That's right....finally the giveaway post.
And here's the quilt in all it's glory.
Several people guessed what the pattern would be. I saw it at this tutorial. I didn't particularly follow the directions, but used the general idea. It has no batting and is made from circles of recycled jeans with fabric inset.
Not MY jeans mind you...but someone's. I didn't want to do very small squares because of time limitations, so I had to go to the thrift store and buy the biggest jeans I could find. The sales people though I was crazy as I could literally fit in one leg of some of them. But I didn't want to pull off pockets and such and have them have changes in color.
The instructions recommended zig-zagging the edges but I really wanted the frayed denim edges. That means this quilt is by no means a study in perfect sewing. I washed it again after I was finished sewing and had to go back and re-sew the edges that frayed a little too much. I suspect the new owner may have to do that as well during it's lifetime.
But I like the rough-around-the-edges look. It feels like a great picnic blanket. And I think it will get better with age. Sorry I can't get it to your for possible 4th of July picnics. :(
So, "how do I win such a beauty?", you ask. Well, if you've never before commented on my site, you can't. Sorry to new readers! I'm not doing it that way to be elitist, but since it's a whole quilt I wanted it to be somebody who's not just passing through for a giveaway. Hopefully whoever gets it will really love it and use it.
But don't fret if you are a lurker. I have consolation prizes. There are two sets that come with: handmade zippered pouch, three fun, bright fat quarters, six 8 1/2" squares of recycled denim, and a little flower I crocheted (I didn't attach them to the pouches but that certainly might be cute). I will be givng one of these prizes randomly to someone who leaves a comment on this post and one to someone who has already left a comment on this previous post where I drew out all the lurkers.
My method for the grand prize selection is this:
1. Randomly pick a number between 1 and 106 (the number of posts before this)
2. Randomly pick a number between 1 and the number of comments on that post (comments left after now won't count)
3. Check to see if that commenter also entered by leaving a comment on THIS post
4. Repeat as necessary to find a winner
So, you have to leave a comment here to win. I won't be overly picky about what you say. If you want to be fun, you can send me your favorite cookie recipe. I'm particularly interested in finding a good shortbread-like sugar cookie recipe for big, thick cutouts. I bought the most amazing ones for Easter with a slightly lemon frosting that I'm hoping to re-create. I'll leave the contest open until Tuesday at midnight, just in case some of you are too occupied with the holiday.
AND....if you can be the first to tell me where I can buy PEACH colored raffia, I will make a special prize just for you. It has to be peach, not coral, or orange, or terra cotta, which I already have.
**** UPDATE: I should have mentioned I'm looking for synthetic raffia!
So good luck to you all.
You should know I appreciate all my readers so much. When I started this all a year ago I never knew how much fulfillment I would get from sharing with you and getting to know you too. A whole year....wow.
JT
Oh my goodness, I don't think I have ever been the first person to leave a comment. Congratulations on one year of blogging. I am always excited to see what you are working on. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jennifer Chick-Gray | July 02, 2009 at 01:41 PM
How is it possible that I am the first to comment! Love the quilt, love the blog...I'm absolutely certain I am going to love the fabric line! I'm here everyday to see what kind of shinanigans you are up to!
Posted by: Sara D. | July 02, 2009 at 01:42 PM
Jessica - the quilt is beautiful - your work always amazes and inspires me. Thanks so much for your emails re: granny squares. I've done 65+ hexagons and the end is in sight soon for the blanket. Thanks for your blog - I look for it every day!
Posted by: kathy | July 02, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Oh my, what a great picnic quilt! It's so perfect for days in the park when it's not 110 degrees (we're in Phoenix).
Sugar cookie recipe? You're just as out of luck as I am. My mom won't give me the best sugar cookie recipe in the world. Personally I believe it's because she uses waaay too much butter and doesn't want anyone to know.
Raffia?
