Motivated by finishing that lap quilt, I started a baby quilt for a friend. I finished it last night, in time for a different friend's baby shower. Let me just reiterate that it took me more than 3 years to finish this quilt, and not because it was difficult. It is because I am, by nature, in the top 1% of starters in the world. And in my sewing, I am in the bottom 1% of finishers.
The yellow elephant was appliqued on white muslin with a shiny purple satin stitch and I quilted through the white area diagonally. The border around that appliqued panel is actually comprised of just 4 rectangles of blue fabric. I think I quilted in a standard grid pattern in the border area, a few inches apart. I have a Kenmore machine (from the days when Janome made the Kenmore machines) and a universal walking foot -- not a great combo. This (and the even less successful universal invisible zipper foot) has convinced me that feet made specifically for my machine are the best investment.
I asked Louis to lay on it so I could take photos before the party, and when I told him I was giving it to a new baby, he said, "Awwww... I thought it was for me." After her mother opened the quilt at the shower, the new baby's big sister said jokingly, "Yay! I love my new blanket!" I had no idea how much joy and wanty-ness a handmade quilt -- even a little one -- could bring. So I, the non-crafter, promised Louis we would work on a quilt for him this summer. He's thinking of a Mario quilt, though I am feeling the Quiltsryche vibe. Maybe we will do both!
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Beautiful! I love the elephant applique and the dark blue that you paired it with. It's no wonder that so many are coveting it :-). And those Mario quilts? I burst out laughing and clapped my hands when I saw them [that's my indication of sheer delight], not because I play video games, but because how awesome are they?
ReplyDeleteHow about having Louis draw a picture of Mario and you incorporate some Quiltsryche-like elements and you make a perfectly original quilt from it?
ReplyDeletelove this! Very sleek and modern looking but still very much a baby blanket!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt. I admire anyone who can quilt!
ReplyDeleteI'm working on my first quilt. I started off really well, but it has gradually dwindled down to a crawl. I am inspired to get busy again!
ReplyDeleteNo, no, I see it.
ReplyDeleteNintendo Mario with a black electric guitar. And flames!
I see it. I see the magnificence now.
(hahaha, wait, that would actually be incredibly difficult but, geez, that's fun to imagine). The baby quilt you've made, however, is adorable! ^_^
Did you draw the elephant yourself? Very cute!
ReplyDeleteawesome quilt, and i'm sure whatever combination of quilt you and your son decide on it will be great!
ReplyDeleteYay quilts! Can't wait to see what you come up with next (but go ahead, take your time no pressure!)
ReplyDeleteI think I'd better get my clothes-sewing up to scratch before I tackle another sewing skill. Though I'm quite keen on taking up knitting again so I can teach my daughter.
ReplyDeleteHello from the same sets of 1%!
ReplyDeleteChristmas 2008 I presented my daughters with flannel quilts that I had embroidered details on in lieu of "quilting" (it's 2 layers of flannel so pretty warm) but for the boy, I decided to embroider the outline of the cars - it takes me an hour per car! Yikes, maybe he'll get it winter 2010!
I have technically started 2 quilts & finished zero. My other quilter friends generally take years as well. So take heart!
ReplyDelete& love the little applique.
that's funny, and the quilt is precious.
ReplyDeletedang that's cute! I love elephants, especially yellow ones.
ReplyDelete