Wednesday 18 September 2013

WIP Wednesday

A good friend of mine is expecting her first child soon - a much longed for baby girl.  I'm so pleased for her (and also for myself, because I've been hanging out to make a baby girl quilt all year) and to celebrate I designed this completely over the top quilt.

I hope my sketch is encouraging to anyone else who is thinking about designing their own quilts - you can see that my drawing skills are pretty minimal (yes, those are birds and flowers) but that hasn't stopped me and it shouldn't stop you!

Garden for Birds Quilt

I really wanted to create a quilt that was fun and a little bit crazy, and would allow me to use lots of different colours and fabrics.  This quilt uses a variety of different techniques, including piecing and appliqué, but the intention is that it's simple enough for even a fairly novice quilter to make.

I spent the weekend at my first ever quilting retreat.  It was awesome - I got a bunch done and it was lovely to hang out with lots of quilting obsessed people like me.  I took the opportunity to make a start on this baby quilt.  I'm pretty happy with where it's going so far and can't wait to work on it some more this weekend.  I have to give a special shout out to my friend Helen (aka the appliqué queen) - she was on the retreat too and she did a beautiful job of the machine blanket stitch on the central appliqué block - thanks Helen!

Garden for Birds Quilt in progress

Have you been to a quilting retreat before?  I'd definitely do it again - my only complaint was that it was too short!

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced:

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

28 comments:

Jessica said...

The fabrics you picked are PERFECT. Ahhh! Can't wait to see the rest!

Meia Ameruddin said...

It's beautiful! I love it. :)

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Wow, it's looking great! Love the little birds, so cute, and the dresden blocks pick up the tail details beautifully.

Anonymous said...

Oh man, this is looking so gorgeous! I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Leanne said...

This is going to be beautiful!

Rebecca said...

That quilt is too cute.

What program are you using?

Amy Given Sewist said...

This is going to be amazing! Thank you for sharing your process!

Nat at Made in Home said...

Do you use a design software! Looks great, she will love it!

Anonymous said...

Wow that is gorgeous!! Congrats! We don't have crafty retreats here in Argentina :(

Jo Jo said...

Looks awesome! I love the leaves!

Tamie said...

This is so special. I love how it is coming along and can't wait to see the finish.

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

What a beautiful start! I'd love to go on a small Retreat x

Erica said...

Oh wow, I was surprised to see the color difference between the mock up and the real thing. I love that color combo and it is so fun and fresh for a new baby. I don't think that design skills are very important, quilting skills are much more important and you definitely have those :)

Erica said...

Oh wow, I was surprised to see the color difference between the mock up and the real thing. I love that color combo and it is so fun and fresh for a new baby. I don't think that design skills are very important, quilting skills are much more important and you definitely have those :)

Lyndy at Stitchbird said...

THis is looking amazing Adrianne. You could be designing and selling quilting patterns???

Stephanie Granite said...

the quilt is looking fabulous. I love the side with the leaves

Anonymous said...

Your work in progress is fabulous... it has bought the sketch to another fun, scrappy, modern level. Great stuff.

Serena @ Sewgiving said...

Oh your quilt is turning out beautifully :) I'd love to go on any retreat lol ... but have to wait until the kiddies are a smidge older. Looking forward to seeing more of your quilt :)

sarah elizabeth :: {no} hats said...

Hold smokes, Adrianne --- it's gorgeous and unexpected and refreshing. You should do this more often ;)

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

Your quilt is looking great!! I have my first retreat in November and can't wait. So glad you had fun :-)

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is great! What software package do you use? Stopping by from WIP. Thanks for sharing Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

Fantastic!!

I agree you dont have to be able to draw! All my work starts with doodle sketches in the book of "amazing over the top how will do all this" ideas. For some I'll do something more detailed in photoshop, but really, just trying to get the idea. You're example here is a perfect sample of it. Thanks for sharing!

nicole said...

Just amazing! Love seeing it come to life from your rendering! The side with the vines is my fave, just gorgeous!

dutchcomfort said...

This is going to be such a beautiful quilt Adrianne! Love the reversed flying geese and the bird block is so sweet!

Gemma@prettybobbins said...

I love this! I can't wait to see it finished. It's absolutely stunning!

Jill said...

wow, it's like abstract art. I love the circular patterned piece in the upper left quadrant. How do you produce so much, Adrianne? It's amazing.

MarieHelene said...

I am finishing a quilt for my baby son which has similar features: applique bird and crazy patchwork sun, a middle piece with Stefi Brocoli's Over the forest and a block pattern for forest at the bottom - inspired by your hot tubes cover. All is being hand quilted with pearl cotton.
I really like the leaves paatern to the right and the birds are lovely.

Karyn said...

That quilt is looking great. Cool collection of fabrics and designs.