One of my goals for this month was to put to rest this sweet ‘n scrappy quilt project, one which I started back in… oh dear… July 2011? Wow. I really really gotta work on turn-around times. I think what held me back on this one was the idea that I HAD to, and could not NOT, hand-quilt it.
I think hand-quilted quilts are the ultimate. I’ve only ever hand-quilted. There’s something about the feel and look of them that is so warm and old-timey. I just love them, needless to say. However, if I was ever going to finish this project, compromises were going to have to be made by me. Over the Christmas holidays, I re-considered machine-quilting as an option, and I have to say, it was such a relief to make that decision. There’s no question: I can be extremely stubborn. But it’s nice to know that when push comes to shove, I can still be flexible.
Now, I recently inherited a lovely 1973 Elna SU sewing machine (to replace Betty, my even-older White sewing machine) from my mother-in-law. It’s in ship shape. It’s like new in fact. She took tremendous care of it over the years. So last weekend, my husband kindly took me around to all the little sewing/quilt shops in town (he was so encouraging) and I was pleased as punch to find a walking foot for it. The walking foot (similar to this one) turns my regular sewing machine into a quilting beast. It’s darn great!
So, as you might have guessed, the quilt is quilted and bound and done and totally finished. Amazing! And as for my first walking-foot experience, I’m a satisfied girl. I’ve still got stuff to learn but I’m pleased with this first effort. I’ve dubbed the quilt “City Streets”. Here it is!
You have a lovely day now. I’ll be back soon!
♥M
Hurray for your finish Michele! I am glad that you were pleased with your walking foot experience. I know you will find all sorts of uses for it beyond quilting. It's great for layers that tend to shift. How big is the finished quilt? It looks to be a pretty good size!
It's very close to 5 feet by 7 feet. Perfect for snuggling with on the couch, which is what we'll be using it for.
You're amazing!!!! Great job 🙂
Thanks Pacas. 🙂
this is just lovely Michelle, I am madly collecting my children's checked pi's they all grow out of and the proportion of this tin squares set in the neutral large square would be just lovely……one day I will!
Quilts that use family clothing (like this one) are special. They bring back memories, not to mention the reusing aspect. I think your idea is a great one JaneBean. Go for it!
I love your quilt! It is absolutely beautiful. Don't be too hard on yourself for taking a while to finish it. It must have been a lot of work and I think it would probably take me years to finish something that big.
Wow! I don't think there is anything you are not fabulous at. It is beautiful!
Beauteous! Yay for flexibilty, Michele – thanks to flexibility, now you have a gorgeous work of art, and a new sewing technique.
Thanks for the sweet words Elise, Michelle and Michelle! I'm beaming! 🙂
LOVE the quilt, especially the circles on the back! What a lucky girl to have a walking foot. That is on my wish list. 🙂
Wow! Michele!!! Your quilt is gorgeous!!! You are going to love snuggling up with it!!! I'm glad you purchased a walking foot. It's one of those super feet that can help you out in a sewing bind. I love mine!!!!
Yeah Chris and Ariane, I really AM lucky to have my little walking foot. It wasn't too expensive ($40.00 CAD) and I'll be able to do a lot with it, as you say Ariane. 🙂
Lovely Michele! The quilting is perfect- I really love the look of the back as well.
xoxo,
Amy
Well thank you Amy. I secretly love the back as well. 🙂
Ahh now this totally rings a bell.
I had the same issue with my handpieced quilt last year, I really beat myself up after machine quilting it, but I know I would still be quilting it now and totally fed up.
I did diagonals too.
It's a beautiful quilt, enjoy it!
Clare
That's very interesting Clare. It's funny that we're so hard on ourselves… But on the bright side, we each have a lovely (and completed) quilt. So good for us, right?
I Love it Michele…. not a bad turn around for a scrappy… I am quickly finding out that makeing up scraps seems to take much longer than metreage but so worth it…. I am the opposite… have only machine quilted but want to give hand quilting a go this year… small project though!!
Hugz
So true Fiona. Going through scraps, sizing, picking and choosing does take a lot of work. But, as you've said, totally worth the effort.
A small project is the way to go when getting your feet wet with hand-quilting. Very good idea.
OH that is one beautiful quilt! Well done for getting it finished – I know it's hard to do something a different way to your plan – but sounds like your 'new' machine made the difference!!
Thanks Jill! The "new" machine really made the whole experience a pleasant one.
Oh! This quilt makes me want to quilt! It's so gorgeous. 🙂
THE Futuregirl? Wow! So glad you could stop by. Such an honour! And finishing this quilt just makes me want to make another one. So I know what you mean. 🙂
love this quilt….so pretty and graphic
wow! that is really beautiful! and started only last July?! I think it would be a long time coming if it was started in July 02! Impressive, great job!
Ohhh … I love your city streets! So dynamic!
The quilt is fantastic Michele!
Thanks for the compliments Kristi, Vanessa and Maya!
It is lovely! I like the uncomplicated, clean lines of the quilting. So many machine quilters think they have to quilt the piece to death until you can no longer enjoy the fabric play at all. I applaud you.
You know, I always struggle with that. I mean, to what degree should a quilt be quilted… It really depends on the quilt I think. But thank you for liking what I've done with this one. That makes me feel good!
Really beautiful Michele, it must be so satisfying to look at it after all the work is done! Happy quilting, cheers, Monika.
Thanks Monika, it is satisfying! I'm glad it's done but it makes me want to make another. Strange… 🙂
Michele – what a beautiful quilt. One of my artsy goals for the year is to make an antique inspired doll quilt.
That sounds like a beautiful idea Dixie. And fun too!
WOW, I recall when you first posted about this project. How exciting to see the finished piece, it is absolutely beautiful – your handiwork is top notch. I really love my walking foot.
Amazing that you remember. It seems like eons ago that I first posted this. I'm glad that it's done and I can't wait to do more with the walking foot. Cool tool!
Congratulations Michele on completing this fabulously scrappy quilt and mastering machine quilting too! Just love it!!!
Aw thanks Catherine. That's a huge compliment coming from you!
Gorgeous! It doesn't matter how long it took – you finished it!!
This is amazing, Michele. I love it! You are so darn talented, and the range of your talent is incredible. Gorgeous quilt!
I love this quilt! The neutral squares and the scrappy sashing are fabulous! I am brand new to your blog and this is the first post I 've read. Cool to learn in the comments here that there are a lot of special clothing bits included. Off to read more…