Ultimate Beginner Quilt x 2!

 

I recently had the opportunity to help two sisters finish quilts that they made "together" while apart during Covid restrictions.  They followed the Ultimate Beginner Quilt Sew Along by the Fat Quarter Shop.  It includes free block patterns along with You Tube videos to guide you.  Above is Crystal's quilt.  Below is Marja-liisa's.

I have to say that at first I didn't realize that they were made from the same pattern as the fabric selections and layout differences really make them look different.

This is only Crystal's second quilt and she selected the gingersnap pantograph.

Marja-lissa selected the popcorn pantograph for her first quilt.  I think there will be many more in her future.

Double Diamonds Bargello

This lovely Double Diamond Bargello quilt was brought to me by Ann.  She collected the fabrics over the last 10 years and was thrilled to get all her treasures made into a quilt for her.  It is hard to get a true appreciation for the size of this King Size quilt as it tops my queen size bed.

Ann chose the Feather Curl pantograph for the quilting and i used a shiny Magnifico thread in a muted purple color. It is such a pretty finish for this quilt.

The quilting looks lovely on the flannel backing as well, but let me warm you a king size bargello with a flannel back does not make for a light quilt!  Ann is going to stay fit making her bed everyday.....

 

Broken Star

This beautiful Broken Star quilt belongs to Gay.  It is very special to her as the top was made by her dear friend Ann who recently passed away.  I was honored to be asked to help make this treasure into a finished quilt.

Gay knew that she did not want dense quilting, as she wanted the quilt to have a nice drape when it was done.  She also knew that she wasn't fond of the continuous curve design that is often quilted on the coloured diamonds.  So the design plan became feathers, feathers and more feathers (but nice open ones.)

Each large diamond sections received a open feather plume in peach thread.  

I quilted a feather wreath in the background squares and flowing loose feathers in the corners in a cream coloured thread.  

 

When the quilt was on the frame and I was only seeing small sections at a time, I was worried that I might have missed the mark on the size of the feathers.  They seemed really big, but I trusted the vision.  Once I pulled the quilt off the frame I loved the result, and was pretty sure I had fulfilled Gay's request.

And a few more pictures, because I just love it so much!

 

Scrappy Strawberry

This delicious scrappy strawberry quilt belongs to Reneta.  The block pattern comes from the  Farm Girl Vintage book.

Reneta selected the Sweet Pea Pantograph and it makes me feel like spring is in the air!

 

Pie Cherries

This fun quilt belongs to Amy.  The Pie Cherries block is from the Farm Girl Vintage book.

Amy has belonged to a block swap group for a number of years.  Amy picked this block for her turn and the others members of the group sent her blocks in a variety of fun red fabrics.

Amy selected the Sweet Pea pantograph and I think it comes together for a pretty springy finish.

 

  

Wonderful Woodland for Baby

Reneta made this darling baby quilt using some of the blocks from the Wonderful Woodland pattern by Art East Quilt Company.  You can see Reneta's original full quilt with all the blocks here.

Reneta requested my freehand woodgrain quilting which is one of my favorite things to do.  I am having trouble deciding on my favourite block!  The blue raccoons are pretty special though.

 

Blue Kaleidoscope and more

This beautiful Kaleidoscope quilt was made by Karen.  All of the blocks are cut from the single fabric you see in the inner border.  The variation always amazes me.

Karen selected the Flower Child Pantograph and I used a graphite colored So Fine thread for the quilting.

Karen often makes interesting pieced backings and this is the first time I saw a zipper back and I love it!

This second quilt Karen sent was made from the leftover of this Shadow Box quilt.  She chose the Maple Syrup Pantograph which looks great on the front and with the print on the flannel backing.