Lookie what we got in the mail today! Some of you may remember the concept I drew up for this Sunshine quilt some time ago. We loved it so much that we considered having some manufactured. The mill we work with in India has a cut&sew facility and we asked them if this quilt could be made. They did a bang up job! All in all, there are problems with my initial idea though- much of the fabric is sewn on the bias which pulls the quilt out of shape along the edges. We, not being very technically inclined in quilts, doubt whether it can be modified to work. Still debating.
What do you think, though? Would it be worthwhile to produce a small run of handmade quilts like this? Even if this one doesn't see it to the storefront, we really like the idea of offering crib quilts and other products in future collections (one of which will be previewed next month!).
22 lovely notes:
I love it!!
i love it too!!! ..and the idea of offering them in your future collections. really pretty!
mom
I like it!
What if you had them trim the edges square after piecing it, would that work?
It's beautiful, and I bet it would make a great pattern, you could offer it alone or kitted with the fabrics.
however, as a quilter, I hate to see mass produced quilts, as they're often made with very poor construction, and offered very inexpensively, which results the public placing a low value on quilts in general. I also worry that the people being paid to make these get paid very little. I'm sure in YOUR case that wouldn't be true (making the assumption that as you're producing organic fabric, that you would likewise be on the lookout for unfair labor practices)...so I guess what I'm really saying is that if you wanted to make premade quilts, I hope you would find some way to include info on the making in the marketing of the quilts!
I think its a cute quilt. Having a whole bedding set around it would be a great idea, too. I agree with Vicki on possibly trimming it square at the end. At the very least, you could offer a great pattern for the quilt.
Candied Fabrics- you bring up some excellent points- most of which have been concerns for us. We're actually hoping to bring production to the US for this project. We're also considering doing quilts that are not pieced- more like cheater quilts- which would not be a direct trade-off for handmade/heirloom quality quilts, but an affordable alternative for people who don't quilt or for additions to baby bedding sets. We're still in "dream phase" here. The more we learn about perspective, the better.
I do want to add, that the quality on this particular quilt is super fine- I am very impressed! I didn't know what to expect, but it really didn't disappoint at all.
Thanks for your input! Everyone!
I love it! The design and fabrics are fantastic, but workmanship makes it less than desirable. It appears the fabrics are oriented so that the edges would be on the straight of grain so I agree that it might be straightened before binding. I wonder if the heavier batt is creating some of the distortion. I would also make sure the designs were all running in the same direction so none of them appear to be standing on their heads.
In addition to everyone's comments above, you would need to consider if the batting, backing and other finishing are also organic. Bringing it to the US would add to the "green" value as well if that is a goal.
Michelle have you tried EQ6? It's an easy design program available for quilters. Experience with that might enhance your knowlege of quilt design.
Thanks Laura! Sure, we're totally looking to make it as green as can be- organic cotton or possibly bamboo batting- hopefully even the thread.
Never considered the thickness of the bat could be distorting it. See? I learned something new!
Not sure I have it in me to learn a new program, but perhaps down the road when I have time (ha!). I actually would love to be more adept at the quilting process.
Oh, and I know.. half the patterns are in the wrong direction. I stress- this was a "sample"!
I love love love it! Such a great idea.
Also not a quilter here but I'm learning. I love the idea and think this one is cute. My biggest peeve was the misdirected fabric.
I think it could be a super sweet collection!
I really love the design, it is so beautiful! I think, though, if you did put in into production as a quilt that some sort of cheater might work best. I do think that it would be great to have a quilt designer take a crack at redesigning this pattern and make it available to quilters. I see little things here and there that might square it up, but I think someone more experienced in quilt design might be able to make this reality.
I was thinking about this quilt last night and you might also try a very lightweight fusible interfacing or muslin underlining, under each of the pieces to give them more stability when they are stitched into the final piece.
Really Michelle check out EQ6 - maybe even at market. It's really easy if an old lady can learn to use it. And I think as far as programs go it is resonably priced. http://www.electricquilt.com/default.asp
Wonderful happy design!
Not much to add, as I agree with much that has already been said, including: it's a wonderful concept, hope you can keep the green, fair trade, and quality aspects if you mass market; thin batting a must; square things up; muslin and or interfacing to help stabilize, (or work the quilt as an appliqued piece onto a solid muslin backing as opposed to having it pieced. A cheater cloth is a really nice alternative.
Overall, I think the idea of offering products made in your gorgeous fabrics is great as long as the quality and integrity stand up to your high and wonderful standards!
I think it's just lovely...ripples & all :)
another quilting technique -
1) draw or transfer the pattern onto FREEZER PAPER. Don't include the seam allowance.
2) iron the paper onto the fabric (the paper side should be "face-up" and the plastic side should be "face-down")
3) draw cutting line onto fabric so the seam allowance is not covered by the Freezer paper ... or "eyeball it" if you've got the knack
4) cut out pattern pieces
5) sew the together using the Freeaer Paper edge as a guide
DON'T take the freezer paper off until you finish piecing the "top" and are in the process of basting/pinning the "top" to the batting and back - it will keep the fabric from stretching and changing shape.
Also, the Freezer Paper patterns can be re-used many times !!!
It's really lovely. And I think crib sized quits are perfect!
I think I missed the original concept but I really like this design with the fabrics. I have no technical advice to offer but I'm sure you'll figure it out. And yes, you should offer crib quilts. Who wouldn't love one of these in the nursery?
Oh I think it's a wonderful idea! Love the sunshine design.
If by "cheater" you mean printing the design on a single piece of fabric and then quilting that, I think that would be the way to go for mass producing this quilt. You'd get the sweet design with less work meaning you could make it available at a decent price with fair trade labor.
LOVE IT! I'd love to wake up every morning to this kind of sunshine!! Thanks for sharing...very inspiring!
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