Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Octagonal Orb - Ta Da and on the way to London

Octagonal Orb, ready to gift

There she is, the Octagonal Orb quilt. This quilt is about 60" x 76" or she was before she was washed. Now she is crinkly and soft. This block was designed by Elizabeth Hartman and the tutorial is here. The blocks for this quilt were made by my bee mates from the Always Bee Learning bee and me. It is going to be handed over to Siblings Together at the Fat Quarterly Retreat later this week, right now it is with me at the airport, soon to be in the air.

Octagonal Orb, ready to gift

I am so proud of this quilt. The talented and generous women in Always Bee Learning each pulled out 80 pieces of fabric (that includes the various grey solids) and stitched them together for each single block. Some of them made two blocks. Many of them fussy cut fabrics. We all tried to keep a teenage boy in mind - it is colourful but not girly, and many of these fabrics will appeal especially to boys.

Octagonal Orb - back

For the back, I pieced lots of Kona Charcoal and some long strips and then I just sliced and inserted them, hoping for the best. I am so happy with how this back turned out.

Octagonal Orb - quilting detail

The quilting is not at all straight lines, two are about 1/2" apart, then one about 1/4" apart. The not straight lines gives it an organic, and urban feel, not sweet, or pretty or fancy. I consider this kind of quilting to be modern industrial.

Octagonal Orb - quilting detail

After a wash and dry, the quilt is soft and cuddly. All this quilting did not make it stiff at all. And it has been washed and dried in warm water and warm dryer, it is clearly sturdy and fine for a teenager.

Octagonal Orb - 1000 metres of thread quilted in

This quilt used 1000 metres of Aurafil 40 wt. grey thread. I will count the lines when I put on the label, a lot of quilting.

Octagonal Orb - machine stitched binding

I bound it by machine, using Marianne's excellent tutorial which is here.  And look, I managed to get all four corners the first time round.

Octagonal Orb Quilt - Back

These last two photos were taken before she was washed.

Octagonal Orb Quilt - before the wash

So 80 pieces of fabric a block, 920 pieces in total plus the borders and the back. Many fussy cuts too. 1000 metres of quilting thread (half is in the bobbin so really the quilting stretches 500 metres). This quilt is full of love and care, and I hope that it will wrap a teenage boy in caring when he needs it, when he is lonely for his siblings. Quilters are really generous, and have sent lots of love with this quilt.

Octagonal Orb, packed for London

All packed, we are boarding in 5 minutes. A little sappy for a Tuesday night. Thank you to all my friends in Always Bee Learning, this project is one to be proud of.

Edited: I delivered this quilt into the hands of the Siblings Together representatives and it was a wonderful evening where many many beautiful quilts were donated. I am linking up to 100 Quilts for Kids.

Best,

Leanne

61 comments:

Adrianne @ On the Windy Side said...

This quilt turned out beautifully. I love the thought and effort that went into making it just right for a teenage boy. Quilts for guys often require a bit more thought, but I think it's worth it. Well done to you and all the ladies in the Always Bee Learning bee - I'm sure this will make a teenage boy very happy.

Jo Jo said...

It's absolutely awesome! Well done everyone involved and especially you - the quilting is magnificent. I just love it and I'm sure it will be well loved. Enjoy the retreat, but I feel that that is a silly thing to say - of course you will! Raging hot here too, wonders will never cease!

Unknown said...

Грандиозно. Стильно и чень симпатично.

tusen said...

So cool and actually two quilts in one. I love this dense quilting. And ohh, I've just realized I'll have a chance to see it in person!

Debbie said...

Love the sap and love the quilt. You just did an amazing job on this one, Leanne - thank you so much!

Amy's Crafty Shenanigans said...

It is gorgeous - and so amazing with all the organic industrial quilting!! Can't wait to meet you in two days!!!!

the running hare said...

Wonderful quilt, both sides are fab. Hope to see it in real life!

Catherine said...

Fabulous Leanne. See you Friday

DeborahGun said...

well done - this is an amazing quilt.

*Cornelia* said...

wow what a stunning quilt, and totally love your straight line quilting, it looks amazing on this pattern

Cindy said...

It's absolutely beautiful! Some young man will be just delighted to receive your gorgeous quilt. Travel safely and I'll see you soon!

Charlotte said...

it's wonderful! See you soon xx

Kelly said...

It is utterly gorgeous! Safe journey over.

Anonymous said...

Leanne it is absolutely gorgeous. I just love the love!! I'm sure the recipient will be delighted when he get this. It warms my heart and it is an amazing quilt. Marie x

Dianne Neale said...

A fantastic quilt. Be seeing you soon. Safe journey!

Susan said...

A wonderful quilt to leave us with as you fly off to FQR! Have a ball, I am suitably jealous!

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

This quilt is really gorgeous and I'm sure a teenage boy will love it. I particularly love the back, so striking. Have fun in London!!

leanne said...

just wonderful - love the quilting and everything about this quilt - it will be well loved for sure :) have fun at the retreat!

Michele said...

It is just wonderful and I'm sure it will be well loved.

Rachel said...

