When my daughter was just moving out of her crib to a toddler bed I decided that she needed a quilt and that I was going to make it. I simply dove head first trying to learn everything about quilting that I could. I spent hours upon hours on blogs and youtube learning quilting techniques and took a trip to JoAnn's to buy some basic quilting equipment (I have no other quilters in my family).
I settled on Stepping Star by Sweet Jane, making a lap sized quilt. Instead of using a jelly roll, I went to Joann's and purchased a bunch of 1/4 yard cuts and fat quarters. Then, I decided that I wanted a strip of blocks on the back so even though I had a pattern, I completely redid the math and cutting instructions. My love of quilt math begins :)
I went to work on my 1980's slant shank Singer (say that 5 times fast) and pretty soon I had the blocks finished. I had a little issue with my 1/4" seam and because alternating blocks were rotated 90 degrees from one another, my slightly rectangular blocks caused a bit of an issue.
One of the biggest limitations with my Singer turned out that the presser foot pressure was way too high and was not adjustable. Straight line quilting (even with a walking foot) would not work so I tried a simple meandering pattern. My sewing machine also only had two speeds, off and super light speed so I learned to free motion quilt at a very quick pace.
Overall, for my first quilt, I am very happy with the quilt. Some years later, I still like the design and the color scheme. It has a few popped seams and some of the fabrics have faded (teaching me the importance of quality fabric), but I still love it :)
I am very happy to link up with Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts, Needle and Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation, and WIP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced.
I have a pretty old quilt on my bed right now for extra warmth, and I love it popped seams and all. My husband asked if I was going to fix the seams, but I kind of like the charm of the very used look... I definitely struggled to master the elusive quarter-inch seam allowance when I started quilting, too. It is fun to look back on old project and see growth in skill but still be able to love each project anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I think it's beautiful! I had a few problems with 1/4 inch seams on my first quilt too so there are definitely some fudged blocks but I'm still hugely proud of it as you are right to be of yours :)
ReplyDeleteIt was fun taking a little time warp with you! It's a great first quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful I would be embarrassed to show my first quilt :-)
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt! Great job! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful quilt... Such a gorgeous colour scheme. It looks too good to be a first time quilt. You are a natural. So glad you got bitten by the quilting bug, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteFirst quilt? Most impressive!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Our guild is going to do this soon, or even have people show their progression in quilting. But you started off with a home run for sure. Love the colors too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful first quilt! I'm really impressed that you even pieced the back and did FMQ! Sure, you might have learned about the value of quality fabric, but the faded fabrics could also be a sign it's been well loved. Aren't you glad you decided your daughter needed a quilt?!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that was your first quilt!! It looks really fabulous...even if it has a few popped seams :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! You did an excellent job for your first quilt!!! I would not show mine in public!!! Lol
ReplyDeleteYour first quilt looks amazing, Cheryl! Popped seams and faded colours mean that the quilt is loved and gets used all the time :)
ReplyDelete-Soma
Oh. My. Goodness! That's an awesome first, second or third quilt! Wow! I bet your daughter loves it :)
ReplyDeleteWow, quilt math on your first quilt!! You are committed! (or should be, lol, I crack me up sometimes) Seriously, that is such a happy quilt, and lots of loving is always a good thing. :-) I love your "off and super light" speeds on that machine! Made me smile!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that your actually quilted your first quilt! When I made my first one I thought the only options were to tie it (um, no!) or have it longarmed. I was so glad to discover FMQ! Your quilt looks amazing, and will be cherished for many years.
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice quilt! I really like the colours too. I still have the first quilt I made, but it's really not as nice as yours! I cut the fabric with scissors (didn't know about rotary cutters) and pieced it without a 1/4" foot so eventhough it's a very simple patchwork pattern, the seams don't match up in many places. But I keep it in the house to remind me how far I've come! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, it's fab! I can't believe it was your first quilt, you jumped right in at the deep end!
ReplyDeleteWaiting for the next Mystery Quilt. I know it will be exciting.
ReplyDeleteLove your honesty about learning, your Singer sewing machine speeds (!!), and falling in love with quilt math! Being married to an engineer, and having raised two children to be engineers (Jetgirl and a son), I totally get that! You are an inspiration!
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