Thimbleanna » The Wedding Quilt

The Wedding Quilt

March 21, 2010 on 1:09 pm | In Quilting | 93 Comments

Wow! Thanks for all your wonderful comments about my quilting weekend last week! I didn’t mean to be gone so long this week, but on Monday, TheManoftheHouse announced that we should go to see the kids “this weekend” so I had to bust my butt to get the binding on the quilt and get it all washed and ready for the trip.

I took it to a park to take some pictures (I didn’t want to lay it around in our muddy yard!) and it was hard to get a full-on shot of the whole quilt, since I was alone. So, I laid it out on some steps and held the camera as high as I could above my head. ;-)

It was a beee-you-tiful day in the park — a wonderful hint of spring to come! It’s kind of hard to tell, but I scalloped the borders on the quilt — I thought it would be just right with the scallop around the kids’ monogram. The inner solid brown border hits the top of the bed (queen sized), just along the edges — I was very relieved when we put it on the bed and it was just right.

I love the after-washed crinkly goodness, but not sure I love it so much on the monogram. I wish I’d taken a picture of the before, when everything was all smooth and pretty.

According to etiquette, this monogram is backwards — the bride’s initial is supposed to be first, but SweetiePie and I didn’t care — we both like it better this way. And those big dots weren’t in the original monogram, but SweetiePie and I love polkies, so I thought it would be fun to throw a few in there.

The backing is a 108″ wide paisley-type print that SweetiePie and I found a few years ago — it was love at first sight. We originally bought 3 yards (that’s 108″ x 108″) and it still wasn’t big enough. I compensated by adding two strips of patches across the back (no picture, doh!)

In those strips, I added two quilt tags. One with the reason for the quilt and one little one with my name (I wanted just “Mommy” on the first tag, since that’s what SweetiePie calls me) and the year the quilt was finished (2010) since it was different from the wedding year.

I really loved making this quilt and I was SO lucky that the quilting went smoothly. I don’t think I could have quilted a quilt this big on a domestic machine if it hadn’t been for all the straight-line quilting. I had fun taking pictures too — the park was pretty crowded, so I’m sure I was getting some funny looks, but I was in my own little world.

While I was wandering around the park, I found an old train. There were signs everywhere that said “no climbing on the train”, but nothing said “no quilts hanging from the train”, so I went for it.

There were so many cool “train” details, that it was hard not to take a million pictures. I love old trains — especially listening to that clickety-click sound they make when they’re speeding along on the train tracks. But that’s a whole ‘nother post.

This one’s too long already. But I couldn’t resist one last picture — Dudley Do-Right style. Fortunately, this train wasn’t moving!

So. {Brushing hands together.} One more UFO put to bed. Love that feeling!
XOXO,
Anna

93 Comments

what a fabulous quilt. I love straight line quilting. Am getting ready to do just that on a very modern looking baby quilt.

Love the monogram. Was this a pattern or your own design?

Comment by Nancy — March 21, 2010 #
Anna, you’ve done an amaaaaaaazing job!! The quilt is stunning! The gentle colours and the monogram, W.O.W., the quilting, even the pictures! You must feel so contented!

Comment by nicolette — March 21, 2010 #
Its beautiful and I know they have to be absolutely thrilled. Great Job!

Comment by Teresa — March 21, 2010 #
Holy Guacamole! Seriously! One of my readers commented this week, “I’m speechless but yes I’m still typing!” That’s how I feel. What a Fantastic quilt! Speechless…ooxx`jod

Comment by Jodi — March 21, 2010 #
Wow oh wow – what a family heirloom you have created – it is just beautiful! And the thought of you getting into trouble for hanging your quilt on the train….that just made me smile…..and the polka dots added just because……I too love polka dots! Hope you had a great weekend with the kids. I was off doing National Trust work on the glorious Solway Firth in SW Scotland and boy were we lucky with the weather!

Comment by Di — March 21, 2010 #
I had to de-lurk to let you know that this is beautiful! Almost seven years (and 2 kids) later, I’m still waiting for Mom to finish our wedding quilt. Maybe I should send her your link :-) I think the top is pieced but she’s nervous about machine quilting it and doesn’t know anyone to hand quilt it.

Comment by Kathryn S — March 21, 2010 #
this is SO pretty.
wow.

