I made this quilt for my bff‘s birthday. Gosh, it was super hard keeping this a secret. I knew I would slip up, so I avoided her for 5 days while I made the quilt. I didn’t talk to her on the phone, I didn’t say much to her online. I was kind of a prick.
The quilt pattern I used to make this is Sweet Garden by Carolina Patchworks. Emily has a ton of innovative and modern quilt patterns, several of which I own (but haven’t had time to make yet). A little while ago, I also bought the Dahlia, Sunset, and Groove patterns too.
The quilt finishes up at 66″ x 67″, and the sashing fabric is Kona white. I pieced the blocks with Aurifil 50wt white thread, and I quilted the quilt with Aurifil Tula Pink variagated threads.
This quilt isn’t exactly made up of blocks, per say. I basically had to lay the whole thing out (well, I split it up into 3 segments), since all areas of the quilt are different. It was not difficult, it just took time. I marked up my pattern diagram with colored markers for all the different areas that needed to be put together, and that helped a lot in keeping myself organized.
The reason why I chose this quilt pattern was that I planned on stealing an idea that Kim used for this quilt with the handprints of the children in her son’s kindergarten class. I needed a quilt pattern with at least some blocks that were fairly large, in order to fit the handprints in them. The large blocks in the quilt pattern (which were 9-1/2″ unfinished) were made in solids, and I free motion quilted the handprints of Kim’s children, grandchildren, husband, and the purple square at the bottom is my handprint and my children’s handprints. I also stitched everyone’s names in their blocks.
I am not a strong free motion quilter, but I did my best. 😉
Yay!! And she loves it. 🙂
Such a Beautiful treasure Sara.
great pattern and wonderful colors
Really pretty and such a nice keepsake!
It turned out beautiful! I actually own that pattern! I think I better pull it out again – I don’t even remember what my original plan for it was!
Did you get in trouble for crossing the police line to photograph it?
I had the same thought about the police line! I love that a quilter gives another quilter a quilt. I have been gifted with a quilt and I LOVE it! So special.
this is such a gorgeous present Sara. I love the pattern too – think I might use this to make a quilt for my son – it shows off the fabric really well.
Wow, that is amazing! I love the pattern, but all the extra personal details really make it a very special, and beautiful quilt. I’m sure your friend will treasure it always!
Oh how beautiful! And so personal. Will you be my bff? 😉
What an awesome gift! Love the quilt and the fabrics you chose! I’m wondering about that police line too!! Will we need to bail you out of jail or anything??!
love the random look of this quilt if you know what I mean and the hand prints are a great idea, your friend must be over the moon with this, I am envious
It’s serendipity ! I LOVE IT ! 💕
Love your sneakiness! Such a gorgeous quilt.
awww, what a lovely gift!
What a great gift, I love it!
Fabbo. Loving the Carolina patterns too. What a stupendous gift! I am assuming the Police were surrounding the house to keep the quilt secret?
I saw this on Kim’s Instagram. How very sneaky and wonderfully sweet of you. A great gift, Sara!
Your friend is very lucky to have you as a bff! this is really gorgeous, and handmade gifts are the very best kind!
Beautiful quilt, I love all of those colours and the hand prints just make it that much better!
Such a nice and thoughtful gift! So sweet of you and I loved your sneakiness of finding out her fav fabrics!
Absolutely wonderful!
The best gift are handmade! And this is one of the best best gifts 😉 !!!
Esther
esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com
ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com
What a lovely story!
It’s beautiful, I love it! What a treasure to have all those handprints on it. It’s very special of you to give her such a wonderful gift.
You’re a fabulous friend, this quilt is beautiful!
This is absolutely gorgeous, stunning. What a lucky BFF you have!
Well it is a beautiful quilt. The hand prints are just the best idea. Makes it all the more special.
Oh it was so totally worth the subterfuge! It looks fab :o)