Saturday 22 February 2014

Heart Quilt Ta-dah!

Well hello again my friends, and welcome; thanks for being here and for all your sweet and encouraging messages, you know I love to get them, as well as your snippets of good advice!

Speaking of good advice I want to particularly mention the lovely Wendy from 'September Violets' who left me a very useful message regarding not using a steam iron when pressing quilt pieces as this can cause some stretching of the fabric - Wendy's message is there in my previous post if you'd like to check it out, and she also relates some funny experiences she's had whilst hand stitching! Thanks so much Wendy, I will remember this and have already learned from it!

I will be linking up again with Chrissie - we surely all know the lovely Chrissie - for 'Stitching Sundays', so do have a look and see what she and other crafty stitchers have been up to this week. Yes, I know, it's not Sunday yet but hey, I just had to get this project finished; can't sit back on my laurels and let the world go by, now can I - and besides, I'm raring to go on another adventure already!

So you now know that this is my Ta-dah post for the little heart quilt so how about we take a look . . .




. . . what do you think? I love this - it finished up measuring 40 x 30 inches, a little bigger than the first quilt (see 'It Started Like This' post), so perhaps the next one will be bigger still - we'll see! I'm becoming braver as I learn! And perhaps I may even be brave enough to risk wrecking the next one by trying my hand at free-motion machine stitching on it: there's one thing, I'll certainly be doing lots of practice at that before I actually risk spoiling a quilt - there's too much work involved to be doing that, methinks!!!

So let's look a little bit at the progression with this since last post . . . here we are with the binding ready to put in place . . . 




. . . and for this I folded the (cream with pink spots) strip double, placed raw edges together and stitched it to the front of the quilt top. Afterwards the binding was folded over and hand sewn to the backing. I know that having chosen the same fabric to back the quilt with, I could have cut that a bit larger to allow for  binding to be incorporated and finally brought round and hand stitched to the front, but for me, and being inexperienced in this quilting world, it was easier to do it the way I did! All's fair in love and war, as they say!

I must say that these little clippy-clicky things were really helpful in keeping the binding in place while I hand stitched, and would also be great when hemming or doing anything of a similar nature. You've probably seen them before, but they were new to me and I might add, so much easier and more efficient than pins. I was getting a bit tired of pricking my fingers, and besides these little clips hold the fabric flat without wrinkles and gathers.




Those lovely little felt balls are the ones so kindly included in my surprise parcel from
'J' at JaB Creations a little while back - I just love that little dish of colour by my side as I work!

Here we are at the final stages - I'm relaxing on my nice comfy chair, feet up, with quilt spread over my wee legs - very comfy position doing something I really enjoy!




And the very last stitch on this sweet little quilt that I love . . . just making doubly sure that corner was safe and secure!




We can't leave it at that of course - I took more pics so you may as well see them, don't you think? Here it is all folded up . . . I don't know why that middle pic makes the background colour appear more cream than it really is . . . 




So that's quilt number two completed and time for me to get cracking on another project, so watch this space. In the meantime here's a pic that shows just a wee corner of our local park, taken a few months ago, but for those of you overseas who have suffered such bad weather this winter, I thought it might bring the thoughts of SPRING to the foreground of your minds - it will come, you know it will!




So lovely that you could all be with me again, and thank you for sharing my Ta-dah moment with me!

Wishing you all a very happy weekend and week ahead, and looking forward to keeping in touch through your lovely blogs and messages!

With my love,
Joy xoxo



75 comments:

  1. Hello Joy, WOW I am speechless with your beautiful quilt, its stunning and the fabrics are beautiful, truly A Work of Art, with lots of memories stitched into it, and family heirloom.
    Thank you for your picture of Spring. What part of the NE does your husband come from?
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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    1. Thanks so much Irene, I'm glad you like it!
      He comes from a little town about 10 miles away from Durham city - Crook! Where are you?
      Hugs, J x

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  2. Hi Joy. It's lovely. The colours go so well and the design is fab. Well done, you must be so proud, and rightly so.
    Hugs
    S xx

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    1. Hiya S, I really appreciate your kind words, thank you, I am very pleased with it! Hugs, J xo

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  3. It is gorgeous, I love the colours and design. How I wish I could bring myself to sort my machine out and learn to use it. I am in awe of work like this xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Emma ! I have had my machine for many years and there are still lots of little secrets she hasn't revealed to me but, doing what I've just done has not required anything but straight stitch! Do think about starting with yours and just learning the basics - take it a step at a time, you can do it! Hugs, Joy xo

