I'm going to be perfectly honest here and say that sometimes quilts are my least favorite project to sew. Don't get me wrong -- I love quilts. But trying to piece together something so large and feed it through my little home machine, all while keeping the kids and dogs from trampling it to bits, can be rather stressful. And you know those awesome bloggers who can show you closeups and even the reverse side of their quilting because every single bit of piecing is a thing of beauty? Nope...not me. But when I worked on my chevron baby quilt last month, this quilt block quickly won my heart. It's quick to cut, easy to piece correctly, and perfect for simple quilting.
For the fabrics, I used my California Road Trip blogger bundle for Tactile Fabrics along with some special prints from my own collection. I can't tell you how delighted I am with the way this turned out. As I was sewing this quilt top together, I couldn't stop thinking of the quiet vacations my sister and I used to spend together at Huntington Beach every spring back when we were both single teachers. Mornings on the beach, afternoons at the pool, and sunsets on the pier -- it was absolutely heaven, and the memories led me to name this quilt "Carefree."
The back of the quilt is a large scale text print from IKEA which I picked up a few weeks ago for just ninety-nine cents a yard. Now, of course, I wish I'd gotten ten yards instead of just three. It's bound in a pale orange floral print from Denyse Schmidt's latest Blossom Reel line.
From this angle you can also see the small vineyard we have growing over our arbor in the backyard. Fresh grapes at the table for every meal have been a lovely thing this summer. Since they have a habit of adopting my projects before they're even finished, I've already let the girls know that this one is going to be Mommy's special quilt. It's taking a spin in the dryer as I type, and I'm looking forward to snuggling with it -- yes, even in the 106 degree heat we've been having here in Southern California.
After spending a few weeks on the drawing board, my new blog header is finally in place. I had so much fun drawing an updated version of our little Naomi for the blog, and there's even a new blog button there on the side to grab if you like. Enjoy!
Linking up with Sew Cute Tuesday & Fabric Tuesday.
I was going to ask if your header was different, but I didn't want to sound dumb if it wasn't! I do like it, a lot!! I also like your chevron 'mama' quilt. The backing is to die for!! Sure wish we had a Ikea near us.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to make one of this pattern! oh, and go to IKEA looking for fabric!
ReplyDeleteIts's gorgeous Heidi. Love that design and i am a big fan of baby quilts too- i haven't tackled anything larger yet!
ReplyDeleteLove that quilt! I can relate...I love piecing quilts, but the basting and quilting is for the birds! Your quilt turned out just lovely.
ReplyDeleteSO lovely! I totally know what you mean. I purposely avoided taking pictures of parts of my quilt I quilted over the weekend, lol. Kinda scary but oh well I still love it just like you still love yours!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely quilt, really nice gentle summery range of colours. I don't suppose anyone's quilting is perfect (or that is what I console myself with) I suspect we only get the edited best bits!
ReplyDeleteAdorable!!! Fab colours, fab design and fab simple quilting!
ReplyDeleteEsther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com
love the quilt! I completely understand where you're coming from. I don't find smaller quilts to be tedious like that, but anything bed sized just makes me groan. :)
ReplyDeleteadorable new heading too! I'm so impressed that you drew it!
:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation
What a cute quilt and I just love love your new header. You did a great job on it!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty quilt. You have such a great eye for color combinations! It is such a great design and I love those spots of Heather Ross! I know what you mean about the frustrations of sewing big things on a tiny machine. It always takes me forever to find a spot on my quilts that are acceptable for close-ups LOL! Most of the time I just go for the long distance shot! :D
ReplyDeleteAdorable new blog header Heidi! You are multi talented!! Love the quilt, too. It is a great design based on squares and hst's - a big wow factor for easy piecing, gotta love that!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your new blog header! It's so bright and fun, just like your quilt. I look forward to reading your blog:)
ReplyDeleteHeidi,
ReplyDeleteYour quilt turned out adorable! I love that bundle and your new header.
jan@http://sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com/
That's such a pretty quilt :) I think all the yellows, oranges and blues go really well together - it's a great combination!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! I love the backing fabric, too - if only I lived closer to an IKEA! (Sigh...)
ReplyDeleteLike the new header and that the fabric colours match the bundle ;)
ReplyDeleteI love it! But may I say that Every. Dadgum. Time I make the grownup decision that I don't absolutely *have* to have one or two particular DS prints, somebody comes along and uses it in such a lovely way that I'm forced to go get it.
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!! I love that IKEA backing too. Your new blog header/button is adorable too!!
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt and the pattern is lovely. I want to make one using that pattern. You got such a deal with on the backing fabric. I purchased some of that fabric on my last trip to IKEA but paid full price :(
ReplyDeleteI really like your new header Naomi is so cute.
Love the pattern. I noticed all those delicious looking grapes too:) I do love little Naomi! I have two dachshund mixes. They are adorable if I say so myself!
ReplyDeleteIt's just darling Heidi. You did a great job and I'm sure it's worthy of 'close- ups' : )
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt - simple yet striking!! I have pinned it on my "Quilt & Sew" board on Pinterest for future reference (of course!).
ReplyDeleteThis is so lovely! I love your blogger bundle too, it does scream California, and also seems very you.
ReplyDeleteGreat quilt Heidi! Love the new blog header too! I wish I could get my hands on some of that Ikea fabric at that price! What a bargain :o)
ReplyDeleteI love your new header AND your new quilt. They even kind of match!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt, it turned out just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd i adore your new header, so cute!
I was going to say what Cari said! Great quilt - what a wonderful way to use that beautiful selection of fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI love this design Heidi. My brother in law and his wife are expecting a baby in August and I'd love to make the bub something like this. Did you use a pattern or just work it out yourself? Could you please tell me the size of the square? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! You did a beautiful job. And I totally love your header :) You've inspired me to start thinking about changing mine...
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt, it uses most of my favorite colors! I also love the blog header, just adorable!
ReplyDeleteAmanda