That's a wonderful quilt. Have a fab time in London!
Rx

M-R Charbonneau said...

Leanne, it's absolutely gorgeous! I love that quilting and the texture it gives. What a very lucky recipient!

Rhonda the Rambler said...

If this quilt wasn't going to such a superb place, I would be hoping it was mine BUT now I can't!!! LOL It is truly lovely!! Have a great time at FQR! Think about me for just a moment!!!!

kat129 said...

Looks great. I particularly like the back! Very cool!

Tanyia said...

absolutely beautiful! I love the back as well!

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

It's stunning Leanne. Have a brilliant time, look forward to hearing all about it :o)

pennydog said...

It's beautiful! Have a smooth flight!

Esch House Quilts said...

It is just beautiful, Leanne! You are even more generous to give such a beauty away :) I'm sure the lucky recipient will love it!

Patti said...

It's truly beautiful, Leanne! Have a great time in London!

elle said...

Wonderful quilt. Fly away happily!

Svetlana said...

wow, this is one stunning quilt. I'm sure it will make some teenage boy very happy. Hope you have an amazing time in London.

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

You should be proud of this AMAZING quilt! It is just stunning.

Judith said...

This is a stunner !

MariQuilts said...

Those greys just make the colours sing!! I absolutely love this quilt!! I'm glad the binding worked for you...such a time saver. Have the best time ever!!!

Marci Girl said...

I couldn't be happier to have played a small part in this one. You really did an amazing job and one guy will be so lucky to receive all the love put into it! P.S. Amazing job with the machine stitched binding, especially those tricky corners!!!! Have a wonderful trip Leanne!

Brenda said...

Very, Very nice!! Love the post, the way it was written and the links so a person can learn more about how this quilt was made. Feeling the love through the pics - I am sure this beauty will be going to a good home - so the person who needs it. Hope it has a good flight and safe landing!! Nice thing to read this morning - thank-you!

heart of charnwood said...

I think it's fantastic, well done! :o)

Toni said...

I knew it was going to be good when you told us your plan, but this is just spectacular, Leanne! Bee quilts can be tricky, but you made this look so "together" and perfect for a young man. Thank you so much to all your hard work! Have a wonderful time in London!

Leila said...

AMAZING! Love the colors, quilting and esp the back! Great job ladies!

Katherine said...

Spectacular finish on an amazing quilt, Leanne. Wow. Wonderfully done!

Safe journeys and have a wonderful time in London!

OPQuilt said...

I love love this quilt, mainly because of quilting and the setting you gave to those blocks, which at first glance, seemed overhwelming. Bravo to you for getting it quilted and done!

Have a great time at FQR!

Judith, Belfast said...

One of the best ST quilts I've seen! Well done ladies! Looking forward to seeing you Friday! Jxo

felice said...

Gorgeous! Both front and back!

Sarah said...

This is absolutely stunning and I love the back - there's nothing fuddy duddy about this quilt and it's gong to be absolutely perfect for a teenage boy quilt!!

Nicky said...

Stunning! Wanting to see it and you Leanne!

Clare Mansell said...

Wow, I love everything about that quilt it is STUNNING!

Anonymous said...

It is absolutely extraordinary - a gift of love beyond description! LOVE the deign, the colors, the solid, the quilting ... perfect.

hydeeannsews said...

This is awesome all the way around, but I especially like the backing! Wow. :)

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

It looks great with a wonderful mix of colours and contrasts. The organic straight line quilting match your design and recipient perfectly.

Annabella said...

It's just ridiculously amazing Leanne - the front is stunning enough but really this is a reversible quilt as the backing is so cool and your quilting!! I think you are already in London so I hope you are having a wonderful time!

Sarah said...

That is one gorgeous quilt! I hope it finds a teenage boy to love and cherish it. I love the quilting. It must have taken you ages? Have fun in London. I am suitably jealous I can't meet you all.

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

It's terrific! I love the back as much as the front (I love your casual description of how you inserted the strips - was it really that easy?) and I'm sure it will soon be wrapped round a boy who needs some 'special' in his life. Have a great time in London!!!!!

Silvinha said...


Amazing work Wonderful
good weekend

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Ella said...

That quilt is a stunner!

Ella and Nesta said...

Wow! And the back is fantastic too!

FlourishingPalms said...

This is SO cool! I've made one Octagonal Orb block, so I know how much effort it takes. Your group did a beautiful job with it, and the quilting you added suits it perfectly. Good for you to be so generous with your time... and thread! I almost always use Aurifil when quilting my quilts too. I'm sure this will be a well-loved gift. Kudos to all of you!

Sarah Lou said...

Beautiful quilt, I only saw it from the far side of the terrace but it looked amazing!

Sabrina said...

This quilt is insanely awesome! So much love!

Katy Cameron said...

It was absolutely gorgeous in real life too :o)

Heidi Staples said...

So stunning, Leanne!!

Julie said...

Such a fabulous quilt - I am sure the recipient will treasure it always. I would.

Katie said...

It is such a lovely quilt, and thanks for linking up! I'm doing a parade of quilts on my blog--can I share a photo of this quilt, linking back here, etc.? Thanks!