Comment by rachel — March 21, 2010 #
Oh anna ..it is wonderful.. absolutely fantastic!!! :o)

Comment by Stina — March 21, 2010 #
Hi Anna,
I am sure that Sweetie Pie loves her beautiful quilt- what a great job you did and what an heirloom for her and her husband.

Making quilts for the people I love is often what drives me to keep quilting. To me is such a powerful expression of love and caring for others. When I first gave away my quilts, it was hard because it felt like I was giving away a piece of myself. Now it gives me great pleasure to know that I can make something for others that they can wrapping themselves in- Its like giving the warmth of a big loving hug from me to the quilt owners.
Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,
Anna

Comment by Quiltmom ( anna) — March 21, 2010 #
I don’t know what I can add that hasn’t already been said. You did an amazing job and should feel really proud.

I love trains, also. I rode Amtrak home from Denver all by myself last fall. What a blast. I can’t wait till I can do it again.

xo

Comment by Jean — March 21, 2010 #
Anna it is truly incredible! Did they love it???? Lucy xxx

p.s wonderful photos too!

Comment by Lucy Locket-Pocket — March 21, 2010 #
BRAVO! Job WELL done!! I love the quilt and the colors are simple and elegant. Very nice work!!!

I love you new header too. It’s always fun to see what you come up with. It makes me giggle with happiness :-)

Comment by Kim Walus — March 21, 2010 #
WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish I was 1/8 as talent as you. Your daughter in law must love it. I know I would

Comment by Terri — March 21, 2010 #
My hat’s off to you – that’s simply gorgeous. Lucky couple to have such a wonderful “Mommy”!

Though be careful because the League against Cruelty to Quilts are going to be after you for the last shot …

Comment by dottycookie — March 21, 2010 #
Yay for you! What a beautiful finish. That is a gift that will be loved and cherished for generations. Great job!!!

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — March 21, 2010 #
It is beautiful! I’m sure that it will be loved completely. You really must get a better shot of the whole thing – because I want to see how you quilted each part of it. I really want to do a King sized quilt and feel a tad intimidated by the whole thing.

Comment by MichelleB — March 21, 2010 #
It’s beautiful. I’m sure she’s thrilled with it. My grandma made a quilt for a wedding gift for me. I’ll treasure it always.

Comment by Cindy — March 21, 2010 #
Oh Anna, it’s gorgeous! So simple and elegant…I’m going to have to save a picture for inspiration when it comes my turn to make a wedding quilt!

Comment by Carolyn — March 21, 2010 #
your “kids” are truly lucky…this wedding quilt, made with such love is just perfect & your little
shout outs in the monogram & tags… just delightful!

you should be very proud of your efforts…

please share sweetpie & thefirstchild’s reactions…
hope you took pix of them w/quilt!

Comment by linda — March 21, 2010 #
It looks fantastic! What a wonderful wedding gift.

Comment by Cathy — March 21, 2010 #
It is a truly lovelt quilt and will be treasured forever. I love the picture session it received and who cares what those other people thought. When people give me unusual looks I try to imagine what they think is going on and why.

Comment by Penny g — March 21, 2010 #
Absolutely, positively BEE-U-TIFUL!!!

Comment by Julie Isa — March 21, 2010 #
You should have put those people at the park to work! I’m sure you could have gotten enough volunteers to hold it up so you could get a good shot. I would have volunteered for sure had I been there….You did a lovely job! What’s next in the UFO pile?

Comment by molly — March 21, 2010 #
Beautiful quilt! Though I have to say, seeing it next to that potentially oily train had me feeling a bit sweaty.

Also, love the thimble-peeps!

Comment by Ali — March 21, 2010 #
That is one big beautiful Wedding quilt Anna, what a wonderful heirloom for the lucky couple! You did a great job with the quilting ~so big~ I bet it feels good to have it crossed off your list and in its new home!

Comment by Shawn — March 21, 2010 #
Anna- the quilt turned out beee-you-tiful! Your son and daughter-in-law are lucky!

Comment by Ginger — March 21, 2010 #
Congratulations on the finish! It’s absolutely gorgeous!

I like your very creative photos, too. :)

Comment by Rachel — March 21, 2010 #
Congratulations on a job well done! It is BEAUTIFUL! I loved the park idea for the photography also. Waiting to hear how the kids liked it but what’s not to like! This has to feel SO great to have it finished!

