It all started with this quilt. Fair to say Melanie's quilt haunted my dreams. Still does. In my humble opinion it is the perfect quilt. It ticks every box on the perfect quilt check list.
And, after a while of it haunting me I figured I'd make my own version - not a complete copy, a little different but the same basic blocks.
So I had a practise (and a couple of fails) and came up with this mock up;
I cut a whole heap of 2 1/2 inch squares and kept them in a little box my friend Nicole sent me long ago in a swap. My plan was simple - I was to use even the ugliest of fabrics, along with some of my most favourite scraps and I wouldn't buy any fabric. (Actually, I had to buy some more of the turquoise blue solid because I used some in something else and then didn't have quite enough...but that was it). The black was from a bed sheet I'd bought from ikea to use as a quilt backing, and the little squares were all from my scrapbox (and from the kind donations of others). Some of you even quilted along with me (although I have to say I wasn't the best leader of a quilt along and fell behind pretty early on).
My friend and neighbour saw the blocks when I was making the quilt and fell in love with them. So I decided when it was finished it would be her quilt, as a thank you for being such a great friend and neighbour for the past 11 years.
I had it long armed quilted by the wonderful Chris (who chose this art nouveau style fan pattern) and it was bound in more of the same black bed sheet.
Now it's all finished. My friend is away on holiday, but as soon as she's home it'll be handed over and begin it's life with it's new family. I expect it'll get used to death. I'm actually hoping in years down the line she asks me to patch up little worn areas or fix tiny holes from it being dragged about the house and garden.
The next time it's my turn in a quilting bee - this is what I'll be asking for. I still have half the bed sheet left and since I started this quilt my scraps have bred and gotten really quite out of control. I think I need a big one, just for me.
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who quilted along with me and made their own scrap vomit/technicolour yawn quilt. Even though this one isn't mine I think it's one of my all time favourites. There's nothing quite as satisfying as a scrap quilt, is there?
37 comments:
Lovely quilt! It will certainly be treasured by your friend, a very nice gift indeed.
Oooh I love this quilt! You did a great job!
Love scrapquilts it's a real tresure.
What an amazing gift for your neighbour, and you love it so much, she'll really treasure it. The blue/black + scraps is so vividly fabulous! Great job Katy. I hope you get your very one version soon. Good news is, this one won't be very far away and I'm sure you can negotiate visitations.
Yes yes you need one for you!! I loooove this one so much. I have dreams of making a scrap only quilt, but let's face it, that will be in about 2 years.
I've got lots of 2.5 inch squares. This is a great design for them. I hope you don't mind, I put it on my pinterest board. Thanks!
amazing quilt! You really need one for yourself so you can drag it around the house and garden, patch it up again and make it even more beautiful.
Eeep! that's the little Jip & Janneke suitcase I sent you. I keep part of my squares in there as well! :D You know how I feel about the vomit quilt. I love it. More 2.5's coming your way soon! x
This is totally beautiful! What a lucky neighbour!
absolutely gorgeous! And I'm so happy you shared the story that goes with it, I just love that kinda thing. So are you going to use the same solids in yours, or are you going to switch it up? I'm hoping to make one of these sometime.
I love how this turned out!! Very inspiring!
I love how bright and cheerful it is, and the quilting is gorgeous as well. Perfect choice!
It's lovely, you clever lady. I wish I was your neighbour.
This is one of my favourite ever quilts. I love how you've brought so many totally random squares under control with the turquoise and black. Pure genius, Katy. x
I've just been sewing together random 2.5" squares to make a quilt for the couch. It's amazing how attractive those tiny little multi-coloured squares look when they're all sewn together, isn't it?
Like you, I'm already planning my next one.... and I haven't even finished the first one yet!
I can see why this would be your favourite, the colours are spectacular, love it and I'll bet your friend does too, lucky gal <3
Katy, your quilt is just beautiful. I started quilting along with you and fell behind pretty quickly too, but when I saw your gorgeous finished quilt on your blog and flickr last week I pulled my squares out of their bag and have so far managed another 6 blocks. Thanks for the kick up the bum to get working on it again!
i LOVE this- love! what pretty vomit! wish mine was that beautiful!
beautiful quilt, with such rich colors.
Wonderful quilt!
I just saw this, so Im just starting tonight 4/5/11 I have lots of scraps it looks easy and fun to do while watching TV here here in USA
If I run out of stuff to watch there are Murder She Wrote reruns and Rosemary and Thyme. Thanks
It's such a grand quilt, and you are a beautiful generous friend to give away a fave quilt. Damn right you need to make another!! My squares are still growing (breeding?), I want a LARGE quilt of this!
What a lovely tale behind another great quilt! It really is very lovely and your neighbour is one lucky gal!
I have always - and will always - LOVE Scrap Quilts, but this is my all-time favourite. I know some of my fabric squares are in it so that makes it even more special. I hope to make one myself - ONE day!
Katy, the finished quilt is very beautiful and it's lovely that it is going to a good home.
I would be happy to help you have your own... my offer is to make up a couple of blocks for you if you let me have a selection of your scraps and the solids, I'll add the labour and maybe a few of my own scraps if I can find things to go in the mix. My stash isn't as vibrant as yours but I'm sure there are a few little gems lurking in the depths! Let me know if you'd like to do this. No obligation to reciprocate either, pay if forward someday :)
You know my email addy.
Oh this quilt is sooo beautiful. I don't think I could part with it, call me stingy but I just couldn't give it away... You're a very nice lady!
This is truly amazing! I love the dedication. I'm completely envious of your skill & commitment!
I love how this turned out! What a gorgeous quilt!!
It's fantastic Katy & at least the Vomit hasn't gone too far away!!
Great quilt. Would have been hard to give away for me ... but I guess if it is only next door you can easily visit :)
Love your quilt. Your happy neighbour!
I love that even the ugly material has become something beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration.
Any houses for sale around you? I want to be your neighbour. It's bloomin gorgeous.
This quilt is amazing!
What a gorgeous quilt. Scrap quilts rock ;-)
I love scrap quilts, and this one is so pretty. And the name - Scrap Vomit - is fabulous. It even got my hubby's attention :) I'll be making one of these for myself one of these days. What a sweet gift for your neighbor.
I just found your blog today (Where have I BEEN!) and this quilt in particular stands out. Scrap-using is the best. I'm actually getting low on scraps. Fortunately, still high on fabric (in more than one way).
Isn't it awesome when you make a quilt and it finds it's rightful owner? I too hope that my quilts get worn out. Because for it to be that loved is the best outcome possible.
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