I have finally finished my blue and white version of the Collection Quilt by Carolyn Friedlander. This one has a border, designed by my friends at Gotham Quilts.
All of the designs on this quilt are hand appliqué, then the top was constructed and quilted by machine. I did cave in and do a hand binding on this one, and it is divine. It was nice to do the final stitches this morning. I still need to add a label, but I feel like it needs some deep thoughts. I began this quilt on a family vacation, did the bulk of the work on a tropical vacation with my husband, then quilted it during a pandemic. There are so many memories stitched into it that are so wildly divergent. It is hard to wrap my mind around them.
For the quilting on this one, I indulged in some self soothing. (I used to suck my thumb, but now I quilt.) I custom quilted this, using a lot of fun free-motion designs. There are three different shades of So Fine thread – white, light grey and navy. For the darkest grey part, I used a matching grey from Omni.
I’m really happy with how it turned out. I might just have to put a sleeve on this one and hang it in my bedroom. This is the most modern piece I have made, and I love it. I want to understand it more, because I want to learn to design quilts with such non-traditional shapes and layouts that still have balance and harmony.
I used Warm and Natural batting for this piece – I am working my way through a mountain of batting scraps from work. The backing is pieced scraps, too. Some days it feels pretty good to use up some stash. Also, I didn’t have a wide back that complimented this top.
Previous posts on this quilt – The Collection Quilt in Paradise
Other News
My Rainbow Collection quilt is coming along nicely. I’m 1/4 of the way finished with block #3, which is just where I should be. Leading the block of the month project with Gotham Quilts is fun and challenging. This month I led the demo from my studio, which meant I spent a feverish hour cleaning off my desk area. It was a good start on progress for my studio spring cleaning. Stay Tuned for Cheryl Sleboda‘s Spring Cleaning Blog Hop, beginning April 1. I will be showing off my sparkly clean studio. Mom and I have big plans for reorganizing our space.
My family and I are healthy and content staying home in these troubled times. Mom and I are getting ready to start making masks, as I have found a local group who wants them. My husband and oldest son are working from home, and my youngest is doing distance learning. My dogs are thrilled that everyone is home, and that belly rubs can be had all day, every day.
If you are at lose ends at home, or enjoying more quilting time, please consider supporting your favorite designer by ordering a pattern. A lot of my friends lost significant income when shows were cancelled. They won’t be getting paid for teaching, and they won’t be selling their products. The following is a list of just a few people I know personally who have had events cancelled.
Barbara Persing
Lisa Calle
Bethanne Nemesh
Karen Overton
Sam Hunter
This is by no means an exhaustive list. It is just the first five people who came to mind. Feel free to add links to your favorite designer who might need a boost in the comments.
This has been one of my favorites of all your makes, Jen. I love the various shapes, and the various blues and whites. It’s too bad the pandemic has to be part of the otherwise lovely memories, but it will certainly be a quilt with a story. Oscar is adorable, with those big puppy eyes.
Thanks, Wendy! This one has been very satisfying for me. I think it’s all of the handwork.
This is a stunning quilt — enjoy looking at it in your bedroom and revisiting the memories it contains. Thanks for the details of its making. Lots and lots of hours that have paid off beautifully
Thank you, Mariss!
Jen, this is so beautiful. Love how it’s come together. The quilting on the back is excellent. Thanks so much for sharing it and the journey with us.