Monday, July 11, 2011

My First Pieced Quilt

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When I lived in FL, we had a very active quilt guild there.
I was interested in learning how to quilt but had only taken
"Stretch & Sew" classes waaaay back in the 80's.
One of the members took pity on me & my lack of skills &
helped me to get started on quilting.

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This Friendship Star Quilt is the result.
She brought me the fabric and the free pattern
from the internet.
I wish I could find it again...I've looked & looked, to no avail.
See how the RED pieces make up the same Friendship Star pattern?

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It normally hangs on my sewing room wall,
just above where I sit 95% of the time.
I always bring it upstairs for display during the summer
months, for Memorial Day, 4th of July & Labor Day.
Its good to rotate the way it hangs to avoid stretching.

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I was such a terrified beginner, that I only stitched in the ditch (seams) at first.
I did some free motion quilting in the borders, too.
Later, I tried stitching inside the stars, following their lines...
sort of a reverse echo pattern, I guess.
This is what they looked like on the back.
Not the greatest idea, since I didn't think to use bobbin
thread that would BLEND in with the backing!
Live & Learn!
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I made the label on my computer, using a photo of the two of us.
It was then printed onto Timeless Treasures fabric & both fused
as well as hand stitched to the back of the quilt.

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Here we are at the quilt guild meeting.


Linda is having some health issues right now,
so if you're so inclined, would you mind sending
up a little "knee-mail" for her?

Thanks for visiting The Gazebo House today.
May you have many such wonderful memories
of the women in your life.

fondly,
Rett

I'm linking up to The Tablescaper's
Seasonal Sundays

22 comments:

  1. Rett, what a beautiful quilt! I love the design and the bright color. It really is perfect for a patriotic holiday. And what a sweet friend you have to help you get started. I hope Linda's health improves real soon!

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  2. what a wonderful keepsake Rett, and a quilters friendship that has stood the test of time and miles. I remember the Stretch and Sew classes too! Thanks for sharing your first quilt with us today.

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  3. Such a beautiful quilt and what a wonderful friend Linda is to have helped you become a quilter! Hoping she gets better soon.

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  4. You and Linda will always have a bond because she helped you become a quilter. I hope Linda feels better soon!

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  5. Beautiful quilt Rett, love the label that's such a fun idea:@)

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  6. Rett, the quilt is a treasure! Love the color combo. It is perfect for the patriotic holidays. Sending Linda my best wishes. ~ Sarah

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  7. What a gorgeous quilt! I have made a few myself, with the help of my mother-in-law.....she made quilts for all her grandchildren,busy most of her life sewing them! I love the colors and i love the meanings of the quilts......

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  8. Rett, YES, I know you are kidding me about the pierogies!!!! We did cook them in butter and poured that over them too!!!!!! Now, your quilt is lovely! I envy you being able to do that! I have zero sewing skills. I WISH so much I cocould sew. XO, Pinky

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  9. How pretty, Rett! I am so excited that learned to quilt! Do you know that I come form a family of mountain women who quilt...but not me! :-( I have GOT to learn! You did a fabulous job and I love your label! Thanks so much for entering the giveaway and posting my button! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  10. OOh good for you.. you actually labeled your quilt! I'm so proud of you. Timeless Treasures is my favorite transfer fabric.. Your quilt is so lovely. I love the colors and the quilting you did. I'm so glad you are still using it. As to Houston, I used to work for the industry so I've been many times. I so hope you get to go this year! I haven't been since 2005.. oh gosh that is 6 years! So I too feel the need to go. Happy Sewing, many blessings, marlis

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  11. Rett, Such a beautiful quilt! It is perfect to decorate with during the summer months! Or even put on a table! I admire your talent!
    I just prayed for your friend! I hope she is feeing better soon!
    Yvonne

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  12. Beautiful quilt...

    Erika

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  13. Rett:

    This is so beautiful. I love all of the memories that it invokes. It i amazing how daunted we all are to start a new skill, but look how far you've come!!!!!

    Thanks so much for sharing your gorgeous quilt with Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  14. What a wonderful quilt. I think I like that picture patch on the back the best! I love keepsake pieces like that!

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  15. I love the pattern of this quilt, Rett, and the wonderful label you made. I've made quilts for my grandchildren and should add personalized labels to them. I remember how nervous I was when I started my first quilt. I hope your friend is feeling better soon.

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  16. Rett, what a beautiful quilt, the colors are so brigh. Isn't it wonderful when a friend gives of themselves from the heart. A treasure in your quilt along with your friendship. When we lived south of here I did a lot of quilting, I haven't done so in many years, you've peeked my interest in it once again, I'll have to pull out one I worked on for a while and didn't complete.. hugs ~lynne~

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  17. Your patriotic friendship star quilt is so cheery! I think you did a great job! Sorry your friend has not been well. I will say a prayer for her.

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  18. This is so perfect for the Fourth of July. You did a lovely job, Rett. I really like how your label commemorates the friendship, very special.

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  19. Oh Rett, thanks for checking your Homegoods store for me. Your quilt is gorgeous, such pretty design and colors. You looks so pretty!..Christine

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  20. Thank you so much for your visit and sweet comment. You have a wonderful blog!! What wonderful memories the creating of your first quilt have given you!! It is truly beautiful!!
    Your little princess must have loved her tea party with Nana....

    I read in your profile that you are a critical care nurse , I just want to say Thank you for choosing that profession. I am a trauma survivor ( pedestrian car accident) and the nurses in critical care when I woke up from my coma, where very instrumental in keeping me from giving up. If you have an opportunity you can read my stoty under Detour in Life on my right side bar...

    wishing you a fabulous week! xo HHL

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  21. Hi Rett! Your quilt is beautiful! What pretty bright colors too! How nice to have a friend to work with you! I hope she's better soon.
    Thanks for popping in to se me.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  22. That is a very special quilt Rett. You did a fantastic job!!! It is beautiful.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~