All quilts take a journey, from conception, to design, construction, quilting, binding, and finally signing. The journey can last anywhere from days to years. Here’s one that’s taken years.
This quilt started with a baby; my nephew’s wife was expecting their first child back in 2014. I wanted to make her something special, and of course, my first thought was a quilt. I purchased 2 FQ packs in bright florals and began pondering patterns. As with most well-laid plans, this one soon went astray. A move, a devastating illness, and tragic loss left these fat quarters languishing in the bottom of a pile of other fabric. The little girl was born and grew into a beautiful young lady.
I thought I would make the fat quarters into a twin-size quilt for her. One fall trip to Colorado—we drove because we were in the middle of the pandemic—I took my sewing machine and this fabric and began cutting and piecing the blocks. One day, while cutting, I was in a deep conversation with my mother-in-law and I mis-cut one of the blocks, ugh. All the blocks were pieced in Colorado, but because of that one wonky block, they went back into the drawer. Life passed, and more loss happened. Sewing went to the back burner as we tried to regroup.
Finally, I took the blocks and some extra fabric to a summer retreat and put everything together. I took apart the wonky block and managed to fix it. Back home, I bought some bright pink Minky for the backing. When I went to load it on the longarm, I realized I hadn’t bought enough. Months passed and a new year rolled around. I promised myself I would finish some of these UFOs. Back to the store for more Minky and onto the frame it went. I had some pink striped fabric leftover from Christmas projects that turned into a fun binding. The little girl who I started this for will be 10 years old this year. I’m not sure she’ll take an interest in a quilt made by her great-aunt, but I’ll offer it to her. What a journey. A lot has happened in these 10 years, both good and bad. This quilt carries all those memories.
Pattern – Fat Quarter Flowers a free pattern from the Fat Quarter Shop
Quilting Design – Cartoon Flowers by Hermione Agee for Urban Elementz
Fabric – Fat Quarter bundle purchased from Hobby Lobby in 2013 or 2014