In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been on a mission around here to get things done. Projects I’ve pushed off for months, or years, but who’s really tracking the actual number of days? All the half-finished projects that lurk on my shelves and sit unflinching on edges of tables. Lists of thank you gifts to be made. Unpainted walls, patterns to be published, naked furniture… all mocking me, telling me I’ll never catch up, it can’t be done. I say Ha! I’ll show you.
This is my latest conquest. A quilt for my good friend Jone Hallmark. I won’t mention how long this top has been pieced.
It was quilted by Mary Beth O’Halloran of White Lotus Quilting. I’m learning how to not do everything myself. It’s REALLY hard.
A lot of people are familiar with Jone as a designer for the scrapbooking universe. That wouldn’t be me. When we first met 6 years ago I didn’t know what scrapbooking was. I would just tell her how cute all those papers, stamps, and stickers were.
A few years ago she designed several lines for Free Spirit fabrics. This quilt is made entirely of fabrics from those lines. Jone paints her creations with hand mixed colors. When you look closely at the fabric you can see the brush strokes and the subtle variation in hues. Can we just get rid of all the computers?
I named this quilt Jone’s Garden because it radiates the joy she cultivates and shares with the world through her artistic gifts.
This is a simple design of strip pieced squares set on point and arranged in a basket weave pattern. The outermost lavender squares and the final pink border give the entire piece a floating quality. I forgot to measure before it left for New Mexico but it’s a baby quilt size, approximately 48 x 60 inches:
The back was a fun way to mix more prints into the design. Each strip is a glimpse into Jone’s creative spirit:
And the cherry on top:
My goodness! These quilts are BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Wonderful, Kathy. You know some pretty talented women, too.
And how productive you are!! I say Ha! She’ll show you! too.
lo.ve.ly!
nothing more to say…
Holy Cow, this is such an amazing quilt and the fabrics are so wonderful!
You have such great talent! (I‘m glad Im not the only one with lots of unfinished projects…)
I love the simple but effective layout. The result is so beautiful, so bright, so joyful. Your friend will be delighted with this quilt.
so sweet! it gives me inspiration to finish my daughters quilt… only #2 for me and well, it’s such a learning process!
The other day I was also thinking about the effect of computers on crafting. It almost makes me want to make a rule for myself that limits the use of the computer so I can get back to some grass roots, hands-on crafting.
Beautiful quilt! Love the two-sided effect of the pieced back.
And… I’m with ya on the finishing of languishing projects! They are also mocking me.
Truly inspirational, you are. I loved the mice yesterday and already have a plan for one, but this – simple in design and yet so elegant – is just a wonder. Nice work!
I should make a list of all the unfinished stuff around here and get to it. Maybe when school (finally) starts.
I love the quilt. And those fabrics are just darling!
Beautiful quilt. Your generosity + creativity never cease to inspire me.
And I’m with you…trying to tackle those half-completed projects!!! =)
What a pretty quilt
I love how you used extra fabric pieces on the back to make it more personal to the recipient.
I am one of Jone’s biggest fans – it was a huge treat to see this quilt as an expression of your friendship. I love that you used her whimsical designs combined together!
I’ve collected her sweet Bryce and Madeline children’s stickers for years and use them on cards, calenders, and other paper craft projects for my children. They’ve grown up with her happy papers and sweet accents in their scrapbooks and room decor items I’ve made them. I didn’t know she made fabric! I’ll have to get some and create something special for my little girls.
I hope she really loves the quilt you’ve made…it’s adorable!
I love the quilt you made! It’s stunning!
Oh, I can’t wait to finally get to the bottom of the unfinished project pile, not that it’s going to happen anytime soon. Good for you!!
I’m sure Jone is going to be thrilled by not only the beautiful quilt, but also the lovely sentiment of the label. So cool!
What a sweet, sweet quilt! Very pretty!
I love those fabrics and the colors, beautiful quilt.
SO AWESOME!!!! How cool to use HER designs to make her a custom quilt! WOW!
Gorgeous! Love the close up and then the quilt as a whole — WOW! And I love the stripes on the back. Just fantastic.
That quilt is stunning. I, too, am trying to complete unfinished projects as well as use up some of my growing stash. Thanks for sharing.
I love that the back is as pretty as the front.
Oh how pretty Kathy! I love Jone’s work. I have it in each and every one of my girls baby books. By the way, I am trying to finish up some projects too and using those breaks of mine to create!
Just Beautiful. Love the pattern and colours. Love the label too. Very personal.
Oh my word, this is freaking beautiful!
What a beautiful tribute to your friend’s creativity. I absolutely love it!! The blocks on point look great- you amaze me with your creativity. Just when I think I don’t want to use blocks anymore and just do “art” quilts, you show us something like this that is just so wonderful!!! I know your friend will treasure it!
First I stopped to look because I saw the name, Jone…and thought…is there another Jone? then I thought what a gorgeous quilt….amazing colors and perfect design and then I read on and looked more closely….and yes, it’s my friend Jone too! I’m so happy to think of you making this for her…and Jone opening this exquisite gift. How dear! And the six degrees separation here because I love your work and blog too. Cool!
[...] love this quilt. I made it with left over blocks from Jone’s Garden. I backed it with the angel babies print that is my most favorite fabric that Jone has ever [...]
[...] Like most good quilt stories this one started simply enough. In 2005, my good friend Jone Hallmark sent me fabrics she had designed for Free Spirit. I made her a quilt. [...]
I really like the detail you put into your label.