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    2. I definitely will. I keep seeing such beautiful work and I want to be part of the quilting club x

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    3. I think you have done a jolly good job, looks amazing.Wondering whats next you going to turn your creativity to now!Thanks again for responding to my email, much appreciated xxx

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    4. Hello Joy, and thank you! I am rather hooked re fabrics at the moment but have picked up the crochet hook for a little 'sideline' project! No problem at all re email - any time - you're welcome, always good to hear from you Joy. Hugs, Joy xo

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  4. Your quilt is just beautiful, Joy. Well done! I love the freshness of the colours and your hearts with embroidered flowers look amazing!

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    1. Many thanks Sandra - I'm so glad you like it! Hugs, Joy x

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  5. Ah - such a lovely tada - what a wonderful heirloom xx And yes - you gorgeous flash of greenery is very spring like - thank you just what I needed x

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    1. Hello Hawthorn, and many thanks - it's been such a pleasure making this little quilt!
      Hoping you have lots of sunshine and beautiful greenery soon! Hugs, Joy x

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  6. Your quilt is wonderful, I love it and am in so much awe of those of you who quilt, I am all thumbs when it comes to sewing, my hat is off to you Joy.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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    1. Lovely Meredith, I so appreciate your lovely message and think often of the wonderful knitted projects you delight us with - different strokes for different folks, as the saying goes! Hugs, Joy xo

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  7. Oh my goodness, that is such a sweet quilt!! I love the hearts and the colours work so well. The quilting looks great, and your embroidery is gorgeous! I have never used those clips before - at least not for quilting, I used to wear them in my hair as a child! I will have to get some :0) Have a good sunday, Sam xx

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    1. Hiya Sam, and a big thank you! I'm happy you like the finished piece and maybe next time I'll give the free-motion stitching a go!!! Maybe!
      The clips are a great help - I think maybe a bit stronger than those for hair, but yes, same thing really. J xo

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  8. Your quilt is so beautiful Joy and I love the colour combinations that you have used, a real quilt of love!! xx

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    1. Such a nice way to put it Amy, thank you! J xo

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  9. It's so pretty... you're very talented. I need to put my crochet hook down and start learning how to make a beautiful quilt like your's - my daughter's would be delighted to have something like this in their bedroom! X

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    1. Hello and welcome, I'm so happy you popped in and left me your lovely message, thank you; with your multi-talents I'm totally convinced you could easily make something like this for your girls! Joy x

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  10. Joy ... It is truly beautiful . Full of love and "Joy" you must be so pleased

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    1. Many thanks Linda, yes, I love this little quilt! J x

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  11. This is one of your first quilts? You are steaming along there and it's beautiful. I understand about the fear of trying new things it's so silly really but we so want our efforts to be world standard. Practice is the key, I have so much encouragement from seeing the ups and downs of those who try these things , sometimes mess up but then they keep going and get things done. So in my roundabout way I say...GO for it! FMQ is fun.

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    1. Hi Susan, yeah, second one ever, and you know how it is don't you - we tend to get hooked on these things once we get started and it's taken me a big lot of years to get started!!! I have some catching up and learning to do, and most likely plenty mistakes to make too but as you are saying, it's all in the process isn't it! I've really enjoyed your message once again, thank you so much! J xo

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  12. Joy, it's absolutely beautiful. You did a great job with it and I agree with the others, it seems like you're already an old hand. You should be very proud of this lovely quilt.

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    1. Thank you so much Jennifer - you're so kind to me and I really appreciate your lovely message! J x

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  13. Dear Joy
    Congratulations on a beautiful quilt - it is stunning. You should be proud or yourself and the quilt.
    Gorgeous.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. How sweet you are Ellie, thank you so much! Happy week to you, Joy x

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  14. Ta-dah indeed! She's a real beauty, Joy, congrats! You are so creative and talented, your work sings with love and happiness! I just love the fabric combo and the hearts and flowers...just everything! Thank you for sharing all those photos, and your park pic brought some sunshine to us in the UK yesterday, and just a little bit of rain today...and lo and behold some spring flowers are starting to bloom! Hooray! Chrissie x

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    1. Oh Chrissie, so many beautiful compliments, you are so kind to me, thank you!!! I have to say I am really happy with the way this little quilt has come together!
      So glad to hear you had, at least, a wee bit of sunshine, - more to come! J xo

