Thursday, January 1, 2015

Rainbow Wave: A Finished Quilt

I just gifted my last huge handmade project of 2014 to my four-year-old niece, Camryn. Her birthday was in October, and the whole family came down from Maine and visited today, New Year's Day. I really wanted to give the "big girl" twin sized (55x80" ish) quilt to her in person. The best part was that she didn't know it was coming, and her big sister brought her own quilt on the trip (apparently they've been fighting over it) so now she has her own for the trip back and forever. :)


This quilt is one of the most freeing quilts I have ever made. The last scrap quilt I made like this was Sedona, and I miss that one so much. Most of the time, I begin an original quilt design in my sketch book. This time, I designed a quilt based on a color scheme (that of Francis Newcombe's Utopia from Art Gallery).


First, I decided to try making diamonds, aided by my new Hex N More ruler from Jaybird Quilts. Then, victorious, I cut solids to surround them with for a "pop." I dug into my scrap bins for like colors, because I know Camryn loves rainbow color schemes (apparently she takes after her aunt). I wanted the scraps to lay out like waves across the quilt. Hopefully, Camryn will enjoy playing "I Spy" with the scraps. There are even a few moose on there, which I found quite funny, since they live in Maine. See, by the white flowers?:
 

I thought long and hard about the quilting. I considered quilting the diamonds and their frames densely, surrounded by organic waves. Then, I had the urge to quilt each section differently just because I love to free motion quilt (and goodness, after this crazy December, I deserved some fun!). And so it was that I embarked on that quest with my trusty light gray Aurifil 50 weight thread: spirals, rainbows, large pebbles, woodgrain, and random squares. The diamonds are done in square spirals. Fast and effective. I quilted the whole thing in two days because it had to be done today!


 

Every rainbow needs some sparkle, right? This metallic Netorious binding from Cotton and Steel was the perfect shade of gray. I want, like, bolts and bolts of this print. You can see a peek of the backing: a light Art Gallery print I had several yards of on hand. We didn't get a great picture of it because it was so windy this morning!
 

I forgot to snap a picture of it, but I also quilted her name with a tiny heart into the green section. When I showed her, she said, "Camyrn! With a heart!" And this is why I quilt. I'm also pleased that she and her sister call them "quilts" and not "blankets." :D I'm so in love with this quilt and her reaction. Hopefully I'll get to see it many times in the future. Keeping quilts in the family is the way to go. :) I'm unapologetic and selfish about this notion.


Camryn also received a tote bag from Christmas; she'll use it for her dance class. As I've said before, I'm more than happy to gift handmade, but I must admit I'm relieved that holiday gift sewing is done as of today!




20 comments:

  1. Oh it is so pretty! What little girl wouldn't LOVE it! All the different FMQ just fit right in. And hurray for the end of the holiday sewing! (psst you said blankets not quilts" backwards here ;-)

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  2. Oh my goodness, that is a beautiful quilt and an amazing gift. Adding her name and the heart really do seem like just the perfect touch. Also, I love that her sister brought hers along on the trip - how fabulous to know it is going to a home where it will be used and loved.

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  3. She is going to love it. The colors are wonderful. Like you, I am glad to have moved past the gift giving sewing.

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  4. Hi Jess! This is gorgeus quilt! So beautiful colours and all the design is wonderful! Happy NEW Year! x Teje

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  5. You have one lucky niece, this is beautiful! I love that you did different quilting in each section, and how the diamonds are framed. I'm so glad she loved it and has a quilt of her own. They might be fighting over this beauty on the way home!

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  6. I love this quilt. Amazing colors and going through a bit of stash envy :)

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  7. The colors are amazing Jess! Stop by my quilting blog for a chance to win a new pair of scissors and adorable scissors holder. I wanted to start 2015 off with some fun!
    http://quiltingranny.blogspot.com/2015/01/new-years-giveawayscissors-holders.html

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  8. Wow, that is one amazing quilt!! Beautifully done. I just love hearing stories of how quilts are received by their new owners - this one made me smile :) It is so satisfying to have a quilt so lovingly received!

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  9. It is beautiful! I love the colors and improve style. Well done.

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  10. Isn't it great that they use, live with, and love their quilts? That's why you make them, right?

    Jess, I'm really curious as to how you put this quilt together. Horizontal rows? Are there Y seams in there? It looks like some magic was involved to make all those little squares and colors come together!

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  11. AWESOME! Those vibrant colors you chose are great! I like your style! It's beautiful.

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  12. Wow, what a great finish! I love all the colours, and your fmq is wonderful! Linda

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  13. I bet she loved it. It is SO bright and beautiful!
    :)

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  14. That quilt is so pretty! Such saturated color!!

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  15. I love everything about this quilt!

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  16. Beautiful quilt down to the sparkly binding and I love that your niece is thrilled. That's the best! ;-)

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  17. This quilt is awesome, and I love the way you quilted it! Great job!

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  18. What an absolutely stunning quilt!!! I am sure it will be very well loved!!!

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  19. Gorgeous use of colour and I love those cats! I'd be delighted to receive this as a gift too!

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  20. I've said it before but I'll say it again: it feels so good when a handmade gift is appreciated!

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