I've finished my first quilt of the new year. The pattern is Amy Butler's Belle Quilt done in a mix of fabrics, but I couldn't tell you what they are. I just pick the ones I like and go from there. I started making this as a holiday gift for my sister-in-law but quickly decided that it wouldn't be leaving my home. For one thing, it's pretty specific. You'd have to really like whimsy and bright to like this and I wasn't sure she would. For another, I just wanted it. Don't worry though, she got something lovely. (Of course, with all of the late-night-pre-holiday-crafting, there was never really a good photo op, so you'll have to take my word for it.)
I don't have much experience with appliqué but in keeping with my impulsive nature, I decided to jump right in. I really love the bold graphic effect of the giant circles on the pieced squares. All in all a fun pattern and I think a pretty successful quilt. It's a good feeling to finish something and be really pleased with it instead of highly critical.
I tested it out yesterday by curling beneath it with a cup of something hot (it's not as romantic as it sounds - mostly it was theraflu) watching the kids play. Jake was home from school because of icy roads and it was chilly in the commonplace house. But the new quilt served it's purpose. How could you be grouchy while wrapped in those colors?
Thanks for visiting.
Beautiful! I love the bright colors and whimsy. It just makes me smile. :)
Posted by: Pikku-Kettu | January 08, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Beautiful!
I have some amy butler stuff, I should bust it out.
Posted by: Jess | January 08, 2009 at 09:54 AM
It's beautiful, Amy! Does the "001" mean that you're planning on 100+ quilts this year? ; )
Posted by: John | January 08, 2009 at 10:00 AM
It's just lovely! Don't you just love testing out new quilts? Well, it's better if you're not drinking theraflu! LOL Feel better.
Posted by: MichelleB | January 08, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Love the quilt! I saw your pictures of it on Flickr yesterday and wondered if there would be a post about it soon. Glad you got to keep it!
Posted by: Sarah | January 08, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Wow, it's really beautiful! I just love the colors and mix of patterns, and those circles are really fun!
Posted by: Ashley | January 08, 2009 at 10:30 AM
One of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen. Do you sell your work? I'm so glad you visited my blog...I'll be peeking in on you often by adding you as a link :)
Posted by: Stephanie | January 08, 2009 at 10:37 AM
Beautiful! Congratulations on your first quilt of the year. I look forward to more...
Posted by: Beth | January 08, 2009 at 11:36 AM
LOVE that quilt! It wouldn't leave my house either!!!
Posted by: caroline thornewill | January 08, 2009 at 11:40 AM
p.s. I wasn't kidding about the toe.
Posted by: caroline thornewill | January 08, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Good for you, for keeping it!
I love that feeling when you've done something that is JUST RIGHT. I have some of those bright colors florals, but I don't know how to put them together like that! I'm intimidated by all the patterns, But I can look closely at your and figure it out! I tend to stick to the tiny patterns... Maybe I should try breaking out of the BOX, and try something new in 2009!
Posted by: V | January 08, 2009 at 11:55 AM
That looks really intricate... especially the applique. Well done!
Posted by: Frogdancer | January 08, 2009 at 03:04 PM
yes, this is a wonderful example in thinking outside the box! I LOVE IT!!! I think the best thing about AB's fabric is that you can pretty much put any of it together and it will look great.
Posted by: amylouwho | January 08, 2009 at 04:20 PM
OOOOOOOHHHHHH aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! I love it. I really love it.... Enjoy two minutes with it today, for me!!!
Posted by: Brynn | January 08, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Beautiful - it's so unusual and fun.
Posted by: Kathleen | January 08, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Beautiful work!
Posted by: Laura | January 08, 2009 at 08:48 PM
I love it...I'm so glad it didn't leave your house. Under a quilt with a warm cup of goodness is a true way to be blissfully happy.
Posted by: jessica | January 08, 2009 at 08:50 PM
oh. my. GOODNESS.
i want TAHT QUILT!
so many crafts to learn, so little time. why didn't i learn these things when i was in my 20s and just basically up to no good?
Posted by: maya | January 08, 2009 at 11:01 PM
that quilt is absolutely fantastically GORGEOUS!!! I am soooo jeeeeeeeealous!
Posted by: victoria | January 08, 2009 at 11:34 PM
I love this! I would never part with it either :) Great fabric selections
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | January 09, 2009 at 03:52 AM
How beautiful! You've inspired me to get back to my quilting again. Thank you.
Posted by: Linn | January 09, 2009 at 09:56 AM
Oh Amy! That is so gorgeous!!
Posted by: amy | January 09, 2009 at 06:19 PM
You are amazing! I feel proud to know you in real life!
Posted by: Alexis | January 09, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I don't think I could part with a quilt like that either. Like John, I'm impressed by the 001 numbering. Looking forward to seeing 007 anyway.
Posted by: Sevenstitches Amy | January 10, 2009 at 03:30 AM
soooo fun! love the circles...makes it!
Posted by: jacquie | January 10, 2009 at 10:35 AM