Wedding Quilt

Entering my freshman year of college I was set up with two roommates. I hit it off just fine with both of them. But I am especially glad that I am still friends with one of them, my Megan. We've traveled together, had heart to hearts, and now we both quilt! It's just another bond that ties us together. Who else can appreciate sewing puns? "You're sew rad!" or " You're hot" set next to a picture of an iron.

I wasn't surprised by her wedding gift (I'm sure she told me it would be a quilt), but I am in awe of her workmanship. She makes quilts in a jiff. She keeps a busy schedule. And yet, she was able to whip up this gem in time for the wedding.

We even used it for a the backdrop of the cake cutting.

Newlyweds and Megan

Cake and Quilt backdrop

Me and Megan

Seven years that we've known each other now. Crazy!
 For kicks, here's a pic from when it started. Fall 2006:

Summertime baby quilt

It's December and I'm only now recapturing the quilts that I've finished in the past months.
 In August, I finished a quilt for the grandmother who ordered Primary Alphabet.  It turns out that she wanted her own baby blanket to keep at her house. I used the exact same pattern, but varied the fabrics. What I enjoy most about this photo is how summery it is. (The background, really. Zack has his bicycle out, there are lush green leaves on the tree. Ah, summer.)

Front

Look at the quilting!

Oh my gosh, the funnest thing on this quilt was that I switched up the quilting. I quilted the two halves differently. Look at the above photo, and you can see how I changed directions.

Back

Elephant Alphabet

Fourth of July weekend a friend asked me to make a baby quilt for clients who just welcomed a grandbaby into their family. I was excited, accepted the project and then as life seems to go, things got busy. Zack and I went on vacation, got engaged and then were married a short two months later.

So I am absolutely thrilled to finally be done with this project... in late November... a good five months later...

 I've been holding on to this bright elephant fabric, just waiting for the right idea. I knew I wanted to use it, but didn't know how to. There are so many "novelty prints" that I love! But it's difficult for me to place them in a quilt. I suppose, that it's the idea of cutting through the fabric that holds me back.

But I had the adorable elephants, I chose some equally bright orange and teal alphabet prints and then just pieced as I saw fit.  I didn't use a pattern, like I normally do. I just chose matching green/blue and orange and "went for it."

Instead of quilting on the machine, I chose the more peaceful option of hand tying. Traditionally I think I would have kept the knots on the front side, but I wasn't sure if the little ties would be bothersome to the baby lying on it. So all the knots and loose ends are on the back, which leaves a refreshingly clean front amidst the chaos of color and print. ; )

Back

Front

Barely see the light blue thread from the ties, right?

Ready to be shipped!

Primary Alphabet

Primary Alphabet for Baby Houston

I had been working on this quilt, somewhat simultaneously, as I was finishing What a Bunch of Squares.  It was ordered at the same time and I felt guilty for "neglecting" it.

I was happy to have finished it right at the beginning of June when the baby was born.  (Apparently this was especially lucky because he was unexpectedly early.)

Zack and I got to drop off the quilt and spend time with proud parents Mary Beth and Brian. Grandma Lynn even put in a request for her own quilt! 

Houston is so adorable even while he was fussing a bunch and making really loud farts that Zack fully enjoyed.  I'm sure this quilt is going to get a whole lotta lovin!

Congratulations Mary Beth and Brian!

What a Bunch of Squares

This quilt was made with a specific couple in mind. I can't say that what I made matches their character description, but I always kept their images in my head. I was given an entertaining characteristic profile:

They always wear navy blue, grays, black&white, camel, and plaid patterns. Some things they enjoy together are: reading, books, words, coffee, Woody Allen movies, Twin Peaks, Northwest aesthetics (like douglas fir, rain, clouds, Hood River), Mad Men (Sixties aesthetics).

So where did I end up with this? Oh goodness-- a bright colored tribute to some natural-ish things.  Butterflies, Feathers, Flowers, Leaves, Logs and Peacocks are just some of the fabrics to look out for.

Front, 66 in. X 78 in. (I think)

Back

 

Trying to show off the quilting

Allison and Michael, Congratulations!  I'm so happy that you two will have one of my quilts to snuggle up with.

Cheers!

