Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Big Bear Finish!

The Bear quilt is finished and measures 58" x 69"!
This quilt was started in the fall of 2016 with Lorna's MOD Bear Paw Quilt Along. I thought I was going to make a little wallhanging, but this bear project took on a life of it's own and decided to become a bigger quilt. I made as many blocks as I could with the brown fabric I had purchased for the project.
Then I got the idea to add the word 'Killarney', which is the name of the provincial park in which I saw a bear that year (you can read the story here). Adding the word row meant that I ran out of the light background fabric and had to buy more to make the borders. The new background fabric turned out to be a slightly lighter colour which didn't bug me too much until I saw the finished quilt outdoors. But it's way too late to change it now, so I just have to live with it. I am tempted to tea dye the whole quilt and see if that tones down the difference between the two fabrics.


It was only fitting that I took the photos of the finished quilt while camping at the same park where I met the bear last year.
We had fun finding just the right spot to hold the quilt for photos. However it is difficult to get qualified quilt holders who understand how to hold the quilt still and parallel to the ground!




The quilt has already been used for cuddling up in around the fire, for warmth at night, and for protection from mosquitoes, black flies and bears!
Thank you to Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts for another great quilt along and a wonderful pattern!
I'm so happy to be linking up my finish to One Monthly Goal and Let's Be Social. You can see more bear quilts at the QAL link up here.

44 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

Your quilt is a perfect bear deterrent, unless, of course, the bear is cold, in which case he or she might want to cuddle with you, under the quilt. Lol! Great finish!

Ariane said...

This quilt is beautiful! I love that you added the parks name. I wouldn't worry about the background colour. It make the centre pop more.

Anne Ida said...

Congratulations on a fabulous finish! Love the photos from the inspiration park.

Karen said...

A long time in the making but oh so good in the end!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

The lighter background color in the border looks nice, and I agree with Ariane, it makes the middle stand out more.

Stitchin At Home said...

I don't think I would do anything to change the colour of the background I like the effect it gives of highlighting the center. Killarney Park is just up the hwy from my son's place.

Jo said...

I think you have done a wonderful job with this quilt even though the added border is lighter. It looks planned. Don't worry about it. It's lovely

Jan Snell said...

Congratulations on getting the Bear quilt done and off to Killarney. It looks great and will certainly be a family heirloom with that back story.

piecefulwendy said...

I love the pictures of the quilt in the wild! Congrats on the finish -- it is really nice! I love Bear's Paw blocks, so this pattern appeals to me.

Margaret said...

Yay! It's perfect!

LES is More said...

I love this! I actually like the whiter background on the border-it looks purposeful and sets off the center panel. Don't bother with the tea stain-they will come out different anyway.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

great idea for your photos and so nice that it is being taken along while camping and getting used - I love to see a quilt getting used!

Barb said...

congratulations and what fun photos!

Angie said...

Wonderful finish! Perfect timing to have it finished in time for this year's camping adventure - great pictures!

Lorna McMahon said...

Thank you so much for quilting along, Kathy! I love your beautiful finish... And those photos with your quilt holders/cuddlers are so fun!

Needled Mom said...

It turned out beautifully! Well done.

Barbara said...

Beautiful job. Love it!

Linda M @ Pieceful Kingdom said...

It's great! I love that quilt.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Congratulations! I love how you made this quilt so meaningful!

time4stitchn said...

Congratulations on your finish! How great to photograph it near the place it was inspired by. Oh, and I hope you are not plagued by those black flies and mosquitoes too much.

swooze said...

I think the color difference makes it look like a frame

Betty said...

Beautiful photos, great quilt!
Betty

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Love the quilt and the photo of wrapped in a bear (quilt).

Deanna W said...

"That's a wrap for the bear quilt"!!! haha
Well done and you were in my neck of the woods(well province)so to speak!!! Just one month till you come to visit!!

MissPat said...

I agree with others that the outer lighter background doesn't bother me. It seems more obvious because more background shows in the border than the center. I'd leave it just the way it is.
Pat

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Great finish!

Robin said...

This quilt is wonderful. I wouldn't worry about the difference in the background shades, especially now that its completed. It makes me really want to make one. I am making some bears paw blocks but they are scrappy and I don't think scrappy would work as well with this pattern. Nice job!

Mary said...

Congrats on the BIG Finish. My quilt buddy is making this pattern in blues. The bear paws are tiny! Perfect placce to take your quilt pictures.

quiltingbydawn said...

Congratulations! I also made this quilt (baby sized) and loved it! Lorna does a great job with her QAL. I love how you added the name of the park and the story of your bear sighting.

Sharon - IN said...

Wonderful quilt and I like your additions to it! Nice photo shoot too!

Monica said...

The hot dogs look good in the corners, and the whole quilt is really wonderful. It`s a great finish! And that first photo is pretty awesome too. :D

Raewyn said...

Well done on a beautiful finish!!! I love your choice of venue for your photoshoot! I still have to do the borders on mine...maybe just maybe you've inspired me to pull it out again!

Audrey said...

Great finish! I can tell this one has a sentimental pull on you.😊 Love the added wording!

Kaelyn Angelfoot said...

Wonderful quilt and congrats on the finish!

Patty said...

What a wonderful finish and adding the world is a great idea. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.

Marie said...

How great is that??! Wonderful quilt and beautifully shot, especially that first pic. It really just says it all about Killarney.

Nann said...

What a memorable souvenir. It gives a bear hug (a safe one!) each time it's used.

Debbie said...

So sweet to see your quilt being used!

scraphappy said...

Congratulations! It looks fabulous. It is always so much fun to know how quilts evolve along the way. This one looks like it has already been loved and enjoyed.

canuckquilter said...

Beautiful quilts and great photo shoot!

Cathy said...

This turned out so cute! Congrats on your finish and even better...it's already in use!

Lisa J. said...

I like the two different colours Kathy, and if you are going to keep taking it camping it will all probably start to blend together any how. It's a wonderful finish and I'm glad that you got it done because I have abandoned my feeble attempt.

Anonymous said...

Well done on a beautiful finish!!! I love your choice of venue for your photoshoot! I still have to do the borders on mine...maybe just maybe you've inspired me to pull it out again!
ผลบอลเมื่อคืน

Laura said...

What a wonderful version of this quilt! But so many HSTs! You are a quilter with stamina.