We're home! I'm slowly emerging from a coma-like state, induced by our whirlwind wedding week, which if I had to pick one word to describe, would be *overload*. Non-stop fun and overload on every front. Despite having arrived home mid-week, we are still recovering.
My presence has been a bit scarce here on the blog over the last few months, and I can finally disclose why. Over the last few months, I've been working on a wedding quilt. I got a very late start on it for, perhaps, a silly reason. I had decided early on that I wouldn't make one. I had no idea if my future daughter-in-law liked quilts and although we'd spent lots of time with her, because of our move situation over the last few years, she hasn't had the chance to visit us yet. No tour of the sewing room, no chance to gauge interest or taste in styles. A bed quilt takes so long to make, I hated to commit the time to something that would be a shot in the dark. And if she didn't like quilts...oh dear, would K choose to marry someone who didn't like quilts?...I didn't want to put her in the position of feigning interest.
Shortly before I left for my trip to Japan in January, I was talking with my sister on the phone.
Sis: So how are the quilt plans coming?
Me: What quilt plans?
Sis: The wedding quilt!
Me: I wasn't going to make one.
Sis: WHAT??!!! You've got to be kidding. You've made quilts for everyone in the family...wedding, anniversary, graduation...and you're not making one for your own son's wedding?
Me: Hmmm. I see your point. I'll see what Molly thinks.
The next week, I arrived in Japan.
Me: Aunt Lori was horrified that I wasn't planning on making a quilt for H&K's wedding. I just don't know if she likes quilts and I don't want to impose one on her.
Molly: Well, do what you want, but just know that if I get married, I'll be expecting one! *grin*
5/22/2009 Layering and pinning
Through the winter, I mulled it over. I knew they both loved blue, so that was a start. But what kind of pattern? I love making scrappy quilts and I knew because of time constraints it couldn't be overly complicated. I played with several possibilities. Remember this? It was a try-out. But there were others, including some traditional blue & white designs. In the end, I came back to this design because I couldn't imagine making a traditional blue & white queen sized quilt on a deadline. It just wouldn't have held my interest.
5/22 All pinned, ready for basting
You'd think I would've really poured it on, work-wise, before Molly arrived for her visit in late April. However, my work started to lag a bit as I was finding the search for appropriate binding/border fabric to be more challenging than I thought. Would I put all of this time into the center design and not be able to find something that worked as a border?
5/23 Basting...and basting...and basting
I wanted a fabric that was a subtle print but that would *read* as a complementary solid. How difficult could that be? As it turned out, quite difficult. When Molly and I attended the International Quilt Festival/Chicago during her visit, our primary goal was to find a fabric among the vendors that would work. The deadline clock was ticking loudly!!
5/27 The grid starts to emerge
We found exactly what I was looking for at Web Fabrics, a vendor who specializes in blender fabrics. I purchased several shades of their blue fat quarters, all of which were identified by Web Fabric stickers as to manufacturer, fabric name and color number. After a quick audition at home on the design board, two colors were chosen and ordered. I must add here that Webs Fabric couldn't have been a better source. I ordered online on a Friday morning and within an hour, had an email response asking for some clarification. I responded promptly and they said they'd fill the order that afternoon. It arrived in Monday morning's mail!! One more thing about them...they carry every color in these blender lines. Here is their color selection of my choice, Robert Kaufman's Fusions. Look at all of those blues! (I chose Regatte and Midnight.) I'd highly recommend Web Fabrics for both service and selection if you're in the market for blender prints.
When Molly returned to Japan in early May, I really had to get going on this project. It had been a long time since I'd made a queen sized quilt, and although I *knew* it was going to take a while to get the top together, it seemed to drag on for days. The unwieldiness of its size (88"x 93") seemed to add to the time it took to do a simple thing like borders.
6/15 Re-basting in blue thread
After two back-breaking days of pinning and basting...the worst part of making a large quilt, in my book...it was time to start quilting. My machine quilting is basic at best (something I intend to work on now, with my new machine) so I never entertained anything but handquilting. I was a little hesitant about this though, as I haven't really done much in the last few years. As I wrote about at the time, however, I fell in love with handquilting all over again while working on this quilt. Good thing, too, as over the three weeks of quilting, I was putting in hours of handquilting a day.
I knew when I started quilting (honestly, I knew long before that!) that I was never going to be able to finish it before the wedding. I did, however, want it to be in a somewhat finished state and was able to get the center minimally quilted in an all-over pattern. I then pulled out all of the white basting threads, re-basting the borders in a matching dark blue thread and folded the backing over the edges, loosely tacking it down to approximate the look of a finished quilt.
As I glanced out the sewing room window, it occurred to me that I'd be able to get a good shot of it from that vantage point if I draped it in the garden. Sending a silent plea to all of the birds who inhabit our big tree to keep their legs crossed for a few minutes, I dashed about setting up the photo shoot. Complete (for now)...ready to wrap!
