Hi guys. How you going?
A good Sunday here, it was Father's Day in Australia and we headed off to a beach a good drive from where we live, it reminded me of our commute to the beach in England and hung out, played beach games, had a barbie and just really did not a lot.
Before I go on, can anyone enlighten me to the coffee-on-the-feet thing? I'd come across this on my scrub-recipe-finding-marathon and wondered if any of you lovely gals would mention it. But sorry for being a complete ignoramus, do you put instant coffee in the mix, coffee beans, or what?
So anyway back to beach mats and my first attempt at quilting, which quickly turned from a quilt for the littlest member of the Beach Cottage to a beach mat for our trips out…
It all started with a thrifted boat pillowslip I recently found at St Vincent de Paul, otherwise known at this blog as Vinnies and a copy of English Country Living. In the magazine was a quilt and a window dressed in a coastal theme pair of patchwork curtains. I liked it – a muddle of gingham reds, soft blues and white, very English nautical chic.
So with my urge at the moment to sew, one Friday night at home after school, with the boys chilling out watching tv, drawing and playing chess all at the same time in the Family Room I sat with them and started cutting. I gathered a couple of old striped doona covers, some old red gingham fabric given to me by a friend and the thrifted pillowcase with the boats. Thank goodness I decided to go the under-ambitious route and go for big squares 'cos the cutting I didn't enjoy – far too impatient and gung ho for that.
Once it was cut and pieced together and pressed, I added the batting and then cut up the back of a thrifted striped doona cover picked up from a garage sale for the backing.
And then there it sat for a long time without being quilted and without the binding. I was a trifle scared of binding, I Googled it and got even more scared (I was about to email Brenda the self-taught quilt expert for help)and then I found a blog, which I have yet to find again, that praised the fact that it didn't matter if it was done 'correctly' – quilting was about using up bits of fabric and making something to love. And so I followed her self-basting lead and just folded the backing fabric inwards to make the binding. Probably next time I will use bias and I'm thinking I'll buy the squares already cut…(can any of you recommend good cut squares, I've found Moda Jelly Rolls and all sorts but would like to find a great collection of prints that might go with my decor..?)
I have to say the whole project was just, I dunno,…good…I found myself weirdly proud of it and almost sort of awed at the fact that I'd morphed this from bits of old thrifted fabric which coulda ended up in landfill (and go see the lovely Rhodas efforts to save things from landfill at her weekly blog thrift marathon) to something I loved to roll up and put in my beach basket…and I wish I'd done it a very long time ago – a beach mat, I'd made, that would give my family memories – hopefully it still will.
Today we just hung out on it and that was the best part and I think that's what it's all about and why so many love to quilt probably as much as I love to thrift…and I don't wish to shower you with soppiness here but unrolling that mat on the beach, with it's wonky quilting and lumpy binding it just felt…nice.
What do you think of my toe-dipping into the world of quilting? See you…
blogged for Susan's Metamorphosis Monday, thanks!
I love your quilt – I think big squares must the way to go – it’s the cutting I hate, too!
Pomona x
I like the big squares. I have never made a quilt but I was thinking about doing it with cowboy bandanas. They would be large. Maybe I’ll try.
Happy Fathers day. It’s Labor day here in the states.
I love it. You should be so proud that you did it yourself…that makes it extra special. I am inspired to make a throw for my pool house now.
love it
real homemadey feel
ive been looking at these in shops for ages but its not the same
well done
x
justine
oops forgot to ask where did you find such a large amount of lavender-been hunting for it for a while?
x
I think it is gorgeous, it looks very inviting to curl up on.
i love the combination of fabrics you used! it looks like you went to pittwater..
It’s lovely Sarah! It looks so cozy!
Smiles,
Rachel
That’s pretty quilty! So you can sew, too. Well. Thinking of hanging myself due to envy reasons
I love the whole nautical feeling of the squares. I couldn’t tell it was wonky but I know what you mean – it adds to its charm. Very nice, Sarah.
What is a doona?
If someone pipes up about the coffee – and this is the right state of the beans…you can get the bags of used coffee grounds from Starbucks for free. I usually put them in my garden. But I’m not sure if that is what is meant for scrubs.
oh right, thanks Vicki! it must the the grounds you use in the scrub, not sure if I’d like the fragrance tho…
Oh, I love this idea yours look great.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
What you need is a rotary cutter and mat, much easier and faster than scissors for cutting out fabric. And you can cut several layers at a time. You should be able to get one at a any fabric or craft store.
I use coffee grounds in some of my homemade soap bars as it is good to use when you need to kill odors like onions and garlic in the kitchen or for fishermen to get rid of the bait and fish smell. You can sprinkle dry coffee grounds on carpet to help remove odors too.
Well done, your quilt looks perfect for rough and tumble beach side picnics. Quilting is supposed to be about creative recyling of fabric scraps and yours is very beachy.
It looks great Sarah. It will create many memories for the family.
Alison
I think you did a great job. I would have never attempted it. Sorry – don’t know about the coffee thing.
That looks great!
I also don’t like tedious cutting and am also reassured that quilting should be pulling old bits together.
Last month’s “Better Homes and Gardens” had a quick method for quilting.
Your quilt is beautiful! Great job!
Jane
It’s lovely – very “beachy” and I love the simple quilting. Yes, there is something very satisfying and comforting about lying on or under a quilt that you made yourself. That’s why I quilt. It’s that whole “I did this myself!” feeling. (Kind of like in “Castaway” when Tom Hanks makes fire!)
If this is your first attempt at quilting then I think you are a natural.
How cozy looking. Love the colors!
