Picnic with Dorothy Finish
I’d like to share my Picnic with Dorothy finish with you today. You might recall that I finished the quilt top back in April. Since then, I took it to Connie for quilting and she worked her magic once again.
So why the name Picnic with Dorothy? As I was piecing this quilt, I thought about why I like this fabric so much (Mostly Manor by Victoria Findlay Wolfe). I realized that the bright, happy colors reminded me of Dorothy, my grade school teacher who taught me for grades 1-4. My memories of her are brightly colored dresses, and her creativity. She introduced me to the joy of art all those years ago! The size of this quilt, 48″ x 56″ – made me think that it would be just right for a small picnic quilt. So I consider this the first in my picnic quilt series.
The top was pieced using a layer cake of Mostly Manor fabrics. I picked two 10″ squares, cut an improv curve, and sewed them together. Then I cut a second improv curve and repeat. Once that was done, I played with layout ideas until I settled on this one. The blocks are 8″ finished.
Using a neon pink thread, Connie quilted a whimsical flower design throughout the quilt top.
The backing and binding is my all-time favorite fabric. This pretty orange floral is Elyse, also from the Mostly Manor line of Victoria Findlay Wolfe. I have had a 5-yard piece of this fabric on my shelf, waiting for this project.
I thoroughly enjoy sewing improv circles, so my Picnic with Dorothy finish is a favorite quilt for me. I can’t wait to take it on its first picnic!
Happy Friday, my friends! I’m linking up today with
Wendy
Thursday Thoughts
33 Comments
marissthequilter
Gorgeous. Just the ticket for a summery, flowery picnic. Enjoy your first picnic with her.
Sandra Healy
Absolutely beautiful, Wendy, and lovely memories behind the name.
Stitchin at Home
A beautiful picnic quilt! I can see the picnic spread on it.
The Joyful Quilter
What a fun quilt, Wendy!!
Nancy Bekedam
So much to love and say about this fab finish!!! First of all, you had the same teacher for 1 through 4?!! Sounds like she was fabulous herself! Love those colorful prints. Your improv is so appropriate for those fun fabrics. And the backing is the bomb!!!
My Sewful Retirement
Picnic with Dorothy is absolutely beautiful! The colors are so bright, the improv curves was a perfect design, the backing fabric is awesome ♥♥ Have a great weekend!
Laura
Love it! I would take this quilt on a picnic any day! 🙂
Brenda @ Songbird Designs
I can see why this is a favorite and what a wonderful tribute to your grade school teacher who shared her artistic talents with you so you can share with us! Love the neon pink whimsical flower quilting. Flower power!! Have a great weekend, Wendy!
Vicki in MN
It’s perfect for a picnic because of all the bright flowers scattered about! It’s just so you Wendy:) Thank goodness your teacher showed you the world of art as it has carried through the years and made you a creative quilter.
karenfae
perfect picnic quilt – I have one too that I picked out colorful bright fabric – if anything spills and can’t come out all the way it doesn’t show up either
Tracie
What a cheerful quilt! I love your improv curves too. I can picture these fabrics made up in dresses during the 60s and 70s — no doubt that Dorothy would approve!
Quilting is in my Blood
What a cheerful picnic quilt. Your improv curves are so much fun! And I love the neon pink flowers that Connie quilted! I also can see you making more picnic quilts!
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
Picnic with Dorothy is gorgeous, Wendy! I love all that pretty color, and the improv curve design. That looks like the perfect way to use a layer cake! Congratulations on your finish!
Barbara J Stanbro
Gorgeous colors. I totally love that backing fabric. I like the story behind the name too.
Cindy Berry
How darling! I hope you have a great picnic – picnics are such fun and a getaway , even in your own backyard…
Louise Hornor
This is just the happiest little quilt! I love the neon quilting thread and the pretty floral motif. Super finish!
Carol Andrews
What a perfect picnic quilt. The VFW fabrics are perfect 😉
Needle and Foot
Holy cow Wendy – I love this. Please invite me on the picnic. The colors are exquisite.
You had the same teacher for four grades?? That is really interesting.
ROCHELLE SUMMERS
A beautiful quilt. I love the association with a memorable teacher who started you on your art path. Can’t wait to see more picnic quilts.
Frédérique
Pretty and cheerful quilt, what a beautiful name too, with a nice story!
Thank you for linking up with TGIFF 😉
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
The whimsical flower quilting motif is perfect for the prints and sentiments you shared about the quilt. I sure hope teachers know how positively the touch our lives.
Helen
Four years with one teacher! I’m sure you did have a strong bond with her. I looped with my class a couple of times (meaning I kept the same kids for two years). I did have a double strong bond with those groups.
karen berrisford
So fun and colourful, absolutely love it! Improv curves need to be moved to the top of my bucket list , lol.
texasquiltgal
All those fabrics are SO pretty and that backing really complements the improv on front! Connie is a treasure. For some reason I was associating Dorothy with Wizard of Oz. 😀 What an honor for your former teacher.
Cheree Hull
I LOVE how you named this one! So colorful and yay! a great finish!
Kathleen McCormick
That is one fun finish! I love that the neon threads are showing up on your quilts and that improv curves is just right for it. So much fun that it elicited a memory of your teacher, Dorothy.
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy! The first in a series is just fabulous. You HAVE to sign and date it. Right now. Go on!! I adore the Picnic with Dorothy quilt. It’s easy to close my eyes and just picture that teacher although I am shocked that you know her first name. Isn’t it amazing what a truly good teacher can impart to you without you even knowing it?!! I am really looking forward to the second in a series of picnic quilts. Will it have similar colors? Or might it be the size that makes the series cohesive? It will be fun to find out. {{Hugs}} Great job!! ~smile~ Roseanne
Sylvia
Such a fun, happy quilt! Love the name.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare
I love this quilt. It so bright and cheerful. I’m sure your old teacher would be very honoured to know you’ve remembered her and named your quilt after her. I wish you many picnics 🙂
Kathy Swallows
Congrats on a beautiful finish! I love the story behind the name. You used some gorgeous prints that would make some great dresses.
Rebecca Grace
Your Picnic With Dorothy quilt came out just fabulous, and I love the story behind its name. Also, I MUST get some of that orange floral backing fabric because it’s amazing!
Dawn Tornes
So bright and beautiful! Love the story behind the name! I must do more improve sewing…circles, triangles, etc. Fun and freeing to do!
piecefulwendy
Thank you, Dawn! Enjoy your improv play!