Thimbleanna » Aaaatttt Laaaassssttttt…

Aaaatttt Laaaassssttttt…

November 13, 2009 on 11:21 pm | In Quilting | 89 Comments

I’ve had At Last running through my head all day long. At Last. At Last! I’ve finally finished CrazyMom’s nine patch.

As a two-time flunkie of her quilt-along, I’m feeling very happy to have finally finished this quilt. And I promise, those edges aren’t wavy — it’s just the way it’s laid out on the grass. I couldn’t find anything tall enough to hang this quilt vertically. It seemed like it took forever to finish. The day job is really crimping my style. (Though, not as much as unemployment would, I’m sure, so I’ll try not to whine.)

This past spring, Penny invited me to participate in a fabric swap. There were 8 or 9 of us, and we all swapped at least 25 small scraps of fabric. The deal was that we were supposed to swap fabrics and then make something out of our scraps and post it to the flickr pool by Oct. 1st. I flunked that assignment too, but I guess six weeks late is better than never. ;-)

I’ve been inspired by all the beautiful straight-line quilting that Ms. Red Pepper does, so I decided to quilt this nine patch that way. I love the way it turned out. I have no idea though, how CrazyMom and Ms. Red Pepper manage to get SO many quilts done. They’re incredibly inspiring!

While I was outside taking pictures today (it was gorgeous) Mrs. Ladybug came by to give her approval. I sang the little Ladybug song, and she dutifully flew away after posing for me.

CrazyMom made two of these quilts, and like her, I think I might have another one in me. I’d like to have a second one, so there will be one for each of my guest beds. This took me awhile to make though, so I’ll have to wait awhile before I start a second version. And it probably won’t be as cute as this one, because I don’t have as many modern scraps.

Thanks Penny for the fantastic swap idea. Thanks Ms. Red Pepper for sharing all your wonderful quilts. And Thanks CrazyMom for your endless quilting inspiration and for having a great quilt-along. Twice. ‘Cause some of us need remedial training!

Have a great weekend!

XOXO,
Anna

89 Comments

oh anna!!!
it’s SO, SO pretty.
makes me what one!!!
{or you know…six of them!!!}

Comment by rachel — November 14, 2009 #
Oh WOW! It’s beautiful. Absolutely amazing! I’ll email you my address so you can send it to me hahaha. Yeah right… but maybe I’ll make one of my own… maybe… god knows I have enough scraps.

Comment by Rachel — November 14, 2009 #
Oh…I love it. I love the cheerfulness of your fabrics. It is so darling. AND the quilting…I am liking that straight line quilting, too. Hmm. Perhaps I will have to make one, too.

Comment by Dandelion Quilts — November 14, 2009 #
Oh Anna ……. S’wonderful, S’marvellous LOL!!!! Absolutely GAWJUS!!!! I love it!!!
It’s one of those quilts that just makes ya wanna smile :o)!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Comment by Joy — November 14, 2009 #
Oh…I love it!!! I have to finish mine…I have to…thanks so much for the inspiration…and your quilting is gorgeous! Love the binding…love it all!

Comment by Sherri — November 14, 2009 #
So fresh looking! What guest wouldn’t love to be greeted by this on arrival?

Comment by Jan — November 14, 2009 #
The quilt is beautiful Anna, and it doesnt matter if it is a few weeks late, life always affects time in different ways. Better late than never I say. Gorgeous colors!

Comment by sue — November 14, 2009 #
Worth the wait, for sure. It’s crazy good-looking. I’m always thinking I’m going to construct a quilt, but I can’t even get my ducks in a row to join a quilt along so that I can flunk out! I must have A.D.D. That’s it. I’ve diagnosed the problem. LOL!

Your new nine patch really is lovely, Anna!

Happy Weekend,
Cassie

Comment by Cassie — November 14, 2009 #
Oh wow!! That quilt is absolutely amazing – sure to become a family heirloom! I love the thought of creating family heirlooms….

I am off to a craft fair today – actually having a stall – sharing with 3 others of course – couldn’t manage to fill a whole stall myself, could barely manage a quarter of a stall! Heading off now!! Wish me luck!

