Friday, October 3, 2014

Miss Kate

I tend to save "precious" fabric rather than cut into it. No longer. Why? Because when you cut into it and sew it back together, it can become even more precious.

Last year, this "Ruby" quilt went to a sweet little girl named Ruby.
The new quilt started with one block from my Charm Parade pattern.
 
Soon there were more.
 
Instead of procrastinating with the basting phase, as is often the case with me, I cut out some "Ruby" flannel for the back (so soft) and got started. . . And fell in love with crosshatch quilting.

I made the binding.
And for the first time, I finished the binding by machine rather than by hand. It's not perfect by a long shot and I'll keep practicing, but I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt. (Thanks to Crazy Mom Quilts and her great tutorials and hints.)
I saved a selvage for the label.
And took a few more pictures. How could I resist? I love this quilt!
 
 
 
Soon it will be on its way to a cute and spunky little girl named Kate.The thing is, I knew as soon as I started working on this quilt that it would be going to this particular Kate, so I thought about her the whole time I was sewing. One of my favorite parts of sewing--when it's destined for someone in particular. And bonus--she and Ruby are friends, 4th generation friends. Isn't that amazing?

Stats:
Pattern (my design): Charm Parade
Size: 30" x 40"
Made and machine quilted by me (in a record amount of time, I might add)

Are you ready to turn some of your precious fabric into something special?

I'm linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts and TGIFF. Have a lovely weekend.

28 comments:

05 08
Pieces of Cotton said... #

Beautiful! And what a coincidence for you to know Ruby and a Kate right as those lines came out. I think I prefer Kate's quilt. Lovin' that block.

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

It's really beautiful! The pattern is great. I've tried machine binding so many times but I still prefer the look of doing it by hand, machine is faster though!

Cindy said... #

So pretty! I love everything about this quilt!

Brenda said... #

It's lovely. I hate basting too, so good for you for pushing though and finishing it.Re machine binding: I do a lot of that, and I've found walking foot on my Juki really helpful for that. It prevents rippling on the binding, plus I line up the edge of the binding with the inside of the foot.

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

It's a gorgeous quilt, I love the pattern!

Kerstin said... #

You are so right, it did become even more precious. Great finish!

River Gril Quilts said... #

This is stunning - so beautiful - fabric, design, quilting - all of it. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Great job!

Emmajane said... #

What a lovely quilt! Thank you for sharing with such good photos.

Anonymous said... #

So lovely.

Lisa J. said... #

What a lovely quilt from charm squares. Nice fabric and a great pattern.

Needled Mom said... #

That looks wonderful. It really is a sweet quilt.

Molli Sparkles said... #

I agree that we need to stop hoarding the really great fabrics because they look even better when they're in a quilt! (Although I am guilty as well!) Knowing a quilt's destination also puts a smile on my face too, and I think a bit more love in the quilt. :-)

Susan said... #

How precious! You are so right- our favourite fabric becomes even more special made into something that will be loved and treasured by future generations!

Farm Quilter said... #

Great quilt!! I also love it when I know who I am making a specific quilt for - I think about them and pray for they from the first cut to the final stitch! Kate is going to be thrilled!! Yeah, I hoard that special fabric too...I need to use it before my daughters all get stuck with it!!

Christine S said... #

So, so pretty! This is beautiful! I also love cross hatch :) Your binding looks great by the way!

Vicki said... #

How wonderful to see this finish! It's beautiful and YOU did it all. Happy dance!

Carla said... #

Beautiful Cindy. Lovely fabrics and what great texture it must have!

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said... #

It's a lovely fresh looking quilt. I'm sure Kate will love it. And your binding seems to have worked out fine too!

charlotte said... #

Great quilt. Love the fabrics and the pattern. Happy weekend!

Michele said... #

It is just fabulous and I'm sure just like Ruby that it will be well loved.

Molly said... #

love love love this!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said... #

Beautiful quilt! I love your choice of fabrics... I am sure Kate will adore it!

OPQuilt said... #

(I just wrote a whole lovely letter and the internet ate it. Take two. . .)

I love this quilt--the block, the design and the fabric. You hit the nail on the head when you say that precious fabric only becomes more precious when we use it. Very true! You are not only talented, but wise.

:) Elizabeth
opquilt.com

Katy Cameron said... #

I've cut into 2 hoarded bundles this weekend - whew! Actually, I wasn't so much guarding them jealously as working out WTH to do with them for the last 1-2 years ;o)

Nana said... #

Lovely quilt! such happy colors and design. Love the cross hatch quilting.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

Love it!! I need to adopt your attitude toward "precious" fabric because I'm afraid I have way too much that I'm hesitant to cut into.

Carla said... #

I am so drawn to these fabrics....great finish, my friend!

Sarah said... #

It's lovely! I love the colours in this range.