Sunday, March 1, 2009

Doll Quilt - the most crookedy and most loved lil' quilt

Yay!

I finished my doll quilt last night. Oh man, the learning curve on this thing was CRAZY. I've never quilted before, and quite frankly, I'm not much a sewer either. The Sew Mama Sew Doll Quilt Sew Along was so perfect to help me along. This little quilt is crookedy as can be, but I'm kinda proud of it.



I learned many important quilting lessons along the way. "Quilt side" means pieced top, not 'any side of the quilt (like the back side). I sewed my binding to the wrong side and had to take it all out.


Bias tape makers are the devil's spawn. The instructions that came with mine clearly said to cut 1" strips the feed through the maker. But seeing as how the maker is supposed to make 1" strips of binding, this didn't make sense. Sadly, I had cut into my most favourite fabric before I realized that this was wrong. Hence, the patchy binding of two different fabrics, which in the end, I rather like the look of. Anyone have any light to shed on bias tape makers?

In the end, I used the Heather Bailey tutorial linked from the sew along, and things went somewhat more smoothly.


Things I need work on including CUTTING and measuring accurately. I tried to be careful, I really did - but even with a proper cutting mat, rotary cutter, and transparent quilting ruler, I found this step difficult. The ruler slipped occasionally, and the cutter sometimes would zig or zag up onto the edge of the ruler. I can see how measuring incorrectly could really affect the look of the quilt and this inability to do this step well will lead me to steer clear of quilts with any discernable pattern for a long time. Bring on the strippy easy lap quilt from Bend the Rules Sewing.

I could focus on how my squares don't match up perfectly, how my binding is kinda lumpy in parts, and crooked in others. The border is not even, the free motion has some major points and overlaps. . .but the colours and the feel of the thing just make me so HAPPY. I think I'm hooked.

I'll be trying another quilt soon . .maybe moving up to a baby sized one?



- Donna

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so darned proud of you, Donna!
You focused on the tough parts in the post, but I think you should be very happy with a) the fabric you chose, b)the patchy part is straight and very well put together, c) you stepped out of your comfort zone on several occasions and d)you saw it through to the end. It's so very beautiful and I can clearly see why you love it!

Jessica said...

I have never made a quilt before and was thinking of using the SMS doll quilt sew-along for my first try.

I love the color squares you used. And glad to see another beginner. :)

Donna said...

Thanks Sara and Jessica.

I think you should definitely try it, Jessica. It was such a worthwhile thing.

I'm curious to see what effect washing it will have.

Marie {Make and Takes} said...

It's lovely! Those colors are beautiful, that's one lucky doll. Did you do the stipple quilting yourself or did you send it to a quilt shop? That's something I'd love to learn!

Alissa said...

Oh it's so cute!! Great job! I'm so happy that you enjoyed the sew along!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Welcome to the world of quilting. Your first project looks great!

Helen said...

Creativity comes in many ways. I find some of my most creative projects come when something doesn't go as expected.

I love your doll quilt. You did a really nice job in spite of things not going as you had anticipated.

Here's a "pat on the back" for you!

Hugs, Mimi

Donna said...

Marie - I honestly didn't even know you could take a quilt to a quilt shop until the other day. I did this myself - it's itty bitty (smaller than a fat quarter!).

I'm loving the virtual pats on the back ...thansk everyone. I'm already plotting the next one . .

Marilyn said...

Oh, Donna, it's LOVELY! Really, so sweet!
I'm amazed at all of the new things you took on in one project--good for you for jumping in with no fear:)
I think you're definitely ready for the next one!

the rikrak studio said...

oh it's beautiful, donaa! i love the colours! fabulous work, nicey!

Unknown said...

It think it looks great! I love the fabrics that you chose. I am going to try to make one of these, too - since I have never quilted before.