Comment by Di — November 14, 2009 #
That’s beautiful. Love the colours, love the pattern. What a great quilt, Anna!

Comment by Karin — November 14, 2009 #
What a wonderful quilt! I have so many quilts that I love and should be working on. Now I want to add this one to my list too. My day job is definitely cutting into my quilting time!!

Comment by Kim Walus — November 14, 2009 #
That is absolutely lovely. And a pair of them? Ah! Be still my beating heart. I have a whole stack of nine patches from old shirt scraps waiting for me to actually sew them together and I’m inspired to see how gorgeous they can look. I need to find some lovely white cotton for sashing by the looks of it!

Comment by dottycookie — November 14, 2009 #
Looks wonderful! Love the ladybird that’s checking out your stitching :o)

Comment by Jane Weston — November 14, 2009 #
It looks fabulous, Anna. I love it!

I was just thinking of making a patchwork top for our spareroom bed and wanted to use up a ton of my wee bits. A nine patch would be a great way of doing this. Thanks for the inspiration! :o)

Comment by Anne — November 14, 2009 #
your quilt looks great……….I have just sent off some reproduction nine patch blocks in a swap and can’t wait to get them back and decide how to put them together………..

Comment by Chookyblue — November 14, 2009 #
THAT was worth the wait..I love it..awesome and inspiring..so simple and chic..really.

Comment by Vickie E — November 14, 2009 #
Love it! Love it!
Again I must say that I love quilts in a very simple pattern. I’m sure it will look beautiful on the guest-bed.
And that little ladybug – how cute!

Comment by May Kristin — November 14, 2009 #
Anna, this is amazing and beautiful! I love the pieced border, love the colors, love the quilting. You did an absolutely fantastic job with the whole thing!

Comment by Anne — November 14, 2009 #
Oh Anna it is wonderful…it’s very happy! LOVE it!

Comment by Carol — November 14, 2009 #
Oooh, it’s so pretty! It looks fantastic! You must be chuffed to have finished it. Yep, my day job isn’t letting me do as much sewing as I’d like either….or blogging for that matter. But not having it would be downright tragic, on the other hand. So we do with what we have…and have a whine if you like. I know how you feel. :-)

Comment by Jade — November 14, 2009 #
LOVE IT… ninepatches is such a lovely block… makes the prettiest quilts!! :o) Congrats on a gorgeous finish… and wow a ladybug now…how warm is is at your place???

Comment by Stina — November 14, 2009 #
Oh Anna, we love it!!! Thimbles said “is it for me?” LOL The straight line quilting looks wonderful – I love Ms Red Pepper’s style, as well.

Comment by Darlene & Thimbles — November 14, 2009 #
Oh Anna – that is such a gorgeous quilt. I am full of admiration for you quilters – I made ONE full sized quilt and don’t know if I’ll ever have the patience to complete another. Well done you. x

Comment by Kitty — November 14, 2009 #
Anna I love it! The fabrics are gorgeous and I have always loved the nine patch block. Great job. Wish I could accomplish something. xoxo jewels

Comment by Jewels — November 14, 2009 #
Beautiful, beautiful quilt! Both Crazy Mom and Ms. Red Pepper are truly inspiring and awesome quilters. My theory is that they just don’t sleep… LOL! But wow, you should definitely be thrilled with the outcome of your quilt. Just gorgeous!

Comment by Jackie — November 14, 2009 #
I understand the job cramping your sewing style, but the time you put into this quilt was worth it! Lovely!

Comment by Beth — November 14, 2009 #
Oh my – that is an absolutley fantastic quilt. It is just perfect. The border is the perfect finishing touch and frames the squares wonderfully. Nice one!

Comment by jo — November 14, 2009 #
Woot Woot! You did it! Any chance you are just tired of it now and can’t stand to look at it and want to throw it… my way. This girl loves a 9 patch! Really, lovely job…as always!

Comment by Anne — November 14, 2009 #
Beautiful quilt and I love how you quilted it. I have wanted to join in on the quilt-alongs…CrazyMom is amazing how she can make so many. And you are good at getting quilts made too.

