Sunday, August 15, 2010

Dolly Quilt Queen

It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that one of the other mamas for DQS (doll quilt swap #9) suggested that we might have a general give away prize for an end quiz. I never really knew if it would happen, (and still don't) but volunteered to make a quilt to try to epitomize the group.....(sorry about that guys! I sorta did forget about you, I guess since this no way epitomizes you.) Anyway, I drew this about a month ago, (with the help of the loraliedesigns.com for inspiration) and though it time to put it to fabric.

First, of course, I got out my yards and yards of steam a seam (and yes, I do buy it by the yard at my local quilt shop now, if you can believe. LOL) I looked at the picture and figured I'd do it by sections so did not remove the backing from her head section while doing the bottom of the quilt. I knew I had to tuck some of her hair under her head and once ironed down, I wouldn't be able move it.
Little by little I kept cutting and fusing. I felt like a kid with my little scissors cutting all those tiny pieces.
The top took me the longest. E-gads, all those thread spools just about drove me over the edge!!!
At that point, I sewed the whites of her eyes down so that I could use my crayons to tint her eyelids and cheeks and draw the fine details of her eyes as well as do a french knot in each eyeball for expression. I then ironed it with my muslin on top to set the details and crayons.

I continued in my usual manner, sandwiching the rest and using my free motion quilting, sewed all the colored fabrics down with appropriate colored threads (about a million it seemed like at the time) so that I could get the details just right. I then, used my detail pen again on the tape measure, spool tops, scissors, and inside petals. I don't know what I'd do without those micro pens, I use them so often and not just to label my quilts either. At this point it was time for my newfound love of swirl quilting (I really MUST find a new pattern, I suppose)...so after that, it was basically done except for squaring it off and binding it. And wa-la.......

DQS9 Dolly Quilt Queen

Note her jeweled pincushion crown! I actually bought crystals and glued them down, if you an believe?! A real quilt queen if you ask me!!! Too bad I'm not that glamorous, hey?! E-gads, I don't even wear lipstick most of the time.

Dolly Quilt Queen- close up

17 comments:

Shanley said...

WOW!

Lynn said...

Carol, your work is amazing! I stopped over from Gazebo House and have just had the most enjoyable cup of coffee going through your blog! I picked up some simple fall fabrics and couldn't find the inspiration this weekend to begin a runner-well I may have just found it-thanks:@)

Anja said...

Superb!
I love her scarf and her eaarings, and I wish my sewing machine had this wonderful ornament!
How about selling your creations as patterns? I would surely grab some!

Anja

ShirleyC said...

How adorable! You are so talented.

Cole's Corner said...

I'm speechless.... for real.

Luv 2 Kreate said...

Most adorable quilt EVER!!!

Amanda Jean said...

you have definitely found a groove that suits you! this quilt is amazing, Carol! Amazing!

Annieofbluegables said...

I'm so impressed. You are so talented and whimsical. I love whimsical. That's my style too, but I'm not as original as you.
Darling Darling Darling.
can't wait for that pincushion I won from here. I get to own a mamacjt original. hee hee
~a

Sewconsult said...

I am a new visitor to your blog. I am so impressed with your talent. I love your sewing lady...oh, that is me with a lot less weight. I will be a follower!

Karen said...

Incredible work, Carol! You ooze talent, my friend! I think she is gorgeous!

Becca said...

WOW!

Rettabug said...

You need a sign that says "Creative Genius at Work...do NOT disturb!" LOL

She is just the epitome of everything fun in sewing! The bling, the many, many colors, the measuring tape around her neck...the glasses needed for seeing close work!!! Just too cute, Carol!!! So wonderfully expressive, too.

Whoever wins her will be a very lucky lady!!

fondly,
Rett

Teresa said...

Thanks for showing the step by step of how to make this wonderful lady. I love it and your hard work and creativity is much appreciated.

Jo said...

This is yet another wonderful quilt, and the thought of giving all of these away is just amazing, you are a really generous lady. Thanks also for sharing your step by steps.

Sandra said...

Your creativity and attention to detail is amazing!

Vintage Sandy said...

Carol, I just found your blog through Poppyprint and so happy I did your creations are fabulous I so love Dolly Quilt Queen and love your "O Joyful Tree skirt" do you sell the pattern would love to make it!! P lease let me know if you do
Thanks & Hugz
Sandy

Sparky said...

ahhh found you..that is your girl...gosh Carol you are amazing...I will go to STash and give you credit with link here..
Please reconsider? coming to stash as a guest?