quilting

a quilt for me

If you read my interview with Krista the other day, she asked a really great question: “What’s one skill or thing you’ve been wanting to make but haven’t?”  It kind of stuck a chord with me, so I decided it was time to make a quilt for my own bed, a queen size quilt.

Why did I wait for so long?  I guess I was scared of trying to quilt a queen size quilt on my machine.  I hadn’t made a quilt that large before so the thought of going to all the work to make the quilt top and backing and then messing up the quilting just terrified me.

So I decided I was making the quilt just for me, meaning I wasn’t going to be concerned about what anyone else might think.  I didn’t care if someone thought it was too simple.  I didn’t care if someone wouldn’t like it.  I made it for me and that makes me extremely happy knowing I accomplished something I thought I couldn’t do and had been too scared to try.

So I guess I’d like to challenge everyone out there 
that’s reading this post:  
Try something new.  

Go out of your comfort zone.  Learn a new technique, try using a zipper, make that quilt you’ve always wanted to make.  You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn even if it doesn’t turn out just as you’d imagined.  Go for it and don’t let anyone stop you.

The fine print:  Anna Maria Horner’s LouLouThi in tart as center strip (2.5 yards), blue border is also LouLouThi in Ocean (1/2 yard), Empire Yellow border (2 yards), backing, and binding is Pure Elements by Patricia Bravo.  I used Fresh Water, Festival Fuschia, Cherry Lipgloss and Linen White.  Measures 85″ x 87″, quilted on my machine with a hand stitched binding.

118 thoughts on “a quilt for me

  1. Alfa says:

    Thanks Anna, you are always so inspiring, love the quilt, but the back is just beatifull, what a good taste you have!
    Congrats

  2. carey says:

    wow. that is beautiful!

  3. ~linds says:

    It’s gorgeous! And I love the simple piecing and how it showcases that amazingly beautiful fabric! Nice work!

  4. Grandma G says:

    Good for you! Nice job!! And you know what was in my “discomfort zone” recently. That AB Weekender gave me the same feelings! The fear as well as the victory! 🙂

  5. I keep promising myself to make a quilt for MY bed, but it just keeps getting put off, this one is wonderful!

  6. Krista says:

    Wow, and you tackled it so quickly! It looks beautiful. I love the simplicity of it, and the colors.

  7. Emily says:

    LOVE this!! What beautiful colors and photos. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement to make a quilt for me too. 🙂 I still have zippers on my list too.

  8. Tanya-Yanata says:

    Well done, Anna!
    looks fancy! love it. But the most important that you made it for youself. I always have plans to make a dress or a PJs for myself but every time something goes wrong..like my daughter needs short to go fishing or she needs a skirt for the concert or my husband wishes for new kitchen towels:) I don’t mention some sewing I do for my shop. So….I’m very happy for you!

  9. Tiffany says:

    This is a simple quilt but its gorgeous due to your choice of sizes and prints/solids. I absolutely love it! And the back is super fun too.

  10. Jeannie says:

    Anna, that is just beautiful and the colors are wonderful! You did an awesome job!

  11. Carey says:

    Oh gosh, another Carey already said what I was going to say. Hear, hear!

  12. Jessy says:

    I am absolutely dying over the awesomeness of this quilt! Not only is it gorgeous, but it’s great that you decided to tAke a step outside of your comfort zone. Bravo, it worked so well I think you should make another one!

  13. Susan says:

    I love the quilt, you did a great job! Your bed looks so cheery 🙂

  14. Katie says:

    Gorgeous!!! The fabric choices are perfect. So beautiful and vibrant.

  15. MN2NM says:

    Awesome quilt! I wish people wouldn’t use “simple” as a bad word – simple is an aesthetic choice (and sometimes an expedient!).
    Anyhoo, I’m going to try and make some bibs this week from cotton fabric with iron-on vinyl. All new things 🙂
    Enjoy your lovely quilt!

  16. Angie says:

    This is beautiful! I love that it isn’t busy and lets the fabric shine. I always stop by here when looking for a little inspiration, and I always leave with some!

  17. Not a typical “quilt design”, but very contemporary, and very pretty – I think it’s divine & just perfect. Great job.