Comment by Gurney — March 21, 2010 #
The quilt looks beautiful! They will love it and you should be so proud.

Comment by Brandie — March 21, 2010 #
oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! It came out beautiful! It will be a family heirloom for many, many years!

Comment by Suzie Lambert — March 21, 2010 #
What a special gift, Anna. It is simply lovely. I bet they were thrilled. I just love the idea of the monogram in the center and the scallops around it, and the dots….and the scalloped edge on the border, just stunning. Do you mind me asking what style of applique you usually use? I am just getting started.

Comment by Dandelion Quilts — March 21, 2010 #
Oh my!!!! This quilt is absolutely gorgeous!!!! I love the photo of it under the train wheel..

Hugs – Jodie :)

Comment by Jodie — March 21, 2010 #
It is simply gorgeous Anna! Love your photos but all I could think of was if there was grease under the train it would end up on your quilt!

Comment by sue — March 21, 2010 #
Gorgeous, just gorgeous!!! You did an amazing job! Thank you for all the pictures…you know one or two would not have been enough for me :) Love the train pics…although in my head I kept thinking “careful Anna…don’t get it dirty” lol!!

Comment by Tammy — March 21, 2010 #
It’s beautiful. The quilting looks great too. I can’t believe it’s a first try at quilting something that big.

Of course, I absolutely love your pictures. I was afraid that your carefully washed quilt would get dirty though.

Your are now officially ahead of me in the finish your unfinished projects contest. :)

Comment by kim — March 21, 2010 #
What an incredible, incredible gift. It’s simply beautiful!

Comment by Caroline — March 21, 2010 #
Absolutely stunning Anna!

Comment by anina — March 21, 2010 #
Happy springtime to you, Anna! And what a wonderful way to celebrate this new season than with a gorgeous quilt you’ve made for gifting – and photographing this amazing creation in a park is a wonderful thing to do. I’m positive that quilt will be cherished forever.

Comment by Junie Moon — March 21, 2010 #
You are amazing!! You inspire me. The wedding quilt is stunning. How lucky your family is to have you.

Comment by Marylou — March 21, 2010 #
It turned out really lovely, didn’t it!!!! And the quilting looks very well executed as well. You didn’t write how the quilt was received though? But I’m sure they were over the moon! How could the not be. What fun to go to the park to take the pictures ;).

Comment by Vreni — March 21, 2010 #
You’ve done it again, Ole Girl…..impressed the heck out of me, that is.

The quilt is just lovely. I’m looking forward to your pillowcases. I emailed Cassie for another question, and lamented that I’d love to join in on them but don’t have much spare time. I’m thinking once I see yours, I’ll make some time.

Have a sweet week, Anna!

Love,
Amy

Comment by Amy — March 21, 2010 #
Anna the wedding quilt is beautiful. You did an awesome job on that. It’s very very pretty. Love that monogram.
I wondered down some railroad tracks this week too. Pics coming. I love old tracks.

Comment by Sharon — March 21, 2010 #
So, so beautiful! Great job. I love the soothing monochromatic colors! I love taking pictures of quilts too. Sometimes, I pretend like I’m doing something else when one of my neighbors drive by though:)

Comment by amber johnson — March 21, 2010 #
Wow, Anna, that’s GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS. I would be so thrilled if I received such a beautiful and meaningful wedding gift, not to mention quilt. SweetiePie is a fortunate girl.

Comment by Karen — March 21, 2010 #
What a wonderful heirloom for your son and SweetiePie. And it sounds like you had lots of fun taking pictures of it in the park! Love the Dudley Do-right picture.

Comment by Stacy — March 21, 2010 #
Hi Anna! I love, love, love this quilt. Monograms are my favorite and seeing this quilt makes me want to make one of my very own. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. –Anna M. :)

Comment by Anna M. — March 22, 2010 #
What a wonderful Sunday night treat! I was waiting with anticipation to see what it would look like and boy was it worth the wait. What a fantastic job! What a really great gift and quilt! When I grow up, I want to be you. ;-) So what do you have lined up for us for next Sunday night?
All kidding aside… really wonderful. Well done.

