On a foggy day in January of 2011, I started cutting scallop pieces from my favorite fabrics. Months prior to that I had pulled stacks of fabric from my stash in bright shades of pink, green, aqua, yellow, and white. I struggled with a quilt design and finally came across Sandi Henderson’s “Picnic Quilt” in her book, Sewing Bits and Pieces. Perfect! I do love me some scallops! The work was tedious, primarily since I had to cut enough pieces to do three quilts. Remember when I was cutting 240 scallops? You could use this tip for sewing with freezer paper for quilting, also. It may make cutting out the scallop pieces a little easier.
My motivation fizzled once I started pressing the curved edge under on each and every piece. I put the project away. Then, a few months ago, we moved the girls all into one bedroom, our “bonus” space over the garage. We lined up their beds all along one wall and I vowed that I would finish their quilts before decorating their room. That was the push I needed to finally finish these things. They turned out bright and fun and gorgeous. The girls each got to choose their favorite fabrics for the borders and backing and each quilt turned out unique.
I used a variety of fabrics from Sandi Henderson, Heather Bailey, and Amy Butler. I also cut up a couple crib sheets that hadn’t been used very much to add to the bunch. And there are a few fabrics for which I’m unaware of the designer/manufacturer. The quilts took A LOT of fabric and were more labor intensive than I would have liked. I’m glad I didn’t know that going in though, because I’m so happy to have them all so pretty now that they’re done. I don’t think it would be so terrible to do one quilt this way, but three all at once was just too much for me to stay excited about.
I looked into having the quilts professionally quilted as I had completely lost steam by that point, but the cost was too much to justify. I ended up doing a free-motion swirly loopy stitch all over the three quilts. They washed up super snuggly and the quilting actually only took a few hours for each quilt once I got going. I’m glad I went this route – besides, don’t you think imperfect quilting says “mommy loves you” more than a stranger’s picture perfect stitches?? haha!
The girls are extremely excited to have their new, special quilts. And I am extremely excited to move on to new sewing projects!! And decorating their room!!
What are you up to this week? Sewing plans? Back to school plans? (We start Wednesday!!) Baking plans? Do tell…
Comments & Reviews
Four Little Munchkins says
These are gorgeous! I’m drooling. I have three girls who share a room (and a boy). I’ve wanted to make coordinating quilts but have the same problem you have… making three is just overwhelming. But yours turned out so beautifully!
I also love how you flanked the window with bookcases. Perfect. Congratulations to you on pushing through!
Julie says
These are SO pretty! I just love the assortment of fabrics that you chose. Love how they look with those cute sheets and the pillows, too!
The Sewing Dork says
Wow, how did you find the time?!! They’re gorgeous.
Judy says
I am so impressed. The room is just gorgeous. How lucky are your girls to have a mom who could make them each such a special quilt. Really beautiful job.
Bavmorda says
HOLY MACKEREL!!!! The quilts are absolutely beautiful, and the room is gorgeous!!! Any little girl would love it!
The Cottage Mama says
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! You’ve outdone yourself, Stef. Those are gorgeous!! That room looks straight out of a high end magazine. Absolutely LOVE it!! Did I use enough exclamation points?!!!!!!!
Kristie Clower says
Omigoshomigoshomigosh! I totally just fell in love. How do you pick such amazing fabric? Like everything else you make these are gorgeous.
kristin says
Omigosh Stef these are GORGEOUS! Great job perservering!!! You’re amazing. We just repainted Em’s room and I decided she needs a new quilt, but I’ll be nowhere as ambitious as you were here. Three quilts all lined up – it looks fantastic!
Riversfam says
So pretty! This is the motivation I needed to start on quilts for my twin girls’ room.
Kerilyn says
Oh my! Your girls have the perfect dream room! Gorgeous.
Baby Hung says
Wow that is really beautiful! Nice job! It looks like a pottery barn kids room!
Simple Simon & Co says
Absolutely beautiful!
Simple Simon & Co says
Absolutely beautiful!
Simple Simon & Co says
Absolutely beautiful!
Erin Biggers says
This looks like a room from a magazine. You did such a beautiful job.
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