Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Quilt #2


For years and years my mantra is "I can't sew." And by can't I meant that if it involved more than a straight line or *gasp* a square, then that leaves this chickadee right here out. 

Need help with jewelry making? No problem. 
Need help designing a blog layout? I'm your girl. 
Need a hand learning how to Coptic stitch?  Let's go.
Need something sewn for you? Sorry.  No can do.

Or at least that's what I told myself for too many years to count.  And then, after a huge undertaking, this project of epic proportions happened.  Followed by this one.  It took a little time and a whole lot of patience, but as it turned out I can sew, and I'm not half bad at it either.

I've been wanted to make another quilt almost as soon as I was done with the first one, but balked at the work involved and tucked my idea away into the "to be completed" file in my brain.  Quilting is hard.  I didn't have a rotary cutter or a self healing board for my first one, so it was just a trusty pair of scissors and I trudging along through the many hours of cutting out quilt blocks.  It was a process, not one that I'll ever decide to take on again.  In an effort to get the sweet little pink lap quilt that I wanted to make for myself (because as a mother of 2 rough and tumble boys, sometimes you just need a little pink) I thought that I would cheat the hard work of quilting by making a rag quilt.  Raw edges, no seam binding ... piece of cake.

Not quite.

Where my last quilt only took me about 2 weeks to finish this one took me about 5 months.  Granted I didn't work on it every day and I actually went weeks at a time without even glancing at it, but that was all because after I got a taste of the work involved in rag quilting I didn't find it fun at all.  I'm an instant gratification kind of gal when it comes to my crafts.  I like to see results quickly.  Quilting is not for people like me.

But I moved along, even if it was at a snails pace.  And eventually my pile of fabric because a beautiful little lap quilt that I intend to use when I'm sitting outside reading this Spring while the boys play.  Purchasing that rotary cutter and self healing mat certainly helped things along.

The end result: 
A very tired and sore hand as a result of snipping a million little bits of fabric.
A billion little strings covering every inch of my floor and filling my washing machine and dryer lint trap.
One beautiful and happy scrappy rag lap quilt which I'll love forever. ♥


Linking up::

16 comments:

Last Minute Mel said...

Wonderful job...I love the colors you chose and the patterns - just makes me want to snuggle up in it :)

CourtneyKeb said...

Seriously you did a great job! I love it!!

Anna said...

You did a great job! Very inspiring! :)

Alyssa S. said...

AMANDA!!!!! How dare you lead me to believe that you can't sew! You did a beautiful job. You can officially say you've done something I haven't. I have yet to sew a quilt and now you've beaten me to it. You show that off...and enjoy it because it is a beaut!

beka said...

gosh, that is one adorable quilt! i love the colors, and i can imagine the sore hand after clipping up and down those long edges...whoa....
beautiful job!

Rachel said...

LOVE it, so pretty! It nearly makes me want to learn to quilt. Nearly.

Jaderbomb said...

This are so cute!! I am your newest follower!!!! Come check out my blog and follow me so we can stay in touch with each other!!!!

http://jaderbombs.blogspot.com/

Laura @ House Of Joyful Noise said...

It is BEAUTIFUL!! What I wouldn't do for a rag quilt like that, Queen size for my bed!! I want one badly. I love regular square patchwork quilts. They are not easy to find to purchase in stores. I just know I'll end up getting a handmade one through Etsy or something, when my bedroom re-do is finished. I just love yours that you made here, and the colors are so pretty together.

Mandy Beyeler said...

THanks for linking up to Take-A-Look Tuesday at Sugar Bee Crafts - I featured you today! - Mandy, www.SugarBeeCrafts.com

Unknown said...

So great!! I'd love for you to link up to Wow Me Wednesday!

http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/04/wow-me-wednesday-5.html

Heather said...

I love how warm and inviting this quilt is, and it's so beautiful!

Abby said...

So pretty! you did a great job!

abeachcottage said...

wonderful job! your quilt turned out so great. All your hard work paid off!

Katie @ minivan diva said...

WOW! This is sooo beautiful. I don't even know how to sew on a button, but I really want to learn how to sew. I've been reading a few quilting books lately just to sew what is involved. You are very talented!

Unknown said...

I featured you on Toast of Tuesday!! Come grab a button!

http://polkadotsonparade.blogspot.com/2011/04/toast-of-tuesday_19.html

Tammy @ she wears flowers said...

I LOVE this!! Sharing on FB today! ;)