Rainbow I Spy Quilt Done!
By
Looking back through my blog I pulled the prints for this I Spy Quilt back at the beginning of September last year. That’s 8 months ago. Today I’m here to tell you that it’s completed and my son has been sleeping under it for the last few nights. Woohoo!
 |
| I got a new UV lens for my camera, the photos are bright, I may retake them. Just warning you, you may need your sunnies! |
I seriously love this quilt. It was a labour of love but like most, it was worth it in the end. I made it double sided and I’m glad I did, I think Mr 6 will enjoy changing between the top and back.
So, the details 
You know I like to quilt. I like texture. Using Aurifil 2024 50wt for my top thread I densely pebble quilted the white sashing to really make the I Spy prints pop.
I wanted this quilt to be truly double sided so I used grey bobbin thread (Aurifil 2605, 50wt). I’m really glad I did this, the quilting gives the back texture but doesn’t take away from the stark grey and dazzling scrappy rainbow strips.
I took the rainbow layout right to the edges of the quilt and colour coordinated pebbles within the wavy lines in the border. AWESOME. I invested in a rainbow of Aurifil threads for this quilt (50wt for quilting and 12 weight for hand stitching) and I’m so glad I did, those colours shine and really make the quilt.
The lovely Fiona posted me some white homespun when I ran out (quilty friends are THE BEST!) and then suggested that writing words in the border would be a cool idea. TOTALLY COOL but it did slow me down. I love speedy quilting and the hand sewing these words did my head in. BUT it was worth it and I am so grateful for her suggestion and that I stuck with it. Mr 6 is learning to read and write in French (we live in France), but he started reading the English words on his new quilt and playing I Spy (each word matches a picture is in the same colour). AWESOME.
I used verigated 12 weight Aurifil thread to stitch the words and I have to tell you, once I found the right needle and thimble it was a rather enjoyable experience. The 12 weight is really smooth to stitch with and I love me a verigated thread!
I know you want some close ups (well, I promised Fiona some) so here you go
 |
| Red, orange, yellow and green. |
 |
| Blues |
 |
| I added some greys, browns and blacks to my rainbow |
When I started this quilt I fussy cut every novelty print I had, I then came up with a layout and started adding sashing. It was completely improvisational and accordingly I ended up with a few large sections of white. Not one to waste an opportunity I quilted Mr 6′s name (you’ll have to use your imagination there) and date. I obviously thought I would finish this quilt in 2012 *sigh*
 |
| Can you see the 2012 above? |
I used 100% bamboo wadding and quilting cottons, the grey on the back is Kona, the white on the front is homespun and the prints are a selection from my stash and a novelty swap I participated in last year. The rainbow strips on the back are a mix of my favourite prints and some of my monthly Pink Castle Stash Stack Club.
I auditioned about 30 prints for the binding and in the end I ordered more Michael Miller Ta Dot in teal from Pink Castle. It provided the perfect frame and is a favourite print and colour of mine.
I love seeing this quilt on the bed, the colour play of the pieced top makes me happy.
Now all three of my babies are sleeping under quilts made especially for them by me. Although Little Miss will be getting a new one early next year when we move house and she gets a big bed (but seriously, how cute are their three beds in a row? I always think of the three bears!).
This quilt was pieced and quilted by me on my Bernina 440QE. After washing and drying it measures up at 80″ x 62″ (and my poor husband got very tired arms holding it up for about 300 photos – can you see those kite surfers in the back left of the below photo? There was a breeze…)
I’m linking up with TGIFF over at Quokka Quilts and to Finish it Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts this week.
Izzy
May 3, 2013 at 1:20 am (1 year ago)Beautiful quilt! The quilting is perfect.
ReplyLaura
May 3, 2013 at 3:43 am (1 year ago)Oh wow, it is AMAZING! You HAVE to be pleased with that!!!
ReplyFinding Fifth
May 3, 2013 at 3:48 am (1 year ago)Oh my favourite finish of the year! Although each one of your finishes exceeds the last and with 7 more months left in the year I know I am going to be dazzled even more. Love the locations shots but indeed the shot of the three little bears beds is too darling.
ReplyAnna
May 3, 2013 at 5:20 am (1 year ago)It is a gorgeous quilt! I love the colours and the pebbles are brilliant!
ReplyDeborah
May 3, 2013 at 6:32 am (1 year ago)This is an amazing quilt – I am not going to show my boys because they would want me to make them one just like it!
Replyvexa
May 3, 2013 at 7:26 am (1 year ago)I love it. I love when colors are put in the right order and you even took it to higher level with all the matching quilting. Just perfect in every way. Congrats on fab finish.
ReplyEmma Louise Brown
May 3, 2013 at 8:48 am (1 year ago)It’s gorgeous!
Replyjoanne
May 3, 2013 at 12:22 pm (1 year ago)It is absolutely stunning! I LOVE everything about it!!!
Replyipatchandquilt
May 3, 2013 at 1:28 pm (1 year ago)That is a stunning piece of art! Love the three beds next to each other!
ReplyHave a great weekend
Esther
audrey
May 3, 2013 at 1:47 pm (1 year ago)This is absolutely incredible. Everything about it is perfect, and I can only imagine how amazing your son must feel to sleep under such a quilt of love!
ReplyCoach Tina
May 3, 2013 at 9:16 pm (1 year ago)I love this quilt and the ideas behind it-it will be a treasure I am sure
ReplyElise Lea
May 3, 2013 at 10:33 pm (1 year ago)This turned out so lovely and looks so great on the bed. I also love the way it works both directions. I bet your son is thrilled!
ReplyMsMidge
May 4, 2013 at 12:08 am (1 year ago)Simply amazing Gemma! I think this is your best yet!
ReplyLynCC
May 4, 2013 at 5:38 pm (1 year ago)Gemma, this is awesome! I really love all the quilting and stitching that you put into it. And the photo of all three beds in real quilts is wonderful.
ReplyKristy @ Quiet Play
May 5, 2013 at 4:08 am (1 year ago)Just such a beautiful quilt – what a treasure for your son!
ReplyChez Roo
May 5, 2013 at 5:15 am (1 year ago)It is stunning! A beautiful heirloom.
ReplyLolla Crafts
May 5, 2013 at 12:44 pm (1 year ago)maravilhoso….. wonderful…..
Replykaren @ badlandsquilts
May 5, 2013 at 1:11 pm (1 year ago)Such a unique I-Spy quilt, it is so cool looking!
ReplyLaura C @ littleandlots
May 5, 2013 at 2:12 pm (1 year ago)I have wanted to try an I Spy quilt, but hadn’t thought to do it as a spectrum quilt! This is definitely an heirloom quilt. A finish to be really, really proud of. You did a great job on every part of it, I especially love the colored words around the border.
ReplyHands Sew Full
May 5, 2013 at 2:56 pm (1 year ago)Absolutely gorgeous! What a tremendous gift of love for you babies! Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyMellieWo
May 6, 2013 at 12:50 pm (1 year ago)Love! It looks like a labour of love but s worth it! The words were a great addition and I just think the whole quilt is fantastic!
Replysheri
March 21, 2014 at 12:42 pm (2 months ago)This is absolutely amazing…I am so jealous, I love the variety of things and different colors. Wish I could make one!
Reply