  18. oooh you should quilt and not care more often, this is simply beautiful!! I’m going to tackle a quilt for my bed as well. Now that I have a new machine I’m confident I can do it…well perhaps not that confident but I’ll do it
    anyway!

  19. Vickie says:

    I am inspired to do something beautiful and lovely featuring wonderful fabrics. Love it! And I love your location where you photographed this!! Where is it??

  20. kristin says:

    oh wow, anna, it’s SOOO beautiful! i can’t believe you quilted it on your regular machine – way to go! gotta admit too, i got very nervous seeing it dangle over the bridge michael-jackson-style. don’t drop that gorgeousness in the river! yipes! 😉

  21. Wow! that is such a beautiful quilt!!! I have definitely had my thoughts on my own quilt since I seem to be making them for everyone else…

  22. Anna it is beautiful! I love it and it looks awesome on your bed. I love your inspiring post too. Makes me want to jump up and go make something new!

  23. Sara says:

    Very beautiful … and inspirational! I have been drooling over that Loulouthi fabric, but was not sure what I would use such a large scale print for … but maybe I will make a quilt like you! Although I am not as ambitious, and may just make a throw …. 😉
    Hugs, Sara @ thesplitstitch.com

  24. Sara says:

    p.s. Just wondering how far apart you spaced your quilting lines? 🙂

    1. Donna says:

      Simply stunning Anna. Wow wow wow!!!
      And thank you for the inspiration. I am a beginner quilter and I am making this “quilt”. Already have the fabrics in my stash.
      Cheers!

      1. Anna Graham says:

        Thanks so much Donna! 🙂 Hope you enjoy making it!!

  25. Poppyprint says:

    Well done! I rarely hear “I decided to make myself a queen sized quilt a few days ago” followed by photos of the completed quilt!! Wow, Anna!! It is beautiful. Way to challenge yourself.

  26. Poppyprint says:

    Ok, you’re ON! I just read Ashley’s post about her new Shearwater Kaftan. I’m totally ordering that pattern and I’m going to try making myself a top.

  27. Manda says:

    Very inspiring and a gorgeous quilt! Love the colours and the quilting

  28. Ahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! Don’t hang your quilts over a bridge like that where it can drop into the water so easily! Lol – I Had panic tear through me when I saw that pictures! Lol

    The quilt is gorgeous, I always have quilt envy whenever I see them. Something about know how much time and energy goes into making them, you know they are made with love. Great job!

  29. You did a fabulous job Anna! I love your fabric choices.

  30. Kelly O. says:

    okay…stunning!! seriously!!! I need a quilt just like that!

  31. Kelly O. says:

    p.s. I’m terrified of zippers but for you i might try it…

  32. Tammy says:

    It’s beautiful!!! I love both sides. 🙂

    I have a machine now and the correct feet for quilting but I haven’t done it yet! (With the exception of a faux chenille blanket, but while that’s kind of quilting, I don’t really count it!)

  33. patternpatti says:

    Looks fantastic.

  34. Laurel says:

    Firstly, I LOVE, love, love this!!! It is gorgeous!! I’m also working on a queen size quilt in Loulouthi. Thanks so much for sharing the details on the fabrics. I have been looking for a good coordinating solid for a border and that yellow is perfect – might have to order some. And, you have inspired me to get going on mine…the design of mine is quite simple and should come together quickly, but I’m feeling really unsure about it b/c I’m just kind of winging it. : )

  35. Ruth says:

    Your quilt is lovely! How did you find quilting a queen size on your machine? A couple of weeks ago I bought all the stuff to make a queen for our bed, but like you said, quilting something that size is just plain scary!

  36. ColorSlut says:

    STUNNING QUILT! Great job. We are doing a hexagon fabric swap on Flickr. Care to join us? Step outside into the hexagon zone??? 🙂

  37. Mary says:

    I absolutely love this! It’s not too simple at all. In fact, I tend to prefer simpler designs that let the gorgeous fabric take the spotlight. Enjoy snuggling under your new fabulous quilt!

  38. Stacy Marie says:

    I never thought of using a big hunk of fabric unbroken that way, it’s lovely! I’d love more details on quilting such a large size on a normal machine-I’ve worked my way up to 45×60 with no problems and every quilt I make is just a little bit bigger, I’m prepping myself for a double or a queen!

