This weekend I finally finished up my Bottled Rainbows Quilt! I can hardly believe it myself!! I started this quilt just as most people were finishing theirs as part of Rachel's Quilt Along, with my very first block being made just before last July.
A whole year, almost! And, now I'm waiting for it to stop raining so I can take some good photos.
I couldn't decide on how to finish this quilt -- at all! I can't tell you how many times I changed my mind. I finally pulled the colorful stack of Riley Blake Chevrons from my shelf late Friday and just went for it! It was a chance for me to add a little black, like I really wanted. And since this quilt is another very special project made up of all those scraps from the last two years, I thought that finishing it with something from Riley Blake would make it even more so. Just another way for me to remember being a part of their team this year!
Our pile of quilts is looking pretty colorful!
I definitely plan to get myself some more of these chevrons. I'm pretty sure most shops are restocking. Oh, and have you seen the new tonals they have coming out in August?? I'm excited!
I picked RBD chevrons for my last Design Team project and again last week for the RBD Pin Cushion Club on the Cutting Corners Blog -- please do check that out!! I didn't get a chance to share it here because of my weekend giveaway. Yup, I definitely love these chevrons!
After finishing up this second, rather large quilt in just a little more than a weeks time, I realized two things --
1. I really need to make smaller quilts, but not toddler size or minis. My Scrappy Quilt measured larger than a queen, this one larger than a twin. I would prefer to make a few on the smaller scale before tackling another large quilt. What is your favorite size quilt to make??
2. I need to buy more yardage! I have been stashing fabrics with a passion for a good year now, usually picking up 1/2 yd cuts most often. When it came to deciding on a quilt back for each of these, piecing together something I was happy with felt like more of a challenge than the quilt top. Do you typically buy 1 yard cuts or larger, to have on hand just for your quilt backs??
I have a few fabrics that are several yard cuts (for curtains)...
And, just a few more that are one yard cuts...
I think most of you have seen pictures of my sewing room -- I have quite a bit of fabric and clearly need to change the way I shop!!
I look forward to hearing your ideas!! ♥ Maureen
p.s. If you're looking for my Sew Mama Sew! May Giveaway -- click HERE!!
A whole year, almost! And, now I'm waiting for it to stop raining so I can take some good photos.
I couldn't decide on how to finish this quilt -- at all! I can't tell you how many times I changed my mind. I finally pulled the colorful stack of Riley Blake Chevrons from my shelf late Friday and just went for it! It was a chance for me to add a little black, like I really wanted. And since this quilt is another very special project made up of all those scraps from the last two years, I thought that finishing it with something from Riley Blake would make it even more so. Just another way for me to remember being a part of their team this year!
Our pile of quilts is looking pretty colorful!
I definitely plan to get myself some more of these chevrons. I'm pretty sure most shops are restocking. Oh, and have you seen the new tonals they have coming out in August?? I'm excited!
I picked RBD chevrons for my last Design Team project and again last week for the RBD Pin Cushion Club on the Cutting Corners Blog -- please do check that out!! I didn't get a chance to share it here because of my weekend giveaway. Yup, I definitely love these chevrons!
After finishing up this second, rather large quilt in just a little more than a weeks time, I realized two things --
1. I really need to make smaller quilts, but not toddler size or minis. My Scrappy Quilt measured larger than a queen, this one larger than a twin. I would prefer to make a few on the smaller scale before tackling another large quilt. What is your favorite size quilt to make??
2. I need to buy more yardage! I have been stashing fabrics with a passion for a good year now, usually picking up 1/2 yd cuts most often. When it came to deciding on a quilt back for each of these, piecing together something I was happy with felt like more of a challenge than the quilt top. Do you typically buy 1 yard cuts or larger, to have on hand just for your quilt backs??
I have a few fabrics that are several yard cuts (for curtains)...
And, just a few more that are one yard cuts...
I think most of you have seen pictures of my sewing room -- I have quite a bit of fabric and clearly need to change the way I shop!!