So glad to be loving and loved

My sewing creativity was a bit stymied this month. I had some personal obligations and just didn't make the time to keep up. This week, however, I've been checking things off my list and am finally making progress on a lovely quilt! (Photos are top secret until it's done and given to the recipients.)
I feel very joyous when I'm in the swing of things. I love matching up patterns and fabric colors. And seeing all these cut up blocks get sewn together to create a beautiful image.

In honor of National Poetry Month-- even in the last day of it-- I have a poem that relays my joy.

If I Were

by Mary Oliver

There are lots of ways to dance and
to spin, sometimes it just starts my
feet first then my entire body, I am
sprinning no one can see it but it is
happening. I am so glad to be alive,
I am so glad to be loving and loved.
Even if I were close to the finish,
even if I were at my final breath, I
would be here to take a stand, bereft
of such astonishments, but for them.

If I were a sufi for sure I would be
one of the spinning kind.

On the Clothesline- Deer Crossing

Deer Crossing

A scrappy baby quilt

44 in. x 44 in.

This is the second quilt of four to come from my stash of Sarah Watts Timber & Leaf fabric collection.

The middle horizontal and middle vertical sections are quilted with very close lines. They intersect in the center square. The four corners are quilted with intersecting lines that do not cross one another.

(Sorry about the harsh creases from keeping the blanket folded. Photos aren't the best.)

Front

Back

Waffle/Grid effect in the center square

Some baby is ready to relax and picnic on this quilt!

Another baby is ready for story time in their favorite reading chair!

A quick anectdote-- The quilt has some quirks, like, lots of rumples and frustrating ruffles. During the whole process I felt like I wouldn't be able to sell it.  "Who would want to buy this?" I kept on asking myself.  So I quickly reasoned that I should give it away, rather than have someone buy it as a gift for someone. 
The other night Zack and I went to hear Anais Mitchell in concert. I am head over heels in love with her voice. To our surprise, we learned that she's pregnant! I immediately thought, "I can give Anais this baby quilt!" But then, I thought about how odd it might be and the whole interaction and exchange mightn't  be worth it.
Imagine me, post concert: "Um, Anais. I love you! I mean, I love your music. I made a baby quilt for your baby."
Anais: "You knew I was pregnant before you came to the concert?"
Me: "I know everything about you. I mean, I just finished the quilt and I have to give it someone so I thought I'd give it to you. Even though it's small.  And I didn't know you were pregnant actually. I just wanted to give you some token of affection."

And she'd laugh pleasantly and awkwardly and thank me. And send me on my merry way. And I'd leave and pretend I didn't think the whole exchange was awkward too.

On the Clothesline- Deer in Woods

Deer in the Woods 1

For Kathy

Front

Back

Detail of back

Nine Patch Block

This small lap quilt is for friend of the family, Kathy.  She worked very hard during my dad’s memorial service in Whittier. From the church kitchen I’m not even sure if she could hear all of the service. I’m very thankful for her work.  She took care of all the details-- which really eased our minds.

 

Her husband, Dave, said some very nice things too and some very funny inside jokes at the service.  It felt nice to smile and laugh at memories of my dad. Thanks, Dave!

- - -

 A note on the scraps of fabric used in the nine patch blocks: I have fabric from my own apron, my sister's apron (reversible), and fabric from my boss's daughter's dress.

Also, I bought a lot of that deer fabric, so look forward to Deer in the Woods #s 2, 3 & 4!

Part of the Process

In addition to the actual craft of sewing, I make my own "business cards." Yesterday turned out to be a very productive day: I made 30 cards.  As far as business cards go, thirty doesn't sound plentiful. Because I attach them to the quilts, I now feel obligated (and inspired!) to make those thirty blankets.
 ---
In high school I made a wood block print. It's very basic, not at all skilled, but I'm always really proud of it. I used this print of a woman's portrait to be the image for Alberta Marie.





 With a brayer (thank you, Dad, for teaching me its name), I roll on the paint.










I press down on paper. (I use standard notecards.)

 After they dry, I use my typewriter to label them.

This picture is pretty superfluous, but especially pretty. Notice the nose and lip accents?
That just happened! My stamp doesn't have fancy schmancy details like those.

On the Clothesline

Newest at Atlas Decor is a baby quilt. It measures 44 X 44 inches.

At Sea, Treasure Hunting!

Mermaids, whales, narwhals, ships and little girl pirates.

Front

Back. I love the addition of blue here.

Long, lost treasure hidden!

And the adventure begins!