When we got down to Myrtle Beach, so many relatives were anxious to see the quilt (having heard my frantic laments over the past few weeks...*Can't talk now, got to quilt!*), we accosted the couple early in the week to open their gift, I think as we were getting ready to head down to the beach one afternoon. The bride's reaction? "I love it! I was hoping you'd make us a quilt!"
What a major undertaking! It is lovely though! I wouldn't have minded one of those as a wedding gift.
I'm glad you're back.
Posted by: anina | July 03, 2009 at 06:26 PM
It is lovely. The picture of the couple with the quilt says it all: they both love it.
When I saw the quilt under the trees, my first reaction was "I hope the birds didn't ruin it" and then I read the same thought was on your mind.
It truly is lovely and will be cherished. Nice Job.
Posted by: Nancy | July 03, 2009 at 07:14 PM
It's beautiful, Jan. The simplicity of the grid quilting just makes it shine all the more!
Posted by: Sheila | July 03, 2009 at 07:39 PM
BEAUTIFUL! Just beautiful, Jan! Congratulations to you and the happy couple!
Posted by: amy lobsiger | July 03, 2009 at 08:06 PM
What a beautiful quilt but So Big! What a huge job, and one filled with so many emotions, I'm sure. Truly an heirloom. The couple look beautiful, too. Congrats all around.
Posted by: sonja poor | July 03, 2009 at 08:43 PM
What a wonderful quilt and a big undertaking. Your quilting is tremendous.
Posted by: Janet | July 03, 2009 at 08:52 PM
What a beautiful quilt. And all by hand. Wow! In all the years of reading here, I don't think we've ever seen a picture of (adult) K. What a treat! A lovely couple. Congrats all around.
Posted by: KT | July 03, 2009 at 09:16 PM
I love that quilt and so did K and H.., glad we had that little conversation all those months ago!
Posted by: Lori | July 03, 2009 at 09:30 PM
So beautiful in it's simplicity - the little pink/orange corners against the blues, are perfect! Lucky son and new daughter in law!
Posted by: Pat | July 03, 2009 at 10:10 PM
You silly - you thought too much!
It's so beautiful, congrats to all of you.
Posted by: blackbird | July 03, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Holy Cow Jan -- that's amazing that you got that much done in such a short amount of time! You put me to shame -- I'm making one much simpler and I'm not even done with the piecing (in my defense though, I'm waiting on a critical decision from the bride). The quilt is Gorgeous -- aren't you glad you decided to make it? Wow!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | July 03, 2009 at 11:57 PM
Her reaction couldn't have been better!
Posted by: molly! | July 04, 2009 at 01:58 AM
How could they not be happy when receiving such a beautiful quilt! I love all those blues and greens, but the oranges and reds make all the difference, taking it from a nice scrap quilt to a stunner!
Congratulations on a job well done, and on adding a quilt-loving daughter-in-law to the family - her expression says it all!
Posted by: mathea | July 04, 2009 at 03:59 AM
It's lovely
Posted by: Brenda | July 04, 2009 at 07:40 AM
Maybe I'm just exhausted from all we've been doing this week - but I just completely burst into tears! What a gorgeous quilt and the your son and his new wife are gorgeous as well. But really - would your son marry a girl who didn't like quilts?!? I just don't think that's possible!
I'm so glad everything went well! Mazel Tov!
Posted by: Cara | July 04, 2009 at 07:49 AM
It's gorgeous! They'd be crazy not to love it. Will we get to see more wedding photos?
Posted by: Carole | July 04, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Well done you! Lots of hard work has paid off. And I laughed out loud at you pleading with the birds not to do you know what all over you know what! Looks like a very happy bride and groom!
Posted by: Cascade Lily | July 04, 2009 at 08:20 AM
Oh, it is beautiful! I loved that little peek early on and the completed quilt is even better!
The bride and groom look fabulous in that photo! Whew! I bet you are glad that the whirlwind is over...now on to enjoying the new addition to the family!
Posted by: Cindra | July 04, 2009 at 08:23 AM
beautiful couple, beautiful quilt. but trying to get it finished that quickly with hand quilting? Aiyeeeee!!! do you have any hair left or have you pulled it all out. Congrats on a lovely job! Still loving those blocks on the design wall!
Posted by: Lazy Gal Tonya R | July 04, 2009 at 08:47 AM
It's absolutely beautiful and couldn't have been a better choice, IMHO! And I stand in awe that you hand quilted the entire thing!
I'm glad the birdies kept their legs crossed. ;) Love the image that is putting in my head.
Posted by: Anita | July 04, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I love this entry- I was riveted to see what happened! Congrats on your lovely quilt, but especially on the lovely couple's marriage. It looks like it was just perfect!
Posted by: annie | July 04, 2009 at 10:58 AM
I love the flowers on their table...so colorful and lovely! Now the quilt! WOW, I love the colors and have liked that quilt since you first showed it! Thanks for the great link to another great fabric store too!
