Thursday, October 20, 2011

Sketchbook Quilt Top : :

First, I want to say a huge thank you for all the sweet comments you left me here and on my facebook yesterday! It meant so much to me!

You may remember this little wip from my to-do list a couple of weeks ago. I had just received this Kona Grey that day and had every intention of checking this quilt top off my list first. I can't believe that it wasn't until yesterday that I finally got to it!

Sketchbook Quilt Top

I waited patiently for the sun to shine for some good picture taking, but it just never happened. Around 5 pm Kevin held the quilt for me so I could snap a few photos to share today. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had anything and I have really enjoyed this project run I've been having here these last couple of weeks (or so), so that just wouldn't do! Forgive me, the pictures are quite dark.

Sketchbook Quilt Top

Here are the other appliques that I never got around to sharing separately. They each have a special meaning.

Sketchbook Quilt Top

Sketchbook Quilt Top

Sketchbook Quilt Top

My younger sister Catherine who lives in Hawaii (who first told me about blogs and helped me start this one :) is whom this quilt is designed for, as a thank you. I wanted it to be patchwork and scrappy with appliques. And silly and wonky and fun. I know it's busy and maybe even a little crazy, but that was all part of the plan. The idea is for it to be one big block, like a sketchbook page full of drawings, doodles, and scribbles. I am really hoping once it is quilted it will turn out how I imagine it will. Right now, I'm not too sure?

Sketchbook Quilt Top

So there you have it! I don't care for this last photo much, this is definitely something that looks much better up close. Good thing it's quilt, right?!

To be completely honest, quilting truly just terrifies me. This is my second finished quilt top and I can't seem to get over second guessing everything I do and that feeling that I am just not good at this. How about you? Is there a sewing or crafting skill that you struggle with?

p.s. There's a new fabric giveaway (here's a peek) happening tomorrow, please do stop back! 
And, for those plugging away on their Bottled Rainbows Quilt, like me, I'll have three new blocks finished to share on Monday!!! I know it's been a while. :)
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41 comments:

  1. LinzOctober 20, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Not good at it? You're wrong!!! You are amazing at it! That top looks amazing!!!

    I struggle with 3D sewing. Not clothes, but toys and such. I just need more practice, I think.

    LOVE that quilt top! SO pretty!!

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  2. Maureen Cracknell HandmadeOctober 20, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Really!? I honestly thought most people where going to think it was maybe even ugly? Not the appliques, but the fabrics with the appliques. I didn't really plan it out and then I regretted my choices. I do this to myself with each bottled rainbows quilt block, too. I drive myself crazy! I think I just spend so much time admiring so many awesome quilters, that I just get so overwhelmed. Do you know what I mean?

    Thanks Linz!!!

    Maureen

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  3. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    I think it is different and fun. Great job!!!

    Melissa

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  4. Kate ROctober 20, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    This is fantastic! I just love it - so happy and creative :) I understand you about being terrified of the quilting part though - I am fairly new to quilting and have about 4 finished tops waiting for me to work up the courage to quilt them!

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  5. MeelingOctober 20, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Very pretty Maureen!

    What are you planning to do in the grey border? Quilting takes a different patience than sewing...I've sewed for 25+ years but have only been quilting about 10. There is so much "different" sewing things to learn about quilting.

    Just have fun with it!

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  6. Maureen Cracknell HandmadeOctober 20, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    I added the grey border (it might not end up being so much) just because I have a funky bias planned and with all the busy fabrics I thought I needed the solid? And, of course to add size. I need to measure it, but that is my husband holding it and his arms were stretched out wide and he's about 5.9'.

    I was going to hand quilt in the grey with floss in the colors that make up the quilt?

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  7. Lucy | Charm About YouOctober 20, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    oh my gosh, it's gorgeously amazing!! I adore it. It really made me smile
    x

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  8. lanybleuOctober 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I dont agree with you, your quilt is fab, lovely.

    I stuggle a little with quilts although I have made a few, but still I enjoy making them.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Maureen I don't think you ever have to worry or second guess yourself. Your work is wonderful. This is fun, colorful and just plain beautiful.

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  10. RobinOctober 20, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Quilts always take on a whole new life once you add the batting and I think this one will be amazing! The batting gives them a new look that you just can't get with only the quilt top. I can't wait to see your finished quilt!

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  11. Maureen Cracknell HandmadeOctober 20, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Robin -- That's so true! I think I just had a need to vent today, because I do find quilting hard. I just couldn't share this today without admitting how much I struggle with confident quilting. :)

    Thank you!!!

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  12. katie@stvitalOctober 20, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    I love the colours. The doodle inspiration is great, although, it is much nicer than any page I doodle on!

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  13. Gwen @ Gwenny PennyOctober 20, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    If you're not good at this then I need to quit trying to quilt now :) This is stunning, Maureen. You are so talented, and I know it's hard not to second-guess every choice you make, especially when you compare your work to other people's, but you are building a style that is all your own. Quilting terrifies me, too, because you just spent hours sewing this gorgeous quilt top and you are now going to sew over it and change the look of it and risk messing it up. I'm hoping it gets easier and less terrifying with each quilt that I make. Good luck :)

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  14. JennyOctober 20, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    your sister is going to treasure these beauty!

