Cool Custom Anniversary Quilt

It has been my pleasure to make this custom order quilt, which was originally ordered back in March. The request of fabric images was as follows: Pirates, Batman, comic book images, Star Wars portraits and Pac Man. Perfect. The woman who commissioned this quilt also said she really liked the layout of this quilt, which is kind of like the precursor to her creation, but the final result of her quilt certainly includes more artistic elements, I'd say. It's always easy to embellish a quilt that is being made for someone specifically. This quilt is an anniversary gift, celebrating 10 years of marriage, and that's a significant reason to add embellishments.

It measure 96 x 88 and if you look close at the photos, the quilting pattern is a spiral circle, starting from a center point and spinning out to the edge. I hope this quilt will bring comfort and warmth to another ten years for this lovely couple. Happy Anniversary!

New Season, New Quilt

I am starting a custom order quilt with some really cool fabrics. I have visited this theme in the past but this a new take with the addition of comic prints, Batman, and pirates! Let's do this, POW!

 I started cutting the fabrics last Friday, the Spring Equinox. It feels good to be in my creative groove and at the start of a new season. Enjoy your week! Wham!

My Neighbor Too!

I had the urge to stretch myself creatively. I wanted to get away from the mechanical hum of the sewing machine and thread a needle, slip on my thimble. Coincidentally, my youngest niece had a birthday back in December -on the 25th!- which is a good day to not meet one's sewing deadline because I knew Santa would prevail, and my gift could be a little late. Her older sister got a purse too, earlier last year in preparation for their trip abroad, and now it's the younger sister's turn to receive something she can hold stuff in.

The last time I spoke with my youngest niece, she said she was getting into Japanese anime. Since then, my kids have discovered Studio Ghibli and the genius of Hayao Miyazaki, so I thought I would try an applique of the sweetest character of all time, Totoro. I also wanted this project to be consistent with Zakka style (do Google that, it's neet to read about in detail) which includes the use of linen and hand stitching. My favorite description is from Wikipedia, "Cute, corny and kitschy is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, and laden with subtext."

Tanjoubi omedetou! (Happy Birthday in Japanese)

Fortunate Son

I had the wonderful opportunity this winter to make a custom baby quilt for a baby boy! Even though he's only 4 months old, this quilt is on the big side for him presently as it measures 55x72, but he can grow into it as he eventually moves into a big boy bed. The fabric we chose was from designer Sarah Watson and her fabric line called Indian Summer. It's such soft, buttery fabric and makes for a supple quilt that you can't resist touching. It's based on the idea of a whole-cloth quilt, where the fabric is used as a whole piece, but I added a contrasting panel on the front and back to add some extra width. On the back is Kona cotton, my favorite. I think turned out splendidly! Enjoy your quilt, little one.

A new home (squared)

Well, well, well, my Sunny Morning Farmhouse Quilt went to a new home recently. Love. 

I remember sitting in the driver's seat of my car, hand sewing the binding onto the back, while my kids were taking summer classes. A ballet class for her and a bug/science class for him. I would spend the time they were away wearing a thimble, contently stitching, and switching channels on the radio. Bliss. 

The design of this quilt is Double Irish Chain. I search pinterest specifically for Irish Chin designs, they are versatile and always make for a stunning quilt. I will make more. Also, our house got a bright blue coat of paint this summer. It feels like a new home and I like saying, "We live in the blue house."

It wasn't until I took this quilt out to photograph it that I realized the bright blue makes for quite a vibrant, artsy backdrop. I am loving the bright quilt againt bright blue. I like to live life on the bright side.

A Gifted Year

I am so very proud to say that all of the items I have made this year have been given away, as gifts. What an exhilarating feeling, not only to complete and wrap up a handmade item for someone special, but to feel their exhilarating upon receiving. In some cases I have gotten beautifully sweet notes in the mail with pictures of smiling faces wrapped in a quilt with words of thanks. Believe me, it's my pleasure.

 ------------A Peppermint Quilt for my family-----------

-----------Sophia's Quilt-----------

---------A summer wedding present Feather Quilt for Mathew and Spring-------

 ----A travel purse for my niece (she went to London, Baby!)-----

 
------------Orange Appreciation Pillows (for Adam, who appreciates orange)----------

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I hope at the very moment someone opens a gift I've made, they feel no worry, no stress; I hope the feelings are only pleasant. I hope they feel loved and transported to a kind, simple place where handmade gifts mean time for celebration. I have just as much fun making these goodies as recipients do opening them.