  39. That’s it… I’m doing it! I’m going for a queen size quit FOR ME! Thanks for the nudge!

  40. It’s perfect. Perfect! I’m glad you bit the bullet and went for a simple, showcase of a design. I love how you framed Summer Totem with those bold colors. Enjoy!!!!

  41. Belinda says:

    It’s absolutely beautiful Anna! That loulouthi focus fabric is able to shine, as it should, in your simple design! Way to go!

  42. alayne says:

    So beautiful!!! I’ve been up to my eyeballs in gardening. I am looking forward to having more time to sew again.

  43. Chris says:

    You are a sewing hero of mine. I love the simple lines with the bold print. I am just now getting brave to try a quilt…small version first. I’ve been collecting fabric for a while, now I need to cut it…eek!

  44. I adore your new quilt for you!! What wonderful fabric you chose. Cutting up such a wonderfully designed fabric would be a crime. I’ve often thought the way you did and I still don’t have a quilt. I don’t really like fussy quilts and I struggle to cut up pretty fabric. You’ve found the answer.

  45. Erin says:

    Such impressive work Anna! Thanks for always inspiring me. 🙂

  46. dana says:

    Oh wow. IT’S GORGEOUS! Amazing work and beautiful fabric choices. Congrats!! I love it! I’m sure you do too 🙂

  47. evamarie says:

    I love it. And your so brave letting go of all the things you think you must do in the opinion of others! Inspiring!

  48. ghesspanish says:

    I love it! You are my number one favorite blog. I admire all of your projects. Thanks for being so generous and sharing with us all.

  49. Your quilt turned out beautifully! The colors are so vibrant and I like the large color blocks. I’m brancing out – just ordered a serger and cannot wait to get it (but am a little scared of the dreaded threading process – lol)!

  50. Jeni says:

    So GORGEOUS! Anna, what a beautiful quilt! And go you for trying something challenging! You = Awesome! 🙂

  51. I love, love, love this! I think that it is just beautiful! I’m so glad that you took the time to make something for yourself. Now, could you make one for me! 🙂

  52. I love, love, love this! I think that it is just beautiful! I’m so glad that you took the time to make something for yourself. Now, could you make one for me! 🙂

  53. Jessica says:

    I’m amazed!! Your fabric choices are perfect and I love how you quilted it with horizontal lines. I just love it all!

  54. Erica says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  55. Anna says:

    I found one of my first quilts and was just telling my daughter that Id like to take it apart, put new batting in it, and re-quilt it together.(over the years where I tied it came undone and the batting bunched, fell apart)

  56. amy smart says:

    Good for you! You did a fabulous job.(I have never tried quilting a queen on my machine either!)

    This quilt is gorgeous. I LOVE the fabric. I may have to look into some of that. . .

  57. Care says:

    It’s beautiful, Anna!! How did the quilting go? Did it make you crazy, or was it not so bad?

    Go, YOU! :o)

  58. Erin says:

    Good for you. I LOVE the simplicity and beautiful fabric choices!

  59. Carolyn says:

    Wow! It’s gorgeous! It may be somewhat simple but your fabric choice is genius and really makes it special! That’s for reminding me to give myself a kick in the butt every once in a while!

  60. QuiltyGirl says:

    Love it!
    I love the layout, the colors, the quilting… It’s perfect. 🙂

  61. Gingercake says:

    beautiful Anna. I have been eyeing up that new AMH fabric too. I have been trying to psych myself up to make some clothes for me for like a year! Other projects (that I know will turn out well) keep getting in the way! And yet, I don’t buy myself any cute tops b/c I keep thinking I will make one for myself!!!!!

  62. That is so beautiful, Anna! I love it! And the pictures are gorgeous. Where do you live to have amazing places like that for backdrops???

  63. Gabi says:

    That is BEAUTIFUL! Well done ^-^

  64. Katie B. says:

    Simply beautiful!

  65. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
    The fabric shines in this, and it looks like something you would pay a fortune for in anthro!

  66. Yay for making one for yourself!!!! It’s gorgeous. Really. I actually like simple quilts the best. Sometimes I feel like quilts can be too busy.

