29 September, 2011

Nearly Wholecloth



Unnamed
50'' by 62''

This simple quilt is the brainchild of Amanda Jean. We talked so much about quilting back in March. She said she wanted to make a nearly wholecloth quilt - just two neutrals and some fun quilting. Because she had enough of the fabric she gave me the same amounts for the top and sent me home. Over the months we talked about what we might do - hand stitching, different colour threads, backing fabrics... We went round and round. Then we both just did.


I was finally able to move forward with mine when I made this doodle. I'd made a lot of doodles, but this one stayed with me. And I think I was able to translate it to the quilt quite easily. It helps that it isn't that large of a quilt! This is another example of my "organic" quilting (too lazy to mark) but I'm really pleased with the way it turned out. I enjoy the improv aspect of it. The texture is also great.

As you can see, I went with a solid green binding. It was Rossie's suggestion. As soon as she mentioned it I knew it was the only option, despite some good choices. My initial thoughts had been blue, but I had nothing in the stash that called to me. The green is perfect! And when the girls and I went for a hike yesterday and snapped these photos it made me see how much the colours work with the landscape around me.


The back is high contrast to the front. Three pieces of very bright, multi-coloured fabric. All were fabrics I bought on-line because I loved them, then couldn't imagine how I would use them. It is a great bit of fun with the front neutral sides.



And just as we were ending our stomp through the forest I spotted a grove of trees. The Monster took this picture after she noticed that The Evil Genius matched the quilt. She made her stand there so she would be camouflaged. Well, if it wasn't for our coordinating Chucks! And she's already claimed the quilt for herself, I think the green building sealed the deal for her.

This entire quilt was a fun challenge. It was great to push myself beyond my crazy improv norm or pile of circles. To use neutrals like this was way out of my comfort zone, as was the use of that much solid fabric. Not only was it fun to do, I am thrilled with the results. Make sure you check out Amanda Jean's version.

25 comments:

Vicki said...

I love it. I want to make one for myself!

Live a Colorful Life said...

What I love about this post: the quilt, the quilting, the green binding (perfect), the rocks, the water, the trees, the cute little model. It's ALL fabulous!

Heather D. said...

You know, I was just thinking about this kind of thing when I was laying in bed last night! I have a Swoon quilt (from thimble blossoms) in the works for hubby and me for our bed, and so far in colder weather we always just throw (ugly) spare blankets over our bed as extra warmth, and I was thinking that when we have that beautiful Swoon quilt finished I won't want to cover it up with something ugly. A nice subtle whole cloth quilt would be just the thing!! Thanks for this.

M-R Charbonneau said...

Love, love, love this, Cheryl. Neutrals are also out of my comfort zone, but I love what you did with this! That pop of green in the binding is perfect. Great job!

Rossie said...

Love it!

Esch House Quilts said...

So beautiful! Neutrals are right up my alley and the quilting on this is perfect. I love the random, but repetitive nature of it.

elle said...

Isn't the texture wonderful! The colours are soothing with a subtle jolt of colour and over to wake up sleepyhead! great quilt!

Amanda Jean said...

your photos and your quilt look great!!! i love that you didn't mark your lines. i wasn't so brave. i did mark guidelines every 3"...it would have been a hot mess if i hadn't.

(this one was a bugger for me to photograph!!!)

Lauren Phelps said...

Wow! Love your quilting!

KendasCrafts said...

That looks great! The backing reminds me of a great simple jacket with a really fun print for the lining. love, love, love your quilting on this.

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Amazing quilt! I love it. The quilting looks amazing on the plain cloth and the backing is just fun :)

Josie McRazie said...

Love both of the quilts! (yours and AmandaJeans) I think yours looks like "The Impassible Maze"! Great job on your interpritaion!

Melissa said...

I love these quilts you guys made! I've been thinking a lot about how modern quilts are quilted lately and these gave me some great ideas :)

Suzanne said...

Great finish, Cheryl! Both yours and Amanda Jean's leave me inspired to try more whole cloth quilts.

Kimberly Whispell said...

VERY pretty! I love both of your quilts, so unique!

Heather Jones said...

I love it! Great quilting and I love your choice for the binding.

Cara said...

Maybe you should call it the "Etch-a-Sketch" quilt, bc that is what I thought it looked like. Your machine must have gotten quite a workout!

Karen said...

Very nice quilt! Love your quilting design. Looks like you may need to make another just like it as someone must have staked their claim on this one!

Enjoy.

Kim said...

Perfect!

Happy Sewing

CitricSugar said...

Both these quilts turned out so beautifully... I might have to try one. I'm sure it'll help improve my machine-quilting skills.

Fabricmom said...

Just read AmandaJeans post so I had to come read yours too. It would be like reading a book up to the last chapter and not knowing how it ended. :) Both of the quilts are beautiful. I love the crazy back too. The quilting is spot on.

Andrea said...

It's beautiful. that's all.

Anonymous said...

Love it. That backing fabric is a favorite.

Poppyprint said...

The camo photo is super fun!!! Love both your and Amanda Jean's quilts.

sulu-design said...

Love it. Love all that neutral simplicity. Love the setting of the photos. Love the process between you and Amanda Jean.