skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Quilting
k8orlando2

Alaska Quilt done

13 years ago

Last fall, knowing that my family was going to be doing an Alaska vacation in early 2013, I started this quilt for my brother. If you were at Retreat you might remember me working on it there. I planned to give it to him for his birthday in April, but didn't have it done. He'll be here for a visit in a couple weeks so I decided it was time to put other projects aside and get it quilted. I finished it this afternoon.

The border is an aurora print I purchased on a cruise we all took to Alaska in 2007. The inner border is a medley of metallics for a northern lights kind of effect. The quilting is supposed to look like swirling snowflakes, with a blue/white variegated thread.

Here's a close up:

I wasn't working from a pattern so I really didn't know if it would end up looking balanced or anywhere near my 'vision', but all in all I'm pretty pleased with the results.

The place we all stayed was a cabin on Cleary Summit, north of Fairbanks. The snow was beautiful during the day, but each night the skies cleared and showed a million stars. We were lucky to see amazing displays of the northern lights every night. It was a magical vacation. I've called this quilt "The Skies of Cleary Summit".

Kate

Comments (26)

  • 13 years ago

    Oh, the borders do look like northern lights. The quilting looks like stars to me, so the name is perfect. I know he is going to love it.

    beverly

  • 13 years ago

    Congratulations... I know you wanted to wrap this up and your vision turned out beautifully!!! The quilting looks great...he is sure to cherish this glowing gem!
    V.

  • Related Professionals

    Birmingham Furniture & Accessories · Mobile Furniture & Accessories · West Plains Furniture & Accessories · Stamford Furniture & Accessories · Rapid City Furniture & Accessories · Brunswick Interior Designers & Decorators · Hopkinsville Interior Designers & Decorators · Saint Joseph Interior Designers & Decorators · Cincinnati Interior Designers & Decorators · Columbia Interior Designers & Decorators · Clarksburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Lima Interior Designers & Decorators · Mankato Flooring Contractors · Lima Flooring Contractors · Salinas Flooring Contractors
  • 13 years ago

    Oh this is beautiful!! What a treasure ....love the swirls and stars! ...and you did that with no pattern!! Wow!!!!! Very, very nice..........

  • 13 years ago

    Looks like you had fun designing it and weaving the memories and the feel of the place. Good work!
    LindaB/CA

  • 13 years ago

    Wonderfully pulled off! Great job!

  • 13 years ago

    That turned out great. I know he will love it. Good job.

  • 13 years ago

    Very beautiful! I loved it at Retreat. The unique fabric choices & random stars in blue are perfect. He is sure to love it. This one is sure to be hard to part with! You captured the essence of your trips and I can see The Northern Lights!

  • 13 years ago

    Kate, it's beautiful! I know your brother will love it, and the special memories that inspired it!

    Donna

  • 13 years ago

    That is spectacular just as your trip must have been. What a thoughtful gift. Great job.

  • 13 years ago

    What a beautiful quilt!
    I like the swirls and stars.
    Good Fabric choice for the pieced stars.... they have 'twinkly' movement.
    He'll love it!
    TFS.

    ~Geraldine

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks for all your comments!

    I took a picture of it outside today; the sunlight really sparkles on the metallic fabric border.

    The blues for the pieced stars came from Connecting Threads. I can't recall exactly when I bought them but at the time I couldn't resist the color.

  • 13 years ago

    See what I mean about the metallic border?

  • 13 years ago

    It sparkles even more in the sunshine!!

  • 13 years ago

    Good choices and impressive all around. Brother will be pleased for sure. Congratulations. TFS

  • 13 years ago

    This maybe a double post the first one just disappeared!

    I remember the quilt from retreat too. You are so creative Kate, he will love it!
    Rosa

  • 13 years ago

    Beautiful job, Kate. I'm so impressed by those of you who actually design a quilt as well as execute it. Maybe someday...

  • 13 years ago

    You have a beauty there, Kate. Very special.

    SharonG/FL

  • 13 years ago

    A special thanks to littlehelen for teaching me to do free motion loops! They worked great for the swirling snowflake trails.

  • 13 years ago

    Nice quilt, I am sure it will be well received

    Jackie

  • 13 years ago

    Kate, it turned out beautifully. I am sure your brother will love it!

    Sue

  • 13 years ago

    I love your fabrics. My dh worked on the pipeline in Alaska years ago and talks about it being his second home. I love how you captured it. And love your quilting.

    Robbi

  • 13 years ago

    Ah, that moment when a gift quilt is delivered and you know they like it. And they showed up with a framed picture of Jim and me from the Alaska trip! It was a wonderful exchange of memories.

  • 13 years ago

    congratulations...sounds like a perfect exchange!
    V.

  • 13 years ago

    A proud moment and one to cherish. Happy for both of you.

  • 13 years ago

    Very nice gifts -- good thing you finished their quilt! :~)

  • 13 years ago

    I know!!!

Related Stories
ARTSee Winning Modern Quilts on Display at QuiltCon 2015
By Anne Colby
Top quilts have been chosen from among hundreds at the international show in Austin through February 22. View them and others here
Full Story
77
DECLUTTERINGGet It Done: Clean Out Your Bedroom Closet
By Becky Harris
You can do it. Sort, purge, clean — and luxuriate in all the extra space you’ll gain — with this motivating, practical how-to
Full Story
52
HOUSEKEEPINGGet It Done: Clean Out the Linen Closet
By Becky Harris
Organized bliss for your bedroom sheets and bathroom towels is just a few hours away
Full Story
53
DECORATING GUIDESBean There, Done That: Coffee Table Alternatives
By Grace Chamia
Get creative with these ideas for salvaged and DIY pieces that will get people talking
Full Story
83
ARTShow News: Rare Quilts Get Museum Time
By Vanessa Brunner
See 6 intricate designs from a California exhibition and get tips for building your own quilt collection
Full Story
85
DECORATING GUIDESCelebrating the Great American Quilt
By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer
They speak of family, history and beauty. Is it any wonder quilts transcend design styles?
Full Story
89
COLLECTIONS15 Reasons to Get Addicted to Kantha Quilts
By RedAgape Blog
You can use kantha quilts, made from old saris, throughout your home — on beds, as upholstery and as wall hangings
Full Story
75
BEDROOMSBedtime Stories: Should You Get a Quilt, Duvet, Coverlet or Bedspread?
By Jess McBride
In this detailed guide, learn about the choices you have for covering your bed
Full Story
75
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis
By Jay Sifford
Alaska cedar brings an element of sculpture to the garden
Full Story
12
FEEL-GOOD HOMESimple Pleasures: Treasuring the Gift of Grandparents
By Laura Gaskill
You can enrich your family life by bringing generations together for shared meals, quilting projects, storytelling
Full Story
60
Sponsored
Mary Shipley Interiors
Average rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars34 Reviews
Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 10x Best of Houzz
More Discussions
This is Shoofly Pie, quilted and bound
3
How is everyone?
8
Jacksonville Quiltfest 2026
3
Walled Garden is finished
14
My recent finish!
6