I just put the last stitch in this simple little baby quilt (50 x 43) for a friend's first grandchild. I didn't do anything fancy with it because I didn't want to cut the focus fabric into little pieces. It's got horses and little cowboy bears on it and in places it says 'cutest ranch hand' - very cute. I took this photo before I washed it. It's in the dryer right now, getting all soft and wonderful!
I'm still trying to master the art of machine quilting and I need to carve out some time to practice because I really like the look that meandering adds to a quilt. However, in the interest of time, because as I stated in a previous post, it might be beneficial to give a baby gift while the child is still a baby and we all know how quickly they are not, I tried something new. I quilted this one with a diagonal straight stitch using painter's tape (who knew?) to mark my spacing. I wasn't sure I liked it at first, but I persevered and I like it a lot now. So much so, that I want to keep it... but I won't. It's headed to Texas in a day or two for a new baby who, if he's anything like my DD, will still be enjoying it 16 years from now!
Around here, quilts are loved...treasured... and used!
When I finished it, DD said, "You do know that when you give away a quilt, a little piece of your heart goes with it don't you?" A surprisingly wise and astute comment coming from a teenager who abhors sewing, but loves quilts. It was her way of trying to convince me to keep it.
I know that love is not a concrete thing, but I think quilts are love, defined in fabric. I have heard some people compare quilting to pregnancy...without the contractions! LOL! Well, I don't know about that, but it is a long process and a labor of love.
I don't know why I've become so addicted to this. My MIL is a quilter and she gave me my very first quilt. It was a wedding present and it graced our bed for years. That may have been they beginning so if DH complains about the ever increasing piles of fabric that seem to magically appear around our home, I can say, "It's all your mother's fault." LOL!
He did laugh and ask me if there was a group for quilting addiction. I told him yes, but the only catch is that it only fuels the fire to make more quilts!
If the wind doesn't blow (not much chance of that...after all, it's spring time...in New Mexico), I'll pull out some of the quilts my MIL has given us through the years and post them tomorrow.
8 comments:
That looks so pretty!! Hey, did you get my email? I just wanna make sure it didn't get stuck in spam filter or anything :)
Love the baby quilt! Cute cute fabric!
Tell your husband he's out of luck in trying to find a group for quilter's addiction, because you are sooo right -- it only makes things worse!
Very cute!
Oh my goodness... saw Ranch Hand Baby Quilt on Jennifer's sidebar, and had to stop by, I'm currently working on a cowgirl quilt for my new niece who's due at the end of May... Quilting/Sewing is SO addictive!! Your quilt is BEAUTIFUL! I love it!
BK - Thank you. I don't think I received an email from you. Did you send it recently?
Shelly- thank you. Are you in the same boat I'm in?
Jennifer - can't hold a candle to the amazing quilts your Mama makes, but thank you!
Naomi - thanks for stopping by! Always happy to meet a new blogging buddy and quilting addict! I hope you'll share your quilt when you finish it! I don't see many quilts with western fabrics and I'm always looking for inspiration to help use some of my stash!
I sent it again, I had sent it oh a week or so ago?? Let me know if you don't get it, it's relating to state shooting contests.
ooooops this is BK I'm on mom's computer and don't want to log in as me :) Lazy bum I know
Quilts are loved around here too. My daughter still has the baby quilt I made for her before she was born. She's going to be thirty in July. That quilt is worn but loved. LOL
love your little ranch hand quilt.
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