And what a way to start the year. I’m really setting the bar high for myself!
You may remember that for my birthday last year Ma treated me to a Northern Quilting workshop at The Patchwork Chicks in Barrowford.
I’ve finally finished the quilt. I call it the château quilt because it reminds me of the carved stonework in the châteaux of the Loire valley.
I know that pride is a particularly unattractive trait…but I’m awfully proud of this quilt. The design is entirely mine utilising traditional quilting patterns.
Every stitch is made by hand.
Even the edges are turned and hand finished rather than a machine sewn binding.
I love this quilt and I’ve enjoyed every single stitch. I love the feeling of continuity with women across centuries who have stitched quilts in exactly the same way as I stitched this one.
I really want to make another one…this time double or king sized. But I’m working with Ma on another quilting project at the moment, I have the Gardener’s Journal to finish, and I have another secret quilt project to follow those. So I’m not adding another quilt project to the list for this year.
But… never say never!
13 comments
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09/01/2012 at 20:12
Jane
Oh wow, this is stunning. Well worth all the time and effort, and you have every right to be proud of this, amazing
09/01/2012 at 20:52
Sue Taylor
what a fabulous quilt. I would feel proud if I had made it! Did manage a quilted cushion cover once and I remember how relaxing and satisfying it is to see the 3D effect taking shape. Definitely a family heirloom!
09/01/2012 at 21:26
msstitcher
Looks good. I’d better get stitching!
09/01/2012 at 21:38
Chica Andaluza
That is so incredible – you should be proud and no apologies! Would love to learn how to do this, these workshops you mention sound such fun. Can´t wait to see what you come up with next. Clever, clever thing you!
10/01/2012 at 10:47
Moley
My goodness, that is wonderful. You should rightly be proud of that.
10/01/2012 at 11:05
Liara
I think it’s beautiful and you have every right to be proud! The stitches are so even. Are you sure this is the first one you’ve done?
10/01/2012 at 16:57
Lisa
I am in awe ,all those stitches I would not have the patience required !! You should be proud it’s stunning.
11/01/2012 at 16:23
PendleStitches
Thank you all for the lovely comments. It’s not as tricky as it looks as it’s basically just a running stitch and you follow the design which has been pencilled directly onto the fabric. It’s amazing just how relaxing it is doing this. The quilt has been sewn entirely whilst watching the tv or films!
17/01/2012 at 14:25
Charlo
My mum was the tutor on that class at patchwork chicks – she will be thrilled to see this finished. Looks beautiful.
18/01/2012 at 13:53
PendleStitches
Please show her. I had taken her card and lost it. I was going to contact PC to get her email so I could send her a photo.
She’s an amazing teacher and really inspired me to complete this quilt.
And I can’t stop thinking about the next one I’m going to make. I already know it will be cream and probably a double size. Letting ideas for the design percolate whilst I finish other projects.
18/01/2012 at 15:00
Jean Jeffery
I am so pleased to see your finished quilt, Evie. Jean
19/01/2012 at 11:17
PendleStitches
Thank you. And thank you for your patience and inspiration during our class. I’ve enjoyed making this even more than I’d hoped to…and this has been a long held ambition of mine.
Best wishes
23/02/2012 at 15:50
Chica Andaluza
It´s true – once you get used to not eating (and relying) on take away…you soon rediscover the taste of “real” food. Cheaper and better for you too! (Although I do indulge when I´m in the UK
)