Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Merry Penguins - done!

Woohoo! Merry Penguins is finished. It measures 31" x 27" This picture unfortunately makes it look a bit washed out.

I pieced this top in Cairo, Egypt on 18 August 2006. I quilted it in Maryland and Florida in the U.S. as well as here in Paris. You can read about the making of it here and see some quilting details here. It is quilted in plain old red quilting thread. I started out by going around the entire border with unmarked fans and then went back and quilted the interior in rows going up. Made for some interesting patterns in the yellow border.


A picture of the back. I just use up part of my stash, the one that fits the size best. Don't care about the pattern at all.

I also finished up this gift bag. Probably spent way too much time doing the hand quilting on this one, but I love how it looks.

On Sunday I basted my Orphan Train quilt instead of sewing or going for a walk. I'm now quilting it. Feels good to be working on such a big project again.

16 comments:

kimberlym said...

Tonya-the penguins are so cute! This quilt came out really nice, I will have to try the fans-yours always look so good. It adds an interesting texture to the quilt.

I like the trees on the bag too-
those bags are really fun to make.

Do you have a huge stash of fabric that you have purchased in all those fun foreign places you have lived?

atet said...

Oooh -- cute penguins and I love the fans. I have GOT to try those. Maybe my next hand quilting project? Hmmnn...that would mean I would have to piece a top to go with it...(mental break screeching sound going on here) AFTER Christmas!

Joyce said...

The fans always seem to suit no matter what you are quilting. Love the penguins.

Holly said...

The penguins are adorable! Cute quilt.

Susan said...

Merry Penguins is wonderful. What a great way to showcase one of those fabrics we just have to have!

Katie said...

What a precious bag. We always used to say little kids liked the boxes and wrappings as much or more than the gift inside. This is definitely the case here.

Anonymous said...

first off I love the trees on the gift bag...Love that fabric. And yes, I just use big pieces form my stash for the backs of things... Ihave a lot of fabric from family and friends that isn't necessarily my taste...but the back of the quilt? eh...good enough

Clare said...

In the middle of doing sister's quilt. I suddenly got the hang of it half way through. Stitches are getting smaller and neater and its going great. I love the fir tree fabric and, of course, the penguins!

Sandy's Quilter's Block said...

Your penguin quilt is quite cheerful, I love it! I really want to try making your gift bags, they are a good thing to reuse every year instead of paper! Thanks for the tutorials, Ton!

Amy said...

Oh my word, I know nothing about quilting, but Merry Penguins is the coolest quilt I've ever seen! I just can't get over the things you do!

Unknown said...

Love the penguin fabric--I made gift pillowcases out of that one a couple years ago. Wish I'd kept them for me...

Love your gift bags. Wish I had time to do something like that.

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

You FINISHED IT!! YEAHHH!!! and before Christmas?! I love this quiltlet...it's so cute, and I'm glad you have it done!

Bonnie

Quilts And Pieces said...

I remember that quilt! I LOVED the penquins! And ooo - that bag is soooo nice! I think it might just have to come to me!!!!

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

Just caught up on your blog..been to the US. Wow, you have been busy...adore the merry penguins..and the Paris photos too.HAve seen the girls sharing your/their letter blocks....the ones they sent are great. Thanks for sharing. Colleen

Rosalyn Manesse said...

I'm really enjoying reading "Color" and thanks so much for recommending it.

black bear cabin said...

Merry Penguins....i love it!!!!
its totally cool...im gonna have to try something like it :)
your quilts are always so unique and inspiring! thanks for sharing!
cheers~
lisajo