December 10, 2010

Doll Quilt: Newbie Style!

I am pretty proud of myself. I might even be on a sewing high. Is there such a thing? Yes, yes, there is. I made my very first quilt last night and it really didn't take too long at all. Santa is making doll beds for the American Girl dolls for Christmas (look for blog post once done) and I thought that, in the spirit of a handmade gift, I make doll quilts for the girls. I am so happy I did. I am so, so proud of myself. Did I mention that already? Sorry.


I followed the quilt top pattern for this doll quilt. This was a nice simple, quick quilt top to cut and piece together. I would say that 80% of my corners lined up with just a few here and there off by a smidge. (I am def looking forward to perfecting this.)


In the interest of time (the 25th is fast approaching!), I did NOT learn/teach myself quilt binding though that is now inching towards the top of my long to do list. I finished the quilt by stacking up the quilt top, batting and backing and then stitching 3/4s of the way closed. Turned it inside out and then did a basting stitch around the perimeter.


For some more visual interest, I added another basting stitch around the perimeter of the pieced squares. I like it because it gives some depth and also some durability.


I chose Cath Kidston remnants from the duvet cover Mimi made me awhile back. I didn't have batting and Jo-Ann's is 30 minutes away, but I did have some very heavy interfacing which I adhered to the back of the quilt top. The back of the quilt is a very pretty Michael Miller.


Ruthie is sleeping so much easier with her new quilt. Santa took a quick pic while the girls were at school.


The top and the back together. I really love how it turned out.


I really am quite proud to begin a journey in a long line of master quilters (Nana, Gram, Mimi, Aunt Theresa, Court, Mary). I've caught the bug peeps!

12 comments:

Courtenay Homan said...

Love it! We need some for our dollies!

Allison said...

GORGEOUS!!! Those are some lucky little girls. :-)

Courtenay Homan said...

Forgot to mention.... I remember Nana would piece quilts and send them to Gram to be quilted and bound!

Flannery @ Three Sisterz said...

That's right, C. I forgot about that!

Crafty Girls Workshop said...

Hey Flannery,
I got your comment about visiting my studio some time. I can show you an AWESOME way to do binding! It's fast and you can do it entirely on the sewing machine. Congrats on your first quilt it's adorable!

Anna

ellzabelle said...

Great job! I'm going to try this!!! My husband is making a PB inspired doll bed from knock off wood so I need a quilt. Way to go!!!!! Ellen

Flannery @ Three Sisterz said...

Elizabelle--We're making this bed: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/another-farmhouse-bed.html. I'll post pictures. I'd love to see your doll bed and quilt when you are finished! Good luck.

Lisa said...

Very pretty! I also finish my quilts the same way. By the time I get done, I just want to finish quickly and see the finished result!

Unknown said...

That is the cutest first quilt. I am a 4th generation quilter myself. So Welcome to the club! You will be addicted!! Lucky girls! Beautiful work.

Flannery @ Three Sisterz said...

Corynne: Thank you so much for your kind words!

Farah said...

Hi Flannery, its my first to your blog and I am very happy to got you,I never do quilting and patchwork, and always thought it start with a big project but now with your this cutest project I also can start something smaller... may be a table mat ... Its so cute and lovely and the colour you choose are so cherry and happy that it enhance the beauty more... Thanks a lot for sharing
Wish you a very Happy Christmas …
I would love if you come to visit me at
http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Shari said...

A beautiful quilt. Good job mom! I'm currently working on finishing my very first quilt.