Molly's Sketchbook: Windowpane Wholecloth Baby Quilt

As a rule, I am not a very patient or meticulous person. For example, even though I have knit since I was a child, I have never even made an adult sweater…. It would just take too long! Hand quilting is my one exception to this rule. I have loved this slow and contemplative process ever since Joelle first taught it to me many years ago.

For the uninitiated: Hand quilting is the method of sewing together the three layers of a quilt (the backing, the batting, and the top) in patterns of hand sewn stitches. It’s certainly not fast, but it is stunningly beautiful.  The gentle rocking motion of the needle is so soothing, and I love all of those neat rows of tiny little stitches!

My favorite way to showcase hand quilting is with the simplicity of a wholecloth quilt.  For the top of my Windowpane Quilt I used the classic Betsy print from the very special Liberty of London Tana Lawn collection. The silky smoothness of this fabric and the exquisite detail of its pretty pattern truly made this project a joy. And for the back, the Yarn Dyed Essex in Denim reminded me of a well loved pair of jeans and really added some old fashioned charm. I chose a baby size for this quilt because the hundreds of small hand stitches seem to infuse it with a little extra love! 

If you’d like to slow down and discover the joy of hand quilting, please visit my Windowpane Wholecloth Baby Quilt journal here.

Comments

[lisa]

That's a really lovely way to use a beautiful Liberty print. I have been thrifting Liberty shirts in the hope of having enough for a large quilt. 11 so far!

[Cassandra]

Always just super lovely projects!

[Isabel]

What a beautiful gift this would make for a special baby. Thanks for sharing.

[Christine]

Wow - you have really peaked my curiosity about quilting. I love to knit afghans (so I am used to big projects) and now I am going to check out more about quilting. Your work is beautiful!

[handsomeandpretty]

Really beautiful work, hand quilting always look incredible and takes so much work but completely worth it.

[Molly]

Hang it up on a quilt hanger above your bed for quick and easy headboard!