Here it is, the finished Margaret's Hope Chest quilt. I didn't get it in the mail today, like I had planned, but I think tomorrow will be fine. I had to keep it an extra day to get some photos of it. I didn't finish the binding until late last night, then it needed to be washed.
When the call went out through Craft Hope to make a quilt for those in need, I knew that I had to do it. My goal for this quilt was for it to be cheery and non-gender specific. I pulled some fabrics from my stash that fit the bill, then started cutting away.
I didn't use a pattern, but started by cutting 3 strips from each of my fabrics, varying in width from 2-4". Next, I sewed my strips together randomly, trying not to sew two of the same fabrics together. I did this in 3-4 strip groupings, resulting in 4 groups of strips. I pressed my sewn groups and figured that I could make 12 12.5" blocks from what I had (3 blocks from each sewn group of strips). I ended up having to cut a few more strips to make some groupings wide enough, but that was easy enough. I then sewed my blocks together rotating the strips. The quilt wasn't quite wide enough, so I added a border.
Due to my time restraint, I backed the quilt with one solid piece of fabric. I quilted it with my usual squared spiral, then bound it with the fun stripe to give it a little kick.
Individually, none of these fabrics really jumped out at me, which is probably why they've been sitting in my stash for a while, but I love how they all work together. While I made this quilt, I thought about it bringing a little bit of comfort and joy to the recipient. I also kept the family of Margaret in my mind, focusing on the positive endeavor brought about through such a tragic event. I hope that my own positive thoughts and love are felt by the person who receives it.
Thank you Craft Hope for such a fulfilling project.
I like it!
Posted by: hashi | November 09, 2009 at 03:38 PM
It looks great.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | November 09, 2009 at 04:04 PM
it's lovely! One of my favorite color combinations. btw, if you have any more of the Alexander Henry Buffet fruit/olive buffet fabric, I'll swap you something for it. It's one of my faves for patchwork.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | November 09, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Courtney | November 09, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I can't tell you in words big enough how inspiring and enjoyable your blog is. I love everything you do, your creativity and your heart. Thank you so much for sharing your life.
Posted by: Natalie Barnes | November 09, 2009 at 05:18 PM
So happy! It will definitely bring a smile to someone's face!
Posted by: bernice | November 09, 2009 at 05:49 PM
This is too sweet. The fabrics you chose work so well together. I am such a loser. I've wanted to participate in each of the Craft Hope projects, but alas, time gets away and the due date passes.
Kudos to you for fitting it all in. It will bring warmth and comfort for sure.
Posted by: dani@littlefists | November 09, 2009 at 08:21 PM
Beki, Can I come over there for a girls weekend and you can teach me how to quilt? I was half teasing, but the more I think about it the more fun I think we would have. Quilting very much overwhelms me. I can piece all day but the quilting and binding always make my head spin!
Your quilt looks awesome! Kudos to you and coming through for Craft Hope! I can't believe I've dropped the ball on this Craft Hope round... I'm going to pick up next round!
Posted by: Darby | November 09, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Great job once again Beki!! I really like the white border and stripped binding it is so fresh and fun!!!
Posted by: Laurel | November 09, 2009 at 09:19 PM
I love love love the quilt. I know that it will be absolutely treasured. HUGS :)
Posted by: Kristin | November 09, 2009 at 10:29 PM
WOW< what a beautiful quilt!!!! Love the bright cheeriness of it. Really lovely x
Posted by: the cookie cutter | November 10, 2009 at 02:57 AM
Those fabrics together are wonderful! This quilt will surely be loved.
Posted by: jessica | November 10, 2009 at 07:01 AM
I love how timeless this looks! It looks both fresh and new and like it could be the quilt your grandmother wrapped you up in as a kid. The fabrics work great together. And all for a good cause! Thanks for being so inspiring.
Posted by: Allison | November 10, 2009 at 07:27 AM
how stunning. Quilts are such a comfort.
Posted by: suzie sews | November 10, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Love the colors. I'm sure it will be very appreciated. Who ever gets it is very lucky! :)
xxxx
Posted by: Kar | November 10, 2009 at 08:24 AM
What a beautiful thing (in all senses) you have done!
Posted by: TheCluelessCrafter | November 10, 2009 at 09:34 AM
What a great quilt. And so perfect for a child. I bet the little one who receives this will love it!
Posted by: karin | November 10, 2009 at 09:57 AM
it's a beautiful quilt! how wonderful to be able to use stash fabrics to make something so beautiful.
Posted by: amandajean | November 10, 2009 at 03:44 PM
I agree...what a gorgeous quilt...and Margaret's Hope Chest is from my own home state of Michigan! That's awesome that you helped! (michigan's not doing so well right now...I'm sure you've heard).
Paula
Posted by: Paula | November 10, 2009 at 04:26 PM
what a 'happy' this quilt is! I love how you said you stitched in your positive thoughts - brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: larissa | November 10, 2009 at 10:05 PM