Thanksgiving has come and gone and most of us are knee-deep into Christmas plans and activities. Actually, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. First of all, I was born on Thanksgiving day. That makes it my favorite for sure! But also, it seems like such a good time of the year. We find ourselves thankful for what we have and who we have. It seems like Christmas brings shopping, wrapping, decorating and yes, stressing. While we all try to keep the meaning of Christmas in the forefront, we sometimes let the list of wishes consume us. We run around trying to make everything perfect and get more done than is reasonable. This year my focus is on giving quilts to the kids at the hospital. I am hoping the hospital does not need many this holiday season, not because I am too busy to sew, but because there aren't many sick kids.
Isn't this an awesome quilt? It started out as a pile of 2 1/2 inch strips. My sister had them and we knew we could do something with them. We passed them back and forth several times thinking the other one would come up with something. Susan finally asked for them back and I knew she had an idea. This is what she came up with and I think it is outstanding. This is one I wouldn't mind having in my size!
The backing used by our quilter is a great green and blue combination. I think it and the gorgeous quilting add to this quilt. Thanks to the quilter (you know who you are!)
This is a colorful quilt called a disappearing 9 patch. You sew a nine-patch block, cut it into 4 pieces, turn them and sew back together. You can get all sorts of fun combinations. This one is great with yellows, reds, blues and greens. It certainly doesn't look like I started with nine patch blocks! To make it even more fun, the border is pieced with two different fabrics.
This is a close up of the quilting on this quilt. It is often said "a quilt isn't a quilt until it is quilted." The quilting on this quilt is beautiful. It was done by a different quilter than the first one was but our thanks to you too! We couldn't do this without you.
The last quilt for today is a favorite. It is one we call "Little Charmers". Black and white and red prints strategically placed makes this quilt pop! A boy or girl of any age will love it. We didn't exactly have a pattern for this but Susan managed to create a real charmer!
And lastly, the backing. While the backing may not seem that important, it can make or break the quilt. Use a great one and it enhances the quilt. Use one not quite as well suited and the quilt fades into the background. Our quilter not only quilted this nicely, but she chose the perfect backing.
I hope you enjoyed today's quilts. We keep trying to come up with new ideas, different fabrics and more quilts finished!