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  15. Hello my lovely friend who is clearly putting me to shame. You are on a roll dear, nothing stopping you now!! I am LOVING this gorgeous quilt, wow, it really is very special. I love that you have combined some embroidery in here too. I saw these clips when I looked for some help on youtube, but figured I would just pin it. Next time I will look to invest in some of these, so thanks for letting us know. Thanks also for sharing the tip about the steam ironing, oops, well that was me told as that's exactly what I did with my first. I am nowhere near beginning my next, but it will all happen in good time. Loving your wee little corner it sure looks so calm and inviting, can you pop that kettle on please!! Oh how I wish. Sending you heaps of love and a big hug xoxo

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    1. Sweet Hannapat, I'm certainly not putting you to shame, for all of your many and varied works are fantabulous! You should find those little clips in your local haberdashery - a tiny expenditure for huge benefits I think, and, re the steam ironing - I have been caught with the same thing so that now when I press seams as I go there is more care taken to just press seams and not keep going over the whole piece - and with the dry iron of course!
      The kettle is continuously on lovely girl, but you haven't shown up yet, haha! Wouldn't it just be wonderful! Kids off to school again Monday, back into routine, have a happy week sweet Hannapat, lots of love and well wishes, J xoxo

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  16. I love your quilt. You are quite ambitious and your quilt is quite beautiful.

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    1. Many thanks Cathie, these were happy fabrics to work with! J x

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  17. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I just love your quilt Joy, the pretty colours, the hearts, the embroidery...everything! I can hardly believe this is your first quilt! So looking forward to seeing what other projects you have planned.
    Marianne x

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    1. How lovely you are Marianne, thank you so much - this is actually the second quilt; the first little one being the little stitchy of the wee girls and their puppy surrounded by strips of bright colour - a few posts back. I hope your weekend wasn't too busy at work - happy week to you! J x

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  18. Oh Joy it's beautiful, such a wonderful job you have done hard to believe you are new to quilting, the fabric hearts and hand stitch details are wonderful, have a lovely week
    Clare x

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    1. Thank you so much Clare - I am really enjoying this phase in my crafting experience! J x

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  19. Joy, this quilt is wonderful. It's so neat and just so pretty! You should feel very proud of yourself :) Have a wonderful day! xx

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  20. Hi Joy, your quilt is wonderful, I love the mix of patchwork, applique and embroidery, so pretty! Great tip with the hair clips, thank you. Thank you so much for visiting me on my blog and your very kind comments, I really appreciate it. Sarah xo

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    1. Welcome Sarah, it's lovely to have you here, and thank you for your sweet message - I'll look forward to seeing you again soon! Joy xo

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  21. Darling Joy, words fail me as your quilt is simply stunning, I adore it Joy, you are so talented and clever. Everything about your work is just perfect, the colours, the design and the stitching. I am still struggling try to fit bias binding so to see yours is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your lovely world with us Joy, it brings comfort to know that maybe good weather may be around the corner here for us too - it has been pouring here all day yesterday and last night. Have a wonderful week to one of my most favourite friends. Sending you big hugs and loves as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Dearest Dorothy, as sweet and complimentary as ever, you make my day, thank you so much!
      Bias binding can be a bit of a pest to put in place, but this is just straight strips and not bias so is easy to fix m'dear; all the very best with the one that's giving you trouble.
      I'll try to email with a good catchup soon - we have a busy couple of days on right now though! Loads of love to you dear dear friend, Joy xoxo

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  22. it looks wonderful, well done!

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    1. Thank you Wendy, I'm quite thrilled with how it's turned out! J x

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  23. Hello JOY, Your Ta-tah wee Heart quilt is absolutely gorgeous. LOVE it...... Your inspirational photo of Spring gives this wee heart reason to HOPE!!! So beautiful and Green. Our beautiful front yard is still under several feet of snow. Hugs Judy

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    1. Oh thank you Judy, I'm very happy that you love it, cause I do too! Gosh Judy, that is a big lot of snow - it puts a different slant on daily life doesn't it, and must be so difficult after a while! Keep warm and well my friend, and best wishes to your Mom, Warm hugs, Joy xo

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  24. Oh so that's how you the corners!! When I attempted my version of a quilt I wasn't sure what to do with the corners! It's a beautiful quilt Joy, lovely colours and the hand stitching on the hearts, all fabulous. You must feel very happy and encouraged to do more. Heather x

