as Friday's forecast was dry I finally got round to doing something that has needed doing for EVER, but I've putting off all summer with the excuse that it wouldn't dry but really because I was worried it would be a disaster. --- I washed my quilt. This is the first quilt I made, I had no idea what I was doing, so didn't pre-wash any fabric (therefore was terrified it would run) I had no clue about wadding, so I've no idea whether it was machine washable, the stitching is decidedly dodgy, the applique is very loosely stitched, and the quilting - well lets just say I've got better........
but it really really needed a wash, there was a random pink stain (which didn't come out, but at least didn't get worse), some tea stains (very cross about those - I'm very careful about my tea in bed) and some muddy cat paw prints (humph I'll make those cats wipe their feet on the mat next time!). so into the bath it went, with the mildest of washing detergents, and then a rinse and gentle spin in the machine, and finally a few hours on the line. I wash so relieved it had survived it went straight on the bed, although judging from the photos it could have done with an iron first. ...
I made it when we lived near Boston, I had no idea what I was doing, and taught myself applique out of a book, designing most of it to include huge borders to cut down on anything difficult! It includes a white rose of York, a castle from the town hubby grew up in, our 3 cats we had before we got married and moved to Boston (they got farmed out to family, and we never got them back), a striped Bass - J's obsession the whole time we lived in Rockport was to catch one, some bears we never saw when we camped in Maine, and so that J never has an excuse to forget our wedding anniversary the date of our wedding - it's worked so far, he hasn't forgotten an anniversary yet.
today's jobs include a very serious amount of pruning in the garden, and K and E pounced upon all the branches with glee, decorating the climbing frame to create a giant den/tree house.
which provided hours of entertainment until the heavens opened and the train set came to the rescue and saved the day.
How I miss New England! And brilliant idea working in your anniversary date. Must come up with a similar ploy here! K x
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt - perhaps I could make one with all our important dates on it!
ReplyDeleteMy two did the den with pruning trick last week - there's was a 'jungle' - and guess who cleared it up?
Wonderful quilt, maybe I should follow your example and just make one.
ReplyDeleteGlad the quilt survived the washing! I tuaght myself out of books too - it is surprising what you can teach yourself that way.
ReplyDeleteIts lovely! And very brave of you to finally wash it...I would have been equally nervous!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely quilt considering it was your first attempt too! I like the den the children made over the climbing frame. Children are so imaginative!
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt, and great idea for a den, E has been hankering after a tree house so I might try decorating our climbing frame.
ReplyDeleteJust a note of caution, my Mum makes quilts and always says to never iron them, you loose the lovely quilting effect.
My Mum made us a lovely bear's paw double quilt, she usually uses wadding that can be machine washed, so i bunged it in the washing machine - unfortunately she had used a more expensive wool wadding that shrunk, I felt awful, it took me ages to own up. It has since been un-picked and is awaiting re quilting!!
God you're clever. Seriously- how lovely is that quilt?! Very pleased it survived the bath dunking session as well...how are all of the other plans going...?!x
ReplyDeleteyour quilt is great , I think it's such a good idea that there are so many personal things in it. I try to learn out of books but always end up messing up so good on you . Love the den too
ReplyDeletelisa x
Ah, New England...a taste home! Your quilt is beautiful. I know what you mean though...I'm a crafter self-taught largely from books--thank you library ;o) Thank you for sharing your special quilt! Happy Days ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit New England, well maybe one of these days. Gorgeous quilt, you did a lovely job.
ReplyDeleteOh beautiful quilt! I started making one about 10 years ago and it's still in a box in bits in the hall. And sadly, I don't like it that much now (my tastes have changed) so I don't really want to finish it! Well done for finishing yours and what a good idea to put dates on (though it was our wedding anniversary yesterday and I forgot but my husband remembered -oops!)
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