Tuesday 10 September 2019

a delightfully simple finish

A delightfully simple quilt top finish to share this week,
my 'Bertha' quilt . . .






The original quilt is charmingly wonky. You can see my early post from back here in June for more details about the pattern I used and about Bertha and her quilt. Deb's pattern is based on an 1899 quilt in #thequiltersguildcollection made in Keswick by Bertha, a boarding school house-mistress seamstress. And for more inspiration pop on over here to #modernberthamitchellquilt

Like many, making scrap quilts and working from my stash are my favourite kind of sewing. And, I’ve enjoyed exploring my scraps for this quilt. I chose a great variety of  pinks, blues, taupe & whites, some old, some new. I also included a few cheeky reds, which I scattered amongst the centre eight rows of the quilt top. 
I decided to keep this one simple like the original, and tried to use fabrics that were more tone on tone rather than all-out multi coloured florals. 




- down on the design floor


The chain piecing was delightfully simple and repetitive, which I really enjoyed, no calculations no tricky piecing. I completed the sewing in just a few batches over a couple of days. There may be the occasional missed point, however, I couldn't actually bring myself make any intentional uneven seams like in Bertha's quilt! 


My HST units finished at 6 1/2" and it all came together quite quickly. I chose to join these all up in a scattered values way, as a tribute to Bertha's quilt. I'm loving the random arrangement of this utility quilt, however, it would be so easy to use the idea as a jumping off point for any sort of light & dark play in a quilt. {Pop on over here and here to see lots more ideas}. 
The finished quilt top measures 60" x 72". 








My aim now is to actually get 1 or 2 completely finished quilts this month so I can join in with Erica from kitchentablequilting over on instagram for #septemberquiltfinishes . . . or maybe #octoberquiltfinishes!

Until next time, Linda

9 comments:

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I love this one, Linda - I think I say that every time, because I love all your quilts! :) The pinks, reds, and blues together are lovely! I also like your combination of both white and cream for the lighter colors. Working from my stash is definitely a favorite of mine, too!

Susan said...

I love the fabric you have co-ordinated for this Linda! Sometimes the simplest designs are the best!

Julie said...

A lovely palette - very classic and timeless.
You've definitely got your sew-jo back now.

Karen S said...

This looks great with all the HSTs. As always the fabrics play very nicely together.

Suz J said...

This turned out amazing Linda. Best of luck for getting those finishes under your belt!

dutchcomfort said...

Red, white an blue quilts always speak to mee! Good luck with your September finishes!

Nifty Quilts said...

Love it!!

Mystic Quilter said...

I love the simplicity of this pattern Linda, and the colours you've gathered into it, good size into the bargain.

audrey said...

This turned out so sweet! Very simple but wonderful. Love the colors esp.:)