Thursday 5 June 2008

Decisions...decisions

I wanted to make a picnic quilt that I could bring with me to the park, this summer (not next year!), during sunny afternoons...to relax, cuddle, eat, read, play and where my dog could actually chew the numerous sticks that he finds apparently everywhere! I didn't want a precious family heirloom to pass on to future generations. Knowing that, I had to make decisions that were a little difficult for the perfectionist crafter in me! My quilt is NOT perfect: the quilting (a grid) is not always at 90 degrees and the binding, done with my sewing machine and not by hand, could have a more even stitch. Feeling sloppy at first, I'm now very happy with all of my quilt's little imperfections. I have set my priorities: cute, comfortable, sturdy and ready to use as soon as possible! I didn't want a picnic quilt that would give me a heart attack if a little bit of mayonnaise from my sandwich falls on it...as long as its washable anyway ;)

23 comments:

Naomi said...

Yay, you finished! It looks great and I'm glad you can use it now.

Anonymous said...

It's lovely! And I think the colors are perfect. Glad you liked your pouch!

Jennifer said...

I think it turned out fabulous! I love the choice of greens... and the best part is that it looks amazingly comfy :)

Anonymous said...

It looks really beautiful! I'm inspired to make one of my own now! I especially love that elephant fabric!

painted fish studio said...

i love the fabrics you used, and even though you claim it is not perfect, i am very jealous of your sewing skills!

Shannah said...

Um... your first quilt ever?!!! This turned out absolutely amazing. I am especially impressed with the color and print combinations- the perfect picnic blanket! Well done:)

Anonymous said...

Oh that's just beautiful Claudia! I've been meaning to make a picnic quilt myself. Was it hard???

Anonymous said...

It looks great! You did a really good job and I know what a perfectionist you are...but hey, so am I, and sometimes you just gotta like what you have when your done! :) Good Job!

Amy said...

I think you should be happy with your decisions, plus...it's wonderful! The fabric is great and better yet, it is going to be used, enjoy :)

Di said...

it's great, I think that you will have many a happy picnic lying on your quilt. I love the spots, the checks and the elephants - in fact I love it all! Can't wait to see the first photo of it in use!

Sandy said...

I absolutely, positively love it! It's perfect!!!! Great job!

ingrid said...

The imperfections are what makes it so perfect! I'm sure you'll get lots of use out of this quilt!

Anonymous said...

My first quilt is exactly the same. The quilting is not always straight and making the squares and triangles it should. My hand binding is ok so far. I machined the front of it but now I have to do it by hand on the back. I'm lacking in hand sewing skills. All the same I'm very proud of my work and ready to work on my next one! :) Yours looks great!

Anonymous said...

way to let go of your inner perfectionist! it looks perfect from here....

Ali said...

It looks just great from here. Wishing you much happy picnicing on it.

Jo-Anne said...

I just love the fabric!!
In my unprofessional opinion, this quilt is absolutely prefect.
May you have many happy picnics!!
:)


How's your grandpa, by the way?

Bridget said...

Perfect? Yes, perfect for what you need it for! And I love the elephants! Maybe you are too hard on yourself?

meg said...

all those little imperfections will be loved more and more as the years go on--before you know it, it will be a cherished heirloom. oh I'm cheezy it's true, but it's a lovely quilt nonetheless.

Michelle said...

Claudia, it looks wonderful! I'm really in awe of all you amazing crafters. You will have such a great time park-hopping all over Montreal.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant! I love your colour choices and patterns.

Anonymous said...

Clo, I love it, the colours, the designs are beautiful, you did an amazing job. Enjoy the mayo, sticks and dog drool!!

Señorita Puri said...

Looks really beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I really like this. I've been looking for a nice blanket to take with us when we hike, but perhaps I'll just make it.