Comment by Susan — November 14, 2009 #
These quilts always look so great – and yours is no exception. I have one that I finished long before amandajean had her quilt along – and it’s still not quilted. I really need to get it quilted. Of course, I also have all of the 9 patches that I swapped with Anina – that still needs to be made into a quilt. *sigh* I don’t know how they do it either.

Comment by MichelleB — November 14, 2009 #
Oh Anna, this is yummy! I love the scrappiness of it! I’ve also been admiring Ms. Red Pepper’s straight-line quilting…this is a perfect pattern for it. Great job! Can’t wait to see it in person! xoxox

Comment by Joni — November 14, 2009 #
Oh this is gorgeous! Definitely an heirloom ;)

Comment by Andrea — November 14, 2009 #
Oh, it is beautiful! I’m sure all that work feels worth it now that your quilt is finished. I love the straight line quilting; I’m going to have to try that soon.

Jennifer :)

Comment by Jennifer — November 14, 2009 #
Your title alone made me grin today – why aren’t more people “singing” their weblogs? :-)

But the real big smile came from the quilt – it turned out beautifully!

Comment by CitricSugar — November 14, 2009 #
Very beautiful quilts, Anna. I’m getting some ideas.

Comment by Karen — November 14, 2009 #
Well done! It looks gorgeous, and well worth the time to finish it. I’ve set aside some fabric thoughts for making one, but it won’t happen until after I finish some UFOs in the new year but seeing yours makes me one to start sooner!

Comment by What Comes Next — November 14, 2009 #
Beautiful, really. The 9 patch is my favorite crazy mom quilt yet. Would love one on my bed. Maybe someday.

Comment by Cindy — November 14, 2009 #
wow, so beautiful…you really must do this again. I love the idea of swapping scraps for a purpose…if anyone else is intersted, I’d love to join a swap like that. your variety is lovely!

Comment by Jenny — November 14, 2009 #
Anna! It turned out beautifully! The color combinations, the scrappy border- I’m drooling. You definitely need to make another. I may even try one, as long as I don’t have to get it done this year. ;)

Comment by Karin — November 14, 2009 #
Scraps !!! I can send you some scraps. Email me and let me know what size. I’d be happy to help !!!

Comment by jodie — November 14, 2009 #
i’m a two time flunkie too. i still have blocks to make.. so props on getting yours done!!

Comment by jaybird — November 14, 2009 #
It’s GORGEOUS!! Well done! You may be a bit late to the party but at least you got there!!! unlike a certain person I know! lol

Comment by Kate/Massachusetts — November 14, 2009 #
Beautiful! I’m not usually a great fan of 9 patches but here with the white sashing the whole thing has taken on a new fresh appeal. I really like it.
I’ll be watching for your next one!

Comment by Ali Honey — November 14, 2009 #
This is beautiful! What a happy quilt! I am joining my first quilt along and am afraid I am behind already :( .. but look forward to some firing up with the new year!

Comment by Diane — November 14, 2009 #
Anna, Your nine-patch quilt is stunning! I love the fabrics you have used, and of course the way you quilted it is definitely a favorite. So happy to have inspired you, although I can definitely see that you have your own style and great taste in fabrics. Awesome quilt – cannot wait to see the next nine-patch quilt.

Ritax

Comment by Red Pepper Quilts — November 14, 2009 #
I love your quilt, Anna! It came out wonderful ~ cheery and fresh. I would like to make another too and I would try the straight line quilting, yours looks great. PS Lady bugs are good luck, enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Comment by Shawn ; ) — November 14, 2009 #
Ah yes, that certainly looks the work of that famously unorganised housewife of the Mid West, Mrs Anna Thimble. It’s beautiful!

Comment by Isabelle — November 14, 2009 #
Fabulous!!!!!!!!

Comment by dawn — November 14, 2009 #
Beautiful quilt! What size squares are you using? I’d be happy to send you some modern scraps…I am drowning in fabric.

