Nov 14, 2010

The challenge quilt

I'm so pleased to report that I have completed my challenge quilt for http://lazygallibamish2010.blogspot.com/ This quilt was a really big task for me. First, I researched Gee's Bend quilts and Amish quilts. I actually went to the library and looked in their reference books. I decided that Amish Bars pattern and some Gee's Bend quilts had a lot in common. The rules of Lazy Gal's Challenge were no rulers, templates or rotary cutters. And use a lot of solid colors. I found cutting long strips of fabrics using only scissors and by eye was difficult, unless I decided to simply have fun with it. You know that saying, "don't stress the small stuff." I pulled out a bunch of scraps for the scrappy row that I made going down the whole quilt. Then I used the size that that came out to be for the approximate length of the strips. If the strips were too long, I chopped them off, and if too short, I did what Gee's Bend quilt ladies do, and added a scrap to the edge. The edges of the quilt were quite uneven. So instead of quilting, I tied with size 10 crochet cotton. I use a curved needle when I tie a quilt. I think I ended up with what the quilting books politely call a "utility quilt." I didn't actually know if I liked this quilt all the way through the creating process. It was only after I finished hemming down the grey binding on the outside edge, that the full impact of the quilt was apparent. You know what, I decided that I like it just as well as any other quilt I have made!

6 comments:

Nancy said...

Congratulations on completing the challenge and for creating a wonderful quilt using traditional methods.

Linda said...

I love love LOVE it! I think it was the perfect choice to tie it! Looks very antique Amish. Great job!

Tangos Treasures said...

Very nice!! Congratulations on finishing the challenge!

Clare said...

Love it! Congratulations on the finish and for not giving in to the need for a rotary cutter.

Scrappy quilter said...

Congrats on finishing the challenge. Lovely quilt. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment on my blog.

Gill - That British Woman said...

what a lovely quilt. Thanks for popping by my blog and suggesting the sweet dumpling squash.

Gill in Canada