This is the funny little quilt I was struggling with a few days ago when I asked for help, then removed the post because I had an idea. I was going to give this to one of the pregnant teachers at school, but because it’s almost all vintage fabric (except the narrow blue border), I changed my mind. Although the fabric is unused, I always worry about the quilt holding up to all the washing a baby quilt requires. I decided to make a a throw quilt and give it as a Christmas present. I’m sorry the picture is a little out of focus — it’s windy and the top kept flapping around.
The idea started with 9 vintage embroidered blocks that were included as a bonus with a larger lot of embroidered blocks I purchased from a generous seller on ebay — it’s sort of funny because I haven’t done anything yet with the larger group, although they are very pretty. The blocks were smallish, so I added the triangles and set them on point. I ran into trouble deciding what to use in the alternate blocks, making a couple of patterns that looked really bad. Because I have a big collection of blue vintage fabric (way more than any other color for some reason), I could afford to use lots of them in this quilt. I made 9 of the 25-square blocks — cutting 4 of them in half and one in quarters. I know this is a pretty sleazy way to piece and the points don’t come out perfectly, but I’m okay with it. This is no heirloom quilt — it was fast, and I’ve got lots more Christmas presents to make.
The wider border fabric was pretty big (just over a yard at 36″ wide) but I still had to piece it in several places. My husband told me I shouldn’t use it for a border because the quilt was already very busy, and I know he’s probably right, but I did it anyway. I guess I just really wanted to use that piece — which I really like and have had for a long time. I’ll quilt this one by hand using a simple design.
The quilt turned out GREAT! I really like how you set the embroidered blocks.
I just love how this turned out! I have to disagree with your hubby..I love that border fabric. 😉
You manage to top yourself with every quilt you make. I love those cheerful colors and prints.
Lovely quilt! I think the border does add to the ‘business’ but I think it is a nice counterpoint to the embroidered blocks. In a way, it sets them off. Whoever is the recipient of this lovely quilt will be thrilled, I am sure!
I REALLY love this quilt!!! It’s busy, sure, but in a VERY good way! Perhaps because of the strong reds in the border, it seems to advance toward you while the blues in the center recede, giving the quilt a lot of depth.
The 25-square blocks are the perfect backdrop for the embroidered blocks, “sleazy” piecing and all – you made me laugh with that one!
BEAUTIFUL job!
I love your idea for setting blocks. They blend in seamlessly. It is a pretty little quilt 🙂
I like this quilt a lot, too! It looks very pretty wherever it’s used. The embroidered baskets are so cute and all the blue and reddish vintage fabric is fun to look at. The new border is such a pretty Celtic-looking design and the underside such a warm, cozy fabric (my cats like it, too).