Thursday, June 10, 2010

Sew & Tell Friday: So (Sew) Close!

I finished something!  And I almost finished something else.  I'm reporting on both because I need positive affirmation.  And because my sewing posts bore my husband, so I need to consolidate.

First, a baby/lap/wall hanging quilt out of Chloe's Closet 1930s reproduction fabrics in the Grandmother's Garden block.  (I turned all those hexagon flowers during our Memorial Day Family History tour!  No need to waste good car time, I always say.)
So what that I didn't have to cut out a bunch of hexagons because it was Quiltsmart interfacing, I still had to sew an inch, pick up the presser foot, turn, sew another inch.  Bah!  Very slow process.
Can you tell what my mistake was here?  Nevermind, I don't want to know if you can tell.  It's enough that it bothers me and what if you come up with something I hadn't noticed?
That line is the happiest fabric I've ever seen.

Next, some more American Jane "Breath of Avignon."  Yes, that's right, ANOTHER project with this fabric.  I think that makes five.  I corrected all my mistakes from the first basket quilt and all this one needs is a binding.  Too much going on today to get that done.  I LOVE it, though.
I tried to avoid another trip to Material Girls to get those "filler" squares and I went to a different, closer fabric store to find something that would do.  The Old Hags who work at this particular fabric store talked me into getting one and a half yards too much of a fabric that is no good.  Then they made fun of me for not wanting to do a bias cut binding.  Back off, eh?!  I ended up getting the filler squares at Material Girls where everyone is nice.
See?!  I tucked the ribbon under the basket this time!  Much much better.
I'm using that gingham for the binding.  Cute, right?  RIGHT?  The back is a heavy denim, so this is really the perfect thing for a romantic picnic.  (That shadow in the corner is my knee.  Nice that I didn't notice it until now.)

Unfortunately for all of you, I'm the guest host of Sew &Tell Friday on Amy's blog this week.  But!  I'm also giving something away, which is what I do to make friends.  Go check it out (starting on Friday morning).

24 comments:

Jen said...

I'm picturing you turning quilt flowers during your romantic picnic. Why waste a good picnic? Ok, ok- seriously though I loooove the basket quilt. You are blowing my mind with all of this. (Old hags...hehehe)

allyn said...

i am so glad you didn't use what the old hags TOLD you to use. what do they know? the basket is awesome and the flowers adorable. i do stuff too. i just don't do as much as you. amazing.

Miri said...

Two terrific quilts! I just love the fan baskets with the ric rac handles and thanks for the info on the interfacing-I once started English paper piecing hexagons...not for me but this interfacing sounds interesting!

Carla said...

I could never ride and sew at the same time. I get motion sickness :o(

I can't see the mistake you have made. That is a good thing because maybe the rest can't either. I love how it all came out! Very happy fabrics indeed!

Love how your baskets look. The rick rack gives it more texture and a fun feel to the quilt.

Luke & Kelsie Frazier said...

It looks perfectly perfect to me! When I went to quilt camp many many many moons ago, the 4-H leaders said if you couldn't tell it was crooked from a galloping horse then you were okay. (Not that yours looks crooked, just a little perspective)

Sarah Craig said...

Two beautiful quilts! The hexies are so nice, and I can't see your mistake either, so quit obsessing! Call it sparkle!! I love your fan baskets, too - much better with the handles tucked under. And why in the world would you do bias binding on a straight edged quilt? What a waste of time! Quilting snobs....... who needs them? ;-)

Paulette said...

Both quilts are amazing! I can't see any mistake on the first, and besides it just add character. The basket quilt--swoon! The fabric, the ric-rac handles, the denim back, and your binding is going to be fab. What's not to completely fall in love with?

Leslie said...

i am so in love with your grandmas garden quilt...those fabrics are gorgeous...great finishes

Michelle said...

Both quilts are adorable! I am usually especially partial to the GFG quilts, but those little baskets are just too cute.

Q @ JAQS said...

Those are precious! I love both. And the first one totally reminded me that I have to try that style of shapes.

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

Both are wonderful! The gingham will be perfect for the binding.

Jennifer Dyck said...

I think the gingham is a good idea. I wouldn't have thought of it myself, so I am glad you did! I like the comment you made about doing the giveaway, that it's what you do to make friends. Haha. That's something I would say too :P

Awesome job on the quilt. I'm lovin' it!

Kristen said...

I love both of these, especially the basket! My favorite at stores is know it all busybodies who think I am young and don't know anything! I have sewed for 15 years. I am glad you didn't listen.

Dayna said...

If you did five more projects with that fabric, I don't think it would be too much! It's beautiful!

trish said...

Oh how adorable!!

Jessica said...

Very nice! You got a lot done this week.

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

Both quilts are beautiful!

Diane said...

These are both beautiful! Love the hex flowers and I see no mistakes... not even any customizations!

I have a quilt store with some less than helpful ladies as well... ugh.

Day before Michelle said...

Fabulous! Pay no mind to the Old Hags behind the curtain...

I think the gingham is going to be perfect!

Quiltpiecer said...

Great post! Thanks for sharing!

Lappedamen said...

Great quilts both of them. I can't see any mistakes on the hexagon quilt. I love the fabrics and quilting of the basket quilt - it's gorgeous.

Karen said...

That is one cute hexagon quilt. Love, love your baskets quilt. The gingham binding will be so perfect.

Unknown said...

Beautiful quilts!@

Angie said...

I love the new blog layout. Where did you find it? And the sewing is, as usual, beautiful.