I look forward to hearing your ideas!! ♥ Maureen
p.s. If you're looking for my Sew Mama Sew! May Giveaway -- click HERE!!
I haven't made a quilt yet...I'm afraid to start because I'm already addicted to fabric. I hope to make a baby sized quilt soon though...maybe a 40 X 40 inch square to play on the floor with? Not sure. I need to start small I'm thinking. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful fabrics!!
ReplyDeleteI have only made three quilts so far....two lap quilts and one bed quilt (Full size bed), and I really like lap quilts, they are easy to tote around, pack and take in the car on trips, or for wrapping up in while sitting on the porch.
I prefer larger cuts of fabric for the backs.
I've decided that if I'm going to start quilting as much as I hope to, that I will be buying 1-3 yd cuts of my favorites, when I find a good sale of course!
DeleteI think a lap quilt sounds like the perfect idea for my next one!!
I recently had the realization that I was stashing all these smaller cuts and I always have to buy fabric for the quilt backs - or spend eons piecing something I'm not excited about! Though, I'm not sure I'll start stashing yardage, as I can't justify the expense unless I know which quilt it's going on...I like a twin size best, myself. Usually I do a smaller quilt and add a border to make it twin sized, just so it is more usable.
ReplyDeleteYour quilts look so gorgeous, Maureen! Can't wait to see what the bottled rainbow looks like all finished. I used to make very large quilts when I started sewing but now I realized I prefer the ones that are about 55" x 65". and, just like you, I tend to buy smaller cuts of fabric, usually 1/2 cuts so I very rarely have enough fabric for the backing. The only exceptions are sheets,, sometimes I buy flat sheets when I like the pattern and then the whole quilt back is so easy peasy.
ReplyDeleteI am new to quilting, and so have just recently started buying to build up my stash. I had the same question about backing. But I had read that some people buy large cuts when they see a fabric they like go on super sale. I have done that a few times now, buying 3 yards of something I like when it gets down to $3-$5 a yard.
ReplyDeleteI like making lap sized quilts - my hubby and I have a relatively small bed and I always hog the covers anyway, so we have separate quilts and that size just works better for that! They also fit through my relatively small machine better.
ReplyDeleteI tend to buy half yard cuts or just FQs of fabric I like, then get yardage of something that coordinates later after I make a quilt (though I do have a few bolts of flannel that I picked up at Joann - it's not the greatest quality, admittedly, but I love having it on the back of quilts!).
I buy mostly 1/2 yard cuts, unless I fall madly in love, in which case it is up to 2 yards. For backings I buy 108" wide muslin, high thread count sheets or extra wide fabric. I like the front to stand out :)
ReplyDeleteWell done - I'm waiting to see your quilt outside!
ReplyDeleteI have made baby quilts and some 'single' about 55" x 70" and I like that size. It's comfortable to use for a afternoon sleep (siesta as we use to have in Greece) and it's quite easy to handle during the work.
I buy what ever size fabrics, from pieces to half yards and metres.
x Teje
I have a FQ of that mustard coloured fabric in the last pic and I have no idea which designer it is... do you know?
ReplyDeleteEsther.
I usually buy two or more depending on the fabric. When I buy blenders, I always buy three yards. If it is something I might want to use to make clothing, I always buy three. Everything else is mostly two yards. Then I have enough for almost anything I want to make.
ReplyDeleteI make a lot of quilts that are perfect for covering up on a couch or recliner. Lap size, I guess. In Texas, that's what we would use them for - more so than on a bed. Also, I buy fat quarters or half yards mostly. I do not buy yardage until I need it for a backing.
ReplyDeleteI make a lot of lap size. And I almost always buy fabric in one yard increments. I never mind having to go fabric shopping to pick out a backing! LOVE to shop for fabric! I do have a few multiple yard cuts of fabric on hand- usually from fabric purchased for a garment and never made, or buying up an awesome find that was end of the bolt and on sale.
