Thursday, November 28, 2013

Mint Chocolate Chip: A Finished Quilt

Named because a) it's one of my mom's favorite ice cream flavors and it's for her, b) I was freezing most of the time I made it (this quilter doesn't take well to the cold), and c) because I've been craving ice cream lately, this is Mint Chocolate Chip.


Mom has already been spotted in her natural habitat with the quilt draped around her (multiple sightings reported by the sister who lives there, lol). That makes me SO happy! The best quilts are the ones that get used (PSA to people I give quilts to - please use them!)!!


As I explained earlier in the month, I was reinvigorated and inspired to finish this quilt out of the blue. It's been stashed out of sight in a bin for a year and a half, even before I got married. My mom chose the fabric (Impressions by Ty Pennington) and she started cutting out every. single. little. piece. of the pattern with me over several nights (the pattern is "Curlicue Crush" by Rebecca of Chasing Cottons). Overall, this quilt tested my patience and my resolve, but I came out victorious (me: 1, quilt: .5).



I rarely follow patterns at all. However, I remember seeing the original Innocent Crush version for the first time and shamelessly drooling a bit. I wanted those curves and I wanted them bad. I didn't use Rebecca's method of pinning and sewing curves; I used Leanne's pinless tutorial instead. Though it was a huge learning process, I am so happy with the way everything turned out! I know everything isn't perfect, but it doesn't matter, right? If you're interested in more of my thoughts on this topic, you can read my SWC "Perfection" post here (you have until Dec. 8 to link up your own, too!).


This quilt is not *totally* my *style* or my *colors* (not that it matters because it's for my mom). I knew I wanted to add in solids to allow the eyes to rest, and to have some negative space (as it turns out, it was there I could do some awesomely fun FMQ). Sarah thinks they look like ornaments. I have to agree now that I'm looking at it from far away! :)

The quilting was fun once I got started. I left 5 of the curlicues completely unquilted, which made them pop out a bit. In the rest, I traced a smaller curlicue in the middle (it was part of the pattern), and tried several different FMQ motifs around them. Mom requested that I quilt in her name on the very bottom. Your wish is my request, mom. It probably took about two minutes - compared to how many hours the piecing took, it was a pleasure!

 Also, this was the first time I tried Warm and Natural batting (I usually use Hobbs). I loved how thick it was, and how it seemed to help the quilt crinkle after washing :D I will definitely be using it again soon.


I wrote my "label," all quilty details, and a message for mom on the back, in the curlicue imprints. I still need to get a picture of my mom AND I with the quilt - I will post it here soon! Finally, I'm so glad to finally share (I had it finished for three days but I could not take pictures because of the constant rain!). Sis and I snapped a few right before Thanksgiving dinner. On that note - Happy Thanksgiving (or Thanksgivukkah if you are celebrating Hanukkah, too :) )!



13 comments:

  1. Hurray, what a great finish! I do love the quilting you chose and think the solids were a very good addition!

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  2. It's a perfect name for the quilt and I love the mix of prints and solids, it's great to look at :)

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  3. I love it! The quilting is great and the backing is so fun :-)

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  4. One of my faves that you have done Jess. Love,love the personalization that went into it!

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  5. I love this pattern! It does look like ornaments I think! Good job on the finish.

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  6. It's lovely! But looking at the label made me feel old -- I'm older than your mom!! You're a doll for making her this cozy quilt. I love the quilting, the gorgeous black & white print on the back, and that wonderful dark green fabric on the front.

    I think they look like ornaments, too. :)

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  7. Yay for a great finish, Jessica! Love how you did the FMQ. Great job!

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  8. Wow! It is beautiful. Love all those curves and points. great job.

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  9. Congratulations on a great finish. Well done!

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  10. This turned out great! I have not ventured into curves yet, but now I'm inspired to do it. And I totally agree about people using quilts you make for them. The quilts I've given as 1st birthday gifts get used by those children, but the quilts I've given to adults are "on display" instead of being used. : (

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  11. Such a lovely quilt and yay for a gifted quilt being used! I'm about to gift three quilts and m ignoring the niggling doubt that they'll be stored in the back of a cupboard... Thanks for linking up!

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  12. Jessica - You have the wheels spinning in my brain with this one! I HAVE to order the pattern and use up some of my hoarded Hoffman Christmas fabrics. :) Lovely job, I'm sure your Mom adores it!

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  13. Hi! Just joined your blog! Please come follow us back! Thanks.

    quackadoodlequilt.blogspot.com

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