December 20, 2010

A pieced bunting quilt


This is a tiny quilt, but I am over the moon about it. A third quilt finished in 2010! It's for my new little niece, Alaina. Hi gorgeous! I love your mama and I already love you too.


I have seen lots of lovely bunting quilts, but I always feel a little let down when I realize most of them are appliqued. I certainly am not hating on applique. But for my own aesthetic, I do prefer piecing when possible. So I was interested to see if I could get the lighthearted feel of a bunting without the curved drape. I know there are quilters out there that can figure out how to piece stuff like this on a curve, but I do not have the patience or time for that. Check back in 30 years and maybe I'll be into that.


The triangles for the bunting strips were cut with the Accuquilt GO! Cutter. The layout of the strips looks random and effortless and so I'm sure it'll come as no surprise that I wrestled with it for over a week before landing on this arrangement.


I experimented with an all over continuous line starburst quilting pattern. I wasn't sure it would work but now I can say it was a resounding success! I love how dynamic it is. I went for a super sketchy look, as a bit of a counterbalance to the rigid perfection of the piecing.  I will definitely do this quilting pattern again. It was easy, quick and high impact.


I generally have a hard time choosing quilt backs. This one involved some divine intervention. As I stood in line at the cutting counter I saw a bolt that said "The Cara Collection". My sister's name is Cara. As a young girl she loved anything rainbow. As an adult she hates red. So there could be no fabric more perfect: a sort-of rainbow with no red. I was pretty psyched to get a divine order to buy some fabric. (Usually I feel it's the opposite: uuuuuse your staaaaaaaash)


I love the way the quilting looks on the back. I stared at/petted it for at least half an hour. And hey! I used dots instead of stripes on the binding. These are from the Eric Carle/Very Hungry Caterpillar line. I tried using flannel for the batting and can't say I noticed much of a difference from my usual Warm and Natural except more fluffy lint during quilting.

In general I think baby quilts with lots of white are a terrible idea. But I just couldn't resist the white with those happy bunting flags. Forgive me, sis. I'll send you five bucks for some stain remover. It's tiny, about 36" by 45". At first I worried it would be too small to be useful but then I remembered that's what I thought about this quilt and that got used plenty:


Ah, such a short time ago she was that small. Now she's helping me quilt. Here she is "sewing" the binding.


I'll be back with a photo documentary of constructing this quilt, and then we'll move ahead with that very exciting Accuquilt business.

20 comments:

Amber H. said...

Oh wow, that backing is AWESOME! Who makes the Cara Collection, I must hunt some down for my stash...

I love the front too! you did an amazing job with it, and I know your niece will cherish it for years to come.

The Vegetarian Hunter said...

The stars you quilted could not be more perfect for this bunting quilt.
For a curved design, have you ever considered drawing what you want on paper? Cutting out the pieces and using them as your pattern to cut out the fabric? That is what I would do, I love making my own patterns up and refuse to by them. But I am a nerd....

Manda said...

Very nice :D
Love the starburst quilting!

Michelle said...

That's great -- so cheerful looking!

AJ said...

It's wonderful. I know what you mean about applique when piecing seems ideal.

Michele said...

Love the pieced bunting. Magnificent!

BubzRugz said...

Georgeous quilt....
Hugz

Quiet Quilter said...

Now which is the back and front???? Both look great!

Molly said...

I love everything about this quilt! The bunting is adorable and the quilting is perfect. Love it!!

quiltingnana said...

lovely and creative

Suzanne said...

It's wonderful...and I love when fabric speaks to me.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

This is beautiful - isn't it wonderful when the perfect fabric speaks to you at the store. And the baby is smiling already.

The AfterCraft said...

I'ts so beautiful!! i love it!! The backing is AMAZING! and the bunting is breathtaking! Awesome job.

Mama Pea said...

Very cool! You are so creative! Nice job! That backing is very striking. What a find for your situation!

Jeane said...

Your bunting quilt is adorable. Your little gal there is catching the bug quickly. I want to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and thank you again for the great FM quilt along. I want to get my sampler finished over the holidays and post a pictures.

Angie from Dear Spring Green said...

I can't believe you pieced this! It is amazing, you did a wonderful job!

Bete Alves said...

Lindos trabalhos. Adorei seu blog. Espero sua visita também:
http://bonecadepanoatelie.blogspot.com
Beijos, Feliz Natal e um Ano Novo muito feliz.

C said...

Very Fun! I am obsessed with bunting so I love that you made it into a quilt.

Pattilou said...

I loved reading this post. The quilt is amazing and beautiful, even if white--yes, I too, sometimes slip into a white quilt for babies and love the result. Thanks for sharing.

KatieQ said...

I love this quilt. All that white and the star quilting makes those triangles pop out as if they are 3D. The backing fabric is amazing. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.

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