Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Wholecloth Quilt

While I was waiting for backing fabric for my atomic strips top to arrive, I noticed a fabric stack that has been sitting on my table for a while.  I traded fabric with Andrea from guild for this old Amy Butler Midwest Modern floral.  I have always loved it.  Large scale florals aren't always easy to use for quilting though; I really didn't want to cut it up.  So I set it aside with an aqua DS Quilts print and a Bespoken stripe to make a wholecloth quilt.
I used free motion quilting to trace the flowers and leaves all over the top. At 41 x 50 inches, it took two big spools of thread, but it was fun.
I had my heart set on using the stripes on the bias, so I thought why not round the edges too.  I love the softness of the curves for such a feminine quilt. 
This pillow was made from scraps, and I had a great time with the quilting.
Here is the back before I put the pillow cover together.
This is the first time I have sewn a lapped zipper on a pillow, and it was really easy.  This tutorial from House on Hill Road is great.  A zipper closure for an overstuffed pillow like this is a must.  An envelope closure would have bulged open.
This pair is headed to Project Linus as part of 100 Quilts for Kids, a summer and early fall sewing event that encourages quilters to donate quilts for children.  One of the best parts - this year you can donate your quilt locally, which makes it just that much easier to participate.  I'll add this post when the link up opens on July 1st.  I hope lots of you will join in!

17 comments:

Jessica said...

This is incredibly gorgeous and simple. I love that you put all that quilting into a Project Linus quilt. I'm definitely in this year for the drive!

Elise said...

This quilt is GORGEOUS!! Simply fabulous!! I really love it!!

CitricSugar said...

Your quilting always blows me away... Really lovely.

Annie said...

You will most likely blow away the Project Linus folks with this gorgeous detailed quilt and pillow! Kudos for your selfless giving and sharing of your talents.

melissa said...

Such a gorgeous quilt and pillow...your quilting looks amazing!

x

Kristin said...

Oh, Alex, it's so lovely! You are going to make a little girl so very happy.

Amorette said...

what a gorgeous fabric for this type of quilt- genius to save it for this. and the pillow is amazing. what a lucky kid to receive this pairing!

**nicke... said...

very pretty! what a beautiful quilt!

Mary Anne said...

Adorable, Alex! You are talented, creative and generous!

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

I love that print to bits - and your quilt is the perfect was to enhance it! Absolutely gorgeous.

tabbiegirl said...

This is gorgeous! The quilting is fabulous! I love wholecloth quilts - some fabric is just too beautiful to cut up!

Liz said...

I've been collecting large scale prints by Alexander Henry anytime my local Joann's or Hobby Lobby has them... you've just given me a great idea for how to use them! Love the quilt, great job!

Lauren said...

Lovely, lovely quilting! Some Project Linus kid is going to cherish it!

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

Ooh, I love this! The quilting is fabulous. What a great idea. Thanks for linking up!

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

Agh. And I made the link up a text link up instead of a photo linky. It's fixed now, if you don't mind linking up again. Thanks!

ColleenaMareena said...

This set is so beautiful! Great job!

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

This won a 100 quilts prize! email me your address swimbikequilt at gmail dot com. and thanks so much!