Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Quilt projects

A long time ago on this blog, I talked about some projects I was working on or wanted to work on. I've completed a couple (one on the list, and one not...) and have compiled some pics...

One little thing I mentioned was a "jar quilt". Now, fabric isn't cheap, and the thought of searching all over to buy lots of different fabrics for a jar quilt was a little daunting. Until I hit ebay! Not only did they have a variety, it was already cut, and would all come in a nice little package.


This was the first bundle of pieces, the sweets!



And then came the fruits and veggies.

And after some working and tweaking - came the quilt!
When the dining room table is clean, it's a table runner.

Oooops - didn't think to take a picture of it on the table!

The next quilt was a test of ability, patience, and speed. Let me set the story....

A large group of my friends participate in something called "MMC" or "Make-My-Christmas". I've only been around this group of folks for a couple of years, but this tradition has gone on for 16 years or so. Everyone who wants to participate puts their name in a hat, then everyone draws a name out. Whoevers name you draw, you must MAKE them a present. There are about 30 people who participate, including a couple of kids. Sounds simple enough, right?

What about if you draw someone's name that you know nothing about??????? Don't even know who she is????

Names were drawn on November 1st, and the exchange party was December 19th. Just a tad under 7 weeks. I had to learn about this woman, and design something, and make it in that time.

What I learned was that she was a HUGE Boston Redsox fan, that her favorite colors were green, orange and yellow. (I learned other stuff, too, but it wasn't relevent to this post... LOL!)

I knew I was going to make a quilt, but now was undecided to go with the green/orange/yellow theme. Or the BoSox theme.
As you can see, the Bo Sox theme won out.

Although the BoSox fabric didn't.

I managed to find some scraps of VINTAGE fabric, but all other BoSox fabric is discontinued.

So I went with the Boston Red Sox colors, and held my breath.

(Just a shot of the back and some of the quilting...)

I decided on a simple pattern that would most highlight the few logo scraps that I had, and went from there.

And made it lap size. Big enough to curl up with on the couch.

But most importantly, I think she liked it! I was terribly worried. It's a bit nerve-wracking to make something so personal for someone you don't know. From the design, to the fabric shopping, to the assembly, and presentation.

Although I've watched and attended MMC before, this was the first time I participated. I really had a good time, and will do it again for sure. I had a TON of comments, and really felt good about my accomplishments. Not just that I made this quilt for someone, but it's also the fastest I've ever completed a quilt.

So now I know I can....

Are you working on any projects??? Like what???

AMW

11 comments:

Annapants! said...

Awesome job! I think you did a fab job there Ann. I'm not working on any projects yet but am getting ready to start making way for the baby's room. I'm not sure but I'm thinking about painting a mural.

AMW said...

Annapants - A mural would be awesome and would probably be a great stress reliever! Make sure to post plenty of pics if you do!!

Heidi said...

You are kidding me! I love them...they're so neat! I've seen a jar quilt before and yours is awesome! No projects now, life's a bit hectic....I'm still reeling from Christmas presents. But it will happen, oh yes, it will happen!

JeanetteSchenk said...

Your quilts are beautiful! I'm in the midst of a few started knitting projects. All in good time, all in good time. lol

AMW said...

Thanks Anna, Heidi, and Jeanette! Got a few more in my head that are trying to get out. Oh to find the time... But I WILL post them on here.......

AMW

Annapants! said...

Time is precious indeed! Hey... I would love to commission a quilt for the wee lil' girl. Do you have time to have one done by May? Also, how much?

AMW said...

@Anna - Let me get through this busy b-day month and the upcoming quilt show, and I'll get back with ya!

2much said...

OMG. These quilts are awesome!

AMW said...

Thanks 2much.

Annapants! said...

Thanks Ann! I have an idea that I know you can help make a reality! =)

AMW said...

Shoot me an email with your thoughts/ideas so I can keep them in the back of my head!