My First Quilt Finished!
 

I finally finished my very first quilt. I started it last May for my 23 year old son who lost everything in a house fire last March. It is completely hand-sewn. I wanted to do something special, but had no idea how time-consuming it would turn out...so have done other things in-between. I really don't think I would have finished it if it weren't for this site and all you wonderful quilters!:thumbup: I have had all the flaws pointed out by my aunt yesterday afternoon. http://www.quiltingboard.com/images/icons/icon9.pngShe was so critical I almost decided not to continue quilting, but after thinking about it and opening my SS package I thought about her situation and her health has deteriorated over the past few years so much that she can't do the things she used to, such as quilting. Maybe she will feel differently if I make her something, maybe for mother's day.
here are pics...I hope you can see clearly, I'm not sure I uploaded the picture correctly.
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It is very pretty

I don't see any flaws. You can quilt for me any day; it is beautiful and your son will love it!

I think your quilt is beautiful. I'm sure your son will love it. Your aunt probably wishes she could still sew.

I agree, it is beautiful!

I wish my first quilt came out SO GREAT!! You should be proud of your work....The only thing that could be more perfect would be manufacured by machine....And then it wouldn't have the love worked into it...Send you aunt an application for the quilting police--maybe they can keep her busy elsewhere!!

OH, wow! Don't quit! You've got talent, to say the least.

I think you're right about your Aunt...my Mom was the same way in her last years. She told me she'd forgotten more about quilting than I'd ever learn! She was probably right.

You'll get 'there', where ever 'there' is for you. Enjoy your new hobby.

Looks great! I know your son will appreciate it.

Please don't take your aunt's criticism to heart. I think the quilt is wonderful!

Wonderful quilt and I know your son will love and appreciate it!!

It's beautiful!!! And all done by hand??? I'm so impressed. Please keep quilting and creating beautiful quilts.

Awesome job!!! its lovely! keep quilting you have a talent! :) happy quilting

It's gorgeous!! All that I could muster for my first quilt was a bunch of 6 inch blocks! And after 3 years of quilting, triangles intimidate me!

I just love your quilt and hand made too, yes hand made is very time consuming but I believe every stitch is stitched with Love and your quilt shows that so very much. It is pieced so well, wonderful choice of color that sets a tranquil tone,, and the quilting is most superb. You are so much a better person than I, regarding your Aunt. Perhaps your wonderful quilting and kindness will rub off on me.

Beautiful work!!!!!!!

What a beautiful quilt!! I'm sure your son will love it. With regards to your aunt, I think many older people become so negative because of how our society treats them, and the attitudes that are subtly and often blatantly shown. It's hard to stay positive I think. I know I have determined to consciously strive to stay positive as I age. Losing abilities is depressing and scary, I hope you can keep that perspective and remind yourself her remarks have very little to do with you and everything to do with her view of her world.

A great quilt and a great job on your first! Don't let anyone discourage you.

very nicely done

Beautiful quilt. Your son will feel the love each time he uses it!
Love that it's all handquilted.

Agree with Cybrarian, as some people age, they become angry that they can't do what they used to. It's only natural to take out that flustration on those closest. Love her anyway. AND keep quilting! :thumbup:

You did a great job. It is hard to belive it is your first. Your son will love it.

My first quilt was 4" squares. Can't even imagine the amount of work you put into hand-quilting this - you've done a wonderful job and your son will appreciate the love that went into it.

Great job!!

my friend tells me that if someone notices any mistakes, she will give THEM the seam ripper. on this group, i have seen that "if you can't see if from a galloping horse..."

Wonderful job, and all by hand -- its truly a labor of love. I'd LOVE a gift like yours, and I quilt! Forget what your aunt said -- after taking care of my grandmother & FIL, I've learned that older folks sometimes no longer have working 'mouth filters'....and everything just comes out. Often its frustration that THEY can't do some of the things we're doing, reaction to how they feel physically, or just plain being grumpy. Good lessons for me - attitudes are a choice, and I CHOOSE to be happy and cheerful. Hopefully if I ever do that 'grumpy thing' in later years, someone will correct me.

Great job, simple and elegant if you ask me, love it! And would like to see your net work when done :)

Beautiful quilt and quilting. Your work is wonderful. Don't pay any attention to your Aunt's words.

Wonderful! What a lovely heirloom for your son and his family.
Mistakes... (although I don't see any in your quilt!) ... My motto on mistakes is that every quilt should have AT LEAST ONE mistake, to remind me that life isn't perfect, and neither are we. So there's something to keep in mind as you continue on your quilting journey! The quilt police will have to come lock me up for spreading this blasphemous
thought, but hey, I've always been a rebel ;)

Congratulations on such a nice job :).

Don't quit - I think it is wonderful and am sure that your son will love it

Oh, I think it's lovely, your son will treasure it, and bless you for trying to understand your critical aunt. It's a fabulous quilt, let alone a FIRST quilt. Keep going!!

Your son will love it so much--you did a wonderful job.

I have a friend who said her mother has become very negative about everything. When I asked her when it started, she replied that it was about the time she couldn't sew anymore. It would be nice if she saw it as a tradition passed down from one generation to the next, but I guess she can't do that. I think about my grandmothers and their love of sewing many times when I'm at the machine.

Congratulations on the finish and keep going :)

Donna

It is beautiful and your son will love it. Maybe your aunt was just having a bad day. Maybe she wasn't taught that if you can't say something nice....

Wow! All hand sewn and quilted! I could never have the patience to do that. It's beautiful so just give it to your son and he'll love it! And forget what your aunt says......we old foggies do get kind of cranky in our old age sometimes, LOL!

That's your FIRST quilt? Beautiful job!

I love your quilt and I'm sure your son will too.

Lovely quilt. Sorry your Aunt is so negative. Possibly she is a little jealous. You are very kind to understand her and probably correct in feeling something special from you might make her at least a little happier. Good luck.

Very nice, and to be your first quilt and hand-quilted - - - great job. Ditto what cybrarian said. Sometimes our older relatives become cynical and downright grumpy. Good for you for taking a positive attitude. Keep up the great work.

Jane

Oh WOW that is just fabulous!!!

Wow, really nice work. Hard to believe it's your first. Your son is going to treasure this gift of love.

I think you did a wonderful job on the piecing and quilting!!!!!! As a brand new quilter it looks like you tackled a hard quilt and won! Please do not let your aunt discourage you, I would be ecstatic if I could do one this nice!