The quilt that keeps on giving



Do you remember my crazy quilt? The one I finished at the end of 2017?

I am not sure if I mentioned it before but at the time, I cut way more fabric pieces than I needed because I wanted there to be a good colour balance to the end. I just knew that cutting exactly the right number would result in one corner being all the remaining unloved browns.... (so much for random picking).


Not wanting to waste the surplus fabric strips, I made six gorgeous placemats for my mum's Christmas. This was Christmas before last. I was still left with a small bag of strips and I thought I'd make placemats for us, too. Then I thought placemats are a bit of a pain for big families with messy children. They need washing and quite possibly pressing. Neither appealed and the small bag of strips was put in a box.


A few months ago, my tummy cushion cover started to look a bit shabby. Then it started to fall apart and I decided it was time to make a new cover. I mulled this over for a few weeks, rummaged through my fabric scraps and rediscovered the bag of strips. Still, my motivation was minimal even though my cushion was now embarrassingly shabby. Never mind I thought, nobody ever sees it (it helps me sleep by keeping my spine in a comfortable position). Then, finally, last week I really needed a finish and decided to make something quick. I sewed the strips together one evening, and on Saturday I assembled the small blocks, ironed some fusible interfacing on the back side and "quilted" the pieces by machine. I found a zip that was just the right length. It didn't take long at all. The cushion is small, 30 x 30 cm. I am quite pleased with this. The cushion on my bed alongside the matching quilt is a bit like double jeans... but I can live with this.











With some of the remaining strips I made a small pencil bag. I inserted the zipper with tabs on either side. I don't know why I never did this before, it makes assembling the layers so much easier. I lined the zipper bag with remnants from a blouse I made last year. I should have probably top-stitched the zipper down to avoid the lining getting caught in the teeth but I didn't. I hope this pencil bag will help me keep track of pens and pencils. I usually throw one in my backpack and then end up losing them.

I have a two 3 inch blocks and few strips left. The strips are mostly brown and beige. I might just add these to the compost bin, browns are just not my thing. If you like to give them a home, please let me know, I'll pop them in an envelope for you. The strips are 3.5 x 1.5 inches. 

All in all quite a satisfying few hours of sewing. I forgot how nice it is to finish something quickly. All my current projects take weeks to months and I needed this near instant achievement. I have some hexagons left from my hexagon quilt. I think I am going to stitch this together into a square and make a nice new wash bag, maybe a boxy one.

Thanks for visiting xx





Comments

  1. That is my kind of sewing - the thrill of the finish! I try not to put brown in my quilt palettes either, they seem to drag the brights down. I would to report that I have a pillow to stop my spine twisting too but mine has an old pillow case on. I have just cut some more of your tiny scraps for the stamp quilt but I have not had my sewing machine working for three weeks now and it is driving me crazy. I am waiting on a new part. I have been using Heidi's machine but it does straight and 3 zig zags and my current sewing WIP's are all in stretch fabric or need buttonholes. Aaagh!

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  2. Nicely done, I love the colours, amazing. I'm a big fan of pencil cases, well anything bag in fact. I use a sleeping pillow as well, I should really make it pretty like you've done. CJ xx

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  3. You are pretty impressive at this.

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  4. I love all 3 - quilt, cushion and pencil case. The colours are beautiful. xx

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  5. That is brilliant the quilt that keeps on giving..,such great makes. The pencil case is a delight. I really should make myself one but never seem to get around to it. Like you my projects have a tendency to take quite awhile.

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  6. Those are super finishes! It is so satisfying have something completed. My socks have stalled and I haven’t felt like working on my shawl. Maybe something small and more quick is what I need.

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  7. I need to cover some of my pillows too, I have way to o much fabric laying around.

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  8. That's an adorable pencil case. Colors are just beautiful.

    I too love small projects. Less time and quick results. :)

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  9. Bravo on all the things you've made with your fabric leftovers. Very good for the environment to make fabric things yourself. Happy Spring tomorrow! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  10. Your makes are lovely (pencil bag envy!) and you make it all sound so easy. I've even forgotten how to thread the sewing machine. Actually, I've forgotten where I put the sewing machine.

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  11. There is nothing quite so satisfying as a quick finish project... and I know that because I have far too many things that take forever! I really like your pencil case x

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  12. Lovely cushion and pencil case from leftover fabric and I love the orange zip. Well done you-the washbag sounds a great use of the hexagons.

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  13. Great projects . . . so colorful and happy. I love that!

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  14. i love how you made the pencil case!! patchwork is just lovely - we dont find much of it around these parts.. lovely work. xxx

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  15. Christina! I have missed you and am glad to have had a bit of a catch up...gorgeous photos of frost and flowers and growing boys, and gorgeous you in your gorgeous purple beautifully knit sweater, interesting critters and wonderful quilt projects, and also relishing the words that enhance, elaborate, explain, and explore the story you are living. So glad for your work contract, and that you are enjoying reading and are bravely trying to exercise wisdom in choosing/managing the machines in your life as well as guide and glory in/endure the growth of each of your dear children. Your honest wit delights, and encourages me to care and thank you for posting and keeping in touch with me through your lovely comments on my infrequent posts and despite my infrequent comments on your posts! xx

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  16. I cant wait to see that next project. I am curious what is a wash bag? I love that you made that adorable pencil bag. I know how to insert zippers, but I must confess I loathe inserting a zipper. Well done girly... Love Raquel

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  17. Well done with the last of your strips of fabric. I love, love, love the bag. Very smart I think. And the pillow is just the perfect pop of color. Great job.

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  18. I love the ways as your scraps get smaller you adapt - you are so creative. It is all so fabulous, colourful and clever. I bet you have the best pencil case in the office!
    Wren x

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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