  67. Jenn says:

    I just love how you used the large patterned fabric for the center… Man… just looks awesome! I have been wanting to make a queen sized quilt for me for the longest time… this is giving me a kick in the pants!!!

  68. Donna says:

    Wow, what a gorgeous quilt!

  69. Greta says:

    AMAZING! What an inspiration. So cool.

  70. good for you! such a stunning quilt, great fabric choices.

  71. ayumills says:

    It’s just so beautiful, Anna! I love that you said that you were making a quilt ‘YOU’ would like but not anyone else. That’s when you come up with really awesome projects that make you smile. I so want to make my quilt now 🙂

  72. Jenny says:

    GORGEOUS!! So glad you jumped in and made it!

  73. wow… that is absolutely gorgeous! such beautiful, beautiful colors!

  74. Megan V says:

    OH my goodness this is so gorgeous!! It is definitely not “too simple”. It is PERFECT. Actually, I find the quilts with larger blocks like this to be so much more modern and beautiful!! The ones with the intricate pieces are so busy sometimes. This one lets the stitching and the patterns/colors SHINE. I LOVE IT!! I hope to try this someday….

  75. Gelia says:

    Hi Anna,

    That is one of the prettiest quilts I’ve ever seen! Wow, I can’t believe you made such a big quilt on your machine, and it was your first?! Great job! You know, I’m very, very much a beginner. I’m teaching myself how to sew directly from your lovely projects. One day I will make my very own quilt too! I cannot thank you enough for inspiring me to learn this lifelong skill. Thank you. -Argelia

  76. This is going in my file of saved blog posts, Anna. The quilt is stunning. Simply gorgeous. I think that going into a project with no expectations is such great advice. So glad you were brave enough to just go for it.

  77. Dahlia says:

    Gor geous!!! I love those bright, happy colors. It’s going to be great in the winter. Plus, it looks like some of those flowers are Dahlias…and I am quite partial 😉 Beautiful job Anna!

  78. Steffi says:

    Wow – I absolutely love this quilt. I fell in love with that print from Anna Maria Horner the day I saw it for the first time and was thinking about the best way to work it into a quilt – and now I found it! This is SO going in my bed as well! Thanks für this beautiful inspiration!

  79. Sarah says:

    That’s absolutely beautiful, Anna! Love your color choices, too. Congratulations! 🙂

  80. Cindy says:

    Wow Anna- you did a fantastic job!! I loove that fabric and it turned out so beautiful! I too have been afraid and for the exact same reasons. Thanks for the inspiration!:)

  81. I live the fabric color combo you used on this quilt. Just beautiful.

  82. beki says:

    stunning!

  83. neubiewaters says:

    I LOVE your quilt. I’d put it on my bed for sure! Good job!

  84. Zerique says:

    absolutely beautiful!!! and i must thank you because your awesome tutorials have allowed me to go outside of my comfort zone so many times and really come to love sewing!!! 🙂

  85. epban says:

    Just gorgeous! Enjoy it!

  86. Katy says:

    Just wanted to let you know that I pinned a picture from this post…I’m collecting inspiration for my daughter’s new bed quilt as we transition her out of the crib. I love this!

  87. Ashleigh says:

    I love your quilt! I seem to make one for everyone but myself and I think its time to follow your lead! I need a new bedspread! You’ve inspired me!

  88. toots2u says:

    Beautiful!! I love the colors.

  89. toots2u says:

    Beautiful!! I love the colors.

  90. toots2u says:

    Beautiful!! I love the colors.

  91. Kate S. says:

    I love how this turned out Anna! I definitely know what you mean about challenging yourself to do something you are wary about – I am planning to quilt my first twin size quilt this year (I have made a twin size quilt top but didn’t quilt it myself) and I’ll see how that goes! I would love to make myself a queen sized quilt someday 🙂

  92. Sascha says:

    Oh my that is just gorgeous. I can’t decide if I like the front or the back better. It is amazing. I think I may have too try making a crib quilt. That would be out of my comfort zone. I technically have made a quilt before but since it was about 18 years ago it doesn’t really count.

