A quilt for my daughter’s room has been on my “to-do” list for a long time. But a full size quilt just seems like a huge project for a beginner with no quilting skills. I’m still very intimidated by the thought of making one. (I have done just about everything I can to avoid starting on her quilt.)
I’ve done a few simple fabric piecing projects like this patchwork tunic top and shorts. Then I moved on to actual quilted projects like my quilted table runner and tablet cover.
Recently, I stumbled across a super-cute fat quarter set from Riley Blake. (Sew Cherry, and on sale, of course!). The fabric set just screamed summery vintage picnic quilt and I had to buy it. I thought it was perfect for a very simple picnic-sized patchwork quilt and would be good practice before I cut into my daughter’s quilt fabric.
Here is the crazy part… After cutting up all of the fat quarters, I realized I had enough for two quilts. So, you guessed it! I made 2 quilts and will give one away to a lucky reader. Giveaway details will be at the bottom of the post. Give away over -sorry!
[irp]
Bias binding for two quilts? Yep, it was a bunch…
She caught a baby frog here. Little frogs are so cute. I have a tutorial coming for her dress in the next day or two…
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| Everyone has been enjoying the quilt, including the neighbors cat! |
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A few things I learned while making these quilts (that I wish someone had told me):
~A walking foot
will make your life so much easier. (Thank goodness I already had one. It is great for bias binding!)
When quilting, use a new appropriately sized Quilting needle.
~I used a flat sheet from Wal-mart for the back of the quilt. I was experiencing some skipped stitches on the back of the quilt and had to spend a significant amount of time picking out those stitches and redoing them. I did a little Google-ing on the subject and found a bed sheet is not always the best idea. Some sheets are woven very tightly and will cause the needle to flex and it won’t be able to catch the bobbin thread, causing a skipped stitch. The Walmart sheet is definitely woven very tightly in comparison to an Ikea sheet I have… (A twin size flat sheet from Walmart is $5 and a twin white flat sheet from Ikea is under $4.) Has anyone used one of the Ikea sheets, I am wondering if the batting shows through. Does anyone have tips or knowledge to add on this subject?
~You can use a differnt color bobbin thread so the threads on the top and bottom of the quilt will blend better.
~Start your pinning and quilting from the center and work your way out. (Helps keep puckering to a minimum.)
Iron the backing and use spray starch. (You may be tempted to skip this step, but don’t!)
~505 basting spray
… Get some, ’nuff said!
Don't miss any more posts!
Brian says
This is definitely my style of quilt. Thank you for sharing!!!! Hopefully soon I can try one too.
Andrea says
I know this is probably too late, but I used an Ikea sheet for my son's quilt, and it has been great. It's going on 3 years old now, and still looks excellent. It is really dark blue, so maybe that's why. I haven't tried a lighter color, so I can't vouch for them.
Andrea says
I know this is probably too late, but I used an Ikea sheet for my son's quilt, and it has been great. It's going on 3 years old now, and still looks excellent. It is really dark blue, so maybe that's why. I haven't tried a lighter color, so I can't vouch for them.
sherrynita says
Now my daughter (the groom's Mom) and I better get started quilting!!!
sherrynita says
Now my daughter (the groom's Mom) and I better get started quilting!!!
sherrynita says
My future granddaughter-in-law found this quilt and fell in love with it. She and my grandson are planning a March 2013 wedding and it has a " Picnic" theme. She asked me if I could make this for them to display at the wedding. It took some doing but after MUCH Internet searching I found every piece of fabric that you used…
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says
What a wonderful theme, you will have to come back and share the photos!
~Jamie
lindag1947 says
Such a nice quilt. Linda gerig
Stephanie Carlson says
Great website! I'm so glad to have found you through The Gunny Sack. I have "make a quilt" on my list of things to accomplish. It's been on the list for a long time, but after reading your post and seeing the photos of your beautiful quilt, I think I'm ready! Thanks for sharing all your great insights. Wish me luck!
Rob, Jenny, Anna and Ashley says
Love it! I wish I was that talented!
Jenny
Michelle Spayde says
Beautiful work!!!
Here's the link to my Pin –
Oh, I'm also a GFC follower.