Sherrie
Love the colors in your quilt, perfect for the beach!
lOVE YOUR BLOG
STOP BY MY NEW BLOG AND SAY HI,
I LOVE VISITORS
http://fieldsoflinenandwhite.blogspot.com/
Nice, but alas, so much work…..I tried to do some quilting once. I had taken years do cross stitch the top….AND THEN WHAT DID I DO>>>> I ruined it. I had patiently started quilting it together with the batting and backing and it was taking soooooo long that I decided to get an attachment for my machine. Well YIKES it ruined it….then I was so heart broken I through it in a dark closet for a while, thinking I would fix it some day…..WELLLL that fixed it all right!! We live in the South where mold can grow and it double ruined it!!! I admit I anxiously threw it in the garbage. And do you know what they called this quilt??? A Jiffy quilt…..what a lie!! ha!
I love it! So comfy cozy looking – perfect for a beach mat and you did a great job! I had to google “doona cover”. haha
Love the quilt – what a great idea. I cherish the handmade quilt my Aunt Jane handstitched for us, it’s so comforting.
Marsha – chandeliermagic.blogspot.com
Lovely Sarah. I am yet to try making a quilt. I keep thinking about it but that is as far as I get.
fantastic job!
It’s not the binding that worries me, it’s the quilting that gives me heebie-jeebies. I ALWAYS manage to get the back puckered up. I’ve got several tops here waiting to be quilted.
I’ve never thought of using old donna covers. What a great idea, especially for the back. LOve the colours and stripes.
Wow Sarah, I LOVE your quilt! The fabrics and colors are truely beautiful. I am sure you all will enjoy this one for years to come and give plenty of nice memories for your family.
Regards, Anita
Love it! So beachy.
Fabulous quilt Sarah
Boy I need to remember how to sew! Have a great week. x Julie
Wow sarah…tha quilt is awesome!!
I found lots of cheap gorgeous BIG gingham round tablecloths yesterday…in pinks/blues/greens/yellow…for $2.00 each!!
didnt buy them as figured I wouldnt be able to do anything with them…
BUT you have inspired me now…going back tomorrow to buy heaps & see what I may achieve??? with them..
Loved your quilt…
xx andrea
I love your sweet quilt, Sarah. It looks perfect for your beach cottage.
I, too, did some large squared quilts for my grands once. I LOVED making the quilt top but quilting on an old machine was THE PITS. Hard to do, hurt my back AND my feelings…but O so proud when I would get each one done.
Now, yu have me in a quilt making mood….think I’ll start one. And, YES, you do need a rotary cutter and mat. Makes it 10 times easier…
You did GREAT on your first quilt….
Sarah, I love your darling quilt. I think it’s great you took old pieces of fabric and repurposed them into something you’ll have for many many years. The enjoyment and memories are priceless.. Happy Labor Day.. and Happy MM.. hugs ~lynne~
Sarah, I am well impressed. It looks fabulous, I love your theme and the colours. Sounds like you are putting it to good use. Hugs, Margie.
It’s beautiful and wonderful beach colors!
I honestly don’t know much about quilting but I think it’s absolutely wonderful!! I swear I could look at your pictures forever!!
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Justine above was wondering about lavender – I have ordered from http://www.portwilliamslavender.com that is in Sequim, Washington. It was excellent quality and I am about to order again.
good for you! love the quilt, the usage, and your response to your efforts! what is a doona? i may even try piecing together my old fabrics. you are inspiring me to try things. vundebar! jkj
i love your quilt! i collect old ones. come check out my {quilt of the week} posts! xo.
Justine – the lavender I got in a health food shop but now I’ve seen it on ebay for at least half the price so try there!
girls a doona is a quilt cover, sorry forgot about the translation
sarah
The quilt turned out very nicely! The fabrics go so well with the boat motif.
Great job on the quilt Sarah – you amaze me!
Have a happy day.
Vicki
Must be beginner’s luck. Your new quilt is gorgeous — and VERY beachy. I made one with appliqued motifs and it was so much work that I switched back to knitting!
Wow the Quilt looks fantastic!!! You have done such a great job with it and well done for your first try. I made one when my eldest was a baby out of red and blue gingham, stripes and an old pair of denim jeans that I cut up into squares and it turned out so well, the kids still use it now to keep them warm while they are watching telly. Next you should make yourself one for your bed!!
Well that is just charming! I love the colors and the sailboat. You have every reason to be proud of it. If I’d made that, I wouldn’t want to take it to the sandy beach (heck, I’d probably hang it on the wall!). Great job. laurie
Thanx Sarah and Vicki K……re the lavender
I have to say I think
I’m becoming quilt obsessed
totally inspired
~Justine~
Love your quilt. Love the colors. It has been too long since I quilted.
I love using a big quilt when at the beach… I don’t like to get all sandy… I know it’s the beach but I only like it on my toes!
You’ve made such a wonderful treasure! I loved hearing you say that you were impatient and gung-ho during the cutting – that describes me with so many of my projects.
You’ve definitely inspired me; I have a lot of fabric I’m hanging onto and I think I’ll try a quilt with it this winter when it’s too cold to be outside!
Love to have you visit my Borrowed Abode blog; I’m just getting started in my home but we all start somewhere, right? I wish I had more rooms so I could implement some more beachy themes.
LOVE it! I learned to sew this summer, and am working on it as best I can…I’ve got one mini (baby) quilt under my belt, and am looking forward to trying another soon. I would love to make something to bring to the beach to lay on — since the summer is ending here, that gives me several months to work on something and I need all the time I can get!
Sarah,
Doing a little catching up on your past posts and I love this quilt you made. You used what you had and it looks fabulous.
As for the binding. So glad you just took the plunge and did it. I used to be afraid of binding, but once I took the plunge, I found it to be my favorite part of making the quilt. Very relaxing.
Here is a link to a blog where she shows step by step how to do binding. Great directions and great pictures.
http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/08/binding-tutorial-three-part-series.html