Whew – time flies when you are turning your house upside down and moving everyone around! I want to make sure I squeeze a post into this week though, and I’m excited to share a throw quilt with you today.
Waaaaay back at the Creativ Festival in April, Rita from Fabric Please gave my youngest the cutest bundle of Kate and Birdie fabric. Four fat quarters to use for her very own sewing project! We decided that it should be a quilt and off we went one weekend, her and I sharing the task of piecing it together on her Janome New Home 3/4 size machine.
I have to admit, when we got the bundle I was not sure how we could create something large enough to cuddle under. But with some thought and a brilliant 4-at-a-time-HST sewing tutorial, we succeeded! I added a bit of fabric from my stash to the ends,some stripey red for the binding and we were good to go.
What about the backing you say? Ummm yes – the un-matchy backing fabric… (insert blushing embarrassed emoji here) She chose the blue ice cream flannel on her last trip to the fabric store. I almost couldn’t go through with it… I mean it DOESN’T MATCH! And it’s permanent… argh – in a quilt no less! But she was five and it was “perfect” to her – so that’s what it needed to be. Don’t argue with the child that wants to learn to sew! (She was also adamant that the middle striped block should be vertical – and not horizontal…. *sigh*)
In the end, I did quite a bit of the sewing, we worked together on the fat quarter HST’s and she decided on the final layout. We sewed them together and then it was up to me to finish the borders, binding and quilting. Which, I LOVE! It is a simple diamond pattern and it turned out great! I made them as large as I could and used the HST diagonals as a guide for the stitching. I’m definitely going to do more diagonal quilting like this in the future.
By the way there’s a #momfail video of her opening her “surprise” (finished quilt) and not giving me quite the reaction I was expecting. Ooops! She’s a good sport about it anyhow 🙂
Do your kids like to sew? What do they like to make best?
Oh – and she sewed wearing my second most favorite dress make – ever! That she just outgrew…. argh. I may never, ever get rid of this one!
She did a fabulous job!! It’s adorable and I LOVE the giraffe fabric (and the ice cream cones) … :). Will be watching for her up on the stage with you at Creativ next month.
Thanks so much Catherine! It is really fun that she loves to carry it around as well – shows she actually loves it!
This post was totally worth the wait! I am so happy to see your daughter’s smiling face with her snuggly quilt. I think the ice cream fabric is perfect too! It suits her completely. I love the way you used up the FQ’s. I am so impressed with P’s decisiveness when it comes to her quilt layouts. She will be a sewing force to be reckoned with. Looking forward to catching up with you and the fam at Creativ. <3
Thanks Rita! She does suit the flannel for sure! I hope she continues to love sewing to much – it’s really fun to share a hobby with her!
How awesome! If it is perfect for her, then it is perfect!! Period.
You are so right Peggy! Don’t argue with the 5 year old for sure! Tastes are definitely different – but if she’s happy that’s the best 🙂
How much fun is this. And teaching your daughter to sew…………priceless. (Mine won’t sew on a button!) A magical memory.
I agree Sam! My oldest is definitely not a sewer – her talent is drawing! More like her Daddy 🙂
Great!! Very great….My grandson has his own machine…now middle school interrupts it all. But, he did tell friends at school that he is a quilter…He is 11. My 6 and 7 year old are at it too, but Evan will not let them use his machine..lol… I am so glad your daughter sews!!
That’s so cool Diane! I’m so glad that he loves it – it’s super relaxing. Machine ownership is the key, ha! So funny he won’t share 🙂
Hi Sherri,
Love the sewist, quilt and the attitude 😉 No ‘Quilt Police’ in her future 😉 Our kiddos are all unique 😉 I loved sewing with my daughter, she in turn is sewing, knitting, weaving with her kids. Our eldest grandson is an artist like your eldest. Enjoy September, turkey, pumpkins, costumes on the white board.
Take care.
Ha! No quilt police! You are so right 🙂 I’m glad your daughter loves sewing – it’s nice to have a hobby together! And fun to see your grandkids doing the same I’m sure 🙂
What a great start for her, learning at an early age. What kind of machine did you get to start her off? Im thinking of my 6 year old granddaughter who wants to learn.
Thank you Lovay! I am so happy she loves to sew 🙂 We got her a “New Home” by Janome 3/4 size machine. They come in all kinds of colours and are a decent price. They are definitely a basic machine and don’t enjoy sewing through thick layers – but it’s been a great starter machine for her. It also has a thick presser foot that prevents tiny fingers from getting under the needle while sewing – good for peace of mind!