My exotic King quilt

 After upgrading from a Queen to a King size bed, I didn't want to part with my Queen duvet I had made. I made an entry for this almost seven years ago in Finally back to sewing. I questioned if taking it apart, adding borders, hand quilting it, and then sewing the binding would be worth it. So, with a week off from work as a creative 'Staycation', I got to work. 

This was a huge task, and my fingers are pretty much devoid of fingerprints from hand quilting around the squares. I used a dark gray bed sheet for the backing because a) fabric is expensive, and b) I like to use what I have on hand. Once I quilted it together, I had to cut binding at a 90' angle from another bedsheet, pin it, and ensure the corners didn't show any gaps. 

All throughout the finishing of this quilt, my cat Cece lended her paw-well, not really. But she definitely enjoys this quilt and thinks it's hers now.

Baby quilt

 I am going to be an aunt again! My older brother is expecting his 2nd daughter this November, and I couldn't be more excited for him. Of course that means I made my niece a baby quilt already. This is one of my simple quilt patterns from years ago when I first taught myself to quilt. It's quite larger than a traditional baby quilt, but definitely one she can use for many years. It's a beautiful peachy pink palette using Moda fabrics.

King size quilt in purple and sky blue

 When the pandemic hit and we all realized we wouldn't be going anywhere for awhile, I decided to start a new quilt. But not just one that was a lap size like so many I have made. The largest I had made up to this point was a double wedding ring quilt that I hand quilted.

This quilt was going to be King size because my husband and I wanted to upgrade from a Queen to a King size bed. I found a geometric pattern, and began to look at colors. The pattern only required 2 for the top, but there was also the border and backing to consider. 

There is a local quilt shop very close to my house that I just love. While there are many beautiful printed fabrics, I really only go there for the Kona solids and unique Batik fabrics. 

Sharon's Attic & Quilt Shop

With so many people opting to sew their own face masks, and supply chains being fouled up, I had to special order this fabric and wait about a month before I could buy it. 

Sewing the top took me nearly a year to finish, and the hand-quilting took me even longer. I did not work on it consistently however, so had I been doing that, I could have been done with this in 6 months. I used a contrasting violet for the border, and picked out a gorgeous batik that brings out all the colors plus a few more. Very pleased with the backing!

It's hard to see, but I did mess up cutting some of the squares, so the pattern does not line up as I like. The quilting is more sparse than most hand-quilted projects because it is just so huge I would be quilting it still in five years! 

Regardless of it not being 100% the way I had hoped, it did turn out stunning and is now placed on our beautiful new King bed.

Finally back to sewing

This summer is the season for projects, especially sewing. A few months ago I decided I needed an Asian inspired duvet cover for my bedroom. I have always loved jades and magentas together, so this was a project of pure indulgence. I used a bed sheet for the backside (gasp! a big quilter's no-no, but I make my own rules when it comes to sewing). When I lay in my bed with this cover, I feel like a million bucks.

Another sewing project I completed in just a few weeks is a baby quilt. This was another indulgence as I love to make small quilts. Quilts for boys are totally underrated too, they are so much fun! I chose plain fabrics for the top and a cozy flannel for the backside. The pinwheel design turned out fantastic with these colors.