About this quilt:
This quilt had its humble beginnings in the scrap bag, and most of these scraps had previously been cut down from fabric that came from the remnant bin at my local fabric store. I used the odd bits of fabric left from other sewing projects and I assembled them in no particular manner with no particular plan in mind. It was exciting to create this “crazy” quilt, as I thought of it as I was sewing it. I used fabric of many different origins, from cotton to polyester and rayon, to chiffon and some weird woven stuff. I tried a few techniques and blocks I had not tried before, like applique, and generally tried to avoid anything that looked like one-patch (I have made a ton of one-patch quilts, and I was a bit burned out on that). Part of my strategy for the composition of this quilt was to pay no regard to color or pattern of the fabric, and the final product reflects this design decision.
I call this quilt “I Musta Done Something Wrong” for a couple reasons. One, if a child received this quilt as a gift, he or she might think it was in retaliation for some misdeed or general flaw in his or her character. Two, upon reading the criteria for the “Worst Quilt in the WORLD,” I learned of several techniques used in MY quilt that indicated it might have a place among these prize-winners; I previously knew there was something wrong with this quilt, I just didn’t know how many things.
About me as a quilter:
I’m not a quilter in the classical sense (the classical, perfect, everything hand-sewn, designer fabrics sense), but I do enjoy sewing pieces of fabric together to make a larger whole. I have made about 50 baby quilts. Most of them cute (ish, in some cases) and enjoyed by their recipients, who most likely didn’t know any of the common quilting “rules” that exist. I barely know those rules now, but apparently these things are out:
And, if you are a quilter, I’m sure there are many more no-nos that I’m forgetting. Please, weigh in here.
CraftFail epilogue (because I always seem to have one): I actually like this quilt, despite all its flaws. While I couldn’t justify giving it to a little kid whose eyes would bleed when they gazed upon it, I just kept it for a couple years until my own kids came along, and now they use it and they don’t know it’s not perfect! Also, I had a TON of fun making it. It took forever to sew all those little scraps together, but it was very entertaining to do. In fact, I would do it again.
SERIAL CRAFT FAILER
p.s. If you enjoy reading about our CraftFails, imagine how cathartic it must be to air your own special dirty craft laundry for the world to see. You can join us (instructions here) and post your own, or if you’re too embarrassed, email me and I’ll post for you (with credit to you–free links to your site!! or anonymous, if you’re too traumatized!)
Erm…very colorful. Actually, I kinda like it, in an eyes bleeding kind of way. As long as you had fun doing it, it’s hardly what I would call a “fail”.
“Part of my strategy for the composition of this quilt was to pay no regard to color or pattern of the fabric, and the final product reflects this design decision.”
Again, objective met :-)
I actually kind of like it. It seems like the kind of thing that will grow on you and become much-loved! Who knows–it may even be fashionable in ten years time xD
Heh — looks like a wall-hanging I made to cover my massively-ugly concrete wall in my 1970s college dorm. Not skillful at all, esp. as the fabrics had different sagging strategies, but it was bright and it made everyone happy, so I think it was a win :)
i like this quilt!
it’s randomly awesome.
I’m with the going consensus. I like it—it succeeded in being fun to make, in using up random scraps, in being useful. It’s funky and bright—not everything imperfect is a “fail.”
PS: I do love the total fails, but I haven’t commented on any so far because I was laughing too hard to type.
You can so say, It so ugly it’s beautiful.
Leslie’s last blog post..I Can Sit and Spin Now!
I think I have a partially finished quilt top that very similar to yours. Mine has been stuffed in a drawer for years and I’ve been a little scared to pull it out. Seeing yours makes me think I should drag mine out and give it to my little blanket-loving munchkin.
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A blankie only a mama could love! :-)
Actually, I agree with those who think it’s earthy-cute. I’d use it for sure.
would you believe i’m working on a quilt like that deliberately? i have a thing for the oddly attractive.
katie’s last blog post..check it out- green ideas
i really like this quilt.
in fact, the parts of it i don’t like are where she tried to place things on purpose or with a technique (like the top triangles). i really like all the pieces just thrown together.
I like it too. I think it’s a lot better than the Gee’s Bend quilts everybody keeps raving over.
Awww…your kids have their own, “Our Mamma…she IS crazy” quilt! I like all the stuff thrown together!
If you wear sunglasses, it’s actually kind of cute! lol.
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Aww..I love it. :D Not a fail in my book. It’s the kind of thing that grows on you and eventually turns into a much-loved heirloom.
I LOVE this quilt. It is so full of love and spirit. I would decorate a room around it.
With the others, kinda like it. I’m on the floor, laughing out loud, ’cause I do like it. Guess you made a “happy accident,” as my Mom calls it!
krissy’s last blog post..Blog’s 5 Year Anniversary
Just showed this quilt to my husband, w/o telling him the subject of this blog (fails). Asked him if he liked the quilt. He very much does! I was surprised bc he is very conservative, and very hard to please. Still laughing out loud! :)
krissy’s last blog post..Blog’s 5 Year Anniversary
Oh, but I love this one. It has “heart.” So many “perfect” and “correct” quilts seem all…soul-less and sterile to me.
ladyjanewriter’s last blog post..3 Things
if this ever happens again, you can cut it so the sides are straight. then rebind. Professional quilters always remeasure their quilt squares before putting them together and trim if they need to to make sure that they are perfect!
but I think you made the right decision, and your kids get to use it now. Centuries ago, I made a large lap quilt with squares of thick poly double knit stuff on the front, and pieces of pre-quilted bedspread samples on the back. nothing was uglier, but when my kids got big enough it was a very durable ground cover for picnicking, and just spreading out on the floor in front of the tv to make it a little cozier.
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this website cracks me up!!
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I like polar fleece for the backing, cheap comfy and easily washed. My Mum who is a quilter is probably mortified but who needs a hand-wash/delicate cycle line dry baby blanket. Wash and throw is the dryer is much more practical. I also like this and I don’t think that kids would mind it at all, colour, shapes all fun!