ReplyDeleteI started quilting with a passion last Fall. My mother quilted for years and I've played at it before, but never really caught the bug.
ReplyDeleteI've completed two baby quilts and two throw size quilts. I've got another baby quilt top and a 80+ square patchwork chevron top finished and waiting to be quilted. Picking backing and binding KILLS me. Decisions, Decisions!
I feel for you on your fabric stash. I've started buying fat quarters or half yards when I'm not sure what I will do with it. But some fabrics just scream 'I'm a backing." Then I will by two to four yards ... especially if on sale. Sorry. I'm sure you didn't want to know this much.
i love to make big quilts because they are much easier to snuggle with. i hate having my toes stick out of the bottom but i love making smaller lap or throw size quilts because i love having lots of quilts to choose from. i love your stack of very colorful quilts.
ReplyDeletei have been a spontaneous fabric shopper so far this year. buying whatever fits my fancy at the moment i have bought a LOT of fabric but haven't really had much of a method to it. i have been buying 1/2 yard cuts mostly. i want to get more yardage because i agree with you. it makes piecing the backs a little difficult.
My favorite quilt size is a lap quilt measuring 60"x80".
ReplyDeleteFor fabric, I'm changing my ways. :P I used to buy mostly focal prints, but recently I have been beefing up my stash of basics. I was buying a yard of what I like, but quickly learned that I'm running through my basics! I still buy 1 yard cuts, but if it is a repurchase or something I love, I buy 2+ yards.
For backing, I often end up purchasing something to add to some of my stash + leftovers from the top. Same with binding...sometimes I have the right fabric on hand, but I will buy something if I know it is just the finishing touch that I need. :)
This quilt is amazing! I just love it!!
ReplyDeleteI have just gotten the courgage to start my first quilt, so I can't really answer your questions, but I would be happy to hear what others that have a few quilts under their belts think. :) I have the pattern picked out, but need to decide on fabric. I would like to start it by next month. :) Your quilts are lovely by the way, and your kitty too!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I can't wait to see this finished! I think the chevron is a good idea although I tough one to make too! Hoping for some sunshine for you!! =D
ReplyDeleteI really like baby quilts/toddler sized (as large as 50 X 50) becasue they can be handled on the machine. For me, anything larger than that really requires a mid arm or long arm.
ReplyDeleteI typically purchase 1/2 yards and then when the quilt is finished, I'll purchase a few yards fro the backing.
Ooh, can't wait to see this all done! Having only made 4 quilts, I can't really claim to have a favourite size yet lol Although my next one is going to be HUGE. Oh, and I'm never smart enough to think of background yardage til I've nearly finished the top ;o)
ReplyDeleteSo great it's finished! The Chevron binding was a great choice. Loving your stack of quilts so much colour!.
ReplyDeleteI tend to make baby quilts a lot though maybe some people would refer to them as minis.....I've been making some larger quilts, yet to be finished off. I mostly buy FQ's or half yards...I use bed sheets for backing =D
I'm hosting a new swap over at my blog if anyone is interested please pop over for a look =D
http://ibescheraldine.blogspot.co.uk/p/goodie-bag-swap.html
Oh, I can't wait to see the rest! I love to make quilts narrower that the width of quilting cotton. It makes the back easier. Lazy? Yes!
ReplyDeleteI usually by 3 or more yards of fabric because I use it for clothing also. And Quilthome has unlimited capped international postage, so I order with a friend, we do a massive order and go halves in the postage. Tim and I dream of living in the States for a while and he can lecture at a university and I can take advantage of all the free postage offered within the US! Then I think I would by less, but more variety of prints. :)
I can't wait to see it! I remember when you started and it didn't seem that long ago...time really does fly!!
ReplyDeleteSherry K
I have made THREE king size quilts. Plus a couple of smaller ones. I buy in yard increments - but I also have a couple of bolts of solids I got at Joann's at Black Friday sales. And I've used sheets for backing too, on two of those king size ones.
