I had so much fun with this quilt, planning it beforehand and plotting how I wanted it to look and then really just working it out as I went along, which isn't how I normally do things. I like traditional structure, improv and me never seem to work out ok. Except for this time.
I quilted in a cross-hatch - without marking any lines, except for the first one, and then eye-balling it the rest of the time so it looks sketchy and fits with the hand drawn nature of the fabrics.
I mark one line so I know I have a rough starting point - and can then follow it without being too precise.
As always, I used Aurifil 50wt. I used that throughout, for piecing, quilting and sewing the binding on. I didn't think I'd ever say this, but since I've been quilting a little bit more recently and not sending everything out, I'm kinda enjoying it. I still don't enjoy free motion quilting, maybe I should set a target for myself to quilt a few things free motion and get some practise in. Maybe. I do like straight lines, these are spaced from about 1/2" apart. They're dull to do but the effect is lovely.
Oh - the back....
I used up the rest of the panel and some other prints to show off how the different scales work together. I love the back almost as much as the front.
Time to pack this little baby up and take him for his trip to the Cloud 9 Booth at Spring Market, if you're going too, won't you head over and say hi to him? It's a big adventure for a little quilt.
Quilt Deets;
Trip to the Zoo
finished size - 48"x52"
fabrics used - happy drawing by Ed Emberley for Cloud 9 fabrics and white klona cotton
(happy drawing is available from here, if you can find it anywhere else, snap it up super fast - it is selling out quickly)
52 comments:
so cute! I love the quilting. It's funny, I feel about straight lines the way you do about FMQ. Just can't get to grips with them!
Its just too cute and in my opinion the back is as good as the front making the quilt reversible = bonus!!
I just ordered my Happy Drawings this morning before it flies off the shelves!
It's really beautiful. You see you can quilt lovely lines even if you don't want to :-)
I can't decide which side I love most! Gorgeous.
I'm not sure if you were going for this, but I love the way it looks like pictures hanging on the wall. And indeed, the back is almost as good as the front.
I love, love this quilt. It's a perfect showcase for this line. I can't get to grips with FMQ either, in fact the thought of it scares me a bit. Happy weekend Ms Monkey :-)
I really love this quilt Katy! Love the improv, love the quilting.I think I'll have to get me hands on some of that fabric...
I love this so so much! That fabric is awesome, and you showcased it brilliantly! Love the quilting as well. Won't be long now, people will be sending their tops to you!
Just gorgeous. My kids are a bit beyond the animals stage but I think I would like this just for me!!
This is so adorable! Nicely done!
wow wow and wow, it looks great and I love the back too!
Love the zoo quilt. The machine stitching is also amazing.
I love it
Such a nice little quilt! Someone will certainly enjoy cuddling under this one day!!
Aewsome quilt, love the improv design & fabrics you've used. Esp love the back.
Adorable! The design is fantastic and the quilting is perfect!
i LOVE it!!!! fantastic job - i love both sides equally - that fabric really takes me back~! funny, your perfect straight line quilting is something i wish i could do - all i do is free motion!
This is fabulous...great idea for using these fabrics.
very nice - love your take on improv and also really like your quilting. using the panel on the back is a fun choice.
This makes me happy! I have some of this fabric, and I love seeing how you used it.
soooo cute! i need to get some of this fabric right away!
I'd say that improv thing worked out incredibly well for you! Such a happy, colorful quilt!
Fantastic!
Such a fun quilt Katy! Remember when I totally copy it that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
Gorgeous!!! this is one amazing, adorable quilt.
Really, really great use of some very cool fabrics--a winner, for sure-nice job!!
So cute! Give improv and FMQ a go... you can scream as you do the latter. No one will judge.
You don't need the farm animals for excitement...this quilt is all the excitement you need. Awesome job. Just makes me smile. Ashamed to say this fabric line hasn't made an impression on me up to now. May have to rethink that. Love how you used the "pre-cut" fabric as backing.
Uber cute K! Great quilting too! Jxo
Very Cute!!
Very, very cute quilt:-)
And thanks for the link, I must get me some Klona cotton;-)
I adore this quilt Katy! The improv blocks and the quilting look great, and now I really want this fabric! Wish I could come visit the quilt (and you!) at market :)
Absolutely adorable front and back. It's a treasure hunt to find all the cute little animals hiding all over.
What a great job you did.
Yay, Katy!
You know Customs take a very dim view of smuggling wild animals in your suitcase!
Awesome quilt! Love the fabric choice, the quilt design you made up yourself and the quilting. You can never fail with straight lines =D
I'm thinking of hosting a swap. Let me know if you're interested
http://ibescheraldine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/sigh-of-relief-and-idea.html
Oooh, it looks fabby! Love the improviness and the quilting
It's fabulous! I love the improv and the quilting too!
Love everything about it---- the straight lines are brilliant
This is the cutest quilt I've seen in a long time! It is just tooooo adorable!!!
oh the back! love it! love it all! xoxo also, the quilting is effing awesome!
I absolutely love the straight line quilting. It is not distracting like a lot of swirls and curls. Your animal quilt is perfect in every way.
I love your quilt and you shouldn't feel bad about straight line quilting. It looks terrific!
I love this quilt and like you i am new to quilting my own quilts and love straight line quilting. For me it works even tho it takes forever!
Love the quilt! Got a totally unrelated question for you, though, so hopefully you see this comment and can email me back.
Since I'm just starting English Paper Piecing, and you seem to be quite the expert, what kind of thread would you recommend for sewing the pieces together? I'm just using my regular old piecing thread for basting my pieces, but I'm thinking that a thinner thread would probably be better at sewing the pieces together invisibly. My project is my handwork while I'm in the great land of Afghanistan, but I can buy stuff online and have it shipped to me (hopefully) no problem. I still have 96 more pieces to baste in my not-so-common spare time before I start sewing together though.
Thanks for the help!
It's a stunning quilt - I'd say you and improv go well together!
I love it!!! It's really fun and showcases the fabrics really well! I haven't had the courage to try improv, yet. I'm also more for structure when it comes to crafting projects. And guess what: I ordered a yard of the whole collection!! I blame you ... or should I say thank you?! :-)
I find inspiration in all your work, but this one is truly magical. Great quilt!
So lovely! The perfect way to show off those fabrics.
Great quilt, love the quilting.
So cute! I like everything about it. My favorite block is the one with the little animal parade on the front :-)
Excellent use of such happy happy fabrics. I bought a piece of the lions to make some little adorable thing for my nephew, and I really want more (for me!).
oh my goodness this is adorable! i just love it! the quilting is fabulous! i really need to make lillie an "i spy" quilt, she just loves pointing at everything and trying to say what it is!
Post a Comment
I try to reply to comments as often as I can. Sometimes my life gets a bit too busy but please know I really appreciate each and every one!