July 31, 2010

Another Finished Blanket Of Love...

The French General quilt that I made with the Moda "Rouenneries" fabric is completely finished now. I sewed the binding onto it on Friday night. There was no daylight left to photograph it, so we did that Saturday morning.

I can't tell you how much I'm loving this quilt. The colors, even though there are reds in it, are restful to me. I even have enough of the fabrics left to make another quilt, adding some navy fabrics that I have in my stash. Don't you think they would combine to make a perfect, all-purpose, patriotic-feeling quilt or table cover?

I found that the French General's newer fabric lines coordinate perfectly with "Rouenneries", too. So, I could also add fabrics from "Lumiere De Noel", "Rural Jardin", or "Maison de Garance" and they would all work together. Good to know if you'd like to make one of your own and can't find any of the "Rouenneries" line.
Here, you can see both the front and the back of the quilt. It measures 60" wide by 74" long, so it's perfect as a table cover for my antique oak table in our dinette area. The table I'll use it on was our dining room table in Wisconsin. It was a wedding gift from my parents, and I couldn't part with it when we moved to Florida. As we have a teak dining set here, this well-loved antique now resides in our alcove which features windows facing out onto our pool.

The quilt fits it perfectly, so I'm sure it will cover the table for many future gatherings. It's really funny to hear the reactions of friends when they realize I've set the table for a meal on top of one of my quilts. "You mean, we're going to eat over this pretty quilt?" I just laugh and remind them that it's washable, just like a regular tablecloth.

Don't you think it's just being a gracious hostess to set a beautiful table with beautiful things? Of course, you do! I've seen many of your tables, and am inspired by each and every one of them.
Here's the label on this quilt. I always credit the machine quilters, too. Without their talent, my quilts wouldn't look nearly as good. Thank you, Kathy! You're a true artist, my friend. Whether it's used over my table or as a warm cover for a nap, a quilt is a blanket of love. I think that's why making them is so special to my heart.

24 comments:

  1. Dee, the quilt is beautiful as I knew it would be, what stunning colors.... and it makes a wonderful table cover!!!!
    I just love that you can whip up a quilt!!!
    You never cease to amaze me!!!
    Hugs,
    Mags

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  2. A quilt is a blanket of love. That is sooooooooo lovely said!
    I cannot get over how quick you work and how beautiful your work turns out to be though.
    I just know you are a great host!
    Hugs,
    Lisette

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  3. Donna I think you accomplish more in a week than I do in a year!

    Love the colors and your so right, the red didn't overpower and it's still so restful looking.

    Hugs...Tracy :)

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  4. Good Morning, Donna,
    Your quilt is lovely...and you are fast, too.

    We returned from my mom's late last evening and your sweet envelope was in our mail. I love the little ATC. It will certainly find a spot on my inspiration board.

    Have a relaxing Sunday. Take care ~Natalie

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  5. Oh, Donna, yes, as a fabric designer, I appreciate the efforts of others whose work has gone into the materials and design of the pattern too. I always put a label on mine that credits the fabric designer, the pattern designer, the long arm quilter (my good friend Kim) and me for piecing it. Historically it's important and I believe, a tribute to the talented hands that are carrying on the beautiful tradition of quilting, even in this technological society!
    Hugs! Your quilt is beautiful!
    Diane

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  6. I absolutely ADORE this quilt.
    The fabrics (both design and color) are perfect. I agree, restful is a wonderful description.
    Enjoy a blessed Sunday.

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  7. Beautiful! Yes I would love to share a meal with friends with a table set with that quilt!

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  8. Gorgeous! I too love the idea using it for a tablecloth so sweet.Why not huh?

    Happy Sunday!

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  9. Stunning! It's so beautiful. :) Beautiful and warm to cuddle up with Mr. Handsome ;) Theresa

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  10. Absolutely beautiful! And I love the idea of documenting the date that you created the piece on the tag.
    I always love seeing your gorgeous creations.
    Jane

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  11. It's gorgeous, Donna! And I couldn't agree more - the quilts my Grandmother made us truly felt like blankets of love! :)
    Wishing you & yours a beautiful day,
    Zuzu

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  12. A quilt as a table cover? What a lovely idea!

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  13. It is just perfect, Donna...very subtle in shadings & a most useful size, too.

    Its wonderful that you share your beautiful treasures with people who come to break bread at your table. I can think of no finer compliment to them.

    I ♥ your quilt label!!! I still need to make one for the quilt I did for my DD over 3 yrs. ago. Gotta remember to do that!

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  14. Oh Donna! :o) your quilt is lovely. And your blog has a new look! It's gorgeous and feminine.
    Thanks so much for the advice on the valance! Blessings dear lady!

    Linda

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  15. Oh Donna! :o) your quilt is lovely. And your blog has a new look! It's gorgeous and feminine.
    Thanks so much for the advice on the valance! Blessings dear lady!

    Linda

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  16. Oh, I DO like those colors! It was my first thought. I like the label too--classy and discreet. Have a great week! ; )
    ~Michele

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  17. Your work is stunning and these colors are very serene. A blanket of love indeed. At my home if someone does not feel well I have them lie down with an afghan made by my grandmother as I know it will comfort them the best possible. Beautiful Donna! Happy creating...

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  18. What a stunning quilt you have created Donna. Of course everything you make is so lovely.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  19. Hi Donna,

    Stunning as usual. I thought you did your own quilting. Is it hard? I've always been intrigued by quilting and secretly have always wanted to do one, but that's a whole other set of tools and equipment I just can't afford right now.......maybe someday! With as quickly as you whip these out, you make it seem so effortless, but I know it's got to be somewhat laborious. I'm losing a lot of my hand function, too, so I'm getting worried that I won't have the opportunity in the future to attempt one....sigh! Beautiful job missy.

    Love ya'
    Meri

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  20. What a beautiful quilt, i love the restful colors. Those reds are among my favorites, seems they just go with everything. Enjoy it :)

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  21. This quilt would fit right in at my house. The label is wonderful and I never would have thought to include the machine quilter. Great documentation, 100 years from now someone will love the fact this quilt was labeled.
    Debbie

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  22. This is gorgeous! I love your label too! I always love putting binding on a quilt. It's my favorite part. Then it's a tradition to take a little cat nap under the quilt before it goes to the new home. Adds a little good luck and love. ;)
    Hugs!

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  23. OMG, how stunning! You are so, so, soooo inspiring! ;) xo Paulette

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna