Friday, July 10, 2009

My First Quilt

Here it is in all it's glory... the first quilt I ever finished. I actually starting quilting because I wanted a quilt for my oldest's bed. I couldn't find one I liked so I decided to make one (it's in the wash right now so no picture). At the time we had just moved to Saratoga Springs and my friend Kristen called to see if I be interested in doing a quilt block swap. There were quite a few of us and we each cut fabric to make five shoo fly blocks to swap with each other. We used white backgrounds. Although I had already started my other quilt I finished this one first. I love it. It is absolutely the worst quilting and piecing job you will ever see, but I love it. I didn't know how to square it up so I just made it into a square and some of the blocks are practically cut in half. A few people in the group had never sewn at all before. They cut their fabric by hand. Some of the cuts people made were not accurate. I didn't want to replace any fabric for fear someone would see it and feel bad because their fabric was not used. So I used all of what I had. I love the scrappiness of it. There is all kinds of fun fabric in it. I think if I had not been invited to do this swap I would have made my other quilt, maybe taken a class or two, but I don't know if I would have fully fallen in love with quilting.

Four years later this is my newest quilt for my newest child....

So there you have it. My newest and my oldest quilt. I've loved seeing all your first and last quilts this week. Thanks Camille for starting all this! Oh... something I learned along the way? Really, look at the first quilt. What haven't I learned along the way? I have definately learned a thing or two about matching up points. I've also learned how to cut more accurately, I've learned how to applique. I've learned to LOVE ric rac!

12 comments:

Esther said...

Oh! I love that quilt. I've seen it before and wanted to make it! Good job!

Sherri said...

What a great story...so many pieces for a first quilt...and your newest quilt is beautiful!

Carrie said...

Hi Elizabeth ~ I love the quilts but I love the story even more! I'm so happy that you love that first quilt, it's one of those "happy" quilts that always make me smile. And your latest quilt is wonderful ~ another happy quilt! I'm starting to think that's something you put into your quilts! Thank you for sharing your quilts and stories!

mathea said...

That's a great story behind your first quilt, but if you think your piecing was bad, have a look at mine!
I love your latest quilt - so sweet!

Strlady said...

Love them both! I'm a scrappy type of gal so your first will always be appealing and that last one was just a beauty!

heather said...

Great quilts! I love scrappy quilts and bright colors so they both appeal to me.

dotti white said...

Elizabeth--I love your quilts! Thank you so much for sharing your story!

Jantine said...

Whow I really love your first quilt! I don't now about the stitches etc. you will, but I really love the colors and the lay out!

Katie B said...

Your quilts are gorgeous! I love the newest one.

Peanut Blossom said...

I love your most recent quilt! Those flowers are so happy.

MamaT said...

I love all your bright colors. They're so fashionable! Thanks for sharing your quilts with us. Great blog, too. I'll come back.

Marlublu said...

I like both your quilts. Cutting your blocks in half is usually the way to do the sides on a quilt like that so that's o.k. Your latest is just darling. You're very good with color. Looks like you've gotten the quilt bug.