Here is the start of the clamshell border on my Ann Randoll repro quilt. I am very keen to reproduce the colours/look of the original fabrics because that is, for me, a major attraction in the old quilt. Luckily there are wonderful closeup photos of the clamshells available in the book"Quilts 1700-2010" by the V&A - just love this double page photo spread !
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| Starting to select fabric from the stash |
Here is a selection of clamshells cut out ready for prep - this will do for a start to see how it looks...
I generally cut as I go with EPP - modifying fabric choices depending on how it looks as it grows.
And then there are clamshells to consider in my Medallion quilt too - in the quilting.
I have not given the quilting much attention for a few weeks. I dithered considering what to do in the zigzag border for a long time - very tempted to do something relatively easy like straight lines with the walking foot. But yesterday I had a moment of madness and decided to do some free motion clamshells. They're not too "free" as I have a template to draw on first! I am using a thread colour to match the fabric so the machine stitching does not stand out - hoping as always to mimic a hand-stitched look in the end.
Talking of hand quilting...I pulled out my very first quilt - a sampler made in 1990 - just to remind me of the feel/look of hand quilting. I remember how the quilting bug bit when I started hand quilting it - just loved it. Of course it is very wonky (nowhere near square) and the quilting is not evenly spread...but at least you can see I was keen! I do love the crinkly, soft old texture of it.
My second quilt (below), finished 1992, was on the bed for years when the kids were growing up. I have just gifted it to my DD and her fiance for their engagement. They said "no gifts" but this is just a sentimental gesture. I must have exhausted myself on all that hand stippling on the sampler above because this second quilt is hand quilted - but only very lightly. Might have been something to do with having a toddler and little/no time - it is a huge quilt!
I tried it on the bed to make sure it still looked usable after all these years.
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| Folded double |
I finished the secret knitting and can now reveal the gift.
I'm off to Mother's Day lunch - being treated to a restaurant meal. Not that I mind cooking...
Hope all you mums have a fabulous day!
Your clamshells look lovely, so much enjoyable preparation and stitching ahead. The quilting on your first quilt is amazing, incredible for beginner hand quilting. Your gift is a lovely sentimental gesture and I'm sure your daughter will treasure it. As we all know, quilts improve with age!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I look forward to anything & everything you put on there. I like to applique, but I am such an amateur compared to you. I wish I could be a perfectionist like you seem to be.
ReplyDeleteI have a pack of clam shell papers downstairs, but I haven't rocked myself into action. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the border - it might inspire me!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to do a clamshell. Yours look awesome. How nice it is to gift that pretty quilt!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your early quilts, it's amazing to look back and see what we have achieved. All beautiful work, as usual.
ReplyDeleteWow you sure had fun with all that handquilting :0) what a lot of stitches! Loved seeing some of your earlier work. Your appliqued and stitched clamshells look wonderful and I adore the scarf!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you will be able to replicate those original clamshells perfectly from your wonderful fabric stash. Love your clamshell quilting and thanks for sharing your beautiful early quilts. Those tiny stitches in the stippling are truly amazing. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteHello Hilda and Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use clamshells as a filler! I'll have to remember that one. I can't believe all of the quilting on your first quilt - it is amazing! Your DD is very lucky to have your second quilt. It looks so fresh on the white bedding! I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you do - so inspirational!
I love being able to see the antique quilt fabric up close and personal. You'll reproduce it wonderfully!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see your earlier quilts. They really are lovely, but I can see how your quilting has matured. :)
It's so nice to have so many wonderful repro fabrics available to use in our quilts today. Your clamshells are going to absolutely reflect the period. Loved see your quilting beginnings. Your hand quilting was so lovely on your first quilt. You definitely jumped in. Your gift for your daughter is still sweet after all these years. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour clamshells are going to be beautiful. I love the fabrics you've chosen so far. The clamshell quilting looks wonderful too, what a great idea to use it in a zig zag border. It's lovely to be treated to a show of your older quilts, both of which are beautiful. The second quilt is enormous, it's such a wonderful gesture to give it to your daughter as an engagement gift. .
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're having lots of fun with your clam shells. How gorgeous to give that quilt to your daughter - so very special. Amazed at all the hand quilting you did on your sampler and it looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWhen I started quilting in 2001, I thought the only reason you pieced a top was so you had something to hand quilt. Now I have a longarm machine, I do work for others, and yet, I still love the rhythm of hand stitching. Hope you enjoy your lunch.
ReplyDeleteLovely clams! Enjoyed seeing your early projects too. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see your clamshell grow! What lovely hand quilted quilts! They are so soft and lovely aren't they?
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could see your AR in person. Can't wait to see it grow. And thanks for sharing your early quilts. I love them,
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