ReplyDeleteI usually buy 1/2 yards unless its a theme, like Lilly and Will Moda I made for my granddaughter and then it was yards and yard because I loved it so much, I wanted some stored for when she is older too. For pillow chams.
ReplyDeleteI want to make a King size but I must tackle some smaller quilts for the other grandbabies, I am stocking up on those teals, aqua's and tangerines..
i buy full yards to a yard and a half, unless it's an end of the bolt that i really like and they've reduced the price per. i prefer making lap size 50" square, 55" at the biggest. bigger ones are too heavy for me to work on now.
ReplyDeleteThe weight of my scraps quilt made it difficult for me to handle. I couldn't have done it without my new Janome and the extension table. While I was quilting it, I did wonder how people with small machine do it? And, if there is a trick I don't know about?? :)
DeleteCan't wait to see your quilt... I still have a quilt top to finish and another to quilt. And fabric... oh my... will I be done for Christmas.
ReplyDeletehum... good question! normally i make the top and when it's finish by the fabric for the back. Just one fabric for the back.
ReplyDeleteMost of my quilt are double bed size... well it's what I have... but for my boys, twin bed is good! baby quilt is just for please my friends!
have a nice day and tell me if you have an idea for our little swap together
thanks for the fantastic giveaway--- i love lots of designers--i like the newest line from ann kelle but there are so many choices that are great! tincupkierstead(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSo much quilty eye candy today! Can't wait to see what you've done with it! I really don't buy large cuts in advance because I know I'll be happier if I'm going to buy them at all, buying them when I finish the quilt. I often wait until I'm actually done with the quilt top to even think about the back!
ReplyDeleteYes, you do have a colorful pile of quilts. And I'm liking the chevrons I see for the binding! I usually buy yardage of one fabric for the back of my quilts. I prefer making crib size and smaller quilts. They're just easier for me to handle than the larger ones.
ReplyDeleteMy typical smaller/non bed sized quilt is about 60" x 70" (70 something...) But nothing I make is anywhere near standard size... it just depends on what the blocks say etc.
ReplyDeleteI buy mostly FQ's with a few half yards, full yards when I really want the fabric but can't find it other than a shop that sells only by the yard (no fractions). I buy backing after the quilt top is finished... or close to it. Sometimes I'll stash a yard or two of a print or solid that I intend to use as the backing of a WIP quilt just to take the sting off of buying so much yardage at once.
Also - I looove your stack of quilts there. So much color. I need some of those chevrons too!
I like throw size quilts and doll bed size. The throw size can be used for all sort sorts of things..furniture cover, wall hanging, tablecloth and the doll bed size also wall hanging, on the back of a chair, a table or dresser scarf...even over the back of the toilet! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI was just going to ask you when you mentioned buying 1/2 yard increments. I don't have much of a stash and I wondered how much fabric seasoned quilters buy when they see something they like but aren't buying for a particular project? You said 1/2 yard...I'll read your followers comments. Great question and one I've pondered!
I love all the quilts and colors and I didn't know about the Bottled Rainbow quilt! How fabulous and what a great idea! Also, I love the pin cushion and I can see how easy it would be to machine quilt those chevrons! Brilliant!
I usually make a "lap quilt" that is about 5 1/2 ft x 6 ft. Not too big but big enough to wrap around me while I watch tv.
ReplyDeleteI almost never pre-buy backing fabric. If I buy yardage it's almost always for clothing. If I am stashing, I buy 1/2 yd. That way I have a fq to use and one to swap or horde. (I am a hoarder!) I almost never but backing fabric ahead of time because I like to see my finished top before buying a backing. If it needs to get done ASAP, I will piece a back from my leftovers and whatever I have on hand. Otherwise I make a special trip to the store to buy backing. There have a been a few times in the past when I pre bought a backing and I never wanted to use it once the tiop was finished. It no longer "went" with my ideas for the quilt. You know?
I love your pin cushion. That elastic for holding your scissors is genius! I am always searching for my tiny snips when sewing. Love. It.