Flutter your Wings

I started this quilt about 6 months ago and I am glad that it's finally finished to made it into the 'Finish it 2013'.  I think this will be the last quilt for 2013 because exams are looming and after that I take off for a long awaited summer vacation and to visit my parents back home.  Can't believed that the year have gone by so fast and Christmas is just around the corner yikes!!  Keep calm and breath! ... back to the quilt...

It is a simple flying geese quilt that flows in alternate ways.  I love how it makes the quilt look like wings fluttering in the clouds.

When I was started piecing the quilt together, I wasn't sure about the colour palette that I have chosen but I love the strong solid contrast of the blue/grey fabric against the softer palette of the fabric line.  It makes the flying geese 'pop'.  Funny how there are moments of clarity and doubt in the process of quilting.  Do you have these cross-roads when you thought to yourself... 'Is this going to work?  Does the colours go together?'.  One thing I have learned whether in quilting or in life is to always trust your instincts and go with it.  I am so glad I trusted my instincts on this.

I have hand quilted this quilt as I struggled with how I will quilt it using a domestic sewing machine.  To me hand quilting is my comfort and machine quilting is still something I have yet to come to grasp with.  I can only quilt straight lines at the moment, any more than that it is a challenge and one that I am not ready to embark on yet. Furthermore, I love the effects of hand quilting even though it takes a little longer to do.  Mind you my hand quilting is far from perfect but I love the imperfections as it gives the quilt character.

I love how hand quilting gives you that instant 'out of the wash' look to the quilt.  It makes the quilt feel all soft and snuggly.  I have used a solid binding in similar tone as I didn't want it to stand out as such.  I wanted the geometry of the flying geese to be the main focus and the hand quilted lines to accentuate the flowing movement of the flying geese.

I wished I had made it in a bigger size so I could keep it for myself but a baby size is a good way to test a new design.  I can't wait to make a throw size at some stage next year.  Might have to rethink about hand quilting it but who knows... I might be insane enough to just do it lol!

Quit facts:

Size: Approx 48" x 60"

Quilt top fabric: Bluegrey cotton linen, Heather Bailey Nicey Jane collection and Heather Bailey Wallpaper Roses in Ivory

Backing: Forest Friends Yellow Flowers

Binding: Pure Element Parisian Blue Solid

Batting: 100% cotton

Hand quilting: Perle cotton No.8 in Pistachio Green and Topaz Yellow

Thank you for stopping by!