Sewing: Mini Quilts

I have to say (no pun intended) that I have to say's tutorial for sewing these little quilts is a very good one.  Randi is clear and detailed and offers a photo for practically each step along the way. 

I've learned a lot about quilting in a short period of time (realizing of course, that I've only grazed the surface of what quilting is all about).  For one, I learned that I own very few neutral fabrics.  And...my sewing lines are not as straight as I'd like. Perhaps that has to do with a combination of cutting out long strips of fabric late at night with a dull rotary cutter blade, lighting that could be better, my eyesight which could also be better, and fuzzy mathematics.  I think the picking out of fabrics and the cutting took me longer to accomplish than the actual sewing. And I realize that perhaps I should have used brown thread on this one instead of white. 

In addition, trying to combine lightweight linens from thrifted clothing and quilter cottons was probably not the best idea. Thrifty, yes.  Sewing ease, no. (as a side note to myself ~ remember to wipe off the sewing table before placing the finished quilt on it and snapping a photo: ignore the dust please)

I really liked some of the fabrics I used, but when put together, the colors and designs gave each quilt a different look than what I had anticipated. Not a bad look, just different.  Sort of like when you pick out a color sample that's about 'yay big' (roughly 3" square) from the paint department only to realize how different it appears painted on a large wall in your home! 

There were a few places on the backs of the quilts that I couldn't 'catch' the seams when I applied the binding and will have to go back and hand sew a few stitches.  Adding a tiny bit more seam allowance next time might do the trick for me.

All in all, I really enjoyed participating and learning in Randi's mini quilt sew-along.  This was a fun project and although basically a 'test run' for me in terms of wanting to make a full-size quilt this year (I hope!), I've come to realize that when I sew...

I really like sewing something that I can use. 

Does that make sense?  Combining art with craft, aesthetics with function, beauty with use? 

I'm looking forward to Randi's 2nd Sew-Along project for 2012:  an ironing board cover!  Now there's something I definitely could use... why don't you join in? 

Comments

[Tracey]

I love them! I think because there is so much white fabric that the white thread with the brown looks just fine. You are just amazing!

[Kristen]

These turned out great! I did Randi's quilt-a-long a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. And we use that quilt all the time. I agree with your point about sewing for useful things - that is my favorite part about it! I am planning to join up for the ironing board cover -have a question for you so call me when you get a chance!

[MaryBeth]

I agree with Tracey about the threads and I think you did great job. Also, cutting out the pieces is the most time consuming and the most important task to making a quilt. Like carpentry, measure twice, cut once. I found out thrifting material doesn't always work due to stretching. Looking forward to seeing your full size quilt. Keep us posted. Hugs...

[Spalva]

I really like those greens and reds and blues. I'm thinking that could be the color scheme for my house in France -- except I just decided on something else last week!

Get this! I got a sewing machine for Christmas. I haven't sewn since I was about 11. I forked over a big load of cash for organic fabric shipped from the UK (pound/dollar not good, you know?). And I'm planning my first project as a lap quilt for my big girl. I think I must be nutso.

[Kim]

These are lovely, wonderful job!!!!

[Cynthia]

I, for one am impressed! They look lovely. I have only made one quilt ever and it was no small feat. Someday I would like to try my hand at making some more. If only there were more hours in the day for all the crafting/sewing I would love to do!

[lori]

i love these ellen, you've done a beautiful job. i really think they look perfect, i can only see lovely quilt squares. you are going to make the most beautiful quilt. i think i've said this before, but you really are inspiring me to begin sewing again. can anyone join the iron board cover along?

[Cynthia]

Oh oh oh Ellen I love these so. They look amazing! I am going to check out the blog for sure. You did a great job and the colour combos are so wonderful.

[Taryn Oakley]

those would make great placemats. Great job!!

[amanda {the habit of being}]

these look great! and i'm thinking placemat or wall hanging...