Monday, April 25, 2011

A Hooty Supernova: Complete!

I am so excited that my Hooty Supernova quilt is complete!  This is quite possibly my favorite quilt that I've made thus far, and not just because it's all mine.  :)

Hooty Supernova - finished!

Once upon a time last fall, I positively fell in love with MoMo's fun It's a Hoot line.  I quickly managed to stockpile a darn good bit of it, thanks to obsessive shopping habits and a husband who bought me some lovely fabric for Christmas.  Fast-forward a few months...while I still enjoyed eyeing the fabric, I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.  Then, Lee announced the Supernova Quilt Along.  She advised against large prints, so I hesitated about using my prized It's a Hoot stash, but ultimately, I decided to go for it.

Hooty Supernova Close-up #2

I definitely learned some things on this quilt, and not just technically speaking.  I learned (the hard way) about the importance of labeling rows whilst working on the quilt back, I learned that pressing seams open seems to lead to more accurately pieced blocks, and I learned that I have a 1/4" stitch on my sewing machine...which isn't compatible with my 1/4" piecing foot.  It's something to use with my regular plain sewing foot, but it was nice to learn that.

Hooty Supernova - Close-up #1

I learned to trust my instincts about fabric - even when I'm wrong.  There are a few prints that look kind of unusual in this quilt, because of their large scale, but I actually kind of like that about them.  Normally, I'm a big rule follower, but I guess I'm learning that when it comes to quilting, it's best to let your gut lead the way rather than the rules.

Hooty Supernova - Plus back

I also realized something...while I love straight-line quilting and the clean look it gives, I really prefer the way a stippled quilt washes and gets all crinkly.  Not only that, but I really enjoy FMQ.  It's one of my favorite parts of quilting, aside from the sore shoulders it often gives me.

Hooty Supernova - Plus back - close-up

Thank you, Lee, for sharing this pattern.  I had so much fun putting this quilt together and I'm so glad I participated in this quilt-along.  If you haven't joined in yet, what are you waiting for????  Hop on over!

Quilt Stats
Name : A Hooty Supernova
Size: 62" x 62"
Fabrics: MoMo It's a Hoot by Moda Fabrics
Quilting: All-over free-motion stipple with white Gutermann thread
Pattern: Front- Supernova Quilt Along at Freshly Pieced; Back - loosely based on Jeni's Plus Quilt tute

Linking up today with {Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations - I can't wait to see what everyone else finished up this weekend :)

{Sew} Modern Monday at Canoe Ridge Creations

38 comments:

Megan said...

Flippin' awesome Elizabeth! It is just perfect!

Linz said...

It looks absolutely fantastic!! Great to learn new things too... even the hard way! ;) Hootynova is invredible!!

Diane said...

This is fantastic! great job...

LynCC said...

Fun, fun, fun! I love the green binding. :)

You're so right about following your own heart with your quilting. The only time to stick to the rules is if you are sewing specifically for somebody else's desire or for a particular competition.

Oh!! I used to get sore shoulders, too, but I tried raising my seating on this last one. Guess what? NOOO sore shoulders! Make sure you're sitting so that your arms bend no more than 90 degrees. I requisitioned the adjustable piano bench and it is now my personal sewing bench. :) Muahahahahaha - - -

Jessica said...

Oh my goodness, this is awesome!! Love love love. Amen to crinkly yummy-ness of FMQing, I think that is my favorite part of FMQing! I love your quilt back, I know it gave you some headaches, but seeing the finished product, it was totally worth it!!

Becky said...

looks fantastic! Beautiful job! I love the FMQ on it. I still haven't braved it and I've already started straight-lining my supernova. I'm such a chicken. I love that you did such a fantastic backing for it that it's totally reversible.

Katie B. said...

Woo hoo! Excellent work. It's so bright and fresh! I think I like the back as much as the front. What color is the binding?

SeeingStars said...

I also think the backing is terrific and makes this one a truly 2 sided quilt. The Supernova pattern is so neat, radiating outward and colors grouped together. And your curves in the FMQ softens and compliments the straight lines in the blocks. I can see why this one is your new favorite!

angela said...

