Tuesday, January 8, 2013

New Quilting Project

Things have been kind of crazy around here the last several days, and it likely won't slow down until at least tomorrow.  I have not done a single stitch of sewing yet in 2013 - a travesty!  At least a little bit of knitting has happened.

But I didn't want to wait any longer to show my new quilting project:  Anna Maria Horner's Feather Bed Quilt

I first came across this design in late August, just before Niecey-poo and her family left us, via the Hawthorne Threads newsletter.  The moment I saw this quilt, I fell head over heels in love - it's what inspired me to try out quilting again after so many years.  I quickly ordered a half yard of each print in the "Patina" colorway  of the new Field Study line.  The pattern itself is a free download on Anna Maria's website.

I started my quilt about a month ago.  The first step is to cut strips of random widths across the whole 45" width of the fabric.


These strips then get sewn together to form a new fabric, which will get cut into the feather shapes.  Here's a picture of my first third of the pieced fabric, made about a month ago.  It contains one piece of each of the fabrics:


 
The pattern is very detailed, giving the yardages and layout diagram for each size quilt, and step-by-step instructions for piecing the feathers.



Since taking these pictures, I've finished another third of the pieced fabric.  I'm hoping to complete the final third later this week and begin cutting out my feather pieces.  I still haven't decided on a background color, but am leaning toward a cream or linen shade.

I'm not in a rush to complete this one.  I really like knowing it is there on the sidelines, waiting for those times when I feel like sewing straight lines.  My only goal is to have this complete by the end of 2013, and to enjoy the process along the way!


23 comments:

  1. oooh very cool! can't wait to see your progress!

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  2. Oooh, that is going to be gorgeous!

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  3. Nothing like a long-term quilting project to keep one busy during "blah" times, if you know what I mean. Those Field Study prints are awesome.

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    1. I do love to quilt when I want to sew, but just straight lines! Sometimes I find that really soothing!

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  4. How are those chores coming along? ;-) That is an awesome pattern -- I love the feathers! I have one of these long-term quilt projects, but I always forget about it. I started it almost a year ago! I guess the problem is that it has a dedicated drawer.... Outta sight, outta mind. Looking forward to seeing the progress of yours!

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    1. Chores are done - yay! Now for a few appointments, and then I can SEW!

      hehehe - no dedicated drawers at my house!

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  5. It is going to be so lovely! The fabric is fantastic. I like how you are so cool about it being a little by little project :)

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    1. I think that would be my natural MO, if I had a dedicated sewing room. But with my "sewing room" being the dining room table, I can't really accumulate too many UFOs or let anything drag on for too long. Once this thing starts to get large, I may end up pushing to finish it!

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  6. This quilt is going to be amazing. I can see it being a great project to go back to here and there.

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    1. I've seen a few great finished ones on Flickr. I just ordered my background fabric today, so now I'm even more excited!

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  7. The construction of that quilt is very interesting from my perspective, it looks like you are going to have lots of fun making it! I love the fabrics that you picked out too, lovely.

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    1. Yes, this one is more complicated than the quilts I've done so far. I'm looking forward to expanding my skills!

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  8. What a great quilt, I've never seen anything like it. I love your fabric choices too. So glad you can get back into sewing soon, yes, a travesty indeed!

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    1. That was my reaction when I first saw it too! So unique!

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  9. This quilt will keep you busy for awhile! Love the fabric combo that you are working with.

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    1. It will! My original intention was to make the queen size, but I've since scaled that back to twin, LOL!

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  10. What a beautiful quilt. I am sure you will enjoy the journey as much as the end product.... well most of the time at least :)

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    1. I think I will . . . I'm starting to think the process is more important to me than the finished product!

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  11. There's something about combining fabric, color and design into a cohesive awesome artwork.

    I'll enjoy this while cheering you on.

    Hygs

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    1. I'm not as far along yet as being able to design my own quilts, but I hope to be some day!

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  12. Oh O.O wow! This will be so fun to watch over time. Cutting out feathers from strips that have to be sewn first? You are so dedicated, Gail!

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