Comment by Shirley — March 22, 2010 #
what a lovely quilt. and a lovely idea for a wedding quilt! such warm beautiful colors, I really like this quilt!

Comment by Jenny — March 22, 2010 #
OMG Anna it is spectacular! Thank you for all the pictures…You were making me a little nervous though putting it on that train…LOL! Awesome pictures…incredibly awesome quilt!

Comment by Carol — March 22, 2010 #
This deserves a celebration! That quilt is stunning. The monogram is exquisite, the colors, the label, the slightly scalloped edge, the size of it – just everything about it makes me want to look at it for hours. It is so sophisticated and has such a timeless look that it will surely be a family heirloom for generations.

Comment by Anne — March 22, 2010 #
Wow, WOW & wow…..
So impressive – VERY lucky chilrens to have such a lovely, caring “mommy”. It’s such a pleasure to make something for two great people who will love and appreciate it always, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing the pictures with us. Breathe a sigh of “its finished” and carry on with more beautiful creations. always, robin

Comment by Robin Brown — March 22, 2010 #
Applause! it’s gorgeous Anna! Thanks for sharing with us

Comment by Jen — March 22, 2010 #
Wow, Anna, what a stunning quilt and gift. I know I keep saying it but you are so talented. Just beautiful xoxoxo Clarice

Comment by clarice — March 22, 2010 #
Put to bed — haha. Love the pun!! Great quilt, Anna. I know they will cherish this their entire lives and their children and grandchildren will pass it down for generations to come. How great is quilting!!

Comment by Donna Coulter — March 22, 2010 #
You are so funny!! And the quilt is gorgeous!!! Love the picture on the tracks!! I love trains too!

Comment by MJ Smith — March 22, 2010 #
That Sweetie Pie…she’s a lucky duck. Love the quilt, Anna! I still can’t believe that you quilted that giant on your machine. You’re a rockstar!

Comment by Cassie — March 22, 2010 #
Just lovely, Anna! Congratulations and I’m so proud of you! The scallops are perfect.

Brian is a lover of trains, too! And Victor is getting there…

XO

Comment by Jill — March 22, 2010 #
Wow! What a beautiful quilt! I’m sure your kids will treasure this always! They’re so lucky to have such a talented Mommy!

(Love the photos near the train)

Comment by Janet — March 22, 2010 #
Oh Anna, that is beautiful. I bet you are so happy it is finished! I am sure the kids just love it too. I am in awe of YOU!!!! xoxo

Comment by Jewels — March 22, 2010 #
Oh, my goodness, Anna! It’s simply stunning! What a beautiful, beautiful gift. :)

Comment by Sarah — March 22, 2010 #
That quilt is stunning!

Comment by jessica — March 22, 2010 #
It’s beautiful Anna. You did a great job.

Comment by Pat — March 22, 2010 #
It sure is gorgeous. And your picture taking is awesome.

Comment by wendy — March 22, 2010 #
Love the quilt!! My next quilt to make was for a wedding & I just bought a whole bunch of fat qtrs the exact same colors as yours. The 2nd I saw yours I said that’s it! I may be a copycat. Love your blog. You are a talented writer & wonderfully inspiring. BTW My friend & I are making the Xmas quilt I saw on your blog too.

Comment by Fran Fimbres — March 22, 2010 #
64 comments in two days???
move OVER PDUB!!
i’m tellin’ ya, you’re getting far too many imaginary friends. it may go to your imaginary head soon.
your quilt is breathtaking.
:applauds you fervently

Comment by brigette — March 23, 2010 #
What a fun photo shoot! It is truly a wonderful quilt, & obviously, it will be much treasured.

I love that the square pie in the last pic is imposter pie… I do agree!

Comment by meggie — March 23, 2010 #
Great job, congratulations on finishing another wonderful quilt. I love the photos, you’re so clever with your ideas.

Comment by Janet — March 23, 2010 #
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. And inspiring me to check my UFO closet- although I’m a little afraid at what I will find there.
Love the colors and pattern and quilting….gives me ideas for an upcoming baby quilt. thank you for blogging.

Comment by Karla — March 23, 2010 #
This is positively inspirational Anna! I hope to make a quilt one day! So far I have just made quilt squares and that was plenty hard!

Comment by Lolly — March 23, 2010 #
WOW its absolutely beautiful! Really a wonderful sophisticated quilt.

