Today I'd like to show you the quilt I made for Amy and Dave's wedding gift. You may remember I showed the beginning part of it last month. I ended up finishing it at the local quilt shop, which, on occasion, I would highly recommend. For one thing it's just fun to sew with other people sometimes, but I was creating it as I went so I got to keep going out to the sales floor and holding different bolts up against what I'd put together so far. I ended up using four different fabric lines (all from Moda) and I think it looks more interesting than if I'd used ALL MoMoWonderland (the line I started out with.)
This was the first time ever, in 35 years of making quilts, that I paid full retail for all the fabric and then paid someone to professionally quilt it. Typically I buy clearance or make scrap quilts or TRY to quilt it myself. As a result, the final price of the finished product came as somewhat of a shock even to me. I know it can be considered crass to talk about $$, but for the edification of non quilters and the validation of quilters, I'm going to pass the info along here. To begin with, new retail quilting fabric is currently $9.50/yd. Add local sales tax and we'll round that figure to $10/yd. So I started out with a layer cake ($30) and three yards of fabric. That was $60. Then I took it to Scottie Dog Quilts for that sewing day I mentioned above and started building my borders. Five more yards brought the total to $110. Then I had to buy 5.5 yards for the backing (I pieced in some leftovers from the front). Which brought the fabric total to $165. Then I took it to Angie to work her magic with the longarm quilting machine. She totally rocked it, but not without a price: $190 including batting. So that's $355 for a queen sized quilt. And no compensation to me for labor. Like I said, it came as a shock even to me. It's no wonder I'd rather give them to someone I love than try to sell them!
I know I said "a picture a day" but I had to show you another view that illustrates Angie's incredible work. You may be tempted to believe that she follows a pattern (pantograph quilting) but I've watched her work numerous times and this is all free hand. She plugs her headphones into the TVLand channel, with old black and white reruns of Andy Griffith and Petticoat Junction playing above the quilting machine, and just starts moving along. No drawing. No measuring. It just....pours out of her somehow. Her machine doesn't even have a stitch regulator! She really is incredible. I'm picking up another one from her today. I'll be back with a pic of it and the Lesson Learned story behind it tomorrow. :-)
LOVE IT! I'm not sure what happened to Wonderland but you can't find the complete collection. It is probably discontinued. Your quilt is incredible! Definitely looks as good as it cost. :)
Posted by: Carolyn | November 13, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Thanks for sharing the info on the costs of the quilt. I'm nibbling around the edges of making a quilt and have hesitated to purchase the designer fabrics . . . obviously with good reason!
That said, I truly love your quilt. I know it will be cherished and keep your friends warm.
Posted by: katie | October 20, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh Wow! That quilt turned out fabulous! I can't get over how beautiful the quilting is done! I'd say it was worth every penny!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | October 18, 2009 at 08:50 PM
Well I love it. Really really love it. I know it is horrible to add up cost. On Natalie and Justin's wedding quilt I bought vintage fabric, stash and some retail. The back was on sale. The quilting and batting was $210.00 (100x100). So I figure easily it was $325.00+. Ick I hate to think of it. But I loved yours so much.
Posted by: nanette | October 16, 2009 at 11:18 AM
oh my gosh! This is beautiful! I wish I could sew! You have a beautiful blog! Glad I found it!
Come check me out! Im having a giveaway
xoxo
Priscila
littlemissheirlooms.blogspot.com
Posted by: priscila | October 14, 2009 at 09:30 AM
The quilt is a true work of art! If you throw in the "love" that went into the making of it, then it becomes priceless. I know what you mean by the sticker shock. It is pretty much the reason that I stopped sewing clothes..it just became too expensive. It is worth it though when you are creating a masterpiece.
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | October 14, 2009 at 06:30 AM
How pretty...the quilting is worth every penny, just gorgeous and it compliments all of your piecing.
Posted by: Dandelion Quilts | October 13, 2009 at 08:31 PM
Wow. That.Is.Gorgeous!
Posted by: Rose | October 13, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Thank you for the wonderful story of this quilt! I am a Wonderland addict and have some hanging around until the right thing comes up. I love that you added in lots of other lines and they look awesome with your quilt. AND the quilting is definitely the finishing touch on this quilt. Lucky, lucky newlyweds to be!!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | October 13, 2009 at 02:50 PM
That is, I'm amazed at how little people seem to charge--I think that we often don't value our time enough!
Posted by: Kathi D | October 13, 2009 at 02:42 PM
It really is wonderful, and what a great quilter! I'm glad you posted all the prices, because I'm sure people who don't buy fabric often are shocked at how much it all adds up to. In fact, I never add up the costs myself, because I like to keep myself in the dark. I love shopping on Etsy, but I get amazed at what people sell handsewn items for--knowing how much the "ingredients" cost.
Posted by: Kathi D | October 13, 2009 at 02:41 PM
That was done without a pattern? Incredible!
Posted by: Andrew Siemer | October 13, 2009 at 01:11 PM
The quilt is gorgeous and Angie is a genius!
Posted by: Michaela | October 13, 2009 at 12:39 PM
What a beautiful quilt! Those fabrics look great together, and that quilting is fantastic!
Posted by: Jess | October 13, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Well, I'd say that quilt is priceless because it was a labor of love! So beautiful, the quilting is magnificent. xo, suzy
Posted by: georgiapeachez | October 13, 2009 at 10:11 AM
This is gorgeous - Amazing job and I am sure they will love it - if not something is wrong with them - LOL!!
Posted by: Heather | October 13, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Gorgeous...no stunning...amazing! I love it! I'm curious as to what other lines you incorporated with the Wonderland...what an amazing gift! Your quilter does absolutely beautiful work!
Posted by: sherri | October 13, 2009 at 09:37 AM
All I can say is WOW! I am now learning so much about quilting and it is definitely not an inexpensive hobby, but the results are abosolutely stunning. What a beautiful wedding gift, and something they will surely treasure.
Posted by: Barbara | October 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Wow! Gorgeous quilt! I'd love to see a picture of the back too, I bet it's just as pretty (especially with all that detailed quilting).
Posted by: Amy | October 13, 2009 at 09:32 AM