Karen says
Jamie — for your first quilt — you did a WONDERFUL job ! Congratulations ! The fabric choices and the layout are perfect. It is very stunning — and a bias binding at that ! Way to go !
Word to the wise — never use a sheet at all for backing — if you're at Walmart to buy a sheet you are better off purchasing some of their inexpensive fabric for the back of the quilt. The fabric is most often heavier and wears much better than a sheet. Now, best choice is to purchase fabric online — somewhere cheap (Great prices at thousandsofbolts.com — I have no connection to them).
Ever in a jam? E-mail me… I would love to help if I could…
Great work !
Cheers…
Karen
Laura and crew says
Great job on your first quilt! It's so cheerful!
Amanda says
Your quilt is beautiful! I love the fabrics you used–some bright and cheerful! I really want to make a quilt–now I feel inspired!
Kelly says
Love the quilt!
Paula Parrish says
Hello Jamie,
The quilts that you made are amazing. I love the colors that you choose to use for the fabric. Thanks for sharing your tips, I am currently working on a quilt for my daughter.
Smiles, Paula
Dana says
Thank you for the chance! It really is beautiful. I would love it for my little girls room. 🙂
Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer says
Your first guilt is sure a pretty one. Love all the patterns and colors. Thanks for all the tips. Thanks for sharing you white creative inspiration at Sunday's Best!
Jennifer says
Beautiful quilt!
The Mrs. says
Stunning I have been dying to make another quilt with big blocks like this – what a great inspiration and photos! 😉 so if you cut the fat quarters into fourths your blocks were 9×11" correct?? I might have to do this with a fat quarter set I have been eying. I find for the back I like to do cotton fabric with left overs to piece the solid fabric together because I have had the missed stitches too due to tight woven bed fabrics 😀
Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says
The cuts on these fat quarters were all over the place… I evened then up the best I could without losing too many inches. They ended up being closer to 8.5 x 10.5.
Stacey says
That quilt is delicious. I love the patterns and colors … hope to win it! What an awesome prize! Thanks for linking up this week!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Tiffany.TF says
what a great giveaway. I can't believe i have a chance to win such a wonderful quilt.
~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ says
Wow thanks for a chance to win such a great giveaway!! I love the quilt!! 🙂 I'm your newest "liker" on facebook 🙂
allison @ allison's everyday journey says
Love this quilt! So cute!
Sparkling says
Love the colors!!! I sew a lot, have made many quilts and I've never used a sheet for a back. Now I know why! I just piece fabric together to make the back.
Pat Morse says
I think I've entered for the giveaway. I love the quilt.
What is the size of the blocks?
I have a big group of coordinated fat quarters and might put them together this way. You've inspired me.
Amy L. says
BEAUTIFUL quilt! And that was your first one? Wow! You are very talented! I just found your blog and now I'm following you by email. Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
Absolutely adorable quilt, what a great giveaway!
jennykartchner at gmail
Robinhill says
Love the Quilt! The fabric is perfect for a summer picnic. :0)
Jennifer says
Yep, love the fabric and I may have to get some and try one of these for myself!
Katherine says
What a beautiful quilt. I tried a quilt years back and ended up with my grandmother finishing it. I think I will try again. You've inspired me. 🙂
Polkadot-pretties says
Love this project!!!!!
I currently have a Crafty linky party going on, i would love you to link this project up !!!
Seaweed and Raine says
That is a gorgeous quilt! You chose stunning fabric. I have a couple of quilts on my "to-do" list… but I've never quilted before, so I just bookmarked your tips. Thanks! 🙂
Wish I could enter your givaway. Oh well. Someone will adore your quilt non-the-less.
Darcy says
You did a great job – love it! Binding fabric is lovely. Thanks for the great giveaway 🙂
FeltByRae says
That is so beautiful, I have been wanting to try and make a quilt for long time now as one would look prefect on my bed in my 400 year old flat, I fancy something vintage looking, but I have been too unsure to try, you've inspired me to give it a go, I just need to collect the right fabrics. Your tips are very interesting and I'm sure will come in useful
I've entered your giveaway as well of course – who could resist the chance to win such a pretty quilt?