Comment by pam — March 23, 2010 #
Love the photos. All of them. The quilt is so classic. You could photo it anywhere and it would look good. It is the kind of quilt that will never go out of style and always be stunning.

Comment by nanette — March 23, 2010 #
Beautiful quilt, Anna! Sweetie Pie picked out some great colors. Congrats on finishing a UFO, and I LOVE the pic of the quilt on the tracks! So creative.

Comment by Sarah — March 23, 2010 #
That quilt is beee-you-tiful! Hope it didn’t get dirty on those tracks! Gorgeous
Kimx

Comment by kim — March 23, 2010 #
Anna, The quilt is beautiful!!! Saturday was a great day in Indiana! I am so behind in my quiliting. I am jealous that you are catching up :) I have so many other baby things in the way to do first then when she gets here, time will be sparce….love the quit alot though!

Comment by rachel — March 23, 2010 #
Anna it’s FABULOUS!!!!! Huge big pat on the back for “Mommy”!!! Your quilting is stunning!!! I just know this quilt will be treasured always and forever by Sweetiepie and her sweety pie ;o). Love your piccies with the train too, they look super :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Comment by Joy — March 23, 2010 #
Kudos! Anna, the quilt is beautiful. Your work is stunning and I love the monogram! I’m sure the kids are loving it.

Comment by Susan — March 23, 2010 #
Anna! What a beauty! I love the monogram even the puckery parts :) They must be so happy to have it!

Comment by Amy - parkcitygirl — March 24, 2010 #
OH ANNA! Wowie zowie. Amazing and so beautiful. It will be a cherished quilt, for sure. And I love it with the train, all Dudley Do-Right’n!

Comment by happy zombie — March 24, 2010 #
Well done on an amazing quilt!

Comment by Kate — March 24, 2010 #
It is so beautiful. Sweetpie is lucky to have you as an out-law. Love your photography.

Comment by Laurel — March 25, 2010 #
Fantastic!! Love the quilt and especially love the pictures…that last one is fab!

As for looking a little weird in the park taking pictures..well, I’ve done that too! Let them look on, I say, let them look on! :o)

Comment by Sew Create It - Jane — March 25, 2010 #
It’s beautiful, Anna. I love the muted colours. :o)

Comment by Anne — March 26, 2010 #
what a be-au-ti-ful quilt! it’s classy and perfect. i love it. soooooooo much. what a good mama you are!!!

Comment by amandajean — March 26, 2010 #
Anna, it’s so, so gorgeous. What a beautiful piece of work. You are very talented!

Comment by Karin — March 26, 2010 #
‘Swonderful!!!!!
Your kids are so blessed.

Love the Dudley Do Right train track pic.
You’re a kook! A lovable kook!

Jody

Comment by Jody — March 29, 2010 #
oh wow so beautiful, love the scalloped edges and your beautiful pictures!
adorable
Corrie:)

Comment by corrie — March 30, 2010 #
it’s amazing Anna! You are quick like a bunny with your sewing!

Comment by Penny — April 2, 2010 #
I just have to know — did you design the monogram or is there a pattern? I am obsessed with all things monogrammed! This quilt is gorgeous! I love the neutral colors.

Comment by Chelley — April 6, 2010 #
your quilt is amazing!!! i love the colors!

Comment by V and Co. — April 8, 2010 #
Anna, how on earth did I miss this post???? The quilt is gorgeous!! Just gorgeous! Love the way you went about your photo shoot too!

Comment by Jackie — April 9, 2010 #
Any chance you might be willing to share your monogram technique? Very cool gift!

Comment by Sandy — April 11, 2010 #
I LOVE your quilt. You did a fabulous job! I’m always out in my yard snapping photos of things I make (because the lighting just works so much better for me). People drive by and stare. They probably think I’m nuts.

Comment by Patty — April 22, 2010 #
What a beautiful heirloom! My daughter is getting married and loved your quilt. Wants to know if you would share your monogram (scroll?). Also, what font you used. Hers will be solid white on white dragonflies, black monogram/scroll and aqua 9 patches. I plan to give out 6″ squares at the reception for signature blocks for the back of the quilt. Hope I can do as nice a job as you. Thank you for sharing.

Comment by Jan — February 4, 2011 #