Tuesday, October 27, 2009

a patterned quilt

Like most quilters, I am fully self taught. Up until about 4 months ago, I didn't even know what the names of different types of quilts were, or who Heather Ross, Denyse Schmidt, and Amy Butler were. Then I discovered flickr and the world of blogging. I have learned so much in the last few months about HST quilts, block quilts, log cabins...etc.
I do feel though that since I learned in the dark ages of no classes, books, or computer (not even a friend to learn from), there are some basics of quilting that could make my life easier (like basting with safety pins instead of straight pins...who knew). With that said, I gave myself the challenge of completing a quilt by pattern. I chose an Amy Butler pattern, from her new Softwares cd.
The name of this quilt is Aspen Branches...and I loved the pattern from the moment I saw it.

I do need to tell you that I did make some changes as I went. For example, the pattern has the stripes meeting in the middle on the seams, but I decided to off set them so that they wouldn't line up. The pattern only called for 9 different fabrics, I used 26. I also ended up putting on a boarder that was not called for. In all honesty, I can tell you that I did learn one thing....I don't like following patterns. I had a hard time being confined. I do love the quilt, and think it looks nice in its new home....

but I did not enjoy the process like I normally do. There is something to be said for going at it on your own and making up the rules as you go.
I love my blog reads and flickr addiction....I feel as though I learn so much more from reading blogs than I could ever learn from a pattern, in a class or a book. Besides, the talent found through these two sources is so amazing and inspiring...that I have a list a mile long of things I want to try. I am still determined to do Denyse Schmidt's Single Girl quilt, one day (I want to make it for my daughter's hope chest) and I am sure that there will be tempting patterns in the future, but on the whole it's just not my thing. I like trying to figure things out, and spending countless hours deciding where a block or fabric goes. It was a good experience though, and now I can say that I did it!! I am curious what everyone else's thoughts are on the subject.

As requested, a picture that shows the entire front of the quilt!! It has been used a lot since I originally posted this quilt, so it is a bit wrinkled.

5 comments:

  1. Oh, my! That quilt looks absolutely gorgeous. I would love to see a nice flat shot (hint - hint). Good use of the AB Love fabrics. I love it!

    joan

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  2. i started out just by winging it...but then i realized that i was always frustrated....so now i look into patterns a little more. all that to say i have only followed a few and have flown by the seat of my pants with the rest...so i guess i am torn

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  3. I don't bother with patterns, I look at them sometimes for basic know how, like how to do a particular block but I find it too insane cutting out all those pieces then sewing them in the right order. I always wing it and I think you can always see this in a quilt, winged ones almost always seem more creatively perfect!!!

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  4. Very pretty! This came out great.

    Sometimes I start with a pattern, but I always deviate from it. Once I get going I like to do my own thing.

    Randi

    http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/

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  5. I love your Amy Butler Love quilt, too beautiful!! I'm the same, I like starting with a pattern, but I generally change it to suit my tastes, sometimes I change a lot about the pattern, other times I only change a little! xo

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