When we started Point of View, I really had no idea that one of the side effects would be that time would speed up. It seems like every time I turn around another month has flown by and it’s time for Point of View again! Not that it’s a bad thing, but somehow it always seems to surprise me.
This month was really fun because we have a new participant- Leanne from Organize and Decorate Everything has joined us as a replacement for Stacy who unfortunately had to drop out of the group. And we got to welcome two guest posters to join us as well- Caroline and Michele are filling in for Michelle and Camilla who had so many fun summer activities planned for July they didn’t have time for projects. 😉 (lucky girls! )
Are you ready for the big reveal? Ready to see how each of our participants interpreted the theme of Summer?
You are? Okay- here it is:
Awesome, right? I seriously get giddy every time a new collage is revealed. It’s so exciting!! Are you dying to head out and see full details for each of the projects? Here are all the links you’ll need:
Jonie from Just Between Friends
Amy from Ameroonie Designs
Gwen from Gwenny Penny
Leanne from Organize and Decorate Everything (new member 🙂
Carolina from Always Expect Moore (guest)
Michele from Michele Made Me (guest)
But before you head anywhere be sure to stop by the link party and show us your Point of View on Summer. This month Leanne is hosting the link party and you can get there by clicking here. Your project can be old or new, food, crafts, decor- anything you feel is related to the summer theme!
And now, are you ready for all the details on my project?
When I think about summer I think about being a child in my Grandmother’s backyard. She had a big apple tree with a swing made out of an old tire. I would snuggle up in that swing with a pink and blue flannel blanket she had and I would just relax and enjoy the motion. (unless my Dad pushed me too high, then I would stop breathing) 🙂
My Grandma had one other blanket that I loved. It was a quilt that had been given to her as a gift years before. We would spread it on the grass and look up at the clouds, or snuggle under it as we slept under the stars on her back patio. As I thought about how many memories of mine were associated with these two simple blankets I decided that I wanted to make a blanket that we would use the same way. Then, when my kids are older and they see the blanket, they will associate many happy memories with that tangible piece of cloth and batting.
I started with this backing fabric.
It was a vintage pre-quilted piece that I scored from my Mother-in-Law’s stash. I loved the colors in the fabric. Next, I found fabrics that coordinated with the back to piece together for the front. The hardest part was arranging the 9″ blocks for the front.
I wanted it to be random, but it was difficult trying to make sure there weren’t too many blues in one area, or that two of the same fabric weren’t too close to each other. I finally decided that no one was going to be looking as closely at it as I was so I needed to just let it be fine. I decided to do a pillowcase binding (I think that’s what it’s called?) where you sew the front to the back with right sides together leaving an opening for turning. This way I didn’t have to bind it. 🙂 It really worked well for this blanket because the backing fabric was already pre-quilted. I was originally going to quilt it with a machine, but that was more complicated than I wanted to deal with- so I decided to just tie the quilt.
However, I hate tied quilts. I really don’t like the nubbies created by the yarn tied in a knot all over the blanket. It really bugs me. (can you tell?) Then, I had a flash of brilliance. Why does the tie have to be on the top? It they’re on the bottom, I won’t feel them all the time and they won’t bug me! (insert choir of angels singing) So, I used embroidery floss (all 6 strands) and stitched an X on the front side, then tied the free ends on the bottom of the quilt. I used all different colors of embroidery floss through the quilt.
I adore this quilt. I mostly used clearance fabrics and fabrics from my stash because I didn’t want it to be so expensive that I would worry about my kids using it. It has already been to a baseball game, family picnic and it was home base for a rowdy game of “No Bears are Out Tonight!” I’m happy to say that so far it is holding up to a lot of love and use- and I hope it will for many years to come!
Please head over to Leanne’s place and link up your summer posts– I would love to read them. (If you want, leave a comment letting me know which links are yours so I can make sure not to miss them!) And just a heads up- next months theme is going to be Back To School- AAcck! I told you Point of View made time go faster!
Head out and make some great memories for summer and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
Amy
Linking up to Craft Goodies Friday link party, Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up party,Get you Craft on at Today’s creative blog and Topsy Turvy Tuesdays at I’m Topsy Turvy.
Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
July 22, 2011 at 12:56 pmIt's really beautiful, Amy. The color combination is just gorgeous. I hand- tied the first quilt I ever made, and I ended up putting the ties on the back because it was a pretty busy quilt, and I didn't want to add to the "busy-ness". Great project that I'm sure will be well-loved for years to come 🙂
Lulu Lane Designs
July 22, 2011 at 1:01 pmI LOVE this quilt! The bright colors just make me smile! Summer always make me think of fun bright funky colors and patterns. I've never made a quilt before but I could do this, right??? 🙂
Michele Pacey
July 22, 2011 at 1:43 pmYour quilt is so lovely. It reminds me of quilts from my childhood too. Simple design, bright colours and tied instead of quilted. Such warm memories. It looks like you're already putting it to good use too. Great POV! And truly summery!
Jonie Marie
July 22, 2011 at 1:51 pmLove it Amy! That looks like it took forever. (Ok, maybe it just would take me forever to make it. You probably whipped it up in no time)
Carolina
July 22, 2011 at 2:24 pmI love it! It is wonderful what we remember from our childhood… and I think it is awesome that you are re-creating some of those warm and snuggly memories for your little ones.
Camilla Jones (CioCo Photography)
July 22, 2011 at 3:58 pmSo gorgeous Amy! I love the bright colors, it makes me want to have a picnic!
La-Dee-da crafter
July 22, 2011 at 10:37 pmI love this and I am really wanting to make one. What do you use a light batting for summer?
I am thinking a sheet would work. I live in AZ so even in winter there is no need for a heavy quilt.
ladeedacreations.com
following you
Leanne
July 22, 2011 at 10:38 pmOhhh! It's so beautiful Amy. I love all the fun colors and the back fabric is gorgeous too. It reminds me so much of picnics and Summer. What a great project. Thanks for letting me join you very talented girls.
Lorene (just Lu)
July 23, 2011 at 2:52 amSo cute! Such fun memories will be revolve around it for sure 🙂
Karen
July 24, 2011 at 1:24 pmThese colors drew me right in! I cannot wait to explore the rest of your blog…just beautiful! (From someone who hopes to learn how to quilt soon!)
Laura Ingalls Gunn
July 26, 2011 at 3:06 pmI am visiting via Today's Creative Blog.
This is a fantastic project! Thank you for sharing.
Happy Tuesday!
Vicki
July 27, 2011 at 12:23 amWhat a great quilt! I'm sure it's well on its way to making memories.