Monday, August 17, 2009

Quilted and Bound!

When the modem on my computer went up in smoke about three weeks ago and I was without the internet for seven days, I made a quilt top from a free pattern offered by the Blackbird Design gals on their blog which I wrote about here.  I was really pleased with the way it turned out but I was in no rush to have it quilted.

chrbrdEvery Wednesday afternoon, a bunch of us get together to work on whatever handwork strikes our fancy.  Nancy (no blog) is an amazing quilter and about 6 months ago, purchased a longarm machine and has been practising and taking classes whenever and wherever she can.  Every week she brings in one or two quilts that she has machine quilted and each time she never ceases to amaze us.

chrbrdTwo weeks ago, I brought in my Lemoyne Star pieced top for show and tell and one thing led to another and to make a long story short, Nancy offered to quilt it for me.  She asked me if I had any preferences and all I said was that I envisioned feather wreaths in the connecting blocks and that she had ‘carte blanche’ to do whatever she wanted with the rest.  I told her that I was in no rush which was fine by her as she was leaving for France this past Friday for a ten day vacation.

I actually didn’t expect to even see Nancy this past Wednesday and she took us all by surprise when she walked in with my quilt neatly folded on a hanger and covered with a clear plastic protective sleeve.  I was flabbergasted by what little I could see of it.  Nancy and another gal carefully removed it from the hanger and held it up for all to see.  The tears started streaming down my face.

DSCN0875Look at the quilting.  Isn’t it amazing?  Nancy has been doing this for only 6 months and this is all done free hand.  Yes, she ‘drives’ the machine but all the designs are of her own creation.  None are computer generated.

DSCN0876Nancy told me that it took her 4 days to complete the quilting.  I can believe it because there’s not one square inch that doesn’t have some form of quilting on it.

DSCN0871This is the reverse side nearest the binding.  Click on the photo to enlarge it.  Amazing, huh?

DSCN0870 Every point on each star has a feather quilted in it!

I finished sewing the binding on it last night then washed and dried it.  Nancy used a very low loft wool batting and it came out of the washer and dryer as soft as butter.  She was a bit concerned that it might be a little stiff from all the quilting but I believe the answer was the wool batting.  From here on in, I’ll never use anything but wool.

I am thrilled to bits and I just can’t wait to see what she does with my next one!

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

 

87 comments:

Annelise Pedersen said...

What an adorable quilt!
Hugs from Denmark

edie said...

You must be kidding!!!! Six months, can't be. Diane Gaudynski move over. Your piecing is gorgeous, and Nancy's machine quilting is breathtaking. Oh, Kaaren, what a lovely and precious quilt, so full of wonderful memories. Thanks so much for sharing. Your blog always makes me smile. Have a good Monday. Edie in Harlingen where I fear we will never again see rain!

Heidi said...

I would have cried too seeing this. Wow! She really did an amazing job and I think it looks like an heirloom antique quilt. Enjoy this precious gem on your bed.

Hugs ~
Heidi

Rebecca's Tea House said...

Your quilt is stunning. I have fabric set aside to do this same quilt and this is just the motivation I needed to get started. Beautiful quilting. You are very lucky to have someone so talented to help finish your quilts. Stop by and say 'Hi' and see some of my Blackbird Designs and more....www.rebeccasteahouse.blogspot.com

Puddles of Grace said...

WOW!!!!!!! The two of you made a beautiful quilt!!! Does Nancy blog?! It would be neat to see more of her work!

Julie said...

holy smokes!! this is simply stunning! both your work and your friend's quilting. i can see why you are so in love. this is surely something for you to treasure.
big hugs
julie :) xox

Francien said...

WAUW....your quilt looks even more beautiful than it allready did...now I know that every quilt should be quilted..its so lovely...Nancy did a wunderful job...I would not dare to do this on another quilt in such a short time that she had the machine.....and you...just put it in de washingmachine!!!!after that beautiful quilting...didn,t you just sit in front and stare in to it to see if it was ok??!!Anyway...it looks AWESOME...such an amazing quilt!!
Have a nice week...
greetings Francien.

Deb said...

Oh my gosh - the quilt and quilting are both absolutely amazing! Makes me want to start quilting again so badly!! I would have been thrilled to death to get that quilt back with that beautiful quilting.

Gayle said...

Wow - I can't believe she's only been quilting for a few months! She's done a spectacular job quilting your quilt, but you also did great on the piecing. I just love a quilt after it's been washed and gets all puckered up and soft.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Oh my, that is just amazing! You piecing and her quilting is a perfect combination!

Candace said...

Oh Kaaren - I think you have another Best of Show - no wait - you DO have another Best of Show! Nancy and you do amazing work - what talent!
Cheers!

Dorothy said...

