London 2012 Flimsy

82 comments
I almost can't believe my summer London 2012 quilt top is completed.  I have enjoyed this project immensely but I'm ready to move on now that the Queen is back in her throne, Olympics are over and summer vacations are a nice memory.
I am really pleased with it.  At one point I became discouraged with fitting all the blocks together with the filler fabrics and having it all come together and look like a cohesive project.  It sat on my sewing table for several weeks without much progress.  But then I rethought measurements and pushed forward.
I like my banner border.  The binding will be like the string holding the bunting inline.  It is a busy quilt but I think there is enough white to give the eye some rest.
I placed my town/row homes on the top and bottom corners to anchor the quilt.  I've even decided those 4 roses together really suit better to be torches.  So now they are officially representing a bit of the Olympic torch cluster.
Each little piece of the quilt has taken quite a bit of thought and planning.  And each piece means something to me.  Several of the blocks were taken from ideas of other patterns or from parts of patterns I have obtained from others and some are ideas I just imagined.  I think my favorite block is Queen Elizabeth's silhouette that my good friend Pam Kitty Morning let me use after I saw her make a pillow with it on her blog.
The next step is quilting.  I'd like to get it done (of course) as fast as possible.  I'm going to make some calls today to see what I can come up with.  I can't imagine my pleasure with it when it is quilted and bound.  I will really enjoy this as a memory quilt and the quilting focus of my 2012.

I would like to move onto several UFOs but my daughter Tracey and her husband Eliot are moving into a new home and of course they need a new quilt.  So that will be my next quilt.  Ideas began to form for that project as I stitched the last few seams of London 2012.

-nanette
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82 comments

Teresa Marie said...

I love your quilt! It is so beautiful, and I don't think too busy at all. You are very talented!

ninifee said...

WOW, das sieht ja supertoll aus!!!
LG, Gudrun

Amy said...

Amazing! It is so beautiful. I love the whole thing but I think my very favorite part of it is those houses!

trish said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous!! Truly!! What an amazing work of art!!
Have fun creating a new quilt for your daughter. How fun!! :o)

elle squared said...

Absolutely F-U-N!!! Cohesive, well-balalnced, and not at all busy. Love the colors!

Sentimentally Me said...

INcredible! Congrats on finishing :)

•stephanie• said...

what a treasure.
it's so unique and you can tell tons of thought went into it.
{i still love that london eye!}

amy smart said...

FAB.U.LOUS!!! Nanette - I couldn't love a quilt more.

Deborah said...

What a masterpiece!! Not only that but I adore the subject matter!! Each and every block is a story. Can't wait to show my UK loving sister! It runs in the family.

Jodi Nelson said...

Its awesome!!!! Love it Nanette!

Andrea said...

Absolutely fantastic - if you decided to make a pattern for this you would make a fortune. And I would be first in the queue to buy one xxx

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Way to go, Nanette!!! I think this is your prettiest quilt yet, and that's saying something. ALL of your quilts are pretty, but this one is just above and beyond. I know you're going to enjoy it all over again every time you see it.

beth said...

Wow! You've created an amazing quilt! Congratulations. ;)

Annette said...

This is an amazing quilt! With so much love put into it, it's a treasure.

ashley said...

This quilt is so GREAT! I just love the houses and that Ferris Wheel is so amazing!

Cheryl said...

WOW!!!!!!!!! I hope you can hear me saying that :-)!!! It's just amazing!!!

Cotton Blossom said...

I couldn't wait to see it finished! I love the banner border it really makes it pop. It is so neat. I hope to be able to plan and execute something so unique some day. I can't decide which is my favorite block. Thanks for sharing.

Lori Holt said...

It's just gorgeous Nanette...I'll bet it feels so good to have completed the top. I know so much time went into it and it has all been worth it. I especially love the banner border...I think it surrounds all of your amazing blocks just perfectly!
xx
Lori
PS I'm looking forward to tomorrow:)

Carrie said...

Boo hoo. While I'm happy for you that your spectacular quilt is done, I'm a little sad that the journey is over.

I've loved seeing the pictures as the blocks were being completed, but I especially enjoyed reading about your process along the way. I will keep my fingers crossed that you can get it quilted and bound and truly finished soon so I - okay, we - can enjoy your amazing quilt just a little longer.

Congratulations!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow Nanette. Wow! It turned out great -- what a fun memory. I LOVE the Eye and the "bunting" around the border is genius!!!

Brandie said...

