Saturday, December 27, 2008

SHOW & TELL - MY FIRST QUILTING PROJECT

One of my goals for 2009 is to finish the baby quilt I've been working on for the past couple of months.  This is the first thing I've ever attempted to quilt, so I'm a little concerned about how it may turn out.  


My neighbor is teaching me this wonderful craft.  Unfortunately, she is moving in a few weeks, so I'll have to drive to see her for advice from now on.  It has been so handy to have her right across the street.  I'll sure miss her.

I chose these patterns before I had a theme for the nursery.  Because we don't know if we'll be having a boy or a girl or if we'll even be having a baby anytime soon, I decided to go with black and white with a bit of yellow on the front.  The back will be a bumble bee print.  It is too cute.

Hand quilting has proven to be a great lesson for me in accepting mistakes.  Being the ultimate perfectionist (in some things - obviously not housekeeping), I was getting upset when my corners didn't match up perfectly or if some pieces were cut slightly larger than others.  When I voiced my concerns to my neighbor, she told me to relax and not to worry about it.  That I am doing this by hand, so it won't be perfect.  If I want perfection, I need to use a machine; but then if I use my machine, I won't have any excuses for imperfections.  She sold me on the idea and now I see the imperfections not as mistakes, but as character.

Alright, kiddies.  Go on over to see what else is up for Show & Tell at Stirrup Queens.

12 comments:

Christina Claassen said...

Wow, I can't believe you are making the quilt by hand. I was just working on a quilt for Frankie today, and I am using my machine, and often the corners don't match or the squares are different sizes. So much for having perfection with a machine. I sure am glad I'm not doing it by hand! I hope you and Kev had a lovely Christmas, and that your quilting and your friends and family can all bring you cheer and peace. We miss you as always.

Phoebe said...

I've always wanted to make a quilt, especially by hand! Looks like you are doing a great job!

AnotherDreamer said...

Neat, it's going to be so beautiful when you're through.

Michelle said...

That is Awesome! I have always wanted to do that.

'Murgdan' said...

Wow. That is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors!

Kristin said...

That is going to be gorgeous. And, WOW, quilting by hand impresses that hell out of me.

We have Angel Wings said...

Wow! So, beautiful. Can't wait to see it when you have it completed. And doing it by hand, you are amazing! :)

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

Beautiful work!

Pottery has taught me so much about accepting mistakes. An imperfect handmade piece is soooo much better than a perfect store-bought one. I'm sure your little bumblebee will love it.

Cara said...

WELL DONE! My mother is an amazing quilter and I - well - I'm not.

I hope you are bursting with pride at this feat!

Check out the quilted advent calendar she made me at my show and tell. See - that's talent - and you got it girl!!!

JuliaS said...

Ohhh, I like! I have absolutely no patience for quilting, so am absolutely impressed with anyone who does. Will love to see the finished project in a future show & tell and wrapped around a wee one of your own especially!

Anonymous said...

It will be beautiful, great fabric choices. I'm a quilter, have been since 1997, so if you need any cyber help just shoot me an e-mail :)

Sew said...

Thanks for stopping by! I love your profile pic! I bet you are a riot! ;)

I sew but I am not sure I could quilt. That is a whole nother ball game, and the precision actually makes me shake a little! :) And you do it by hand! You go girl! It's beautiful and the fabric you picked is gorgeous!

I could buy fabric all day long! :)

 
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