I think you did an amazing job with getting ti complete enough to really get the feel of a finished quilt, without doing your body harm! Now they can be excited all over again when it's finally complete!
Posted by: JudyC | July 04, 2009 at 11:52 AM
What a stunner of a quilt! The colors just sing, and it's simplicity of design is wonderful to behold...I'm sure the newlyweds will love it for many years to come. And thanks for the link to the fabric place...the blender border is gorgeous!
Posted by: DianneKing | July 04, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Jan,it's truly a beautiful quilt, what a lovely gift!After a note from you awhile back, I felt 'in' on the surprise, so I have been waiting to see and hear the story.The story that goes with it makes it even more special!I love the colors,it's made with so much love they are sure to cherish it all their lives!What a job to tackle a queen size and HAND quilt it!Loved the picture of the smiling couple,she's beautiful and your son so handsome, may life treat them well always!
Posted by: Wendy | July 04, 2009 at 05:50 PM
What a beautiful quilt! You did a fantastic job. and so quickly too!!
Posted by: Lynn | July 04, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Great! I love the quilt and teh couple looks very happy too. :-)
Posted by: Kristin L | July 04, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Congratulations to all. What a great story and great photo of the couple receiving your gift. Beautiful!
Posted by: Carol | July 04, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Love it! What a great quilt -- I remember your earlier post on it and am also pretty sure I put it in my little idea folder.
Posted by: nanann | July 04, 2009 at 11:59 PM
It's beautiful. And what a lovely story, i am so glad she loved your gift.
Posted by: Donna | July 05, 2009 at 09:27 AM
That quilt is truly gorgeous, a labor of love for sure! I'm glad the bride loved it--I'd certainly want one :-)
Posted by: Leslie | July 05, 2009 at 09:56 AM
I loved reading your tale of making your 'childrens' wedding quilt. You did a fantastic job.... handquilted it. oh my. I am a handquilter and I know it takes FOREVER!! Happiness always to the new couple.
Posted by: Latane | July 05, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Congratulations! What a beautiful quilt, and a lovely couple. I can see the dedication in every stitch. Three cheers for hand quilting. Awesome job.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 06, 2009 at 07:00 AM
it's gorgoeus and of course they loved it!!
(beautiful couple too..)
So... what's next?
Posted by: monica | July 06, 2009 at 08:46 AM
How could they not like it? It's gorgeous, and made especially for them; they'll treasure it always.
Beautiful work, as always ... and thanks for the picture of H&K. It looks like a lovely wedding.
Posted by: Ruth | July 07, 2009 at 12:20 AM
You've got a great friend in your sister. I'm glad she talked to you about a wedding quilt. Beautiful quilt, beautiful couple. What a wonderful picture you have of them opening their gift from you. I like how the brights in the quilt you made mirror the flowers on the wedding couple's reception table. You are a great writer. Thank you for sharing this story.
Posted by: Heather | July 07, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Gorgeous quilt and a very handsome couple! Hope you all had a great time!!!
Posted by: Mariko | July 07, 2009 at 04:13 PM
Wonderful story and a lovely quilt! I made that pattern a few years ago and just love it. Chloe has it in her room now. I think the little pink/orange/purple corners are great.
Posted by: Kristin | July 10, 2009 at 02:00 AM
It's beautiful! And the look of it would work with a range of decor styles so it should fit right in with their home, whatever look their home takes on. Great job! But I have to say there is NO WAY I would have hand-quilted on such a deadline. You win the super mom crown.
Posted by: KathieB | July 10, 2009 at 07:51 AM
what a beautiful quilt! i am sure they treasure it...how i would love to be given a homemade quilt!
Posted by: elizabeth | July 10, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Wow wow wow. Just beautiful!
Rima
www.yarnydays.com
Posted by: Rima Aranha | July 15, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Stunning! why wasn't my mother-in-law a quilter?!?
Posted by: jessica | July 17, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Jan, found you via Janet at quiltsalott and the red and green... but this wedding quilt post, Wow! you have just told my story, complete with pictures. My son became engaged this past April and I began a *king* sized quilt, remembering how my son's told me all his life he wanted a wedding quilt when the time came. They were married June 13th and I *wish* someone had taken a picture of me as I pinned the boutenniere on the groom. I'm still piecing blocks and it's a 'surprise', they knew it wouldn't be ready in two months. I haven't posted about the quilt progress yet, but I have pictures! Thanks so much for sharing. I love the cool blues and spark of warm colors. Well done Mom!
Posted by: Leslie | July 21, 2009 at 12:26 PM
oh the quilt looks great.
Posted by: Hena Tayeb | July 23, 2009 at 03:43 PM
Oh, you chronicled the whole process so thoroughly ! You should print this up to go along with the quilt when you truly finish it !
Happy Thanksgiving.......I hope you make your deadline !
Posted by: ...dotty... | October 29, 2009 at 10:48 PM