2.17.2011

Attempt at Quilting Phase 1

Yesterday after talking with my friend Janna, I got motivated to begin entering into the world of sewing by making my first quilt!
Last year I watched my roommate Amy hand sew her first quilt together, and if I hadn't seen that, I would be completely lost!
After work I headed over to Hancock Fabrics and spent way too much time and money there, but I feel confident in purchasing these items, which have made cutting fabric so far much easier and efficient!

1. An Olfa Cutting Mat
This mat is self healing, which basically means it's kind of gooey and when you cut into it it'll morph to fill the slice back in, neat! It's like a superhero power!

2. An Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
This is basically like a pizza cutter on steroids! It's so fun to cut with!

3. A Lip Edge Ruler
This ruler hangs on to the edge of the cutting mat & keeps things straight, kind of like a t-square ruler.

I also picked up 7 different fabrics, but I still don't feel settled...I'm going to check out Tennessee Quilts for more fabric in Jonesborough as well (thanks Janna!).

My goal is to complete a small quilt, around 3x4 feet, and possibly a matching crib bumper, but who knows, this could turn out to be a learning lesson for future projects! Kind of like when I first learned how to knit, I made a knitted piece that resembled a blanket that a hamster would use...

Here's some inspiration:
Oooh Aaaah! I love the mixture of textures used in these pieces...I tried to mimic that idea and bought some cotton chenille fabric along with two different types of corduroy (is it bad that I had to Google the word corduroy to know how to spell it?).
And let me tell you, chenille is EXPENSIVE! No wonder these quilted beauties cost $$$!
Also, what's the deal with the lowsy selection of neutral fabrics?? Things seem to either be camo or flowers & butterflies. I could hardly find any stripes or polka dots! Mmmm seersucker would be nice! Did walk away with TONS of muslin though for super cheap, and I love the natural look it has! Thanks for the tip Ashley!
I'll stay updated with pictures as things progress, so far you haven't missed much, just washed and dried the fabric and tested out my supplies!

And here's a quote shared by Make it Do:

How much piecin’ a quilt is like livin’ a life! You can give the same kind of pieces to two persons, and one will make a “nine-patch” and one’ll make a “wild goose chase, ” and there will be two quilts made out of the same kind of pieces, and jest as different as they can be. And that is jest the way with livin’. The Lord sends us the pieces, but we cut them out and put ‘em together pretty much to suit ourselves, and there’s a heap more in the cuttin’ out and the sewin’ than there is in the caliker.
 -Eliza Calvert Hall in “Aunt Jane of Kentucky”

Any quilters out there have any advice for a newby??



5 comments:

  1. Have fun doing that...makes me want to try!

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  2. My mom (Mama Graham) has made quilts for each of her 5 kids, plus a few extras here and there. She loves it! I've made one throw quilt and one queen-size quilt and decided it wasn't for me. I think the main thing is if it's relaxing, go for it. Also - WASH YOUR FABRIC FIRST before you cut and sew! It shrinks and stretches and you want it to have done that before you sew it together! :-)

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  3. I think Hobby Lobby has much better fabric! I can't remember what the earth tones are like... but I know they have more than butterflies and camo!

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  4. Ooh your inspiration quilts are to die for! I have a folder of links I've built up whilst sewing my first quilt. Let me know if you want me to email them to you!

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  5. Just started my first quilt as well which I am posting about on my blog if you want to take a look. Anxious to see how yours turns out. I love the simple square pattern quilts. I cut out a bunch of 5x5 squares and sewed them together. I am loving it.

    By the way on the deer silhouettes I googled "deer silhouettes to find them. Hopefully you can find some good ones.

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