This shop on Etsy has one package left of vintage apricot: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25257646&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=peach+raffia&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title
and here's a random site from the web that specifically calls it peach:
http://www.franksupply.com/raffia_supplies.html
I haven't ordered from either site. Good luck in your search!
Posted by: angel | July 02, 2009 at 02:10 PM
Darn! I don't think I've commented before! Beautiful quilt. I like all the different shades of jeans. Have fun!
Posted by: DebbieKL | July 02, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Ooh! I love that tutorial! Thanks for sharing, let alone doing the giveaway! :-D
Posted by: ~Michelle~ | July 02, 2009 at 02:16 PM
I love it...esp. with the frayed edges! I would have liked to see you buying the extra big jeans...it paints a great picture!
Posted by: Doris | July 02, 2009 at 02:17 PM
I'm not sure if my first comment posted so I'll leave another...trying to remember exactly what I wrote. Please delete this if there's a double. :)
What a beautiful picnic quilt! Perfect for days at the park when it's not 110 degrees, we're in Phoenix.
Raffia?
Here's a link to an etsy shop with one package of apricot left:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25257646&ref=sr_gallery_1&&ga_search_query=peach+raffia&ga_search_type=supplies&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title
and here's a random link from the web that specifically lists peach:
http://www.franksupply.com/raffia_supplies.html
Sugar cookies?
I'm sorry to say you're just as out of luck as I am. My mom won't share her recipe. Personally I believe it's because she uses waaaay too much butter and doesn't want anyone to know.
Good luck with your searches. Thanks for a great giveaway.
Posted by: angel | July 02, 2009 at 02:19 PM
Your quilt turned out beautiful! Congrats on one year!
Posted by: Allie | July 02, 2009 at 02:25 PM
That is so pretty. And kudos to you for using recycled materials.
http://www.yourorganzabag.com/ribbon.htm and look at the Orchid color.
As for cookies, our current fave is http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/05/crispy-salted-oatmeal-white-chocolate-cookies/ and also http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/12/peanut-butter-cookies/. I don't have any shortbread recipes, sorry.
Congrats on all the posting!
Posted by: Martha | July 02, 2009 at 02:35 PM
What a beautiful quilt!! :)
Here is some peach raffia along with tons of other colors:
http://www.franksupply.com/raffia_supplies.html
And, here is a shortbread cookie recipe for you...
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Shortbread-Cookies-IV/Detail.aspx
I LOVE shortbread cookies. :)
Posted by: Shealynn Benner | July 02, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Love the quilt! I immediately thought it would be a great picnic blanket and then read on and saw you thought the same thing.
No luck finding peach raffia, but this is a great chocolate chip recipe! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Big-Fat-Chewy-Chocolate-Chip-Cookie/Detail.aspx
Happy 4th and thanks for all the inspiration!
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | July 02, 2009 at 02:54 PM
The quilt OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS!!!! Not only is college getting in the way of crocheting now it's getting in the way of making a denim quilt. This will DEF have to go on my list of HAVE TO DO's in about 11 months! Girl you are SOOOOO awesome :)
About the raffia I am clueless. However I've got the cookie recipe that will melt in your mouth.
Cookies
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp milk
Mix above and then add:
2 1/2 cups sifted flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Roll to 3/8 inch, bake at 375 for 12 minutes
Top with AMAZING frosting as follows
8 oz cream cheese
3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (add until frosting stands where the beater leaves it)
1 tsp vanilla
You'll be sad if you make less than 2 or 3 batches.
Happy 4th of July!
Posted by: Polly Phinney | July 02, 2009 at 03:03 PM
I LOVE your quilt and hope you have a tute later! It is so bright and cheerful!
Posted by: Kim | July 02, 2009 at 03:05 PM
When you find that perfect cookie recipe please do share. I've tried a few with not so great results. You're actually linked to in my blog so I check everytime there is a new post:)
Posted by: Jen B | July 02, 2009 at 03:05 PM