Carrie over at La Vie en Rosie and Camille at Simplify have challenged us to set aside any pride we might have and show some pictures of our first quilting effort. Then, after that little humiliation is complete, to show our most recent quilt. Deep breath. Are you ready?
I have always been a multi-tasker (that is the Gemini in me). I started with not just one quilt, but two quilts that I worked on simultaneously back in 1980. They have ended up with two completely different fates.
One of my first quilts has been loved to death. Worn to shreds by my daughter Sara, who embraced it at the age of about six months and is still loving what remains of it to the present day.
I appliqued a big white bunny on the front, and hand quilted the quilt. After many washings and a lot of lovin' this is what remains. It is like a spider web. Obliterated by love.
Now for some serious ugliness. I am having a hard time swallowing my pride and showing you this crap stuff from my early years. In my defense, we didn't have a lot of choice in fabrics back in the 80's. This was to be my opus. What was I thinking???
It is mostly quilted, but still basted together. Near the finish line, I admitted to myself that these colors were just hideous. My workmanship wasn't too bad, once I look at it up close. But those colors. Gag. It lives buried deep in a cedar chest in my bedroom. I can't bear to throw it away for some reason. (To see how far I've come in 29 years?)
Now that we have had that little walk of shame, I can say in my favor that I have experienced a lot of growth in my color sense. And that I have embraced machine quilting with a passion.
Here is my most recently finished quilt top. (Copied blatantly from Camille Rosskelley ).
I loved seeing Sara's quilt. I made one for my niece 25 years ago, and it is in similar shape. She tucks it under her pillow at night....still. And this is why we quilt.
Posted by: Kathleen | July 07, 2009 at 08:07 PM
oh the evolution!!! it took me years to finish my first quilt.. i just couldn't do it... the one i posted for this "parade of quilts" is the first one i ever finished... love your stuff!
Posted by: jaybird | July 07, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Loved seeing your old quilts and your gorgeous new one!
Posted by: Kathy Wagner | July 09, 2009 at 06:00 AM
I'm in the minority here - I really like that quilt from the 80s! Tea staining may just tone it down enough for you to love it too. And Sherri is right - in a few years, people will truly enjoy it for what it is.
Anyway, you did a great job on it.
Posted by: BJ | July 10, 2009 at 05:24 AM
When you think about the time that you pieced this quilt, the colors were probably very attractive. And it looks like you did a super job on the piecing!
I'm in love with your most recent quilt. The colors are very pretty, and what a nice pattern!
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | July 12, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I'm thinking I have one of those orange/brown quilts hid away somewhere! Love your latest project.
Posted by: Deborah | July 13, 2009 at 07:47 AM
That's one loved-to-death quilt! And I hear you about the other one - but those were the colours of the day, right? And you seem to have done a good job piecing and it, and I bet you learned a lot from making it :-)
Posted by: mathea | July 13, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I love the well-loved bunny! I bet it brought your daughter tons of comfort.
Posted by: Katie B | July 13, 2009 at 10:08 AM
You're most recent quilt is awe inspiring.I can't stand it.
Posted by: Lisa Peterson | July 13, 2009 at 10:22 AM
that is so sweet that your daughter loved that quilt to death....
Posted by: Leslie | July 13, 2009 at 02:03 PM
I love stories about quilts being loved to death. As far as your opus, it helped you to get to where you are now in your quilt journey. I love the blocks you chose. Have a great day.
Posted by: Donnelly | July 13, 2009 at 03:32 PM
My daughter had a baby afghan that I embarrasingly will admit went on her honeymoon with her, LOL! How satisfying to have your daughter love that quilt so much. It resembles my youngest daughter's baby quilt that is in shreds. The latest quilt is gorgeous. I enjoy looking back and seeing how much I learned on each quilt. It motivates me for the next one! Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | July 14, 2009 at 07:31 AM
The love of the pink quilt makes me smile becasue it certainly has been loved on. Oh ya, I also heard that orange and brown are back in style just call it a pumpkin and earth colored quilt.
Posted by: Lissa | July 14, 2009 at 07:00 PM
That quilt is so totally in style and color now! LOL It's great!
Posted by: Jodi | July 28, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Okay, get ready...I won't comment on all of them, but I am here to get caught up in my usual "bombard Nicole with comments while catching up on her blog" style. Love the quilt "loved to death" as that's so what life is about. Your first quilt colors are coming back in style! I think it is beautiful...and what an accomplishment for a first quilt!
Posted by: Kayte | September 20, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Hi. The second quilt colors are much better, but aren't they just a coordinated line of fabric from Moda? Anyone can do that and not go wrong. The "my first quilt" is not that bad and a women's shelter or another charity would love to have it. Good idea to finish it up and donate it as a "random act of kindness" I am sure it would be very much appreciated. Lori
Posted by: Lori Barnes | December 09, 2009 at 11:54 AM