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| The Daisy Chain Quilt Click on any image for a larger view. |
To say that I am pleased with this finished quilt would be an understatement! When I first started this project I wasn't at all sure if I was going to be able to pull it off. To hand sew a quilt ... and keep up with my other quilting and blogging commitments. But I was desperate to try English paper piecing and couldn't shake the thought of trying this technique out of my head.
Hand sewing is very different to machine piecing a quilt top. Whilst the outcome is the same, the process is so very different. I have learned to appreciate all of the aspects of slow sewing and after several weeks of regular hand stitching it became something that I needed to do for it was relaxing, meditative, and provided an opportunity to reflect.
I have loved every moment of working on this project. Choosing fabric is always a delight and I have used many of my favorite fabrics from stash. This is also my first time using glue to baste the fabric onto the paper pieces and I have no regrets. In fact I have gone on to use this glue basting method for several more English paper piecing projects including my Wagon Wheel Quilt. There would be no Daisy Chain Quilt but for the use of glue and paper pieces!
I have learned so much during the process! I found that having the right needle and thread was paramount to my enjoyment of hand sewing. My needle skills have improved and I no longer dread having to thread a tiny needle! The same for my stitching (whip stitches). My stitches are tiny, regular, and for the most part invisible. Suitable lighting has also made my hand stitching time more enjoyable. I generally only hand sew in the evening and have found that I needed additional lighting. After some research I settled on a Daylight Flexi-Vision Floor Lamp with a 20w daylight bulb and it has been wonderful - I can't stitch without it!
For the back of the quilt I have used my favorite backing fabric (Newsprint from the Story collection by Carrie Bloomston) and for the binding I have used my signature black/white stripe fabric. I intend to keep this quilt and whilst I have made many quilts with this same combination of backing and binding fabric I have yet to own a quilt just like it. I really do love these fabrics!
I have loved every moment of working on this project. Choosing fabric is always a delight and I have used many of my favorite fabrics from stash. This is also my first time using glue to baste the fabric onto the paper pieces and I have no regrets. In fact I have gone on to use this glue basting method for several more English paper piecing projects including my Wagon Wheel Quilt. There would be no Daisy Chain Quilt but for the use of glue and paper pieces!
I have learned so much during the process! I found that having the right needle and thread was paramount to my enjoyment of hand sewing. My needle skills have improved and I no longer dread having to thread a tiny needle! The same for my stitching (whip stitches). My stitches are tiny, regular, and for the most part invisible. Suitable lighting has also made my hand stitching time more enjoyable. I generally only hand sew in the evening and have found that I needed additional lighting. After some research I settled on a Daylight Flexi-Vision Floor Lamp with a 20w daylight bulb and it has been wonderful - I can't stitch without it!
For the back of the quilt I have used my favorite backing fabric (Newsprint from the Story collection by Carrie Bloomston) and for the binding I have used my signature black/white stripe fabric. I intend to keep this quilt and whilst I have made many quilts with this same combination of backing and binding fabric I have yet to own a quilt just like it. I really do love these fabrics!
QUILT STATS
The Daisy Quilt Quilt
Finished quilt size: 66 inches x 72 inches
Englished paper pieced.
Karen Terrens from Quilts on Bastings.
Wool/Cotton blend batting.
Wool/Cotton blend batting.
First stitch 15 January 2016 - Last stitch 26 September 2016.
150 Daisy Chain Units (plus 12 half Daisy Chain Units).
Background fabric (diamonds) is Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton in White.
1555 pieces.
Sewing Notions Used:
The Bottom Line 60wt by Superior Threads.
1" Hexagon Centers.
1" x 2" Jewel Pieces (6 for each Daisy Chain unit).
2" Diamonds (six pointed star).
Acrylic Hexagon Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
Acrylic Jewel Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
Acrylic Diamond Template with a 3/8" seam allowance for cutting fabrics.
The Daisy Chain Quilt in Progress:
I am so happy to have added English paper piecing to my handmade repertoire!
Thank you for stopping by and for scrolling through to the end!
Rita
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COPYRIGHT: Do not copy or use any content or photos from my blog without my written permission. This is original content from www.redpepperquilts.com.
What a wonderful, funderful accomplishment! Congratulations! XO
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing!!! what a great design!! love it!! congratulations on your beautiful work!! <3
ReplyDeleteI love this one, just like all of your quilts, Rita! May I ask, what fabric is the black and white striped one you are using for your bindings?