Fabulous!!! I love how the big prints turn kind of abstract in the smaller pieces.

And doing FMQ is one of my very favorite parts of the whole quilt process! Kind of meditative with a creative thrill tossed in.

Cindy said...

Your quilt is fabulous! Sounds like it was a great experience making it. Thanks for sharing your quilt and your lessons!

Tsigeyusv said...

It's lovely. Much as I want to work on my Supernova quilt, my friend had twins, so I am getting those baby quilts finished up instead!

Kristie said...

Love it!! And I think I love the plus back as much as the front. Great job!! I am also a fan of FMQ....even with the sore shoulders!

Alfie's mum said...

just gorgeous!

ladybugquilting said...

Sen-Bloody-Sational!

Lee said...

Gosh this is gorgeous!!! Absolutely incredible. A+, my dear.

And as the designer of the pattern and the person who recommended against large-scale prints, let me be the first to say: Thank you for breaking the rules. : ) That's exactly what modern quilting is all about, right?

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

Oh it is just beautiful! Love love love it!! The FMQ looks great and works so well against the design and the back was definitely worth all the work. Hope you're enjoying it now!

Teje said...

Hello Elisabeth! That quilt is so beautiful and I love both sides! xxx Teje

SewHappyGeek said...

Oh my gosh Elizabeth, it's so lovely I want to make one too! Well done! If you want to link up to my Manic Monday Linky Party that would be awesome too!

Nellie's Niceties said...

Great job! This looks gorgeous on both sides! I love this range too, I'm currently using it in a WIP. I'll be thrilled if it ends up anything like as cute as this!

Kiera said...

Great quilt! I love it! I love how FMQ looks, but have yet to try it on a large quilt....scared!!

Catherine said...

So pretty!
And I used some spray this weekend. I'm in love! That tutorial was awesome that you sent too. Thanks!!

CityHouseStudio said...

Your fabric choices really were perfect for this quilt!
Love, love, love it!
And the back, WOW!
Love the green binding too.
You must be so happy!

Paul said...

Looks Great!! I might do the Supernova this summer. I have too many quilts in waiting right now, but I do love the look of this quilt.

You did an amazing job. Isn't it great to learn something along the way!? Frustrating sometimes, but awesome none the less!

Sew Many Mamas said...

Beautiful! The colors are amazing! Good job!

kendascrafts said...

Looks great! I love that its a two-sided quilt!

Carolyn said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! The front, the back, the quilting, the fabric choices...all so well done!

Kate said...

Congrats! It looks great, love that you trusted your gut and got to enjoy a favorite fabric!

Kelly said...

this is amazing, love the colors in the fabrics you choose. And thanks for telling about the learning, every quilt has something to teach!

Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

Wow, that is an awesome quilt, front and back!! I think you utilized those fabrics to their full potential on that supernova quilt...I could imagine some fabric combos not working so great for it, but yours is amazing!!

Erin O. said...

This is fantastic. I understand where you were coming from with not knowing how it would turn out, but wow!!!

Kelli said...

This looks amazing!!!
I love it. Kinda wish I joined in now... Might have to add it to the list of quilts I want! :)

traceyjay said...

Kelli beat me to it -- it is amazing! :)

Love it all. :)

Charmaine said...

Beautiful! Love the colours and the stippling looks great.

http://licklepickle.blogspot.com/

Meghan said...

It is so pretty!!! I love the back you picked!!! I was so close to having mine done before the movers packed away my machine-seeing yours makes me even more excited to finish quilting that last block!!!

Phone Home Designs by ET said...

Gorgeous! Great line of fabric :D

felicity said...

Amazing job - a double-sided awesome quilt. What a finish! I love It's a Hoot, too.

Jeni said...

It turned out so great dear!! :)

SewHappyGeek said...

Hey, I just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your link on tomorrow's Feature Friday w/ SewHappyGeek! You're awesome!

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