Monday, August 16, 2010

Millie's Quilt: First time sewing, quilting, and applique


Please pardon this interruption in my genealogy posts to bring you a post to document my first experience using a sewing machine, quilting, and appliquing, and as my post for SewCalGirl's  "Pets on Quilts" Show 2010.

Last summer, I made my laborador-hound mix, Millie, a quilt. I wanted to make her a blanket that I could keep in the car for her to sit on during our many car trips.  Here's the end result:


How the quilt was constructed:

I found the perfect fabric at Joann Fabrics.  The fabric is dog themed with dog words, paw prints, and bones.  Then, I picked out a pink fabric to match the dog themed prints.
As I mentioned above, this was the first time I had ever used a sewing machine. I learned how to sew and quilt from the many experienced quilters and sewers who post tutorials and images on their blogs.  Although the quilt is my own design, I used many techniques learned through one of my quiliting inspirations, Cluck Cluck Sew, especially in learning how to make quilt stars.

The center of the quilt features my first attempt at applique...also my own design...I used the freezer paper technique for the applique.....first time quilting and appliquing all in one quilt!!  Images are a dog, a bone, heart, and a paw print.  In the very center is Millie's (and mine) initial , "M".

I finished the quilt top, and added a fluffy bottom and quilted along each square's border (not pictured). When I finished the quilt, I was so proud of it that I only let her sit on it once, because I didn't want the quilt full of hair and doogy drool...


The quilt is now proudly displayed on my couch in the family room, to cuddle up with when it gets cold.

And of course, this quilt was "made with doggy supervision"


Now, I think I owe Millie a quilt she can actually use...

18 comments:

  1. Clap, clap, clap!

    EXCELLENT!!

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  2. poor Millie she thought she was going to get a soft quilt, you do need to make her one she can call her own.

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  3. wOw! I would never know this was your first time sewing!! You did a wonderful job! Enjoy your quilt and start looking for your next project(s)!! :)

    SheilaC

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  4. You did a fabulous job for a first time sewer, let alone quilter. I guess now you need to make one that Millie can have LOL.

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  5. Well done! Wonderful story - I'm sure Millie is very proud of you for making this quilt!

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  6. Very cute post, lovely quilt and I love your "made with dog supervision". Thanks for sharing in my Pets on Quilt Show. Great job.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  7. What a fun quilt, and a lovely dog. I can't believe that's your first quilt.

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  8. Great quilt and I really like how you use the dark brown as the accent color - it really gives the quilt a bit of spark!!

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  9. Great job on your first quilt. I'm amazed you tried so many different techniques your first time. Way to go! Millie's a gorgeous pup too.

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  10. Wow fabulous first quilt! Please make one for Millie now :)

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  11. The quilt is wonderful, but I think you have to give it to Millie, she was the inspiration. She's a great muse and she'll help you come up with other great ideas.

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  12. You did an awesome job sewing. Your dog is adorable.

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  13. Great colors in your quilt, and the expression your dog's face is great!
    nsue21702 at gmail dot com

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  14. Wow! First time to use a sewing machine. You did well! Your dog is adorable.

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  15. Well done. I know that the internet is great for tutorials and information, but you actually used it to make this quilt. Fantastic!

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  16. Millie has a very talented Mommy! Your first attempt is fantastic! Keep it up!!

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