The final step to quilt making is to stitch on a label. (Although I don't do this on donation quilts). Adding a label is like "signing off" a quilt, giving the details, and I always add one to those quilts I gift to family, and those I'm keeping for myself. I've just finished hand stitching this simple label so Birthday Bouquet is now finished.
Like a lot of my projects, this one had a long gestation period. Way back in the year 2000 I took part in Southern Cross Quilters Birthday Block Swap. We were matched to 11 other quilters and during their birthday month stitched and posted a block to each one, with me getting 11 blocks back for my birthday. We had already swapped any fabric we wanted included, and because I wanted a big bed quilt, I took part in two birthday block swaps that year. I had sent a piece of the floral fabric in the label to each participant, which also gave them some idea of the colours to use, and they could stitch whatever block they liked. I was so thrilled when the blocks were returned on my birthday month, but they sat in a bag for sometime. Why? Goodness knows, guess I got caught up doing other things.
A year or so ago, the blocks were finally stitched together, and I added the border, using up the rest of the floral focus fabric. Then it was sent off to be commercially quilted. Another wait for a while, then the binding was added, then I stitched the final step, the label. I really love how this has turned out.
18 comments:
Oh Jenny so well worth the wait for getting all those beautiful blocks together in your colours and fabrics.
Your quilting lady did a fabulous job too?
Your birthday block quilt is gorgeous, Jenny. Each and every block looks as if each one belongs; all are lovely. Such a pretty label, too. This quilt is a beautiful token of quilty friendship from around the world.
It is lovely to see these blocks brought to life in a special quilt.
It looks wonderful. And ready for Christmas.
What a beautiful quilt made from your birthday blocks! Each block will remind you of the friend who made it for you.
What a nice way to create a unique quilt! I think it makes your quilt special that others made blocks for you. No doubt your blocks are in their quilts too. For me, label-making can be a chore, so I often save-up several to make at once. However, I don't hand-stitch mine as you do. Your labels have great personality because they're hand made! Mine are designed on the computer, and printed-out on EQ Printables (paper-backed fabric sheets). I tend to add a lot of information to my labels - quilt title, quilt dimensions, details about the project, machine on which I did the quilting, my location, my name and social media names, and month and year finished. Too much info to hand-stitch!
That's a lovely quilt, Jenny! I like how you finished it up with those pretty borders. Are you in touch with any of the other quilters? I bet they would enjoy seeing how the quilt turned out!
Your quilt is beautiful and I love the story behind it. You have an amazing group of quilting friends.
This is so pretty. Very cheerful!
That is so lovely, both the quilt itself and the idea behind it. Well done in getting it finished. I have finally got started on the first on two quilts for my granddaughters. It will be a slow process, but at least I've made a start.
Judith nb Serena
I love the focus fabric of your quilt. That quilt is gorgeous! What a wonderful birthday memory. I really like the label you made that also featured that fabric. I think I will be embroidering all my labels from now on as I have seen so many pretty ideas that way.
Gorgeous. The colours are amazing. Hmmm, perhaps I should think about making labels for my quilts. Something to ponder.
God bless.
I struggle with labels Jenny - always have good intentions but......... :)
that was a long time making - started so long ago!
Oh Wow! What an amazing finish with your swapped blocks. You must be stoked. Beautiful quilt.
That's a fabulous quilt Jenny. I love the label you've made.
It is beautiful! You must be so proud.
Birthday Bouquet is gorgeous , Jenny. I love the border and the label is a fabulous finishing touch. Enjoy you day. Hugs
Sometimes our quilts just need that bit of time to cure...well done on the finish Jenny - your quilt is lovely. It looks like it was an enjoyable swap and sending off your fabric was a worthwhile aspect to the swap. I must admit I'm a bit slow to label my quilts but such a vital step.
Post a Comment