Four and a half years after starting this purple-hued autumnal quilt, I finally finished it!
PATTERN
Going through my many quilt books, I searched for the autumn quilt I most wanted to pursue.
Of all the options, I chose a harlequin quilt from a lovely book that includes a recipe for each quilt.
AUTUMNAL FABRICS
Thus, on my birthday, in October 2015, I began my journey with a harlequin quilt, when I decided to quietly enjoy the autumnal day with some seasonal fabrics.
Laying out my stash of autumnal fabrics, I chose this lovely batik with multiple shadings of purple for my focus fabric.
AUDITIONING ARRANGEMENTS
As I played with various arrangements of color here and there, repeatedly rearranging, I finally settled upon my favorite placement of the various fabrics.
After sewing the quilt top, I put it away.
HAND QUILTING
After moving into my apartment last October, I pulled this quilt from my storage box to hand quilt, determined to finish it, while enjoying autumn outside my window.
Continuing my stitching through movies and studying for research projects, I practiced innumerable basic 18th century stitches.
After stitching in the ditch of the seams, I handstitched channels down the length of the diamonds, then stitched diamonds into the border.
Finally, I handstitched the binding.
Finis!
I chose a solid color for the backing for frugality and to more easily show off all that hand stitching, which I read were18th century techniques.
Many of the techniques used in this quilt will benefit me when I hand stitch my first 18th century quilted petticoat.
Although it was a lot of work, I’m so happy with the hand-stitched diamonds.
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Quintessential Clothes Pen – April 20, 2020 at 8:58 PM – That’s quite a bit of hand stitching! I imagine you feel a great sense of accomplishment. Looking forward to your petticoat!
Best,
Quinn
