So, the quilt was completed the day before Christmas Eve. A special present to me and Big Man made by my own fair hands. And the terrible thing is that now I’m hooked!
It was made entirely by hand apart from the strips I added to widen it and the first run round of the binding.
Ok, so it’s not perfect and I had to restitch the initial quilting as it was so awful. But I did keep one line of it in, next to the final attempt to show myself that practice makes better (but not yet perfect!).
There are plenty of wonky lines, but hey, that adds to the charm. And I’m sticking with that (wonky) line.
For details of the quilt pattern and fabric, take a look here and here.
And now that I’m hooked, I just couldn’t help myself when these fabrics on sale called out to me…was it Oscar Wilde who said “I can resist everything except temptation”?!
A big thank you to both Kate from talltalesfromchiconia (especially her quilt binding tutorial) and Evie (check out the link for her Chateau Quilt) over at Pendle Stitches for their advice and encouragement, especially when I started the hand quilting of the quilt top – I was all set to give up, but thanks to their kind words I pushed on and gradually became addicted…
Chica Andaluza 
What a lovely cozy handstitched work of heart. Beautiful comfort. Stitch on!
“Work of heart” – what a beautiful way of expressing it! Thank you J
You’re very welcome! And practice really does make perfect with hand quilting, so you’d better get on and start the next quilt! Anything else I can help with?
Thank you again Kate. I’ve already started on the next one – am “winging it” regarding the design this time, just making it up as I go along. I think I have a hundred more questions for you so will fire some of them your way soon J
Fabulous work Tanya! Looks like you’ve used some beautiful fabric to create your quilt! What’s next??
Thank you Margot. I’ve started on another quilt which I’m making up as I go along, plus a few dressmaking projects in the wings and we need to get started on the renovation of our own property….you know I like to be busy!
What a stunning collection of colours too, beautifully made.. c
Thank you miss c – I loved making it so much!
Beautiful quilt and I love the new fabrics, too. Did you know that when a Navajo weaver makes a rug, she adds a ‘mistake’ on purpose? Thee belief, I was told, is that only God makes anything perfect, so it’s their way of remaining humble. So I use that, too, when I have mistakes in my work (although mine aren’t deliberate lol). ~ Linne
What a lovely story – I will have to tell everyone!
I love quilting but it is extremely addictive and you get to become quite the hoarder when it comes to buying the “fat squares” of yummy fabric designs 😄
Oh I know what you mean – I already have a little stash accumulating!
I think traditionally there is meant to be an incorrect stitch somewhere. Well done on your achievement 🙂
I am feeling reassured that incorrect stitches are not such a bad thing! Thank you Tandy J
Amazing! Beatiful quilt! You handy and resourceful girl…
Thank you miss SoupGuru – I do love to learn new things!
Thank you! Just posted a new soup last weekend, I’m back! 🙂
I’m catching up this morning, so I’ll be popping over soon!
Happy crafting! 🙂
Thank you J
I think it look fantastic – hand made is much better than machined 😉
Thanks Mad – I’m a huge fan of the old ways over the new (mostly)!
Me too 🙂
That quilt is amazing Ms Chica! I bow to your “wonky stitches” as I can’t sew. Poor Stevie-boy has to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous turning up if he ever brings “too long” trousers into the house (that rarely get worn out 😉 ). I never learned to sew but am in complete and utter admiration at people who can. Most addictions result in the decline of the addict but this completely and utterly gorgeous addiction can only be good. Lovely work Ms Chica…lubby jubbly 🙂
Well thank you Ms Narf. Maybe you should save up your sewing for me to do (like my bestie does) but I suspect Stevie-boy would need his clothes back sooner than we could turn them around and the air miles on the package would be phenomenal! I think I have already become fully addicted as am part way through the next one with no idea what it will finish up like, how big it will be or indeed who or where it’s for….hooked methinks!
Oh yeah baby, you are seriously hooked! But as I said, there are worse things to be hooked on and if you end up with some seriously scrumptious results (as you have), imagine the joy on people’s faces when you gift them the results? 🙂
I’m in admiration or your “capolavoro” !
Thank you for sharing with us such a beautiful artwork!
Ah, thank you for your lovely words!
This is seriously gorgeous, Chica. You have a real talent and how exciting to become obsessed with something new!
That’s so kind Amanda – I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed making it!
What a beautiful quilt. I have never tried patchwork or quilting and I am sure you must have spent months making your quilt – but if I thought I would get even half as pretty a result I might be persuaded!
It took me 3 months to make from start to finish, I know people can turn around a machine stitched one in a couple of days and I am sure I’ll also try this method soon. It was done to distract me from a few stresses and it was the perfect antidote as I could sit in the evening sewing small sections by hand. Very restful and lovely to see the blocks emerge from scraps of material. I bet you’ve got a massive stash of fabric to play with if you ever decided to give it a go!
Very fabulous, Tanya…..nice pressie:)
Thanks Roger – it was appreciated now that the weather has turned very cold here!
I’m not convinced this is your first attempt. This is simply beautiful. You must be so thrilled, and pleased that you kept going. I can’t wait to see what you do with the new fabrics. So exciting.
I did make one with hexies which took me 15 years to make but it was so bad I didn’t count it!
A really, really beautiful quilt, Tanya. You obviously have a natural talent for putting together patterns and color to make an intricate and pleasing whole effect. Very well done, indeed!
Thank you for your lovely words Betsy!
I absolutely love this! I really wish I had your talent..and time for quilting. It’s beautiful and being handmade all the more special.
It’s certainly time consuming if you do it by hand – luckily I am (for the moment) time rich!
Handstitched, Tanya? Good grief- I might have finished for the Christmas after next! 🙂 Love that red paisley square. I might have to commission one 🙂
It’s a bit sad isn’t it that I enjoyed doing it by hand – would love to make you something!
I prefer wonky lines. Adds character. We have several quilts that were given to us as Christmas gifts and we love them.
Oh you lucky things – various quilts!
it is good, with some practice knitting will definitely wonderful plasticity. plus exciting creative ideas
A job well done! I have three antique patchwork quilts and every time that I look at all the work that was done by hand to make them, I’m always amazed.
So many hours and hours of work, and so many thousands of tiny stitches!
Thank you sor sharing, Tanya:)
Thank you for sharing, Tanya:)
wow , this really extraordinary , from simple ingredients into a perfect shape , it looks like I have to always be updated in order to further increase my insight :*)
J