Saturday, 15 June 2013

A foxy mini quilt

Do you remember this little fox?  He was created when I decided to try something totally new for me - appliqué using a hand sewn blanket stitch.  He's been sitting on my dining sewing table for the last few weeks, waiting for me to figure out what to do with him.  I finally realised that I just wanted to do something very simple, so I free-motion quilted around the fox and added a crisp white binding.

Foxy mini quilt

My choice of binding fabric might have been influenced by this cold wintery morning - somehow this has ended up looking like a very wintery mini quilt.  This little fox is from Kajsa Wikman's book, Scandinavian Stitches.

Foxy mini quilt

This was a totally new FMQ design for me, so my free motion quilting lines aren't perfect, but I'm ok with that.

Have I ever explained my philosophy on seam ripping and unpicking?  Basically, unless something is really terrible, I don't unpick.  I like to think of my quilts recording my level of skill now, at this moment in time.  I'm hoping that in years to come I will be able to look back and see an evolution of my skills.  This philosophy also gives me permission not to be perfect, which is quite helpful for someone with perfectionist tendencies.  Of course, I do go back and fix things which are really a mistake!

Foxy mini quilt

This little guy is about 9 1/2" by 8 1/2" and will live on my wall somewhere - probably held up by this same washi tape.

I'm linking up with the Modern Mini Quilt Challenge at Ellison Lane Quilts.  There are some amazing mini quilts linked up already - go check them out!  I'm also linking up to Finish it up Friday at crazy mom quilts.

28 comments:

Adrienne said...

this, my dear, is absolutely delicious it is so cute. Great Job!!

Lisa said...

I loooove his body language - he is such a proud fellow! I am glad you kept it simple - he really shines as the centre of attention.

Michelle@factotum-of-arts.com said...

I love the quilting - this is a perfect finish and it is so fresh looking. Very cute.

Susan said...

He is so cute! The colours are prefect together and Lisa is right about his body language! An very 'foxy' fox!

Erica said...

Love the fox!! This is a totally inspired mini-quilt and I think your FMQ looks terrific! I can totally imagine a series of minis using different animals or motifs - thanks for sharing.

Nicole said...

The colors and the quilting are perfect. You even have matching washi tape!!! I love the size of this for a wall hanging too, adds a perfect amount of color, great job.

Kirsten said...

Just love your foxy mini!!

DeborahGun said...

perfect - I just love this little fox :-)

Lorna McMahon said...

I was over at Ellison Lanes and seen your cute fox! I love the contrast to the background and the white binding is just what the doctor - er, vet ordered!

Lorna:)
http:/sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com

heart of charnwood said...

He looks fab, and i like the simple styling of him with the white binding, sets him off perfectly!

Erica said...

He's adorable! And I am with you on not unpicking unless it's awful.

Vera said...

Love it! Very cute design and I like your fabric choice as well.

Emma said...

So cute! Love the colours, I think the white was a great choice.

Karolina @ B-craft said...

Lovely fox : )

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Cute little fox - my favorite colors too!

Camilla said...

Nice to see your face on your blog! That's new! I like your strategy of not unpicking and letting your quilts be a record of your progress. I am (less, but still) prone to the occasional bout of perfectionist paralysis!

maria said...

So cute, I love how his foot is raised as if he's ready to trot away.

Anna said...

I adore that gorgeous fox!

ipatchandquilt said...

Foxy fox! ;-)
Love it!!! It is so adorable with being overly sweet. Great balance and lovely colours!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

So gorgeous! Love the photo you've added of you as we'll :)

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

He's sooo cute! Love it just as it is. Thanks so much for entering the Modern Mini Challenge!

AmandaK@whatthebobbin said...

LOVE! I love the color combo and the fox is too cute!

Kelsey said...

Eek Adrianne this is adorable. I like how you finished it, it really let's the fox be the focus. So cute!

nicole said...

So cute! And a wonderful colour combo.
Very nice pic of you as well!

Nat at Made in Home said...

He is so cute!

Tricia ~~ Handmade Whimzy said...

I think you did a fabulous job! I love your quilting. And your fox is adorable.

Carla said...

This is so darling! Your quilting is great

Catrin Lewis said...

Totally with you on the seam ripper boycott! My mistakes often become 'design features' although there are occasions when he does have to come out of his box! (Just ripped out quilting for the first time - yuck!)

I think that the way you've quilted the fox is brilliant -really puts him centre stage x