Comment by Andrea Q — November 14, 2009 #
Gosh your work is soooo perfect, I want to be like you when I grow up, Clarice-who can not cut a straight line

Comment by clarice — November 14, 2009 #
Oh, pretty, pretty! I love how the colors pop on the white background!

Comment by Kathy — November 14, 2009 #
You know there’s a school of thought that claims there are no co-incidences. So what deep meaning should we read into these simultaneous ladybugs?? I mean, what are the odds?
Love that nine-patch quilt! And you only started it this year if I remember correctly? So, are you trying to make the rest of us sluggards look bad??

Comment by molly — November 14, 2009 #
Anna you have totally outdone yourself with this quilt!!!! I love seeing all those familiar fabrics in it, I seriously almost have tears in my eyes (I almost typed ears. hmmm) Thank-you for participating in the scraps to treasure, it wouldn’t have been the same without you. And your no flunkie in my book. cross my heart.

Comment by Penny — November 14, 2009 #
Wow! This is a truly gorgeous quilt – I love it!
toni xxx

Comment by toni — November 15, 2009 #
Congratulations on your great finish. It looks so fabulous, I think I need one of these as well. The quilting on it looks great too.

Comment by Janet — November 15, 2009 #
This quilt is wonderful and I wonder how many gazillion pieces it has.
I would never have the patience to do this (not to speak about abilities).
Have a great sunday, wrapped in your quilt.
Janine

Comment by Janine — November 15, 2009 #
You make such beautiful quilts Anna- this one is really lovely.
Hope you are having a great weekend.
Regards,
Anna

Comment by Anna — November 15, 2009 #
As Jim Carey said, “Be – a – utiful”! It was worth the work, it really turned out pretty. Seems like every new quilt just makes you want to make another one, doesn’t it? Then you have to psych yourself up to do it all over again!

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — November 15, 2009 #
Awesome Anna!!!!

Comment by Judy — November 15, 2009 #
The nine patch is a lovely quilt – just says cuddle under me.

Comment by Teresa — November 15, 2009 #
gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to try that but maybe I’ll do cot size…achievable!

I just love how that sweet little ladybird popped in for a photo opp! so beautifully made and love it…and I can tell I’m not alone by the 60 comments ahead of me!

corrie:0

Comment by corrie — November 15, 2009 #
Oh Anna I just love it!! I love nine-patches and yours are gorgeous, a fabric swap is a great idea to get such lovely scrappiness!!! I just straight line quilted recently…I hadn’t done that since I learned free motion but every now and then it is the perfect touch…like on your quilt, it’s perfect :)

Comment by Tammy — November 15, 2009 #
I love it Anna. Cute ladybug too. Did you fly her in just for the photo shoot?

Comment by Sharon — November 15, 2009 #
Great quilt and your sewing machine quilting looks so good. I’ve got to take my little Bernina in to getting the timing worked on. I just can’t stand the thought of being without it. Good thing I have another that at least sews a straight stitch.

I might try my hand at one of those but I think I would have to strip piece it so it isn’t so much work. It would be great to do an exchange of the nine patches but unfortunately no one ever seems to sew with exactly the same seam width. It makes piecing so difficult. Yours looks perfect.

Comment by kim — November 15, 2009 #
ohhhh! I am gasping for air! This is gorgeous, Anna!! What a fabulous job you did…and love the scissors at the seam photo. Too dern cute for words!

xxoo
becky

Comment by Sweet Cottage Dreams — November 15, 2009 #
We (my husband and I) were supposed to have that as our first dance. At the last minute, he changed his mind. LOVE the quilt. One of these days I would like to do one myself.

Comment by Jen — November 15, 2009 #
Holy moly sister friend – this quilt is a beauty and what a fun exchange to have memories combined with it (ok does that even make sense, but you get my drift). That ladybug just strolling along on your quilt was a great photo op. Another treasure Ms. Anna, they just keep coming :).

Hugs – Mrs. Farmhouse

Comment by Karen — November 15, 2009 #
I love the quilt!! Awesome!! You get so much done and work too! I need some of your energy!!
Joni

Comment by joni possin — November 16, 2009 #
Beautiful quilt, Anna. It must have been so much work with all those little pieces. Nice of the ladybug to drop by and offer her blessings.