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  15. Mom2RyandSisOctober 20, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I think it is great, wish I was more confident with applique, I would make one just like it :)

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  16. JanelleOctober 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    I think it's beyond lovely, think the gray gives it a nice pause, and your idea of quilting with bright floss is genius. all the way around I believe it's a success.

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  17. CyndylouOctober 20, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Good morning Maureen, This is just another darling project you've created. I've been sewing and quilting for a long time and sometimes I still anguish over my choices. First of all this is for your Sister, she will love it no matter what it looks like. Second of all, as my Daughter scolded me one day..."Mom if it isn't fun anymore,maybe you need to rethink how you quilt." She was right of course. So instead of worrying about my seams matching, I make quilts that don't have matching seams. Small frustrating pieces became BIG blocks that were faster and lots of fun. Have fun and know you inspire us all even on a cloudy day. Regards, Cyndy

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  18. felicityOctober 20, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Completely and absolutely darling. I *love* the birdies on a branch especially.

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  19. AnnetteOctober 20, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Maureen, I totally understand second guessing yourself. In this case, you can stop! The quilt is fun and happy and all the things you wanted it to be. I think you will be happier with it when it's finished. If you don't like that much gray, then maybe you could use a second solid color. I think it's perfect!

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  20. Rachel at Stitched in ColorOctober 20, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    It came out very nice, Maureen. There's nothing to worry about how it looks from far away. I think you just need to keep getting your feet wet and you'll work yourself into a quilting groove that feels right.

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  21. Mary Anne DruryOctober 20, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    LOVE IT !!!!

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  22. JannellOctober 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Me thinks thou art to hard on thy self. (Artists always are, aren't they?) Loosen up dear, it is all amazingly talented and lovely.
    artteajannell.blogspot.com

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  23. JannellOctober 20, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    *too*

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  24. JaceyOctober 20, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    The quilt top is so sweet! It's a great thank you gift, for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing more Bottled Rainbows!

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  25. RosaOctober 20, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    That`s Top looks absolutely beautiful.I love it and hope you enjoy quilting it.

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  26. Danny HeyenOctober 20, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    I cannot believe you've only finished two quilt tops! Your work is amazing! I'm always impressed by the things you turn out. Great job! And I love this new quilt. The concept is fun and I think the colors are just right. The Kona Grey is really "in" right now, isn't it?

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  27. WoolenSailsOctober 20, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I love your quilt and the meaning behind it. I always think quilts look better with the quilting and they always look better in person, than online. Your sister is going to love it.

    I have a problem finishing mine, I hate pinning, always mess it up and have to keep retrying it, then quilting even if I am not great at it;)

    Debbie

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  28. HappybeeOctober 20, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    your quilt is simply awesome!!!!
    I love every single detail on it!!!!
    And...like you, I'm always so scary about the quilting part...
    I only have a "normal" sewisng machine and the quilting part is always so "tricky" for me and sometimes it will not became as i hoped... :O(
    can't wait to see this quilted!!!!!

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  29. mjbOctober 20, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Oh my gosh!!!! Your quilt is gorgeous:) Love, love, love:)

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  30. pasqueflowerOctober 20, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    What a bright and happy quilt top! Love your applique.

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  31. JenniferOctober 20, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    I love it just as it is!! I think its beautiful!!
    I am learning to quilt and would be super excited to make something so lovely!! :-)

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  32. Crafty NewbieOctober 20, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    I love the bird with heart shaped wing! Creativeness at its finest! :)

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  33. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    This is beautiful! I love the color combos. I had sent you an email about being a guest on blog and featuring your quilted pieces, maybe you didn't get it? Awesome job! I can't wait to see how you quilt it.

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  34. MareenchenOctober 21, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    I love the appliques. Each one is so well done and pretty to look at. It's colourful and playful but not too busy, I think. Sketchbooks must be like that! Further, you balance the 'busy' - if you *want* to call it that - panel with the grey border. It's a truly fun quilt top.

    I feel you about the quilting angst. I've finished my first ever top a couple of weeks ago and then took some time to actually start quilting. I was terrified of the basting (although I used baste spray) and even more terrified of the quilting. I'm still not done because I'm taking it very slow (quilting is an incredibly exhausting thing, bodily, isn't it?) and I'm only doing straight lines!

    Can't wait to see your quilt finished. :)

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  35. Maureen Cracknell HandmadeOctober 21, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Thank you all for the positive comments! I am still on the fence as to how I am going to quilt it? My original plan was to fmq with black thread and I was actually going to write some lyrics on it, along with some funky doodling. Not sure now,maybe I should just do simple quilting on this one?

    Thank again!!!
    M

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  36. UnknownOctober 21, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    This is a great quilt. Love the adorable appliques. Well done. :)

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  37. heidiabcOctober 21, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    This is out of this world fantastic - I love it! Job well done. It makes me want to get some of AMH Mixed Signals. :)

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  38. JennOctober 21, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    This. Is. Awesome! Insanely awesome! Great job Maureen!!!

    Jenn

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  39. WendyOctober 22, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    I would say you are one very accomplished quilt artist - this is absolutely beautiful

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  40. Simply AJOctober 22, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    It's beautiful! It makes you think "happy" the minute you see it (at least that's what I felt). I can't wait to see it when you add the bias and the finishing touches. AJ@queenofmynest

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  41. ElfReneeOctober 22, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    It's awesome! I really love the bird on the branch part!

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