Gorgeous! Absolutely beautiful! You really made that fabric work and sing.

Nedra said...

Oh, Nanette, it turned out absolutely fabulous. I love, love, love it! Will you be making a pattern at one point? I know you gathered ideas from many areas, but the overall effect is so Nanette!
(And welcome back from your vaca. I missed you :)

LaNell said...

Absolutely gorgeous! It's perfect.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Oh.My.Goodness!! That turned out even better than I had imagined, Girl!! It is WONDERFUL!! What a treasure. I think you should send it to a magazine!

Quilt Monkey said...

That's a real beauty! I really enjoyed watching it come together as you worked on it and posted on your blog. What an incredible one-of-a-kind quilt. Congrats!

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Oh, my, it is gob-smacking fabulous!!! What an awesome quilt and one that I am sure the Queen would love, too. Some British Patchwork magazine really needs to feature this quilt and tell it's story. You captured all that is Britsh. Excellent work and a real treasure!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Absolutely brilliant! This is amazing. You did such a wonderful job. I love it. :)

Blessings always

annemieke said...

That`s a fantastic quilt, my husband is Englisch and i`m dutch and he thinks it`s very nice.

Greetings Annemieke.

Aunt Spicy said...

adore, adore, adore!!!! You are so creative!

Lynn said...

Astonishing!!! You must be so proud of the quilt top. It really seemed a labor of love. I love the border and I think my favorite block is the corgi one. It's been so fun following your progress with this quilt. Really remarkable!

Sarah Vanderburgh said...

Gorgeous, Nanette! It has your personality all over it. My mother is a huge royal fan - I'll be sending her a link to this post! Love your idea for the border.

Cornbread and Beans Quilting said...

I have been waiting to see this finished quilt, I just knew it was going to be awesome! I LOVE IT!!! It's so happy and bright and I have enjoyed watching your journey making it. You're so creative, and inspiring. Hugs!!

Carrie P. said...

looks great. congrats on getting it together. I love looking at each block. love the egg cups.

Barbara said...

It's just wonderful. I'm glad you finished it!

Kaaren said...

Waaaaay cool, Nanette! I love it and what a commemorative keepsake.

Thanks for sharing!

Cathy said...

Outstanding! I'm with the others, I would love you to write up the pattern!! Add me to the order list if you ever do!! Please!!

Cardygirl said...

This looks fabulous!

Mary said...

I love it! between the beautiful fabrics and the unique blocks, this is a feast for my eyes!

Joy said...

It's beyond gawjus Nanette!!! I just love it, what a fabulous quilt :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

calicodaisy said...

The quilt is beautiful! I actually saw it pinned to Pinterest a few minutes ago. -- Michele

fiberchick said...

Congratulations on the finish! The quilt is just EPIC... Absolutely wonderful in every way!

PamKittyMorning said...

OHMYGOSH I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FANTASTIC IT TURNED OUT. Honestly, I'm totally awed by it. Really amazing, what a vision and it came together so perfectly.

Ellyn said...

this is an INCREDIBLE quilt! I have been a bit (ok more than a bit) London obsessed this year and hubby & I even took a trip over there this summer to celebrate our anniversary. I love what you have done!

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

I love this so much, Nanette! The colors, the blocks.. it's so fabulous! Congrats on finishing the top. Can't wait to see it quilted and bound. :) I have enjoyed watching it come together. xo

Libby said...

So fun! Thanks for sharing :)

Darlene said...

Oh Nanette, it's fabulous. What a fabulous keepsake.

Deborah said...

Nanette,
I know you have children, but would you consider an older child adoption? I need to live in the same house as that quilt. I'm 55, well mannered, have my own sewing machine (4 actually) and I can cook.
Please consider,
Deborah

Sherri said...

Nanette...you are amazing...it is spectacular...just stunning. Every element is just perfect...I've come back to look at it a few times today! What a wonderful tribute to this summer and to your heritage!

jen duncan said...

This is a thing of beauty!! What a great way to memorialize the summer. :-) <3

Andra Gayle said...

My sister LOVES this quilt! You should create a pattern!!!

AnnieO said...

What a wonderful creative journey you took to London this summer--love the finished top and have a lot of favorites besides the queen's portrait...especially the Tower, double decker bus, and all those teacups and flags. It looks amazing. Congratulations on getting it all to fit and flow!

Christine said...

Congratulations. I LOVE your quilt. The bunting border looks awesome.

Unknown said...

