craftbox: quilt for annie

Happy new year. I am suffering from a megadose of jetlag, and am moving gingerly. I look forward to reporting on my excellent, and snowy, trip to the east coast as soon as my brainfreeze melts.

Now that the holidays are said and done (halleluyay), I can finally show some of the crafts that I made as presents.

So, I made a quilt for my sister. One could say that it’s a tetch overdue, as she made a quilt for me 32 years ago — a quilt that is still fantastic, and which planted the seeds of interest in sewing in me. I have her, and that quilt, to thank for all the sewing I have done over the subsequent decades. Once my life is my own again and my possessions come out of storage, I’ll take pictures of it. But for now, let’s talk about the payback quilt.

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I bought some fabrics from IKEA last summer, some unusual bright and bold patterns, and used them as my starting off point. I filled in with other fabrics from my stash and from Jo-Ann Fabrics. Many thanks to Dave and Shana for offering supplies and advice. Shana also helped make the quilt sandwich, a much unfunner task than it sounds.

quilt for my sister

I was scared of the giantness of the print, and was worried that it would read as too juvenile or too “Target dorm bedding”. However, I persevered, hoping that the quilting and binding process would tone down the screamy quality. It’s tough, I’m sure any crafter could agree — one can go mildly bonkers second-guessing oneself.

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I sewed an off-kilter, Japanese-y, improvised quilt pattern of general imperfect lines.

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For the binding I used a really cool fabric from Jo-Ann. It’s so cool that I went back and bought the rest of the bolt for my next quilt. After binding I started to feel where this quilt was taking me — incredible how a little strip of fabric can really bring things together.

I washed it a few times to get it soft and crinkly. Annie’s been recuperating from an accident, so I wanted the quilt to come right out of my luggage and cover her up.

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Front side. Trying not to trip about the pulling and bagginess of the quilt top. I used two unhappy machines and a new basting process, and had some issues.

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Back side. I really liked the patterned fabric for this side, another Jo-Ann find.

I slept under it myself a few times before wrapping it up. Soft and Warm low-loft cotton batting never fails to impress — it makes for such a lightweight-seeming covering, but is really, well, soft and warm.

I intended this quilt (which is about 60″ x 80″) to be a secondary warmth provider — a versatile coverlet to be used for naps or extra cold moments — not as any kind of showpiece. I hope she uses it till it falls apart!

Annie and Pixie

Why look! It’s already part of the family.

The quilt took up 90% of my carryon luggage. When I went through the security line at LAX, the TSA lady remarked on the lightness of the bag. When I mentioned what it was, she said “Oh! You love your sister!” I heartily agreed. And agree.

9 Comments

  1. Bella on January 3, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    Becky,
    You DO love your sister because that is beautiful! I started a quilt back in Home Ec by freshman year, did about 1 foot of it and then quit. I just don’t have the patience for it. I’m glad you do!
    xoxox

  2. regina on January 3, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    Now THAT looks like a comfy quilt… and it clearly passes the cat test. High praise, indeed! =^.^=

    I’m sorry to hear your sister was in an accident! No doubt this fabulous quilt will help her to heal more quickly.

    And pshaw about any imperfections you perceive. THAT’S where the love comes in.

  3. hambox on January 3, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Thanks, ladies! Yes, it sure takes patience. It’s what I lack, so it’s a good exercise in frustration for me!

    Yeah, Annie’s doing well. She was hit by a truck, oy!

  4. Double D on January 3, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    If you make me a quilt, I promise to make you one in the next 32 years.

    • hambox on January 9, 2011 at 11:47 pm

      Um, it’s a deal. Maybe.

  5. Darling andrew on January 4, 2011 at 12:38 am

    Super thoughtful from beginning to comfy-cozy end~

    • hambox on January 9, 2011 at 11:47 pm

      Thanks, Darling!

  6. Nancy B on January 4, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Love it! Never thought to look for fabric at IKEA! It’s fantastic.

    • hambox on January 9, 2011 at 11:46 pm

      Thanks, Nancy — my quilting guru!!

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