something done, something begun...

...the patchwork duvet cover I mentioned in my last post is finally done -- Hooray! I first started cutting out and sewing together the squares back in the summer of 2006; back then, I decided to start a whole bunch at the same time (à la assembly line), thinking I could whip up all the duvet covers pretty quickly in this fashion... The few Amy Butler prints that I used in this design, now probably impossible to find, were all still pretty fresh off the press at that time! Of course, my plan to finish them all quickly didn't materialize, and I've been slowly finishing them one or two at a time, according to the demand I get for them.

My initial enthusiasm to make them waned after I finished the tops; sewing the squares together and machine-quilting the patchwork to a sheet of cotton (to make the top sturdier and hide the assembly seams) is the "fun part" for me. I felt a bit dispirited when faced with the prospect of making all the backings (cutting a huge piece of cotton sheeting and sewing the ricrac along the 4 edges), sewing the tops and backs together (not so bad), and finishing the openings with buttons...Ugh!... So now, when I actually finish one of these covers, I get a real feeling of having climbed a very, very high mountain!

I decided to opt for the "crumpled look" for my photos; my 12-year old daughter, Stefania, called me on it: Mom, why aren't you making it nice and flat for your photos?,  she asked. (I gather she was thinking of something more like this photo taken in Molly's shop, the store at which I sell these covers locally.) Well, the crumpled look gives a better sense of the hodgepodge of colors and pattern going on in the patchwork, I said...Oh, she said,...Uh, it also gives a better sense of what it'll look like if one is covered by it in a bed, I added, smiling...Uh-huh, she said,...And, most importantly, it is so much faster to set up for photos than trying to making it all nice and flat!, I said, somewhat triumphantly. I can only imagine how much people time and computer time must go into making those gorgeous shots we quickly flip through in decor magazines crumple- and crease-free!

With the cover all done, I started on something new -- well, sort of new... You can catch a glimpse below; hopefully, my idea will work, and I'll be able to show you the finished product in my next post.

Hint: It's something I've made before, but in a larger format...

Comments

[fiona]

well done thats quite a mountain!cant wait to see the finished product, love the look of the felt flowers:)

[Roze]

I love those felt flowers, Beautiful colours as well.

[June]

Your duvet is gorgeous! I love the colors and prints you used. I know it was a big job, but your end result is beautiful.

[Mirre]

Love the colours of the quilt!!
And I can't wait to see the rest of the doll!

[Claire - Matching Pegs]

Your duvet (or doona as we call them down under) cover looks beautiful in it's crumpled state - such wonderful colours.

I am intrigued by your flowers, do you cut them out by hand, or are they punched out by a tool - they look so neat!

[S.HOPtalk]

I can't wait to see more...the sneak peek is divine!

[Zee]

Beautiful colors! I am curious to see more of your work. I am imagining a big russian doll as part of a cover? Perhaps?
Xo,

[tiffany]

I can't wait to see! She's got such a darling face!

[Petra]

What a lovely patchwork in wonderful colours - I think the ones with squares are the nicest! / Petra in Sweden

[the homely year]

Fabulous colours in your quilt...they're so much work, aren't they, but beautiful...real labours of love.
Margaret and Noreen

[nathalie]

and i want it whatever it is!!! i have a new blog.....hello typepad! if you don't mind, i would be very much appreciate for you to change the link to my blog to the new address!!! looks like you have been busy!!!!! it's nice to see your work.

[katie]

beautiful quilt!

[Sarah]

Love the sneak peek babushka face!

[Jean C.]

I really like how you put the white sheet on the back with the Ric-rack... maykes it reversable. Cute. Good for you... another one bites the dust! Do you have any left to make?
I cut out a ton of flannel squares probably about 4 years back. I wanted to make Ragg baby quilts. So, since then between my 3 daughters and myself using these squares (with a varity of colors)we have probably made around 12 or 13 and still have enought to make probably 5 more. It's nice when they are already cut... but they do take up space sometimes. The neat things is that now I'm finally getting them done... now I have an excuse to go buy more flannel! Lol
Have fun, like I said another one bites the dust! Jean

[Nanette]

I love everything you do.

[Ellen]

Can't wait to see - love that expression on the doll.

[Tiel]

i love these colours. it takes me back to my childhood.

[Gabriela Delworth]

Hello,

This face design is amazing!

Warm regards,

Gabriela

[LindaSonia]

I too can't wait to see more ... whatever it is, I want one!! loving those little blossoms... LindaSonia

[Jodi]

Gorgeous colours in your duvet cover! I thought I could whip up a patchwork duvet cover during my Christmas holidays (thought it would take me a day at the most) 4 days later (and I was power sewing my way though it) I had it completed! In many ways its just as much work as a quilt. I can't imagine having to make many more!! Good on you!

[Bobbie Lynn Duran]

Love the color combination. Very pretty. :)

[joanna]

How do you cut such neat flowers? mine have such rough edges! is it just my sloppy work? Beaytiful patchwork by the way.

[erin]

hi beata
the duvet cover is beautiful! i assume i'm one of those pesky people you referred to :)
clearly it's worth the wait!

[Linnea]

Your duvet cover and doll face are perfect! I'm also a big fan of the crumpled up look... it does indeed give a good picture of what it will look like and compacts it all into a nice little bunch. Have a great weekend :o)

[Jennifer]

I, myself, like the crumpled look :)

and those fabrics are gorgeous. very light and airy.

[nathalie]

got my serger! i can't wait to use it!

[Susan]

The quilt is gorgeous. The colors are amazing! I love Amy Butler fabrics...I'll be sending you the "package" soon.

Susan

[Fée un voeu]

Beautiful energy !

[Teena]

Oh my I love that pretty lady! What a wonderful garland she is wearing. I like the quilt crumpled. It looks more like home to me! Lovely inspiring blog!

[Sonnja]

What a beautiful Quilt!
Kind regards,

Sonnja & Beertje Zonn
from the Netherlands