Birthday Quilt Finished!

The birthday quilt is finally finished. I had put it aside for a while since the last time I showed a sneak peek. I had fully intended to finish it that weekend, but I was getting frustrated with my inability to decide how to quilt it. I think that is the most difficult part, for me at least, because in a way I think it "makes" the quilt. So I settled on something easy, some straight lines and some squares, all along loving my new walking foot which has made a huge difference!

Anyway, more about the quilt. I used the Happy Things tutorial here. It's a really great process and it comes together pretty quickly. I love the randomness and it really reduced my desire to over think the whole design process.

I had originally intended for this quilt to be a Christmas present for Isaiah. A few days before Christmas, John gave me a free day to sew and finish up Christmas gifts. I had almost finished everything when I realized I had but one thing for Isaiah made. So, I started sewing strips like a mad woman, convinced that I'd be able to finish the quilt in two days, among all the other holiday obligations. After Mass on Christmas eve, followed by family dinner, we arrived home around 11pm and I started sewing again, determined to get the blanket under the tree for Isaiah in the morning. Finally, I asked John if I should admit defeat, and he lovingly hugged me and told me Isaiah wouldn't even know that I hadn't made him enough (but I knew). I reluctantly put it away, and it had been sitting for a while before I got the urge to finish it up.

Then, after I realized I'd be going to Florida for a week(yay) and coming back one day before Isaiah's birthday party, I decided to finish up the quilt. And boy am I glad I did. I love the way it came out, it's so warm and cuddly, and if it were just a tiny bit bigger, I'd be tempted to keep it for myself. But, it'll be a special present for a very sweet, loving two year old boy (2 years, how did that happen??).

Yesterday I was finishing up the binding while watching the Superbowl. I had a needle in my mouth and scissors in my hand. Just a few minute before, John had said, should you be watching this with sharp objects in your hand?!?! Then the Giants scored and I almost swallowed the needle because I was so excited! Just goes to show that sometimes multitasking just isn't a good idea!

There are more pictures on flickr. Did you ever notice how hard it is to take a picture of a quilt? Kudos to those that can take good pictures!