  93. Chris says:

    Fabulous job! I too am working on my first quilt, and it has been a very steep learning curve. When I am done it I have two more quilts lined up to make, so hopefully it will get better with practice!
    Congratulations on a job wonderfully done! :o)

  94. Ammie says:

    Gorgeous! Loulouthi hasn’t appealed to me yet, but now that I see this gorgeous quilt, I am beginning to have visions of the goodness in this line. Also, I love how you pieced large swatches of fabric together. Thanks for the encouragement to try something new!

  95. Krista says:

    That is so beautiful, and I am so delighted that my question pushed you to do it. You are so right that we should just try something new. How happy are you going to feel every time you walk into your bedroom and see that gorgeous thing?! Thanks for the inspiration Anna!

  96. merumo says:

    What a lovely quilt for yourself! I love AM’s line and still awaiting for my Loulouthi bundle to receive. I’ve never thought about using her large scale pattern fabrics “as is” without cutting up into the pieces, but always wondered about that as it’s shame to loose such beautiful pattern! I’ll need to make one for myself just like yours some time when I feel brave enought to make a larger quilt. I’ve made only up to the lap size with my machine. Thanks for a farbulous inspirations!!

  97. Vicky says:

    Very beautiful. Well done for trying something new and succeeding. x

  98. Dalya says:

    I find this post absolutely inspiring <3! Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous. I really love the colors, fabrics and how you arranged everything!

    I agree with what you said as well! I’ve been sewing for a couple of years and I always love to sew different things. I recently made a mini wall quilt and am just dying to make myself a twin size quilt using hourglass blocks 🙂

    I’ll be sure to look back at this post for inspiration and encouragement! Wee!

  99. sewkatiedid says:

    I need to make a quilt for my bed too. I think I might do a whole cloth quilt.

  100. Corinnea says:

    Simply gorgeous!

  101. I love this. I love coming back to your blog just to look at this quilt. It’s so simple and beautiful. I usually make quilts with lots of pieces but this one has got me thinking… 🙂 Thank you for sharing it. It makes me smile!

    Oh, so I guess that if I ever nab enough fabric for a quilt like this, my “try something new” would be a quilt like this.

  102. Alejandra says:

    you simply must make a tutorial/pattern or let us know which one you used! That looks simple enough that even my measurements-phobic self could tackle it! * shudder*

  103. PeepThread says:

    You continue to inspire me! I would love a tutorial or pattern for this too. Just stunning.

  104. Awesome! I’m not a quilter but I’m currently trying my first quilt! Deciding to only worry about what you think is so liberating! I love this quilt, part of my hesitancy to quilt is I hate cutting into all that beautiful fabric. Your quilt highlights the fabric so perfectly! Amazing!

  105. A perfect way to use that gorgeous Anna Maria print. Awesome quilt Anna! : )

  106. Laura says:

    OMG OMG OMG.

    Please, please let us have a tutorial or pattern. I’ve never quilted, but yours is inspiring. I wouldn’t know where to start without a little nudge.

  107. CJ says:

    Sooo pretty! My favorite of the Loulouthi line too. This would be fairly quick to get a summer weight quilt on our CA King sized bed….hmmmmmm.
    Would you mind sharing how wide each strip is?

  108. Have you noticed that I’m just catching up on blogger tonight, lol? I looooove this so much! It is my favorite print that has come out in a long time. I just bought 4 yards of it to make curtains for my daughters room.

  109. Oh gosh, Anna. I love every bit of this quilt and it’s bringing out my, previously unmet, inner Quilt Copier. Be done with the inspiration, I just want one EXACTLY like yours! Utterly stunning. Such a good way to show that central panel off too. x

  110. Jen says:

    That quilt is so beautiful. I love it. I would love to have this quilt for my own bed and I may do something similar. I love that it’s not overly fiddly with complex patterns. It’s simply gorgeous!

  111. Libby says:

    Stunning!! I love everything about this quilt, the fabrics, the pattern and especially the spirit behind it!

  112. Angela says:

    absolutely STUNNING. thank you for showing quilt-phobes like me (who can’t sew a block with straight edges to save myself) you CAN make a quilt without 5 billion blocks as long as you love it!

  113. Helen says:

    do you have a instructions I could follow to make the quilt as you did? It’s lovely, I like the large size I want so much to make a quilt for my bed.

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