Monday, February 04, 2008

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!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

I was doing the exact same thing! Did you just about swallow it right after the hail mary pass Manning threw? Isnt football watching the best for binding a quilt?

African Kelli said...

Ooh, Katie! I love your fabric choices and you really did SUCH a great job! Very, very pretty.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful job! I love the fabric, too... I'm sure he'll love it forever. :)

:: And what a game. I really didn't care who won, but after Eli scrambled away from 4 tackles and still got the ball to his receiver (who caught it with his hand and helmet?!!), I was hoping the Giants could pull it off. The Superbowl usually bores me, but this year was fun to watch! ::

Anina said...

Absolutely lovely! I was doing some hand piecing during the game yesterday and that wasn't the safest thing either judging by the needle pricks in my fingers.
I'm SO happy for the Giants. I rooted for them because they were the underdogs and they came through. Where else would someone called Plaxico be taken seriously?

Stephanie said...

That quilt is awesome! I'm sure he'll love it!

lera said...

It's lovely, Katie. He will cherish it forever!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful work, Katie! And GO GIANTS!!

Anonymous said...

Such a cute quilt... he will be warm and toasty in it! That's what quilts are for right??? To warm us when our loved ones can't stay by our side all night long?
Good for you getting it done!
Bye the way, good name you have!
Jean

Jody Sanders said...

It's beautiful! I love, love, love the fabrics you chose.

I just read your post about the tests ... what a blessing!

jessica said...

so great! I love the fabric combos!

Kelly said...

oh lovely! this is a fantastic quilt! the colors...sigh...-kb

Christina J. said...

How very nice. Wonderful colors.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Love your fabric choices... I'm sure he'll treasure it for a very long time.

Handi Dandi Mandi said...

You did such a beautiful job, congrats on finishing! It turned out wonderful!

Even though my DH is a Cowboys fan, we rooted for the Giants too! Mainly because their coach isn't a cheater :-)

*~hj~* said...

Oh Katie.... It is beautiful! I think I'll make one like this too! Thanks:)

Philigry said...

beautiful. you did such a great job. i guess it is better to put things away sometimes, and save them for another ocassion. i think i need to follow your lead and do this more.
i am sure he will love this quilt. I sure do!