bcsjq (big crazy summer journal quilt) update

I washed it and it fared quite well. Now I need to hand stitch, hand stitch, and hand stitch some more. I've decided that I won't be using batting and a backing piece. With all the different layers of fabrics and stitches, it's becoming a very heavy blanket, and I don't mind the mess I'm making on the back at all. Next time I'm taking photos of it, I'll take one of the back to show you what I mean.

Thanksgiving isn't looking like a likely finish, unless I bring it to every one of my kids sports events from now until then, and frankly, sometimes I get tired of explaining what weird thing I'm up to now. It's too big to not stand out and garner attention. It'd be a great project for a flight overseas (say Rome, for example :) if it weren't so b.i.g and awkward. Maybe I'll never be finished with it. It could be the "remember that crazy blanket mom worked on for a hundred years?!?!" object my kids reminisce about together. Hope it's not followed by, "I don't want it, you take it!" hahaha.

The crazy talented Rebecca Ringquist did a nice post and included a photo of my quilt project that includes her original sampler. Here's another photo of it above. My "bcsjq" was completely inspired by the discovery of her embroidery work and art quilts at the same time I started stitching on her sampler. I look forward to working on  her new samplers...yum. Who knows what they'll end up attached to...

Comments

[dls]

Would enjoy seeing the whole quilt when you are done. Just love the all the colors and text..... such a fun project. Thanks for sharing.

[Suzan]

I want a whole quilt shot myself, followed by close ups. : D

Don't you wish you would have logged your hours so you would know now how long it actually took to complete?

xxx
z

[Sharon @ norah'S]

I have been following your bcsjq and am amazed at your progress. I know the hours it takes to get there. Beautiful.

[dena]

This is the crazy quilt that occupies my thought process....it is the most special wonderful work of art that signifies so much. I so hope to start my journey on a project like this....
Please keep us posted.

[Mary]

Pam, I love this more every time I see it. I want to do a quilt similar to this one. Could I use an old sheet as a base and affix the pieces onto the sheet? I think you said you used old pillowcases...I am gathering my embroidery pieces...
Mary

[pamgarrison.typepad.com]

Hi Mary, I think a twin flat sheet would make an excellent base. Fun fun fun!

Sent from my iPhone

[susiebelle]

I talked about your quilt today at lunch with my coworkers, then shared the link. Inspired a great conversation here today Pam! We all ooohed and ahhhed.

[taylor]

Pam, I adore your quilt. If the kids refuse it, send it on this way. You will love Rome. I was there this summer. So much to see and photograph. Enjoy. taylor

[jennifer norman]

Hello!

Magical!!!

xo,
jen

[Lara]

thanks for sharing! i too get tired of explaining myself so sometimes yes, I hide in the car w/projects... started triangle charm quilt 15 years ago and I figure it will get done when I'm retired from professional lunch making-driving job!

[Kelley]

Hey Pam,

I've just finished piecing mine together. whew, what a job. And you are right, it does weigh a ton. Now to start doing the hand embroidering.

And I did piece mine onto another light bedspread.

THANK YOU so much for the inspiration!!!!

[debi]

Pam, I just love your work...you are such an inspiration! And this quilt is a masterpiece! Once again you have inspired me. I have been gathering pieces here and there, and I've decided to use a white vintage sheet as my base. Can't wait to get started!

I would also love to see a full shot of your beautiful quilt.

[ValerieC]

It's absolutely beautiful...gorgeous...wonderful!!!!!! Your kids will be fighting over who gets it. What a wonderful labor of love!!!

[Kathy Mc]

How big is this? This is grogeous. You do wonderful work.

[Maddie]

Hey Pam, I too love this piece. You said you used pillowcases so you would have the embroidery/lace part of the pillowcase on the edges of the front side. Did you cut the pillowcases apart or use the double thickness of the pillowcases with more pillowcase fabric on the back?

[pamgarrison.typepad.com]

Hi Maddie, yes, I cut the pillowcases apart, so it started out as a base with one layer of cotton...as if a twin flat sheet.

[Spankyluvsit]

i've been thinking about wanting to make a quilt for my living room (as a kind of christmas gift, of sorts for my boyfriend?) for a while. I like the idea of using old broken in t-shirts, but i left all of mine back home in CT when i moved to CA. I'm not sure what i'd use to make it with, but i really like the idea of making like a "memory blanket", maybe commemorating the trip across the states that the boyf & i took.
I love the look of yours, it's super cute & looks perfect for cuddling under & reading!

luvs it,

sara (aka spanky)

[Maddie]

Thank you Pam for your answer. I'm off 4 days for the holidays, so I'm starting mine today!

[kimberly at mimicharmante]

This is absolutely GORGEOUS! If I were crafty at all, I imagine that this is the sort of things that I would do. LOVE it.
So nice to meet you~
xx

[Wanda Eash]

This is so cool! I love it!