The quilt is wonderful Kaaren, and Nancy did a beautiful job of the quilting. Where is she located?
I'll be looking for a new quilter soon, mine is retiring.

Darlene said...

Stunning! Beautiful! Gorgeous!

Cathi said...

Wow -- she is very talented to have quilted that so beautifully after only six months!!
It's really interesting to hear about the wool batt keeping it soft with all the quilting. Another one that seems to stay very soft and drape beautifully even with heavy quilting is the new silk batt.

Annette said...

This is absolutely stunning! It took my breath away.

Pat said...

Beautiful! Just beautiful!

Linda said...

Just Amazing!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful for free motion and 6 months!

Karen said...

I am thrilled for you! Fabulous machine quilting. What a talented person. Please share that with Nancy.

Bunny said...

Oh my goodness this gal is amazing her quilting is awardwinning I am sure and she has only been doing this for 6 months. I wish I was closer to her she sure would get one of my quilt to do.
Kaaren your piecing is also to die for amazing job you make a wonderful duo.
Pop over to enter my giveaway today

Abby and Stephanie said...

Oh my goodness!!! Your quilter is an artist. Divine.

Becky said...

Wow! That is absolutely beautiful. It truly looks professional as if the photo was taken for a magazine. What a treasure between your top and her quilting design...love it!

Anonymous said...

Woooooaaaahhh, what a beauty!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Now I have been impressed by a lot of things I see on quilting blogs in the last 18 months, but that is the cherry on top! I am teary just looking at it. Oh Kaaren, you must get goosebumps looking at it. With your piecing and choices of fabric and her quilting, well, it's a masterpiece!! Enjoy enjoy!

hugs, Linda

Mel said...

Breathtaking! What an heirloom you have!

Janet said...

What a stunning job you've both done, the quilting is pretty amazing and suits the quilt so well.

Nanette Merrill said...

Really breathtaking. So beautiful. Both of you have done a great great job. It is really spectacular.

Miriam said...

Wow!!! That quilt is a work of art!!!
Absolutely stunning!! Very inspiring.

Thank you for sharing.

When I grow up I want to be able to make a quilt like that!:)

Julia said...

What a stunner...oh my gosh, it's just beautiful!..
Julia ♥

The Rabbit Factory said...

The quilting is amazing and your quilt looks so beautiful! Nancy is very talented and the two of you make a great duo!
P.S. I'm still trying to get over how quick you did that cross stitch!

dotti white said...

Absolutely amazing...you are very blessed!

Anne said...

Wow, that is one talented lady! I can't imagine what another 6 months of experience is going to do for her. It's just beautiful!

Rumi said...

Nancy is amazing! Gorgeous work by the both of you!

Behind My Picket Fence said...

Your friend's quilting is amazing even for someone who has been long-arming for years. If she's only been at it for 6 months, she truly has a rare talent. I did long-arm quilting for several years at a quilt shop and I am here to tell you that it a difficult skill. Beautiful!!!!! I have also used the wool batting and really love it. It "sleeps" great - cool in summer and warm in winter. Really.

Wendy said...

I almost cried too, that's just incredible and for her to have done it free-hand is even more amazing. Wow does that girl have talent.

Sew Useful Designs said...

Oh my gosh, Kaaren! There is just one word that I can spill from my mouth, and that is "WOW"! My chin nearly dropped to the floor when I read your post and saw those photos. Wow! Wow! Wow! Your friend is one very talented lady!! To think she is new to quilting and it only took her four days.... WOW! It is the nicest design I have ever seen!

Lots of love!
Vikki xoxo

Jocelyn said...

Oh My! What a beauty! She did an outstanding job of quilting. And she has only been doing this for 6 months!!! Look out gals, she's on a roll.

Sherri said...

What stunning quilting! It is just beautiful!

Karen said...

Oh my goodness Kaaren that quilt is a treasure. She started with a beautiful quilt and added to it. I can't believe she's only been doing this for 6 months - unbelievable. What a beautiful quilt.

Hugs - karen

Carrie P. said...

Yeah, I can get back to your blog. You and Nancy did a fantastic job on the quilt. For only quilting for 6 months she is excellent. She definitely is an artist. Amazing.

Mel said...

I see I've already commented to this post, but I have to say again, "Breathtaking!"

Unknown said...

WOW!! That is truly amazingly beautiful!!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Kaaren, Nancy has done beautiful work. Your quilt turned out gorgeous.
You still have a package coming your way, just haven't had time to get it together. Thank you for all your blessings, boy do I need them with the insurance co. It just amazes me.
I was catching up and saw all your ribbons, you go girl.
Keep Stitchen'
Bonnie

ranette said...

What a beautiful quilt. I think you've got a real treasure with your friend...amazing!

Cathy B said...

Wow - what a beautiful quilt!

Rose Marie said...

