Tuesday, April 24

Another finish! Well, almost...



This is my "welcome to the world" gift for baby Oak. And I'm really happy because, although far from expert, my quilting skills are coming along. Most of my points meet or are "close enough". And thanks to Heather and her tutorial I now feel like Queen of the continuous quilt binding! My corners are all perfectly mitered. This makes me very happy!



Scattered around the quilt are bits of embroidery. You know I couldn't leave that out! I am loving this squirrel!! I added some quilting stitches throughout his tail so once the quilt is washed he should look fluffy.



And, of course, his name and birth date had to be on there somewhere.





I also felt an oak leaf was needed. How could I not include one? It had to be done.





And who can resist a sweet little bunny? Not me, that's for sure. I think I even prefer little brown woodland rabbits to white rabbits.

I'm also very pleased that the more I practice hand quilting, the better I get. I know, it seems like a logical conclusion. But the very first time I tried quilting by hand I was not thrilled. Sure, I labelled my uneven three stitches-per-inch as primitive and rustic and tried to pretend it was intentional. But, truth be told, I wasn't pleased. I know what looks nice and what my hands were producing had tons of room for improvement.

I'm not ready to sit around an Amish woman's quilting frame (ack! the very thought! LOL!) but my smaller-than-before, relatively even, five stitches-per-inch are a huge improvement. I do think they actually look pretty ok. I think I might even be able to eek out six stitches per inch next time around.

All that's left is to stitch down the back side of the binding. And since American Idol and House are on tonight (the only shows I make an effort to watch...well, Medium too), I don't think it will be a problem.

I promised someone I'd post an embroidery tutorial. It's coming. Soon...very soon. I've had several people mention that they wish they could embroider so my goal with this tutorial will be focussed on starting at the absolute beginning. And really, you'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish with very limited embroidery skills.

11 comments:

Tiarnna said...

Oh its so pretty! I just love the colors in it!

Jenny said...

It's just beautiful Dannielle. It will be a family heirloom. By the way your lovely parcel arrived. Thank you so much. I love it all.
Jenny

Unknown said...

Fantastic job!!

~Daisy~ said...

You are so incredibly talented! What a great gift for Oak. Surely to become a treasured heirloom!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful quilt - everything that leaves your hands is just so lovely.

BTW what a great idea to do an embroidery tutorial. I'd love to learn how to do some.

Anita said...

Gorgeous quilt! Definitely a keeper to pass on through the generations! I'd love to see an embroidery tutorial. I've always wanted to learn - reminds me of watching my grandma sew and embroider.

Anonymous said...

That is just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I found your blog today. Everything you make is lovely. This quilt is just the best. I love the embroidery, the colours, everything. It will be treasured I'm sure.

I'm looking after my daughters' (8) Tamagotchi while she is at school. I noticed today that this one is called Oak. What a conincidence. She names them each time after trees! The other one is Hazel :)

Jasmine's Journey said...

That is very nice!

Elaine said...

What a preaty quilt. I love the embroidery!

SewAmy said...

this quilt is beautiful too. I love you quilting and embroidery.