This post has been sitting around waiting to be finished for a week now, so here goes.
For the end of March here is one more quilt off my to-do list! For lack of inspiration, I'm just calling this one Checkerboard on Point.
And with this one finished all the remaining 2-1/2 inch squares are gone! This throw size quilt measures 58x68 inches. The top looked pretty boring until I found the two border fabrics, which seemed to perk up the entire quilt. Still, not a quilt I plan to keep, it will go to our quilt ministry for donation.
As with the last quilt, this one is machine quilted with variegated thread using the serpentine stitch in vertical rows about 1-1/2 inches apart.
This next photo shows a bit of the backing fabric, left over from a wide back of a few years ago.
That backing has appeared in several smaller quilts, and I wish there was more of it as it's busy enough to hide the seams and minor issues with tension, etc. Plus, it just seems to harmonize with everything I've used it with.
So, what criteria do you use for deciding whether a quilt is a keeper or sent off for donation? I've asked myself that question a lot recently, especially since storage space in this small house is at a premium. There may or may not be one dresser drawer vacant at any point in time, depending on how cold the nights are seasonally. Right now there are five quilts on my bed, three that I sleep under, one humongous queen bedspread size, and one (the only "springtime" looking quilt in my possession currently) that will shortly take a place of honor on the back of my recliner in the living room. All the quilts on the bed are "keepers." All are pieced, some with limited applique, and all are hand quilted. Any new makes destined to become "keepers" first and foremost need to make my heart sing, that bring a smile every time I see them. Secondly, they will be hand quilted; there is a special softness and loft from hand quilting that greatly appeals to me. Color and design are right up there as well.
So, the quilt above, does it check any or all of those criteria? I'd have to say no. Nice enough perhaps, maybe, but no. I have very few quilts that could be classified as evoking "spring time," though here is one fairly recent make that checks all the boxes as a "keeper" for me.
Do I have a rational explanation why this one holds the magic and the first one above doesn't? Nope!
Though I think it has a lot to do with the fact that it is hand quilted, the colors and fabrics are all ones that I love, and that the center block was a gift from a fellow quilter/blogger.
So, please chime in on how you decide which quilt holds the magic for you?
First off I love the checkerboard quilts, the top and second down post, I keep thinking I'd like to make one and goodness knows I have stacks of squares already cut and boxes of scraps waiting in line!I certainly would call your last quilt in this post a keeper!!! I have some sorting of mine to get on with, if I don't feel an immediate buzz then probably a donation or sale quilt top.
ReplyDeleteThe borders sure add pizzazz to it. Congrats on getting it across the finish line. Which one is a keeper? It's all in the heart. Some I love then fall out of love. I put them away for a few months and if the feeling doesn't come back, it's because they are ready to leave the nest. I sold a few that I was still in love with but I know that they are in good hands and have no regrets. For me, it's all in the heart. Enjoy! ;^)
ReplyDeleteall my bed quilts that are hand quilted stay with me unless given for a special reason...daughter has her likes and dislikes so she will eventually decide...she has claimed some already...fine with me
ReplyDeleteI love a good 16-patch! The borders do give it a lift. Good choices.
ReplyDeleteMost of my bed quilts have gone to my kids, or on rare occasions, an extended family member. On our bed I have been using quilts my Mom made. But in the past 5 years I have kept a few I've made that had sentimental value to me, or that were just a whole lot of work, and I can't bear to let them go. I have let some go that I loved, when I know the recipient will appreciate them and care for them.
At a "sew day" at a quilt shop yesterday I was working on a quilt with labor intensive blocks and I told me friend that I was making it for my oldest daughter. This friend happens to have the same pattern "in the works", but hasn't worked on it recently. She couldn't believe I was going to give it away. But I can't keep everything, so I have to weigh out what means the most to me.
I love the first quilt, such a wonderful nod to traditional household quilts that were useful, not art. And it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteAs for keep or give away, I have slowed almost to a stop w my quilting bec I cannot store any more. I keep all my quilts as well as a large antique quilt collection. I don't give as gifts, as my quilts are unwanted, even rejected and returned, or just thrown away.
I do not directly donate to ''those in need'', bec let's face it they'd prefer fleece throws they can wash; and I can buy and donate a lot of fleece blankets for the money I spend on a quilt. I will donate nervously, quilts to be auctioned anonymously to raise funds. Surprisingly even those are rejected sometimes! I wanted to donate an antique ABC quilt for a fundraiser and the person was so rude, ''not up to my standard.'' OK my handmade by me quilts may be ugly and undesirable but this was a signed and dated red and white beauty, It was pristine, never washed, signed, nicely hand quilted, clean, from a very well know dealer. I paid $3000, back in the day. How could it be worthless. [I was so hurt] Nope my quilts stay here or get thrown out. It's not fun otherwise. They are MINE.
The checkerboards turned out very nicely -- I'm a big fan of serpentine stitch quilting. My keep-forever quilts are still a manageable number but the stack of quilts to give (or sell) keeps growing. Last month I donated two for local fundraisers and this month I'll donate two more.
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity of your checkerboard quilt with the double border. I'm so impressed that you have no 2-1/2" squares left! What an accomplishment!. I agree about the softness of a hand-quilted quilt. There is nothing like it. I can see why the last quilt is a keeper. It literally shouts creativity. I feel I am at the other end of the spectrum. I have quilts stored under beds, on beds, and in a trunk. But I make sure my family has quilts that I've made and that's what is important to me.
ReplyDeleteI like your checkerboard quilt! To me, it's not as much about the quilt's appearance, as how much time has been spent quilting. If I've put dozens of hours into domestic machine quilting, that quilt is gonna remain in my possession! Likewise for you, hand quilting seems a good reason to hang onto a quilt. Another factor for me is whether the quilt has appeared in a juried show. Those are quilts that I also hang onto. Doubtlessly you might guess that I have a LOT of quilts in my house. Perhaps 60? 70? And in Florida, only one quilt is on the bed at a time. I should give away more, but ashamedly, I find it very difficult to blindly donate a quilt that's taken me more than 40 hours to make.
ReplyDeleteI really do like that checkerboard on Point piece you've finished--lovely work on this...
ReplyDeleteI have only made big quilts for my family and friends that were gifted
through the years...I don't have many "bigger" quilts that I have kept for us...Tom and I each have one good-sized lap quilt for every day use...I find it very hard to part with something i have spent so very many hours planning and working on...hugs, Julierose
I've been closing for almost 20 years and I've yet to do an on point quilt. You are inspiring me. Your quilt is lovely ♥️
ReplyDelete