After a particularly long and painful bout of Braxton-Hicks contractions, I knew I needed to get this bad boy done, and quick! And done it is! I don't even want to start to think about how much time went into this one. Let's just say...a lot. But it was totally worth it.
After doing a ton of intricate piecing, including those feathers, I opted to go super easy and minimal with the quilting. I think it was the right call. And I tried to keep my quilting lines to the solid pieces of fabric, mostly because I wanted the quilting lines to disappear in the top. Lots and lots of echo quilting. (And I loved it.)
I did consider trying some FMQ, and I even pulled out some test sandwiches and practiced, but it didn't feel right. To me, this quilt just wasn't a good candidate to practice my FMQ.
The binding is one of my favorite touches. I sent my quilting sensei a pic with a bunch of different solids for potential binding options. Well, they looked so yummy all next to each other, but I thought it would get a little crazy to use them all. Well, when K texted me back and told me to do just that, how could I say no? The binding took forever to cut and piece, but it was totally worth it.
I also hand bound this one, which is the first time I've done that in a while. I opted to hand bind because I really do prefer the look of it. And after putting so much time into the top, I really wanted to finish it off right. I'm glad I did, even if my fingers are raw and my back is aching!
The backing is from the same line as the prints on front--Violet Craft's Waterfront Park. I loved the bridges print, as did my husband, and I knew it wouldn't get enough room to really shine on the front, so backing it is! But I hadn't ordered quite enough, so I used some of the leftover fabrics from the front for the back. (And can I just say that I'm really excited about those metallic birds from Craft's newest line? YUM.)
And YES! This was an item from my Q2 FAL list, so I'm sneaking it in right before the deadline! Woo! How did your Q2 list finish up?
Absolutely amazing quilt! The design, fabric choices, quilting and binding are ALL just perfect. Lucky baby...and congratulations on finishing it in time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! I'm so so happy with this one. And I'm so excited it's staying with me! Even if it's technically for the baby.... :)
DeleteYahoo! The first thing I thought when I clicked on this post was "I love the binding"! Yes, perfect choice to go scrappy on it. The quilting looks great, and hooray for being done before Fava arrives! Beautiful and well done. Nap time?
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!! LOVE how it turned out :) What a special blanket for the baby! I totally feel your pain on the hand-binding! Finished a full-sized quilt yesterday morning and hand-binding a table runner tonight. Thank God for thimbles!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky bean!
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Thanks! :)
DeleteThe quilting really does disappear into the top! I think it was a good choice. Let that fantastic piecing really shine! I love what you did with the binding, too! This is such a perfect quilt. I'm sure it will be very well loved!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm really quite smitten with it! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, it's so wonderful. Wonderful. Nothing says love like intricate piecing!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts EXACTLY. :)
DeleteLove love love! Waterfront park is one of my favorites and you've showcased it so well.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, Audrey! Lucky Fava!
ReplyDeleteUmmm, simply gorgeous!!! And lots of time goes into raising children, so why not quilts for those children too? :D This is a real wow quilt though - from colors to pattern choices. Really, really lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! I just noticed you did the star with diamonds, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Fava will love it :D (and maybe one day appreciate the work you put into it just for him ;) )
Love the binding! I already loved the quilt, but I think the binding is my favourite part.
ReplyDeleteI love this!! The colors are fantastic, I love the arrows!
ReplyDeleteOh, Audrey, how perfect is that binding. It just sings. What a beautiful gift for Fava.
ReplyDeleteE xx