Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I THREW A MONKEY WRENCH INTO THE WORKS...A TALE OF TWO QUILTS

Something creative, for a change.  New guest bedroom plans have left me looking for a covering for the queen-sized bed left behind by my son.  After months of sitting on my hands, I went in search yesterday, and "settled" on this, below...
Yes, "SETTLED".  A bed in a bag - not exactly what I wanted, but the price was certainly right, and there were 7 pieces.  Happy (or seemingly so) with this marked-down treasure, until I was standing at the check-out stand, second-guessing myself because I suddenly remembered THIS, in the upstairs hall closet of my home...
Finished YEARS ago (literally), and packed away with the intentions of hand finishing the binding that was in place already (a small step, you would think).  Tons (OK, lbs., anyway) of my all-time favorite fabrics - most out-of-print long ago.  Custom free-motion quilted by one of the most creative in Vegas.  For those quilters here that are asking, "Tanya, what IS that pattern you used?", it is "Monkey Business" from Buggy Barn's "Certifiably Crazy" book of traditional patterns (not your standard "throw it together with no thought of matching seams" Buggy Barn pattern) - a Monkey Wrench or Snail's Trail quilt block.
I made this to fit a queen sized bed, but not as a comforter.  No, my goal was to have it big enough to fit as a BEDSPREAD, having "people" in my household that hate pillow shams and all the "hard work" that comes with putting pillows in and taking them out each night.  So, this will cover and tuck under pillows - yes, bedspread size - HUGE!
This morning, hating the "quilt in a bag" set, I pulled the quilt from my linen closet and did something that I would typically NEVER do with any quilt (SHUDDER!!!) - I finished the binding on my machine! SHHHHH - it actually turned out beautifully; that binding will NEVER come off and, most importantly, IT'S DONE!!!!  Black bed skirt, and deep moss green and tan walls - that quilt in the plastic bag would have just been pathetic.  Sometimes a good monkey wrench, thrown into the mix, fixes everything!

13 comments:

Mary Ann Potter said...

Wow --- a treasure waiting for just the right time. Serendipity. What fun!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Yes! So much better than the bed in a bag. I don't like things to match. And I love the look of quilts -- the more color and pattern, the pattern. I bet it really brings the space to life. Hope all is well with you. Tammy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I think I saw a mistake in my comment just as it was being saved for blog owner approval ... so insert, "the better" in there where it should fit ... :)

Colleen Mcgraw said...

It's really beautiful Tanya, you do such nice work :)

My Garden Diaries said...

You are amazing! Your work is just beautiful...I so love that you are putting this piece to good use as it so deserves to be on display! I wish you could teach me how to make a quilt! I still love using the pot holders you made me as do the beans! Such a treat to have handmade goodness from you pal! A job well done here! Nicole xoxo

TLC said...

Your secret is safe with me! I won't tell you finished it on the machine. And woot for being done!!!

Hindustanka said...

Your work is beautiful Tanya! I can imagine this huge quilt on a big bed.. so homely and so sweet!
Oh I really want to try sewing so so much! That will be my goal in future,..far future may be but I will try it.
Take care! Hugs!

Unknown said...

Oh gosh...It's just beautiful! xo Jen

Createology said...

This is meant to be...finishing and using your beautiful Monkey Wrench Quilt will be daily memories in the making. "Bed in a Bag" would never do for you my friend. You are far to accomplished and creative! Blissful Quilt for your Guest Room...

Quinn said...

Wholly guacamole! That is absolutely gorgeous, Tanya!!

Vicki Boster said...

Goodness dear Tanya-/ this is SO beautiful! I don't think I've ever seen such lovely fabric combination. What an incredible amount of work-- you are creating an heirloom! The photos are simply beautiful--
Love
Vicki

Jackie said...

Oh the monkey wrench, you know I love anything monkey related! That has always been one of my favorite quilt patterns, I have not tackled that pattern before, but it is on my list of to do's! Yours is fabulous as usual!!

Deborah Montgomery said...

wow, I'm super impressed!! that beats a bed in a bag anytime! You did a beautiful job!