hamster quilt
I am into compounded displacement activity today.
I had planned to take Phoebe to the Foyles knitting group (thus avoiding wrapping presents), but she really didn't feel like it this morning. So I decided to stay and wrap, but reckoned I could just finish cutting quilt fabric before the main job. And then it seemed like a good idea to lay out the fabrics and this required the help of Thomas, my quilt style consultant.
Before you could say 'Kaffe Fassett', he'd decided to take the spare pieces and put them together for his own quilt.* As he and the other two like to cuddle the hamster on their knees in one of the big quilts, he designed his as a small 'hamster quilt'.
So I ended up making a quilt measuring 20"/51cm x 28"/72cm from start to finish. Cut, pinned, sewn, sandwiched, pinned, hand-quilted, bound and hand-finished in four hours - with assistance from my boy helper. It looks great thanks to his ingenuity with fabric, and Hugo looks very much at home encased in it.
What a shame I can't do the wrapping this evening as we've booked to go ice-skating again.
*Both the hamster quilt and my bigger version (the 'guinea pig quilt'?) are based on the Wallpaper Strips Quilt in Kaffe Fassett's Quilt Road.
Well, techincally, you DID do some wrapping - it just that you wrapped a hamster. :)
Posted by: wenders | December 20, 2005 at 02:26 PM
i love it. next time i am stymied with colors/fabrics, i'm calling Thomas!!!!
Posted by: carolyn | December 20, 2005 at 02:41 PM
These projects are what your children will remember long after they forget what you wrapped for Christmas. I still have a box of similar *impromptu* projects from long ago. I love looking at them. They bring back such nice memories.
Now off to the Post Office! How did I end up here, reading your new post and reminiscing?
Posted by: Jan | December 20, 2005 at 03:03 PM
Awesome job, Jane. Waaayyy better than wrapping!
Posted by: Isabelle | December 20, 2005 at 03:39 PM
How charming! The quilt is fabulous, you and Thomas make a great team. I find myself stymied at this time of the year, because I want to be crafting for fun, but I know that I need to be doing "things" to get ready for the big day. Sounds like you know just how to handle this stuff. Cute hammy!
Posted by: Robin | December 20, 2005 at 03:46 PM
What a lucky little guy!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 20, 2005 at 04:21 PM
What a lovely, hamstery quilt it is, too! It is beautiful, and Hugo's looking good too.
I've decided my new year's resolution is to learn quilting - I managed to learn to knit this year so I'm all fired with enthusiasm for my next craft to acquire. I was wondering, O Jane of Mighty Quilting Abilities... do you know of any Beginner's quilt-making books that you would recommend?
Posted by: Kitty Jimjams | December 20, 2005 at 04:35 PM
A hamster quilt! How fantastic! I see Thomas has his mother's eye for style and color.
Posted by: KT | December 20, 2005 at 04:46 PM
Hugo is THE luckiest hamster in the world. I wonder how many others have QUILTS???? Love the fabric and I have to look into that book! I'm a quilter...and I have to tell "Kitty" a word of warning...VERY addictive...fabric is as bad as yarn and as bad as stamps or whatever your pleasure! Try "Quilter's Complete Guide" by marianne Fons & Liz Porter....it's very 'complete' ;}
Posted by: PJ | December 20, 2005 at 05:53 PM
Your presence was greatly missed today (oh - yours too, Jane)!
Don't forget, next week is the Liberty sale!
Posted by: pauline | December 20, 2005 at 07:49 PM
Heed this warning: Beware the Black Hole of Wrapping ! It always takes longer than you think.
Of course, making cute little quilts would have won me over too. And ice skating and....
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 20, 2005 at 08:21 PM
Ok, that photo is adorable. I love your photos so much.
Posted by: Kris | December 20, 2005 at 10:37 PM
What a pretty little quilt - lucky hamster Hugo! I'm looking forward to next year, when I can work on some little just-for-fun projects again.
Wrapping - must do that some time soon (ie before Christmas Eve) - the aged Ps arrive this evening so I've stashed the present bag out of sight.
Posted by: Paisley | December 21, 2005 at 12:06 AM
divine, what a stylish family you are!
Posted by: sarah | December 21, 2005 at 12:09 AM
Just lovely! great colors-- I have never quilted, but this is inspiring! hmmm a new craft?
Posted by: NessieNoodle | December 21, 2005 at 12:24 AM
Every boy needs a hamster quilt.
Thomas' is delicious. Well done both of you.
Posted by: Suse | December 21, 2005 at 01:53 AM
You are a genius! :)
Posted by: Jill | December 21, 2005 at 05:40 AM
All the other hamsters are going to be so jealous! Beautiful quilt and kudos to Thomas for his amazing fabric and color wizardry :)
Posted by: Cassi | December 21, 2005 at 08:07 AM
Beautiful fabric and beautiful quilt. All done within 4 hours?! - You and your son are a very good team, I would have needed 4 hours just to cut out the fabric. And I really love the colours.
Posted by: Suzi | December 21, 2005 at 09:33 AM
lucky hamster!
Posted by: jess | December 21, 2005 at 12:27 PM
What a lucky hamster and a beautiful quilt. The best projects are often the impromptu ones that just gather up their own momentum and spring into existence. These are the items and the moments they remind us of that are treasured.
Posted by: Mardel | December 21, 2005 at 12:34 PM
hand finished in four hours? are you kidding me? that is very impressive! love the colors, that hugo is one lucky hamster :)
Posted by: brandie | December 21, 2005 at 04:13 PM
A productive four hours...Fabulous! Your family hammy is sweet.
Posted by: LadyLinoleum aka Regina | December 21, 2005 at 06:41 PM
what a beautiful, lovely creative home you have...what lucky children...and hamster...love this quilt and everything you make, jane. best wishes for a happy holiday!!
Posted by: Lisa | December 21, 2005 at 10:44 PM
I'm in love with your "hamtaro" !!!!!!!! And your quilt to ! It's to amazing !! Big hugs to you
Posted by: Sandrine (alias Didine!) | December 23, 2005 at 02:39 PM