Introducing Ode to Autumn ... my finally completed quilt that was started over a year ago. The beginnings and ideas sprang from a color challenge in the Old Red Barn Co quilting group (
original post here) and a stack of Lotta Jansdotter fabric. The large prints were a challenge in themselves as I wanted to showcase some of the fabric and was looking for a way to leave big chunks of print. An improv coin quilt turned out to be the perfect solution. With the autumnal solids and the fall palette I was set on creating a quilt that would honor the warm slices of colors seen throughout the Northeast.
I hand quilted the entire quilt top in mostly straight lines but with some random patterns thrown in there to break it up a little. Yes, I quilted the whole entire quilt top
by hand. Are you gasping? I hope someone is because I have to admit I've received less than stellar reactions from my non-quilting friends. "Wow. That looks like a LOT of work" with a slow head shake was my most popular reaction. Prompting me to agree and gush, 'Yes, but it's amazing, isn't it?!" Geesh people. Make me draaaaaaag it out of you .....
The quilting commenced in March and finished in September with serious lulls during the humid months. I think I've seen this style of quilting referred to as sashiko so if anyone can enlighten me on that I'd be appreciative.
I'm a little lost in the evenings now with nothing ready to start quilting but this little break has given me a chance to get out my old standby. Embroidery .... I'm back! I forgot how much I love you.
Its very pretty and i LOVE your quilting!
ReplyDeleteThere is a word for it but it's not Sashiko which I think is specifically a white stitch on blue fabric. Something like Kantha? It's an Indian technique for stitching two fabrics together for a warm weather blanket.
ReplyDeleteANYWAY, this is marvelous. Absolutely perfectly perfect. Love the stitching - it must have been so meditative! And you know my feelings about autumn. So I adore this, Molly! Enjoy using it in the coming cooler months. :)
Oh my it is beautiful! So warm and cozy and I love the colors! I hand quilt also - so much time was spent I am sure! You did a beautiful job! Xxoo
ReplyDeleteYes, Sashiko is the white stitching on blue but I think the quilting world has embraced the word to describe a simple running stitch when it is used to quilt three layers together!:) I know when we show examples of that at work we use that word to refer to that style of stitching.
ReplyDeleteGirl....it looks MAValous!:) I have been handquilting my last few quilts just like that and I love it!:)
Kantha stitching is rows of stitches similar to yours but the stitches outline objects. For example, if there was an elephant on the quilt top, a row of stitches would go around it. Then a different colour row around that, then another row in a different colour and so on. Love the colours and the fabrics used in your quilt. The quilting finishes it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteMolly, your quilt is gorgeous! I LOVE the texture you have achieved with your hand quilting. Simple incredible to see a simple pattern turn out so lovely. Good job you!
ReplyDeleteYour quilting is awesome and really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful quilt Molly! I love how the hand quilting (lots of work!!) gives it that crinkly look. :-)
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog :) Love your quilt. It's beautiful. I am new quiltaholic, just been going at it a couple years and still have not been brave enough to attempt any hand quilting. Feel like I need to go and join a group and learn the right way incase the quilting police come and get me when I stuff it up ! I have some lotta jans dotta I have been saving up :)
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