Our of our dearest friends was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He's undergoing chemotherapy at the moment and may end up having radiation sometime during the summer. My husband was adamant that I make him a quilt.
With all the preparations and excitement of opening the shop and getting ready for our local quilt show in 2 weeks, I just could not find the time. It was then that I remembered a handmade quilt purchased at an auction in 1998 waiting on the rack ready to be quilted. Unknown is the maker's name or what year it was done. Perhaps you have an idea by looking at the fabrics?
I can't tell you how often I've pulled this quilt out, looked at it, and returned it to the rack. I guess it just wasn't time to tackle it. You see, it has issues...
There is extra fullness in some blocks:
The blocks aren't all even:
The seams were sewn willy-nilly: I could not iron the seams in the same/right direction. It would have meant taking the whole quilt apart and resewing it. I did not wish to do this.
My wish was to quilt it to preserve it; in order to do that and to reinforce the seams, it was necessary to quilt it with an all-over design, one that would take care of some extra fullness. I chose Vanilla Cream panto by Anne Bright and it worked beautifully. Don't you just love these pinks?
I chose a Blue Hill fabric from the Captain Phillips Collection c.1860 by Carrie Quinn for the backing (available in the shop). It looks like a shirting which coordinates well with the top. Quilting was done with Glide Pearl on the top and Mocha in the bobbin. I just love this thread!!! Batting is 100% poly because I wanted the loft of the batting to help reduce the chance of tucks and folds.
This block pattern is known as Hole in the Barn Door. I'm calling this quilt Barnside! A special name for a special friend. I wish its maker could see it finished and be gifted to one who dedicated his life to helping others
The binding will be prepared later today and sewn over the weekend, at least that's the plan. I need to have something to do with my hands in the evening! This makes 3 quilt tops in need of binding counting the two from last month. Sunday will be busy!
Up next on Lolah is the De Deauville a Cape Cod quilt. Shivers... I hope I can do it justice! Wish me luck!
Toodles,
Lorette
You did a great job integrating all the tops particular idiosyncrasies and turning it into a lovely, cuddly comforting quilt, Lorette! Love the backing! And don’t you enjoy Anne Bright’s pantographs? I don’t own any, but her designs are very distinct and always attractive. And Glide?? What can I say? I use others, but always go back to Glide with 100% satisfaction with tension and ease of execution! Did you see their new variegated threads? Yummy! So sorry to hear about your friend’s diagnosis. I am sure your gift will be well received.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I was sure you purchased some Anne Bright pantos at Road... I'm surprised! :) I did see FilTec's new thread which I will definitely want to try... do you? Let me know! I was pleasantly surprised after I took this quilt off the frame... it looks great and despite those issues mentioned, this quilt was square! And it remains so. I know our friend will love it!
DeleteNope, didn’t buy any pantos at all at Road. I actually just ordered 5 a couple of weeks ago and still haven’t used any of them. I did receive 3 with my machine when I bought it and I have used a few from Linda Taylor’s book which are copyright free and you can adjust the size as you wish. Other than that, I either draw my own or freehand quilt.
DeleteDidn't we sit there one night and compare our panto purchases?? Or did I dream that? Man where was my head? You're doing a fantastic job at drawing your own... and freestyling!
DeleteYes, you've done a wonderful job with a "challenging" top. I'm sure it will be very appreciated by your friend...
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you are still a No Reply blogger...wish you would change that...
I'm so sorry Linda. I keep trying and everytime I think I'm back to normal on blogger, something happens and it reverts back to Google+. My internet guru is not due here until Christmas. He'll be doing some work for me and I hope he can fix this for good! Meanwhile, I thank you for your patience and for your kind comments. It was a challenging quilt and I was dreading quilting it until I decided there was no time like the present to tackle it! I'm thrilled it turned out so well!
DeleteOh that is a lovely top and you are doing it justice and more! :) Yes love that pink : )
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, That top has become really soft and the batting and backing will protect the delicate seams. It's ready for some love!!
DeleteIt turned out beautifully! Your friend will treasure it. I have long armed a few older tops as well and have a few more to do someday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and your kind comment Katy. BTW: I love your practice pieces... great job!!!
DeleteHI Lorette,
ReplyDeleteYour CApe Cod quilt looks terrific! I am wondering if you could send me your mailing address as I am going to send you some hand dyed fabric. YOu left a comment on my blog last week and all 3 will be getting some.
Ruth
HI Ruth, I have replied to your email with my address... have you received it? If not send me your email address: lorettecole@gmail.com;
Deletethank you so much for your comments on the Deauville quilt!
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. I guess that quilt has been sitting there, patiently waiting for just the right use. I'm sure the original maker would approve of everything you've done. Your friend will have a warm, gift of love, to wrap himself in.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo. It is sad to know how sick he is. I hope he can find some comfort and warmth with this quilt. The owner would approve of it going to this gentle man!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteWhat are your hours of operation....I have a seasonal close by and would love to drop in to see your shop!! thanks!!!!
Mon-Sat 10-4pm (or later if you call ahead). We'll be closed tomorrow because Spruce It Up Quilting has a booth at the Lupin Quilt Fair and Market in Port Elgin (Sat-Sun).
DeleteThank you for asking!