Fit for a queen Nanette. I love this so much and you are correct, it is busy, but also very detailed. I think it is the white that does it.

jane said...

Love, love, love it! Everything works so perfectly together.

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

It's wonderful....

sallgood said...

Nan, this is just wonderful!!! I love the idea of the binding being the string for the bunting. Just fabulous!!

Sinta Renee said...

This quilt is just fantastic Nanette! I wouldn't have imagined it so spectacular. The border is amazing too. I love the symbolicness of it!

Ellen in Oregon said...

This quilt is fantastic and is a wonderfully creative design. I am so glad that you were able to problem-solve and move forward. The bunting border is perfect. the best compliment I can think of is to tell you that if you sold the pattern I would be the 1st in line to buy it! It is a heartfelt design and easy to see that you put a lot of thought into every aspect of the process.

jan said...

FANTASTIC!!! I have been watching your progress and awaiting the finale!! You sure didnt disappoint!! LOve, love love it!! I am so jealous!!

Sherry said...

Wow Nanette! It is so wonderful. Love all those blocks & the colors. Can't wait to see it quilted & bound. Congrats on an awesome finish! Have a great weekend!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Oh it is fabulous! I just love it and can't wait to see what it looks like once it is all quilted.

Unknown said...

I love it and am totally jealous that it is not mine. I have had a hard time checking in on my bloggy friends since i am now a working woman. I am glad to see that everything is going well and Eliza is darling with those eyelashes.
Remember that you are AWESOME!!

MaddyMaze Studio said...

Your quilt is just stunning! I love it! You've done a fantastic job!

dream quilt create said...

Your quilt is absolutely lovely and gorgeous!!! It is a real tribute to your love of England and talents.

Browndirtcottage said...

Well, I think you just out did yourself on this one Nanette!! It is much harder to put a quilt top together without a distinct pattern to go by!! See, you can be LIBERATED TOO!!!

I give this one 3 queen's waves and
2 'cheerios' and 1 'ole chap' rating!

Lucy | Charm About You said...

It is incredible!! You put it together fantastically! Love the bunting border too, so clever!

suz said...

This looks amazing - you should be very proud of yourself! The bunting is just perfect.

Lisa said...

I am behind in my blog reading but I loooove this quilt! How fun!

Simone de Klerk said...

I just love your quilt. Everything in it fits together so well. This quilt will never bore.

Shari said...

Absolutely marvellous quilt. It is a wonderful journey of discovery to look at and enjoy. You can feel proud of your achievement.

Anonymous said...

Welcome back! You were missed!! Of all your quilts - this has to be my favorite! You simply MUST make a pattern!!! It's fabulous, fun, and totally unique - it's SO YOU! LOVE IT!!! xo, Nan

Miss Crafty Pants said...

Not too busy. Just a bunch of FABULOUSNESS! You inspire me!!!

Liv said...

What an amazing quilt you have really captured London 2012 !
Liv xx

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, this is the most beautiful quilt. I love all of the elements. It must have taken FOREVER! This is a great example of a modern quilt that has such a great inspiration that I'm sure it will be passed down for many, many generations. Beautiful binding too.

Moose on the Porch Quilts said...

Your quilt turned out great! I love how your border pulls it together. It's perfect!

Lexilooo said...

amazing! I love the little corgi the most!

Michelle said...

you have done a wonderful job with this quilt and for someone like myself living down under in OZ I was totally in awe of your quilt & would love something like this in my home. I can well imagine the hours you put into this but it has turned out lovely, I love the bunting boarder. Well done your very creative and clever :)

Unknown said...

I am really pleased with it. At one point I became discouraged with fitting all the blocks together with the filler fabrics and having it all come together and look like a cohesive project. It sat on my sewing table for several weeks without much progress. london apartments

Unknown said...

The next step is quilting. I'd like to get it done (of course) as fast as possible. I'm going to make some calls today to see what I can come up with. I can't imagine my pleasure with it when it is quilted and bound. serviced apartments london

Anonymous said...

This quilt is simply amazing...absolutely stunning.

Robby said...

I realize I am terribly behind the times, but I just love this quilt. It has a special uniqueness with customized bits here and there, but nothing over the top. Hope it's brought you lots of great memories, even if not a trip to Merry Olde England.

KatieJ said...

This quilt is incredible! I love it- just searching for an idea for a quilt to make my England obsessed mother and came across this. yours is out of my skill level but wow- thanks for sharing it!