First of all, I want to thank everyone who made a comment on my last post. I was overwhelmed by your kind words and compliments, and I miss all of you already.
The Christmas quilt is finally done, so I am looking forward to hanging up a completed quilt this year, instead of just a top. The quilt is named for the vintage coloring book that was the source of the patterns (all available in a previous post). I have a few of these “follow-the-colors” type books, and I think they make cute embroidery patterns. The idea was to use your crayon to fill in the different colors which were already outlined with the suggested color. These books are even less creative than a normal coloring book, since you can’t even pick your own colors, but I do love the designs, and think I did use the suggested colors in almost every block. As a kid I was messy, but I liked to keep my coloring books neat, always staying in the lines. If my little brother or sister scribbled in my coloring book, I would freak out.
There are lots more embroidered tops in my quilting queue, and I wish I could think of some more interesting quilting patterns. Although I am fond of cross-hatching on embroidered quilts, I feel like it’s going to get tiresome after awhile. It’s sort of tricky quilting through the embroidery, particularly when it’s more dense, like the alphabet quilt. I usually do what I’ve done in this quilt — outline the perimeter of the embroidery designs, adding some interior quilting, if necessary, to fill in any larger areas; then quilt the cross-hatch pattern in the background. If you have any suggestions for hand quilting patterns on embroidered quilts, I would love to hear them.
Santa’s Follow-the-Colors Quilt
hand embroidered, machine pieced, hand quilted
Martha Dellasega Gray, 2012
54″ x 51″
Martha, i am so happy to see your new post! This Christmas quilt is stunningly beautiful! And the colorful stitcheries are incredibly sweet just like you!!
i hope you will delight us with your quilts from time to time 🙂
I am not a fan of embroidery but this quilt sure is quilt and the embroidery is what makes it special.!
Just charming. I love the boy pulling the tree on a sled, and Santa’s house. And I’m glad to see you back!
The Santa embroidery quilt is wonderful, wonderful. All the little squares of colored fabric add sparks of color everywhere. Good finish.
Wonderful! THANKS for sharing! Yours was the first blog I followed, and I have so enjoyed your posts. Who else likes 1) embroidery, 2) vintage coloring books, Red & White quilts, and CHARLIE HARPER?!!! 🙂
What an adorable quilt Martha! I love the checks all around. The quilting you chose really suits the quilt. Don’t mess with perfection? 🙂
What a wonderful pick me up today to see that you posted!!! Yehhhh! I love the quilt, the border just sets it off PERFECTLY!!! These embroidered blocks are too cute, I just love the Santa house and candy cane landscape!!! Thanks for making a blah rainy day extra special~!
Hugs, Mickie
Oh Martha I love this quilt! I love the cross-hatching. Are there any vintage embroidered quilts you can look at for ideas? I do think the cross-hatching on this quilt is perfect for it, excellent choice.
Fantastic!
***squeal*** it’s beautiful!!!
This quilt is gorgeous! I love all the embroidery and your choice of colors. Awesome work!!!
I’m so glad that you finished this Martha! It is one of my favorites.
Wow. This is really beautiful. You are so patient and the craft is great. I have been reading your blog for a while and found it very inspirational.
How do you find the time????? You amaze me with your sewing skills! I have been handquilting a small cross quilt for my grandaughter…It is taking me forever because I keep setting it off to the side for other projects! You really inspired me to pick it up again and finish it! This quilt is just an amazing work of art! as ALL of your quilts are:)
Oh my goodness – this quilt is a MASTERPIECE!!! I LOVE the idea, your colors are so bright and beautiful — thanks for sharing! GREAT, GREAT, job!
Gorgeous! Just found you today!! Thank you for inspiration!
just beautiful! I remember having these books as well, and loved the animal drawings 🙂 thank you so much for the encouragement and information you offer on your site – greatly appreciated
I don’t know if you will see my comment, but I just found your website today, and I love it !!
I will be spending a lot of time on your website, looking at all of your patterns and inspiration. I like to quilt and embroider, so we are kindred spirits! I think you are much better at it than I am, though. Thank you for sharing all of these things! I wish you good health and supple hands!