It’s nearly happy dance time!! I’ve finally finished the top for Helen’s elephant quilt, it’s sandwiched, ‘just’ needs quilting and binding!
Last time I showed you this quilt I was just starting to stitch the elephant blocks together and was arranging a meeting with my friendly stitch ripper to sort out a miscreant elephant block the following morning. Luckily it didn’t take too long or too many seams to sort out.
Having stitched the five rows of blocks together I tried it on Helen’s bed and decided it really needed a bit more length. I couldn’t face another six elephants so I decided to do a piano key border top and bottom in all the bright batiks, followed by a grey batik border to give it a bit of stability. I think the piano keys work brilliantly, they’re about 4.5″ deep and they really bring the colours out in the quilt.
I went shopping in Skipton for some backing, I was looking for some dress-weight batik, I’ve used it a few times and it makes a nice soft back, it’s also considerably cheaper than quilting batiks! I’ve seen loads over the summer, but of course now I want some there’s none to be found. I went in the two main fabric shops in Skipton, nothing! The assistant in one shop suggested I tried Boyes. They had a batik there which had blue and green background, a bit subdued, but the main pattern was pink and orange elephants!!! It’s not a perfect match colourwise but I decided it was meant to be!!
My original thought was to have a scrappy colourful binding, however I decided with the backing a simple grey one would work better, so I’ve cut out all my binding strips ready.
This morning I sandwiched the quilt on the lounge floor using 505 basting spray, I love that smoothed out perfect look when it’s all pinned to the floor!
I’ve just got to quilt it now. I’m thinking of doing my usual all over pattern of waves and points. It’ll be one of the biggest quilts I’ve tackled on my sewing machine, so I don’t want to make things complicated for myself. It’s Helen’s birthday on Monday so I’ve no chance of finishing it for then but at least she knows I’m nearly there 🙂
thecraftycreek 
The contrast of this quilt is really awesome! Perfect backing selection! You nailed it!
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Thank you, I’m really pleased how it’s turned out 🙂
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It looks great! The backing was meant to be. It’s perfect.
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Thank you, I didn’t even hesitate when I saw the backing!!
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I don’t blame you! It looks great!
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So cute, someone will be so happy.
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Thank you, she is very happy 🙂
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oh wow!!! how pretty!!!!!!
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Thank you
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Quilt almost completed and the additional fabric is perfect – yeah!
Your daughter will adore it & be the envy of everyone who sees it.
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Thanks Del, it’s finally coming together!
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Sometimes backings pick themselves, and this is one of those times. A lovely quilt for a perfect gift, and your daughter is sure to be thrilled with it.
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Thanks Kate, this backing certainly picked itself! Helen loves it 🙂
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As it deserves! And now, back to Down the Rabbit Hole!
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No rest for the wicked 🙂
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😉
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It looks fabulous! I love your backing fabric. Your daughter will be thrilled with it!
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Thanks Catherine, Helen’s really happy with it!
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That backing! What a great find. I’m sure your daughter won’t mind it’s a little late. I made a quilt for one of my daughters for her 18th birthday but I only had the top finished so wrapped it up, gave it to her on the day, then asked for it back to finish it. She then had to wait nearly another year for the finished quilt but at least it was ready when she left to go to University so I think I was forgiven.
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Thanks Tialys, this was meant to be for Christmas last year 🙂
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Hurrah for Boyes, it’s amazing what they stock!
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The piano keys…perfect! And who would have thought there was elephant batik! ♥️
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Wow, it’s utterly fabulous! What a serendipitous find the elephant batik was and I LOVE the ‘piano keys’. Gorgeous!
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