Late last night I finished tacking back the binding on the Flower Garden appliqué quilt.
This quilt was 3 1/2 years in the making. I'm so happy to have it finished.
I started this back around November 2020 in Tokyo, as a block of the month from Sentimental Stitches, called Poppy's Polka Dot Garden. I have ended up calling mine simply Flower Garden.
I made a lot of the blocks, but not all, and I just chose a very simple layout. The blue is a shot cotton I got in Tokyo when we lived there. I added little polka dot circles on the alternate blocks and the border, and machine quilted it very simply.
The backing is a yellow beehive print, supplemented with a very old blue print.
I sized it to fit on a twin bed:
I have not washed it yet, and after seeing the photos here, I can really see where I might add more machine quilting. Not sure. I want it to remain really drapey.
I am so happy to have this finished! Now I don't have anything unfinished from the Covid/Tokyo years. I just have a good sense of closure now.
This quilt will live here at home for awhile at least.
And, against my better judgment I've just started a second scrappy Liberty hexie EPP quilt. It will be throw sized.
For some reason I'm just giddy about my new sewing basket - from Liberty in London. The benefits of David traveling and being willing to go to Liberty for me;).
The print reminds me of my 70's childhood. I love something that is practical, AND fun, AND pretty.
I've been reading (mostly listening) a lot of books lately, and can recommend these:
The Women by Kristin Hannah - historical fiction about nurses during and after the Vietnam war. I couldn't put it down.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - really remarkable novel about two friends and video game creators, whose lives intersect over many years. Somewhat strange, compelling.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner - Korean American memoir, her mother's cancer; food culture; grieving.
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad - a remarkable memoir about living with cancer. I also recommend the documentary American Symphony. But read the book first.
Finding Me - Viola Davis' memoir. One of the best, most powerful memoirs I've ever listened to. Unflinching, moving.
Let me know if you've read anything fantastic lately!
What a gorgeous quilt--congrats on finishing it. Just lovely appliqueing...;)))
ReplyDeleteHugs, Julierose
So very pretty, so often a simple design and minimal quilting is the most effective. The little circle appliques are perfect for the alternate blocks and borders. I'm sure at least one little granddaughter will love snuggling under this one.
ReplyDeleteSeeing this quilt makes me wish I'd joined the sew-along. This is positively gorgeous. For some reason if has a feeling of being made 5 or 6 decades ago. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThere's a fine line between enough quilting and still being drapey, don't you think? I think (personal opinion) more quilting strengthens a quilt and I wonder if the batting influences the drapiness, too. I'm sure you'll easily decide about more quilting or not.
Your new sewing basket it delightful! The pockets and pincushion on the lid just add to it's wonderfulness.
Your quilt is really darling!! Love that blue.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book suggestions.
Congratulations on finishing your lovely quilt! It really does feel great to finally finish those long term projects and this looks so cozy and cuddly. I appreciate your book recommendations. The only one I’ve read is Between Two Kingdoms which was excellent, so now you’ve given me some new ideas. The sewing box is fabulous! (Gladi Porsche)
ReplyDeleteCharming quilt! I remember when you started it back in those dark Covid days. The polka dots are adorable.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet quilt. There is so much to like about it. . . the flowers, the polka dots, the color of blue for the alternate blocks and sashing, and the yellow backing. Ahhh, a special sewing basket for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh, Cynthia, this is such a lovely quilt. It must be so nice to have it finished and every time you look at it you will be reminded of the past years in Tokyo and how you managed during the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteQueenie
Oh this quilt is just the most marvelous thing!! I love everything about it. I had a quilt very similar to this as a child and I have yet to see one I love as much until now. And, thanks for the reading list. I'm looking forward to "listening" to a few. Hope all is well with you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your Flower Garden quilt!--it is so appealing! I considered making one at the time but pushed that thought aside which was probably a good thing! I listened to Viola Davis' book, too, and really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteYour new finish is lovely. The colors, the sweet floral appliques it is all just perfect and looks great on the twin bed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special sewing box. I'm reminded of my 1970s bed sheets. Have fun with the new project.
On the books: I really liked HMart too. I started tomorrow and tomorrow, but put it down for some reason.
I'll add Viola Davis' book. I like memiors.
I have The Women on my audible, your the second one to recommend it.
I've been meaning to watch Between Two Kindoms, but on your recommendation I'll read the book first.
Thank you for the reveiws
Your blog has become my virtual classroom, offering lessons that extend beyond the screen.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this post?!? Wonderful finish on your Flower Garden quilt. I love your use of the circles. I'll bet that gives closure--a feeling that I am not familiar with lately. LOL
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty sewing basket. No reason why "practical" can't be fun and pretty, too!
Oh, what a lovely quilt and what a lot of memories and thoughts that are stitched into it.
ReplyDeleteI like the polka dots that tie every block together.
Charming sewing box and David is certainly thoughtful.
Queenie