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    1. That's how I did the corners on this one Heather, but not the usual 'accepted' one which would be mitred corners - but I did my sides and top and bottom binding strips separately instead of in just one long piece, so that was the easiest for me - and quite neat too, I think.
      Thanks so much for your sweet message Heather, Joy x

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  25. The finished quilt is so beautiful Joy, I do love the white and pink spotted backing material, so pretty. What a lot of work went into this beauty but so worth it when you have it wrapped over your legs. Had to smile when you mentioned the 'clippy clicky' thingies, they are the clips I use for my hair :)

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    1. Thanks so much Grace - I really enjoyed every moment of the process and am raring to go on the next project - hooked!
      Great hair clips - quite strong ones too, and probably a lot cheaper to buy from the haberdashery as well! J x

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  26. Simply gorgeous! You are so talented :)

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    1. How kind you are, thank you so much I'm glad you like it - and a big welcome to my little place!
      Joy x

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  27. How beautiful! I love the red, white and blue-based colours and think your binding is really neat and just perfect. What a clever idea to use those hair clips to hold the binding in place, I'll have to remember that. x

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    1. Thanks so much Gillian and yeah, the little clips were fantastic to use! J x

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  28. Oh that is so pretty, I love your fabric choices.

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    1. Hello, thank you for dropping by and leaving your sweet message! Joy x

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  29. Oh my goodness that is brilliant, the edges are so flat, mine was a bit puckered but you learn so much as you go along don't you. I think you should be so proud of that, just my colours too. Thanks for letting me steal your heart idea!! Jo x

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    1. Hiya Jo, I'm very happy that you like it, and yes, we certainly do learn as we go along, and I think that's a good way - jump in and just do it!
      I was so pleased that you were inspired by my hearts Jo and thank you for giving me a mention on your blog! xx Joy

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  30. Joy, your quilt is gorgeous and you should be very proud. You have inspired me to make another quilt but only if I had the time. Looking forward to your next project.
    Kelly xx

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    1. Thank you so much Kelly - for your visit and your sweet message! J xo

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  31. Hi Joy
    Your quilt is amazing! looking so beautiful. It's incredibly neat! you must be really proud. You definitely deserve a pat on the back.
    Hope your week has gone smoothly.
    Speak soon FB xxx

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    1. Hi FB, and thank you for being so complimentary - I wish you were close enough to give me a pat on the back!!! Joy xo

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  32. Oh my gosh, Joy, your quilt is stunning!!!!!!! This will be such a beautiful heirloom, you are very talented. Have a great weekend. Deb x

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    1. Hiya Deb, and thanks so much - I've really enjoyed seeing it come together! J x

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  33. How lovely it is! So colourful, and kinda sweet. Nicely done m'dear :)

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    1. Many thanks Annie - I'm rather attached to it! J x

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  34. Hello Joy, is this only your second quilt? It's beautiful, such pretty fabrics and I love the larger squares with the applique and embroidery hearts. Have a lovely weekend.
    Jane x

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    1. Hello Jane, and welcome - it is only my second quilt; after many years of wanting to have a go but then losing interest, the wanting hit again and I'm so happy it did for I'm finding it to be such a happy activity! Thanks so much for your message and I hope you drop by again soon! Joy x

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  35. Oh Joy...I can't tell you how much I love your quilt! You did such a beautiful job with everything involved...the color choices, the placement...and those hearts with the stitched flowers (be still MY heart!!!). It's just gorgeous! xoxo

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    1. Oh shucks, I do love your beautiful messages lovely Paulette and soooooo appreciate every word; a huge thank you - you sound as enamoured with my work as I have been with yours since we found each other! Have yourself a great rest-of-the-week my dear friend!
      Joy xoxo

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  36. What a gorgeous quilt Joy! The colours just make you smile :) You are an inspiration to me to get back into sewing more (I've been side-lined by knitting), as I really love the look of fabrics, especially in quilts. Thank you for the kind mention too. I've enjoyed watching the progression of this quilt and your thoughts as you worked through it. Have a great day! Wendy x

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    1. Dear Wendy, your wise advice and encouragement have helped me over a hurdle with this work - 'proper' pressing is so important - thank you! A lovely message and I thank you for it and hope you bring out the fabrics soon and let us see what you're up to - I'll be looking forward to it. It is nice to have a bit of variety isn't it! Whatever you do this week, be sure to enjoy it! Joy xo

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