Friday, October 26, 2012

Blogger's Quilt Festival -- Fall 2012


block signing station at my wedding
October 26th is a special day at my house. It is the day my husband and I were married-- and this year marks our 10th anniversary! At our wedding, instead of a guest book, we had guest blocks-- blank quilt blocks for our guests to write any well-wishes (or whatever else) they had for us. At left is a picture of our "block signing station" at the wedding.

After the wedding, I designed a quilt to feature those blocks. I even started the quilt. But then, for whatever reason (I can't even remember why), the project got set aside... Until now! I finished our wedding quilt just in time for our anniversary. Woo!

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, front view

I created the design using Electric Quilt and then I went out and shopped for fabrics. That beautiful leafy print just called to me, and I pulled all of the other colors from that.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, compass detail

The compass was created using paper foundation piecing. Setting it onto the background was one of my early attempts at hand applique. I try not to look too closely at the stitching. Ha! But I am pleased with the quilting. It isn't perfect, but I think it manages to add to the look of the compass in a positive way.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, quilting detail

I drew the pieced border onto freezer paper and then cut it apart to create paper templates. The templates were used to cut the fabric, and then I pieced it all together.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, corner detail

I love the little fans in the corners! I was seriously stressed out about those corners and what to do with them. Eventually I stumbled into the fan idea, and I'm so glad I did. They make me happy.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, corner detail from back side

Here is a view of the same corner from the back where the quilting is much more visible. Overall, I'm really proud of my quilting on this project! I used Hobbs Tuscany Wool batting for this quilt. I was actually really worried that it might result in the quilt being too poofy looking. But I'm glad I went for it. It is not too poofy, and it forced me to quilt more than I otherwise would have as the wool batting has denser quilting requirements than I'm used to. It really made me think about the type of quilting I wanted to do and how to deal with every space on the quilt.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, back view

The woodsy print in the center of the back was purchased when we went on our honeymoon to Maine. When I bought it I knew I wanted to use it on the back of this quilt. So even the back of this quilt has special memories attached to it.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, label

I vaguely recall creating the embroidery design back when I first got my sewing/embroidery machine. I think my intention was to use it in a block on the front. But, coming back to the project many years later, I couldn't figure out a way to make it work. So I put it on the back with the label.

Robin & Keith's Wedding Quilt, front view from an artsy angle

I am so glad that I finally finished this! Just picking up the project again, reading all of the wonderful words our friends and family wrote for us... it is a very special quilt, and it truly reminds me how blessed my husband and I are and I am so excited to continue our journey together!

Not only did I complete this quilt in time for my anniversary, I am thrilled that I've finished it in time to share in the Fall 2012 Blogger's Quilt Festival hosted by Amy's Creative Side.

Amy's Creative Side

Here are some stats for my quilt:
Quilt Name: Keith & Robin's Wedding Quilt
Finished size: 53" x 53"
Pieced and Quilted by: Robin Zaback (me!)
Best Categories: Home Machine Quilted Quilt; Wall Hanging

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your Blogger's Quilt Festival adventures! So many beautiful quilts; so much fabulous inspiration!!!


23 comments:

  1. Your quilt is simply beautiful. It will be a treasure for you and your family forever.

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  2. Happy Anniversary, Robin!
    Your quilt is just stunning! what a great design and what special memories with the quilt.

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  3. This is something you guys will cherish for a long time. What did hubs say when he saw it?

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  4. What a great idea for a guest book!

    Beautiful quilt - simply stunning!

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  5. That is such a wonderful story and a great quilt!

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  6. What a wonderful treasure and remembrance of your wedding. Your quilt is simply beautiful!

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  7. What a wonderful idea, and great way to celebrate our anniversary. Happy 10th Anniversary!

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  8. Happy Anniversary! Your quilt is phenomenal - glad you got it finished.

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  9. what a great stiry behind this quilt and it is beautiful. Not usually my style but I love it

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  10. Robin,
    This is such a beautiful quilt and a beautiful tribute to your marriage. It has to feel good to have such a long term project completed and to be able to remember all the memories around this quilt.

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  11. Happy Anniversary!! It is truly a very special quilt to be treasured and cherished forever. It is wonderful that you were able to finish it just in time for your 10th Anniversary!

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  12. What a great story! I think it is perfect that you finished this in time for your 10th anniversary. Perfect way to remember such a special day!! It turned out beautifully. Thanks for sharing :)

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  13. Wow!What a fabulous quilt. The colour scheme is so spicy rich and the quilting is delightful :-) Good luck in the Festival! Avis x

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  14. Gorgeous!! What a wonderful way to celebrate your wedding!!!

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  15. What a wonderful idea to do blocks at your wedding! The quilt is just lovely. We just did a memory quilt for our beloved church organist who is leaving the church. I brought lots of blocks and people wrote on them. Unfortunately, a bunch of people didn't understand about not writing too close to the edge so on a lot of the blocks the words go way into the seam allowance. Did you have any troubles with that?

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  16. Wow, so impressive! And GORGEOUS! Happy 10th anniversary!

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  17. Wow! What an amazing quilt, and what an amazing story! I love it!

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  18. Gorgeous quilt! Love the setting for your signature blocks. Congrats on 10 years as a couple!

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  19. What a lovely quilt and the meaning and sentiment attached to it makes it special!

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  20. A beautiful quilt with a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing and congrats on 10 years!

    I love the quilting you did, especially. Thanks for the inspiration, Robin.

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  21. It is truly a beautiful quilt! Ironically, my husband and I celebrated our 10 year this year too...we are also a 26....just in July! LOL

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