A gorgeous quilt and your friend is very talented!

dokiquilts said...

i'm a little late on the congrats but gotta chime in--that's a beautiful quilt! quilting is gorgeous but your piecing is pretty nice too :-) that's an heirloom quilt for the generations.

LyndaG said...

This is an elegant quilt - I did get teary while oogling it, but more from the music. I haven't heard 'Daddy's Little Girl' for a long time, and had a rush of memories of my Dad singing it. Thank you.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Great choice for the Quilt Festival Kaaren! My August comment still applies!!

Terri Stegmiller said...

Beautiful quilt!

Jonathan said...

Wow, that is absolutely stunning!

Anonymous said...

beautiful quilting for a beautiful quilt!

Zonnah said...

It is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! Your quilter is indeed amazing doing this caliber of work after only 6 months.

stitchinpenny said...

What an amazing job of quilting. Nice quilt.

Marge Gordon said...

one talented piecer plus one talented quilter equals one beautiful quilt!

Claudia said...

Your quilt is fantastic. I love the quilting. It really makes the quilt.

Unknown said...

What a great job BOTH of you did, no amount of quilting (even THAT awesome) can hide bad piecing and you did some great piecing!

Laura said...

You are a super duo of talented artists Congratulations! A hug from Mexico

Sara said...

Gorgeous! And, the quilting is beautifully done...Very, very pretty quilt.

Trudi said...

Wow! I'm blown away by the quilting on this quilt. It's stunning! And what a surprise!

tooznie said...

That quilting is amazing, and it only took 4 days!! Incredible!

Rene' said...

Your quilt is absolutely stunning!!! So amazing. How nice to be so talented and then have such a talented friend to do the machine quilting ;-)) Nancy did an incredible job. If she is for hire and you get a chance, please forward her information. Thanks for sharing.

renecreates@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

What a talented pair of friends you are - the piecing is wonderful and the quilting is just breathtaking. I'm in awe of anybody who can do such wonderful quilting.

Sunflower Design said...

A masterpiece! I hope you enter it in a show somewhere. The design is nice and simple. The quilting compliments the design. Gret job to both of you!

Aimee said...

Holy Moly! Have you entered this piece of perfection in a show somewhere?! It's awesome!

Jana said...

WOW! I love the whole quilt. The quilting is beautiful! That girl has a natural touch.

Miri said...

Beautiful!

Uniquely Yours Creations said...

It came out gorgeous!
What will Nancy do in 2 yrs.?
or one even.. wow

SewCalGal said...

Absolutely beautiful quilt. Thanks for participating in the Blogger's Quilt Festival.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Robin said...

Oh, Kaaren! It is beautiful!!! Your friend is truly gifted. The quilt was already lovely, but she really took it to the next level. It is a keepsake, for sure. Thanks so much for sharing it! :)

Leslie said...

wow, that is really amazing quilting. i love the pattern of the quilt and the colors

quiltmom anna said...

Kaaren,
There are not words to describe your fantastic quilt. Your friend did absolutely amazing job on the quilting. She has a gift to be able to use the long arm machine so well so quickly.
Your quilt is a heirloom that will be a treasure for your loved ones.
Thanks for sharing.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Ariane said...

Wow! This quilt is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Carin said...

Your quilt is beautiful and the quilting really does it justice.

Dresden Quilter said...

The quilt is incredible! You have done such an amazing job and so has Nancy. It is so wonderful to see people who take pride and care in what they do.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful quilt!!

Jocelyn said...

I loved this quilt! Beautiful quilting.

Kim said...

Your quilt is beautiful and the machine quilting is amazing!

QuiltSue said...

A fantastically fabulous quilt, the piecing, the quilting all absolutely wonderful.

Staci K. said...

Oh my!! What a stunner. The quilting is absolutely gorgeous! This is a quilt that will be loved by many generations, I'm sure.

dq said...

This quilt is beautiful, but the quilting makes it absolutely stunning! Hats off to you and your quilter!!

I am so inspired. That really is a complement because I've been piecing, hand quilting, and machine quilting for over 16 years. Most quilts look ordinary to me anymore -- but not this one.

Rose Marie said...

I loved seeing this quilt the first time and am in love with it all over again! It is still stunning and gorgeous!

Zlaty said...

Hello,

Your friend Nancy did an amazing job on the quilting as you did on the piecing! I love your colors too!

I got a frame for quilting too and your post inspired me to practice!

Happy sewing!

Zlaty

Anonymous said...

This is a match made in Heaven - your quilt and her long arm. This is a BEAUTY!!! Such talent...from two women! ; ) Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

This is a match made in Heaven - your quilt and her long arm. This is a BEAUTY!!! Such talent...from two women! ; ) Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe that amazing quilting! That is some seriously hard work. SO BEAUTIFUL!