Sunday, March 22, 2015

Elephant Parade table topper

*UPDATE* I am entering this as my 2nd entry in the Animals on Quilts for the Pets on Quilts Show 2015.  People in India have elephants as pets, right?  LOL

I'm so happy to tell you, I completed my elephant table topper today!
You can find the instructions for the blocks on Lorna's site at
http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com/p/elephant-parade.html
 
I had assistance while quilting last night, Thomas made sure to sleep while I stayed awake, so I leeched energy off him.

Trusty Bernina is working like a charm!  I used my Clover Wonder Clips to help keep the fabric rolled up as I quilted, it worked just fine and didn't leave any lasting marks.

You can see the quilting from the front pretty well in this photo.

Here is Belle, helping me sew the binding on by chewing on the clips.  Thanks little one!
 
This is the first time she's experienced hand sewing, and the first time I've tried to do so with a cat on my lap.  I'll get it figured to where it won't feel all twisted like a pretzel.
 
 
Thomas is wondering why I'm outside in my pajamas...
 
 
I quilted around the heart with red thread on top and bottom after I took this photo
 
This little guy finished at 22" x 12.5"
 
Things I learned:
-use 2 layers of batting if you're going to FMQ, it will make it poof out in a nicer way.  I did not do so in this, and I remember saying the same thing when I worked on my dresden flower
-I left the ears with no quilting on them, and I love how they feel when I run my hand over the top, very soft and silky
-I need to not quilt after 8pm, I tend to get into "hurry up" mode and my quilting does not look as nice
-I should probably add a sleeve or hanging corners to ALL my pieces, whether I think they'll hang or not (I'm planning on entering this at our quilt festival later this year, pretty sure I'll need a sleeve)
-this would make a really cute wall hanging for a nursery, I see some more in my future for baby shower gifts
 
Also, from now on, when someone compliments my work, I will say "thank you" and not point out all the flaws I know exist.  And I will work on not running through the flaws in my head either.  I noticed myself doing this on Saturday, and it's a bad habit I do not want around, so I'm taking steps to make it better.  Do any of you find yourself doing this too?  How do you help keep yourself from going down that path?
 
Thank you for visiting, I hope you'll be inspired to make one of your own, and please feel free to leave some comment love!
 
~Brandy

25 comments:

Mary said...

Looks good to me. Love the quilting. No Sleeve needed for the WWVQS in September. I like the idea of corners to put a dowel in to hang.

Ronni said...

Spectacular quilting! Your Elephants will do great at festival, for sure. Nice cat helpers:)

Unknown said...

Love this tabletopper!!!! Those two elephants with the heart, so cute. The quilting is excellent!!!!!! A elephant parade topper!!!!!
Love from Amsterdam

Lorna McMahon said...

Bravo Brandy! Very creative take on the Elephant Parade. I adore your choosing to have two elephants facing each other, thereby holding trunks, and the addition of the heart. The quilting is spectacular! Congratulations on such a sweet finish. Thank you so much for quilting along!

Debby said...

This is great. The quilting is beautiful. I have 2 cat helpers. All quilts must be cat approved - no matter where they are, they seem to show up as soon as I lay a top on the floor for inspection.

Bonnie said...

Wonderful little topper. Your quilting is amazing. Every quilt at my house has to have a CAT scan before it can be finished.

Mtclifford said...

The heart is such a cute idea! Your quilting is amazing also, I'm not that good yet.

Lara B. said...

What fabulous quilting for the elephants Brandy! And funny kitty pics too.

Dana Gaffney said...

I really like the elephants, I'm working on the Elephant Parade quilt but I love what you did and the quilting is amazing.

Baa. xxx said...

What a beautiful table topper! Those elephants are so sweet. Love your quilting - very clever.

Barbara said...

Very cute. I love what you've done with the quilting.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I've saved the elephant blocks for my 'stuck in the house' winter days play. This is very cute and you did a fantastic job quilting it.

Cath said...

Again....fabulous quilting..I love the leaves...are they on Lorna's site too? Aw, you look quite cosy sewing away with a cat on your lap. I love the elephants....thanks for the link...I will go have a look.

Anonymous said...

Spectacular quilting. The elephants and your assistants are very cute. I have a very bad habit of pointing out all the mistakes. Hope I can break the habit. I have used corners on some of my pieces, but if you do be sure to include a dowel rod cut to the right size. One of my friends uses detectable sleeves. Food luck on exhibiting.

Crafty Tokyo Mama said...

Wow, impressive quilting there! I've also learned to just say Thank You with a smile. We as the maker will always see the faults, but the people seeing it for the first time just see an amazing handmade item.

legato1958 said...

Beautiful! I love your elephants and your beautiful quilting! And your post is so entertaining with your kitties included!
Susie

Snoodles said...

Love the quilting on this one, too. Cute elephants!

tink's mom said...

Wonderful table runner. Your quilting is over the top. Great job. Beautiful kitty too.

Lisa said...

Both sides are so pretty!

Pedal Sew Lightly said...

Your FMQ is amazing! I'm working on Lorna's Gog Gone Cute pattern right now. She does the cutest things!

Christine M said...

Your elephants look great. Your quilting is wonderful, Brandy.

Tu-Na Quilts said...

Very nice interpretation on the elephant parade pattern.

Missy Shay said...

Your quilt turned out great!

Michele T said...

My daughter loves elephants and she would want me to make her this quilt... I don't think that I could quilt it anywhere close to your design... Beautiful!!!

Debi said...

What an adorable little quilt. Your quilting is beautiful! What great little helpers and I have found they are especially helpful when hand sewing. I am guilty of pointing out my goofs too and wish I could stop myself so if you figure out the secret please let me know.