Carrie at LaVieEnRoise and Camille at Simplify have challenged readers to show their first quilt along with their most recent quilt. I've shown this once before, but here again is my very first quilt, in all it's mismatched points' glory.
I started making this quilt in 1993. It was a pattern from Quiltmaker magazine called Winkin' Blinkin' and Nod. From this project I learned that templates are not for beginners, and that cardboard does not make a suitable template for rotary cutting. What difference does it make if you slice off a little sliver of cardboard with each cut? A lot, apparently!
Notice, if you will, the intersections of the pinwheel blocks in my second photo that don't come anywhere close to meeting! Click the photo to get a closer look. Go ahead. I guarantee it will make anyone feel better about their piecing skills! (and you can probably see my wonky attempt at machine quilting as well)
My quilt guild did a "Then and Now" feature at their show in 2008 and my first quilt was displayed along with a sampler quilt that I finished in 2007. Yes, I do feel like I have grown a great deal in my technique since 1993.
For this blog post, I'm going to show another picture of my most recent finish - the Paisley Parade top designed by Laurie Simpson that was on the cover of Quilt Sampler magazine last summer.
I don't think your first attempt is bad at all! I'm cracking up at your using a cardboard template. Too funny! I LOVE your latest finish. Really BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: RC | July 06, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Cardboard templates... it's amazing that whole generations of women didn't quit quilting completely! Of course, it might explain all those applique quilts... food for thought. :)
I love both quilts ~ and, yes, I really do love Winkin! It's got personality! When you decide to try something, you sure did jump in with both feet!
Good job on both quilts ~ and thank you for sticking with quilting all these years! I might not have met you otherwise and I would have missed that. :)
Posted by: Carrie | July 06, 2009 at 09:42 PM
I love them both...I admire you for starting with such a difficult pattern...I didn't use a template for years after I started quilting! And of course I love your Prairie Paisley quilt!
Posted by: sherri | July 06, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Love this prairie paisley quilt
I wish I would have a bought a kit for it.
beautiful.
wow that was ambitious of you making that as your first quilt!
its great!
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | July 07, 2009 at 02:19 AM
You're hilarious! I loved reading about your first quilt. So funny about the cutting and templates. In all seriousness though, that quilt is really quite lovely. I mean that, too. Not that I write things I don't intend to say but I'm just sayin' ~ I mean it! :)
Posted by: Karen | July 07, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I am getting there with my Prairie Paisley! One more border....
Posted by: Nicole | July 07, 2009 at 07:43 AM
Having seen your current piecing skills, Lisa, I know you've come a long way (as have most of us) - you're certainly one of my role models! I really love your first quilt - to think you did that with cardboard templates is amazing!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | July 07, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Wow, I still love your first quilt. I have a special place in my heart for pinwheels, even the mismatched ones. :)
Posted by: Tiffany | July 07, 2009 at 10:30 AM
Even if your points don't line up perfectly, it still rocks for a first quilt! That is a tough first project! Love your prairie paisley quilt- I had that one on my list and is just never happened. After seeing yours, I'm definitely kicking myself. Gorgeous!
Posted by: Camille Roskelley | July 09, 2009 at 11:57 PM
Your first one is a really pretty quilt - I like the secondary designs that come out. It just goes to show you that you can have a beautiful quilt even ifyou don't match up all your points.
Posted by: Shasta | July 10, 2009 at 07:25 AM
your first quilt is wonderful!!
Posted by: pat sloan | July 13, 2009 at 10:49 AM
Pinwheels are harder to match up than they look, I know bz mine aren't perfect either but I choose to think that they have character! LOL! I love the pattern and that last quilt is stunning! Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | July 13, 2009 at 02:05 PM
i think they are both quite nice, although I loooove that second one!
Posted by: Jo Ann Mathews | July 13, 2009 at 05:01 PM
You really did choose a difficult pattern for your first quilt, but it turned out nicely! Love the Prairie Paisley quilt, too. Great fabrics and a pretty design.
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | July 13, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I think you did a great job with your first quilt, especially since you used cardboard templates.
Your latest finish is beautiful!
Posted by: Amanda | July 15, 2009 at 03:15 PM
Wow, that was an impressive quilt pattern to begin with! It is beautiful and so is your most recent finish. I love the fabrics/colors you chose for the second one. Very pretty! Good job!
Posted by: amber | July 20, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Wow, I can't believe these "first quilts" out there. Apparently I've got a long way to go. Your quilts are great!
Posted by: Connie | July 20, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I like them both!! I think there should be a rule that we never point out our mistakes. My quilts are on my Stitched Together blog. Please stop by.
Posted by: Deborah | July 21, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the paisley quilt! It's gorgeous!
Posted by: Jodi | July 28, 2009 at 03:05 PM