ReplyDeleteAwesome,so pretty. Thanks for the tips on tools.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Rita! This one is extra special, beautiful hand work.
ReplyDeleteStunning quilt! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteI did a double take when I saw the date on this post - it is still 2.00pm on 8th November here in the U.K.!
Congratulations Rita! It is a beautiful quilt and such a labour of love. You are always such an inspiring and joyful quilter!
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful! An absolute work of art.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! I love all the fabrics. I could enjoy them for hours. Once my kids are older I look forward to trying my hand at EPP.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty piece ♥
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt!! Love it!!
ReplyDeleteTHis is just amazing! Don't know what else to say - there is nothing like it. I'm so glad you will keep it. How could you possibly not?!!!
ReplyDeleteEllie
elliefpw@sbcglobal.net
Gorgeous quilt!! Beautiful fabrics...such an inspiration as always :-) Would love to see some tips you may have found on your EPP journey! The glue pen and I do not see eye to eye, so hand sewing has become my preferred method...actually enjoy the meditation of it though!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you decided to keep it! I'm familiar with the concern, when contemplating long, slow projects, about being able to keep up with other sewing/blogging commitments. Way to go making it work for you!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a show stopper. This is absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour fussy cuts on this one are true perfection. Fabulous artistry and attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteYes, simply amazingly beautiful and so happy! I love all the bright colors with the happy, what a wonderful keepsake!
ReplyDeleteThis one needs to be exhibited! Great work Rita.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Rita!
ReplyDeleteThat is just beautiful. I don't know how you manage to make hand piecing look so crisp!
ReplyDeleteThat looks fabulous, I'm also attracted to EPP, currently working on 3/4" hexagon using 1930 fabric.Love looking at your achievements.
ReplyDeleteIts stunning Rita. I'm delighted to see you enjoying hand stitching and love this EPP quilt. After using this backing and binding combination on so many of your quilts it is really good to see you using these loved signature fabrics on this special quilt to keep. I also find daylight lamps make a huge difference and as bonus, work well for colour matching at night.
ReplyDeleteAs always, this quilt is gorgeous. I am also working on Paper piecing the same design but I have to say, mine is going very, very slow. I like how you used some funky fabrics in there and I may try to borrow that idea. Do you find yourself getting frustrated at how slow the sewing goes? I sometimes need to put my project aside for awhile until I get the mood back again. Good for you and I'm so happy you're keeping this one for yourself. It's about time!!!
ReplyDeleteYour finished quilt is gorgeous, hope you enjoy having it around.
ReplyDeleteRita: I am in love with all of your quilts, but this one is absolutely wonderful. I am so happy that you are keeping it for yourself! All of your quilts make me so happy to look at...exactly the way I hope my quilts will some day make me feel too. Thank you so much for sharing this and all of your projects. The inspiration and aspiration is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteOMG, it's even more amazing now that you've hand quilted it! I'm too tired from work to sew on a workday... Thanks for inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is just gorgeous, wonderful! I love the colours, the pattern, everything.
ReplyDeleteLast week I joined a guild to give hand piecing and hand sewing a try. This quilt gives me a boost. Thanks and hugs from Belgium!
Impressive. I know a lot of work went into this one. It is a keeper and so happy and cute
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Your fussy cutting is amazing. Such a lovely quilt, it's been fun following the progress to this point. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an accomplishment! It's beautiful! Congratulations on this, wow!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent! This is the quilt equivalent of running a 200 ultra marathon! I especially like the fussy cut details, specs and all!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for including the blogosphere on this journey.
This quilt is lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt it amazing!!!I love the fussy cut and kaleidoscope daisies! Good for you for keeping it for yourself--you'll be smiling when you snuggle under it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I'd never have the patience for it; the craze for hexies & EPP has passed me by. But I can admire the time and talent that went into this. As well as your amazing fabric stash!
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! Mine is a long way off finishing. I love the colours you've chosen and the way the fabrics are fussy cut.
ReplyDeleteI have been so curious, ever since you started this amazing quilt, how it would be quilted. Just a lovely choice!!! It is so colorful and I am sure it will bring you much happiness for years to come! Love love love
ReplyDeleteIt is utterly amazing, Rita!!! I'm so glad to know that you are keeping it for yourself. :) I am also amazed that you were able to finish it so quickly. My hand pieced quilt took me 4 years!
ReplyDelete