Comment by Stacy — November 16, 2009 #
I love this quilt!! I love the way you have quilted it, too. Well done.

Comment by meggie — November 16, 2009 #
I love that song, too. Now it’s playing in my head and I’m going to turn on my iPOD so I can really hear it.

That quilt is truly beautiful. I love quilts that have such wonderful colors incorporated into them. And the little ladybug seems to applaud your choices, too.

Comment by Junie Moon — November 16, 2009 #
My gosh it is breathtaking. Holy cow. I hear ya on the day job thing. Ditto. But yes, unemployment would suck much worse. I wish I had time to participate in this. Love yours.

Comment by nanette — November 16, 2009 #
FAB-U-LUS!
I’m one of those persons who likes simple things like nine-patch blocks, one or two color quilts and scrap quilts. I like the straight line quilting too. This I love, love, LOVE!

Jody

Comment by Jody — November 16, 2009 #
YOU. ARE. AMAAAAAZING.

i love your nine patch. it’s gorgeous. i’m blown away.
did i tell you that i love it?
it makes me wanna make one. but my squares weren’t the same size… and i’m mathematically impaired… and my 1/4″ seam is a bit challenged… so the whole *make a million squares the same size* thing isn’t in my horizon….
such a gorgeous quilt.

Comment by brigette — November 16, 2009 #
No one inspires me to quilt more than you do. I just love knitting so much and I already know how to do it. You create such beautiful stuff, but I know it would take me quite a while to get to the point where I’d come close to your skill.

Comment by Caroline — November 16, 2009 #
Yeah Yeah Yeah!!!!! In the last couple of weeks I too have been getting back to mine. I am determined now to finish mine too. You’ve done a terrific job, and isn’t it huge!!!!! I love the way you’ve quilted it. I might do the same. Watch my space.

Comment by Annie — November 17, 2009 #
Anna…I just love, love, love, love, love (did I tell you I love) your 9 patch and the way you quilted it. WONDERFUL!!!! … and with ladybug approval what else do you need!!! Great job!

Comment by Cheryl — November 17, 2009 #
Your quilt looks gorgeous Anna! But your ladybird has far more spots than the ones in my garden!!!

lucy xxx

Comment by Lucy Locket-Pocket — November 17, 2009 #
That is probably the lovliest nine-patch quilt I’ve ever seen.

Comment by Vallen — November 17, 2009 #
Anna, this is gorgeous! Well done!

I heard the ladybug song for the first time only since Victor was born–my grandmother sings it while Victor plays with some ladybug magnets she has on her fridge. She sings the darker version where the house is on fire and the children will be burned. I could not believe it was an actual song. XO

Comment by Jill — November 17, 2009 #
It’s gorgeous Anna!! I love all of the fabrics, and the white background, and the quilting!! The quilting is fab. x

Comment by AnyoneCanQuilt — November 17, 2009 #
Love it! I love the way it’s quilted. Thanks for the inspiration.

Comment by anina — November 18, 2009 #
so so beautiful!!

Comment by monica — November 19, 2009 #
oh Anna, I love that quilt, it is stunning! You are so clever! I might just have to make one of these if I can find a pattern…x

Comment by Marianne — November 19, 2009 #
it’s freakin’ fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did great!!! it would look SO GREAT to have coordinating ones on twin beds, wouldn’t it? the quilting is amazing, too. nice finish, Anna!

Comment by amandajean — November 19, 2009 #
That is beautiful and inspiring. Maybe I’m gonna need to make one one of these. Oh, one more for the list. Good job on it though!

Comment by amber johnson — November 23, 2009 #
I love your quilt!! I need to make one someday :)

Comment by Amy - parkcitygirl — November 25, 2009 #
Ohhhhhhhh so beautiful! And inspiring. My blocks aren‘t even finished yet!

Comment by nicolette — November 28, 2009 #
Hi Anna!I love the quilt! In portuguese: Adorei!!!

Comment by Janesdey — January 27, 2011 #