think is perfect my compliments againg for winnig your challenge!!!
I love the colours you've used for this quilt. I hope you have fun with the new class! A walking foot makes all the difference - mine is my favourite sewing accessory.
Flaws? I see not a one. The colors are amazing. I am always in awe of people who can quilt.
It's seems ages since I last "visited" you! I am back and gosh I admire your beautiful quilt, what a lovely work! Also I didn't had the chance to wish you a very happy new year!
Beautiful colors! Very cool to see you jump right in on a quilt; it looks perfect to me! Would love to learn to sew better...one of these days...too many hobbies as is!
Beautiful, that is the perfect home quilt.
That's lovely. I think flaws are what make things beautiful.
One of the good things I've learned through blogging is to try things that I had thought impossible or too difficult before. I don't know how to sew either but there are so many handmade lovelies out there that make me want to try. :)
You did a splendid job with your quilt.
Dear Raina, I tagged you, hope you don't mind. Bye!
Your quilt looks amazing - and so glad your camera can capture the beauty to share with us!
I, too, made my first quilt this holiday season (not yet finished). I can relate to your frustrations. It looks gorgeous from here!
beautiful quilt. i;d love to someday make a quilt. but it's one of those things that i find really intimidating. just the thought of making one sends shivers down my spine.
Well I love your quilt too! It will be all the warmer for it's puckers. I'm thinking of giving it a good this year too so bring on the wonky!
I love the colours in your quilt - the first quilt always seems to be a test of perseverance, but you'll always look back at those puckers and crooked seams with fondness because you tackled something new!
And I love that you called it a running foot - spoken like a true runner :)
Rainia your quilt is lovely, i did smile at your running foot but thank you for telling me what a walking foot is for, as i have one and have never used it! I am planning a quilt so i will be able to use my walking foot when i get to the stitching. Beautiful photos too. I love the scent of hyacinths its so heady. Jane x
I am so impressed that you would tackle this and have never done this before. I have always wanted to make a quilt but have never dared. You inspire me.
the quilt is gorgeous! I would love to learn how to make one. I think the "flaws" make the quilt all the more special.
The first time is always the hardest!
My secret is not to wash my fabrics before I sew them. Then when you have finished wash the quilt and chuck it in the tumble dryer; it will shrink a little and wrinkle up along all the seams thus hiding any tucks, catches or general 'imperfections' that happened along the way. Now I am sure this is a somewhat controversial method as some quilters live to wash and iron before they cut, but me, I like shortcut and a cover up!
Hope you are keeping well and the shin splints are recovering - how you can run and run is beyond me!
(ok this is now officially the longest comment ever)
Wow, the colours are absolutely stunning! So beautiful, I love your pictures! :)
The quilt is so pretty! Adorable!
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