Monday, October 30, 2017

October Finishes - Yay, there are Some!

So happy to report that the Quilt for Which I (still) Have No Name is finished!  All bound, washed, and photographed for posterity, since it will soon become a Christmas gift for my son and DIL.  I'm quite sure they are not even aware of my blog much less read it, so I can show a few photos of this latest finish now.  My husband really likes this one and not-so-secretly is hoping they won't like it so he can keep it. I can guarantee that won't be happening, but the batik tote remains nearly full, so he can hope another one rolls off the finish line - someday.

While it was still having the binding stitched to the back, we had what appeared to be our last nice, warm and nearly sunny day for the fall, so the quilt was scooped up for an early morning outside session just as the sun began rising over the hilltop behind the house.

That proved to be a good decision since now that the quilt is completely bound and washed, our weather has turned absolutely awful, with over 3 inches of rain in the past 24 hours and several more inches expected, plus high winds, and the possibility of snow tomorrow here in the higher elevations of western New York.
Some photos taken inside after washing and drying:

After ditch quilting all the blocks, I quilted an all-over meandering leaf design except on the borders.  I do like the overall texture this design imparts without the quilt looking overly-quilted and becoming stiff.  I used my Janome 7700 for all the quilting, and Aurifil 50 wt. thread was used throughout. The batting is Hobbs 80/20 cotton/poly blend - my favorite for bed quilts.

I made a first attempt at Lori Kennedy's feathered leaf fmq design after watching her demonstrate it on a recent episode of Sewing with Nancy.  It looked like it would be fairly easy to do, and it was, once I had drawn lines to mark off the beginning and end of each unit. Although Lori's feathered leaves look way more relaxed and natural than mine!  Oh well, maybe the next attempt will be better?!

One last look at the completed quilt, laid out on the guest bed to finish drying.  The top measured 91 inches square before quilting.  The batting was pre-rinsed and dried on low heat in an effort to minimize shrinkage in the final quilt.  After quilting and washing, the quilt now measures about 88 inches square.

One more small finish for last week - the first of the hexie table toppers, very simply machine quilted with straight lines and bound, and already gifted over the weekend.

The second-youngest grandson recently turned 4 years old and I have yet to make him his big-boy bed quilt.  Pondering whether I can pull that off before Christmas.  Time will tell!  Happy Monday, and I hope the weather is better in your neck of the woods.


14 comments:

Debbie said...

Your outdoor photos are beautiful....just like a magazine! And the finish is great, this pattern is perfect for showing off those batiks. Quilting is always better with washing and drying :) Because I love the look of comfort.

Ruth said...

The quilt is gorgeous and the quilting is wonderful. I have gone to Lori Kennedy's web site for quilting ideas as well and seeing the various steps makes it a lot easier to do. Good thing you took pictures when you did.

Needled Mom said...

The colors in that quilt are so pretty. Lovely finish.

Janet O. said...

It turned out really nice, Pat! Very cozy looking.
Your quilting looks great, too.
Nice job on the little topper. I think you should be very pleased with your October finishes. :)

Pat said...

A lovely quilt with a beautiful color palette - and photographed in a perfect Fall setting...we are definitely into late Fall here - snow flurries and cold nights...so it begins.

Cathy said...

Wonderful quilt and fall photos. I had to enlarge the photos so I could see everything better. Glorious!

And...I'm really tempted to try those hexie table toppers. So far I've resisted but I did get my ruler out. I'm thinking maybe they would make good Christmas gifts for a couple of people.

Kyle said...

What a wonderful finish. You picked the right quilting patterns to give the quilt texture but doesn't overwhelm. I can see why your DH would like to keep it. Have fun coming up with the perfect idea for that big boy bed quilt.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

beautiful quilt!

Lizzy D said...

Gorgeous quilt, no wonder your husband loves it!

Barbara said...

Your quilt turned out so pretty! Love it!

Barb said...

great quilt - looks like one I made for my son - I'm sure they'll love it

Kaja said...

Congratulations on a great finish!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

LOL no WONDER that your husband wishes to keep it there; gorgeous finish! :)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Your batik masterpiece is stunning and lovely; the quilting really looks wonderful and complements the linear nature of the pieced blocks beautifully! Well done; now on to your husband's "keeper" quilt!