Having a little quilt project like this is so much fun. I've put in a good amount of stitching on it and, well, it's done!
The patchwork actually began last year around Christmastime. It was intended to be a gift but I ran out of time and had to put it aside. Then I just forgot all about it. (Something that, uh...happens more than I care to admit actually, but one of the benefits of spring cleaning is finding these lost and forgotten half-finished projects that entertained me through the winter.)
Anyway, I'd already done the piecing so when I picked this up again I only needed to 
add a border and do a little quilting. I wish I could tell you more about the beautiful fabrics. Some were from old stash that I already had, and some were purchased as a "charm pack" in pre-cut squares. (A quick way to get a quilt started btw.) But it was so long ago that I've forgotten what fabric collection this was from. Maybe someone else will recognize this group of prints, because I'd really like to find more of some of these. This is a small quilt (36"x28") doll-size really, and an easy size to work with on your lap. The piecing was done on the machine, but I hand-quilted mainly because I like having something to stitch on while I sit and relax.
A free-form embroidered monogram applique was made to sign and date it. 
One of my old quilt teacher friends (a staunch New Englander from the days of yore) always, always insisted that every quilt be signed and dated in some way. No matter what, no ifs ands or buts by golly! In fact, she was so adamant about that, I still hear her voice ringing in my ears whenever I finish a quilt so I've gotten in the habit of labeling things. It's a good practice really, and I do encourage and recommend everyone to do it. Future generations will thank you.
Beautiful! Do you use a hoop when you do your hand-quilting? I've wanted to try hand quilting but I don't see how you hold it all together while you're working...
Posted by: Sarah | May 25, 2006 at 10:00 AM
What a lovely quilt!!!
Posted by: lk | May 25, 2006 at 10:10 AM
Don't worry yourself so about responding to comments Vicki. We all understand. It is already so time consuming to keep a blog, let alone respond to all the comments. One big thank you every once in awhile feels just as nice!
Beautiful quilt and so sorry for your scare! I'm glad all is o.k. my friend.
lauren
Posted by: lauren | May 25, 2006 at 10:23 AM
The quilt is beautiful and will be just the thing to remind one of love, and lovely things, and comfort.
Posted by: jenclair | May 25, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Dear Vicki, This is just so lovely. As a non-quilter and non-sewer, this is a big push to dive into the bottom of my closet and pull out a mini-quilt I start so long ago that I don't remember WHEN I actually started it. Enjoy your zen moment. After the scare from yesterday you certainly desire it.
Posted by: AnnieElf | May 25, 2006 at 10:44 AM
I've got stacks and stacks of that fabric staring at me as I go to bed each night. No, not put together in a beautiful quilt like yours, but just stacks of fabric... so I can tell you that it's designed by Robyn Pandolph, and I think it's her Hannah Bella line. Maybe someday, I'll be able to open my eyes in the morning and see it as a quilt, too...
Posted by: Michelle | May 25, 2006 at 10:52 AM
This is beautiful and amazing and wonderful and lovely and, and, and...well you know what I mean. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Posted by: Heather | May 25, 2006 at 11:53 AM
That picture is fine! I agree I find it hard to photograph quilts, but I like how your pics bring out the shawdows of the stiches...I also like your 'round' label! I really like your style...
Posted by: PJ | May 25, 2006 at 12:24 PM
It so Beautiful!! I just love the colors and patterns. I try to sign and date my quilts too, but sometimes I'm in so much of a hurry to finish the actual quilt that I don't have time to sign. You are right, I will sign and date from now on. :) Glad you are feeling better!
Posted by: | May 25, 2006 at 01:30 PM
What a beautiful quilt! It's so cozy and calm looking...and the prints and colors are so lovely. Thank you so much for sharing it! You've certainly inspired me to take out my piles of fabric for that first quilt I've been meaning to start for ages now. :) As a pre-novice quilter, I was wondering what kind of batting you use and as Sarah asked, how do you keep it together when you hand quilt?
me: Because this quilt was small, I just hand-basted the three layers together around the edges. Then I used a quilting hoop starting in the middle, and eventually just did the rest of the quilting without it. Always start in the center and work out toward the edges, smoothing as you go.
