vibrant memories
The quilt is all done. Finished it this Wednesday morning. As of last night, we all cuddled up on the couch and Big T. said she was warm and comfy. I believed her. I felt the same way too. I also felt emotional because the whole quilt is a reminder of all pieces of memories I hold from a very memorable visit to Ghana, where I bought most of the wax prints. The quilt is so full of energy, vibrance and warmth, just like the place was.
Size wise, it turned out to be 64 inches by 47 inches. All fabrics are 100% cotton. The batting is wool. I was lucky to get a queen size batting as a compensation from the store I bought it from after I found out two weeks later, that they lost my order. So I doubled it up to make a thicker loft that is also warm.
The perfect corners on the binding were easy to make using this continuous binding tutorial. Previously on other quilts, I could not get my corners to turn out so well on both sides of the quilt. But now they do.
The backing is another wax printed fabric that has a pattern on it. It was slightly less wider than the quilt top so I decided to add a strip of printed fabric on one end. I think it adds some element of surprise.
My quilting skills are very rusty as I discovered, but I managed to finish it. Anything bigger in size than this quilt, I would pay someone to quilt. Note to self:-I also need to do more sewing to polish up some skills so that I don't get too frustrated when something isn't working (and stop blaming Gerda for everything wrong rather than my own inexperience). I guess it's a learning process.
So, that means Marsha, you were right on guessing the date. Thank you all for playing! You all helped me to focus on this project and see it done.
More photos here.
Happy weekend!
What an inspired (and inspiring!) piece of work. How wonderful that it has such meaning and memories for you, you'll treasure it always!
Posted by: mel | March 08, 2008 at 07:38 AM
Oh Wow! I love it!
Now I only wish I had time to do some quilting on top off everything else! ;-)
Posted by: filambulle | February 28, 2008 at 06:28 PM
Absolutely gorgeous quilt.
Posted by: Sandra | February 20, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Such beautiful colours and the quilt is really gorgeous. Well done.
Posted by: Ger | February 20, 2008 at 10:24 AM
It's breathtaking and so very unique! You did an amazing job.
Posted by: Nora | February 19, 2008 at 01:05 AM
This is just gorgeous. You did such a great job with it. Love it Love it!
Posted by: lynne | February 18, 2008 at 06:24 AM
Beautiful quilt - looks cozy!
Posted by: Priscilla | February 17, 2008 at 07:49 PM
That is absolutely beautiful! I love it.
Posted by: Wanda | February 16, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Beautiful !!!! I think you used the african fabrics in the right way, letting it really vibrate !
Posted by: Vera | February 16, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Wow, that is really pretty, I really like the colours.
Posted by: Birte | February 16, 2008 at 03:46 AM
oh lucy, i can see how special this quilt is.
wow. the fabrics are really unbelievable!
have a wonderful weekend snuggling under all that beauty.
Posted by: leslie | February 15, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Congratulations on creating such a beautiful heirloom to pass down. It's great that the fabrics impart extra meaning, as well as the skill and love that you put into it!
Posted by: Nicole | February 15, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Its' STUNNING!! Great fabrics with great memories.
Posted by: Ursula | February 15, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Stunning!
Posted by: Ada | February 15, 2008 at 04:49 PM
so well done! And what a great memory to go with the quilt.
Posted by: Cheryl | February 15, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Beautiful - it reminds me of an antique log cabin quilt my mother has - the richness of the colors combined with the scrappy nature.
Posted by: jessie | February 15, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Your quilt is quite stunning. It is wonderful to finish something so large and complex and then enjoy the beauty and comfort it brings. Glad to know that you are feeling better.
Posted by: lucette | February 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
That quilt is beautiful! And your corners are perfect. Thanks for that tutorial - I'm working on my first quilt right now, and I'm sure I'll use it.
Posted by: Lisa | February 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
It's beautiful! You have done a wonderful job!
Posted by: villapeikko | February 15, 2008 at 11:11 AM
wow that is so beautiful. I love the colors and fabrics from Ghana. It is unusual to see and African inspired quilt. Love it
Posted by: Peacock Chic | February 15, 2008 at 11:04 AM
this is simply amazing, L. beautiful work on all accounts!
Posted by: lolly | February 15, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Beautiful quilt - you have made a stunning job of it - I LOVE the colours.
Posted by: zoe | February 15, 2008 at 09:02 AM
I don't know if I can even express how much I love this quilt. I am a fairly new reader to your blog, as my friend sent me a link when she saw your quilt top. I lived in Ghana for a year and you quilt has inspired me to finally cut into my fabric and learn to sew better. I'll be pondering this quilt all day. Congradulations on getting it done!
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 15, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Your quilt is fantastic. I'm also a fan of wax prints, and wish I had bought enough for a quilt when I was in Cameroon. I'm truly in awe.
Posted by: Meghan | February 15, 2008 at 08:49 AM
It looks terrific! What a lovely gift!
Posted by: Marsha | February 15, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Just gorgeous Lucy!!
You did a MARVELOUS job!
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | February 15, 2008 at 08:04 AM