Allow enough overhang of batting and backing fabric to take up any slack that occurs. I used a natural cotton batting for this which I find very easy to work with. For tied quilts though, always use polyester because the cotton will ball up over time if it's not quilted flat.
Posted by: Marie | May 25, 2006 at 02:26 PM
Like everyone else has said, this quilt is beautiful! It had never occured to me that one should label their handmade pieces though it makes perfect sense. I wouldn't dream of leaving my artwork unsigned..why not my other crafty bits. Someday I hope to piece together a quilt as lovely as this one. :)
Posted by: Marie | May 25, 2006 at 04:31 PM
Oh so pretty! I love how you add your initials and date. I wish my grandmother did that to her quilts. What a talent you have. The only "quilt" I have ever done is one, yes ONE, square! Wow. Beautiful.
Posted by: Rosa | May 25, 2006 at 05:16 PM
Lovely, lovely quilt, Vicki. I haven't added the date etc., to mine thus far, but now I feel I must! I can never take nice quilt photos either, tho' this one looks pretty good to me.
Posted by: Meg | May 25, 2006 at 05:49 PM
This is gorgeous!
Posted by: Jessica Hood | May 25, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Vicki, it is beautiful !! I really like the fabric. But I have to tell you my favorite part is the little signature thingy on the back. I just love that. I am strange. Clarice
Posted by: Clarice | May 25, 2006 at 08:23 PM
Very nice quilt!
Posted by: Shelly | May 25, 2006 at 10:35 PM
Everything you touch is better for it!
Posted by: Tongue in Cheek | May 26, 2006 at 01:06 AM
Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing it. I think lavender in next in my project list!
Posted by: Michelle | May 26, 2006 at 03:46 AM
this lavender quilt is very sweet ! Congratulations
Posted by: Fanchon68 | May 26, 2006 at 05:03 AM
Love the quilting inside and outside the patches -- so old fashioned and wonderful!
Posted by: Amy | May 26, 2006 at 05:28 AM
I love to buy the charm packets of squares. I just bought 3 this week or wonderful little plaids, solids and strips in peachy, green, creams.
What's the lavender quilt's fate? Is it for playing dolls or a gift?
Posted by: Harriett | May 26, 2006 at 06:26 AM
Oh, your quilt is delightful! The colours are exquisite. I love the way you signed it as well.
I thought it was much bigger! But that "doll-size" as you call it, is really charming as it is.
I would have just quilted in the ditch with my sewing machine, but your quilting, accenting each square, makes the quilt look so much more interesting and "quilty". You are right, I'll have to tackle hand-quilting next time I make a quilt.
I always love receiving a response from you Vicki - thank you so much! It makes me doubly happy and grateful for your blog. But I know this must be very time-consuming for you; and I must confess I hardly ever do so with my own blog readers - except when someone asks a specific question... (well for a start, Blogger doesn't tell me their email address).
I was so sorry to read about your near-accident yesterday - how scary!
But I hope you'll have a lovely, zen weekend :)
Posted by: Isabelle | May 26, 2006 at 06:28 AM
It is simply DELICIOUS! Your lavender quilt is gourgeous and lovely!!! It just makes us want to wrap on it on a cold end of a summer day!!!
Beijinhos*
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne | May 26, 2006 at 08:09 AM
The quilt is just lovely!
Posted by: Dana | May 26, 2006 at 08:12 AM
That is a beautiful, beautiful quilt Vicki. I am so in love with charm quilts, this may be one of my next projects. And the size of yours is perfect!
Posted by: Blair | May 26, 2006 at 08:05 PM
LOVE this quilt! I think the photo you took is pretty darn good too! Thankyou for the info about signing the quilt. Why didn't I know about that?
Posted by: Becky | May 28, 2006 at 06:13 PM
What a BEAUTIFUL quilt!!
Posted by: Mirre | May 31, 2006 at 07:55 AM