October 01, 2009

Quilt Away

I finished my quilt a couple of weeks ago, but I couldn't show it to you because it was a gift. Well, it's been officially gifted, and now I can share some pictures. Maybe you've guessed that it was made with much love and prayers for my niece, Violet.

This quilt sort of took on a mind of it's own. It started out as a way to showcase some embroidery. I love to embroider, but had not quilted in ages. Well...I found this quilt pattern in Denyse Schmidt's book, aptly named, Quilts. She has some great, contemporary quilt patterns that are very reminiscent of the simplicity of amish quilts, but with a modern flair. This pattern is called, Hop, Skip & A Jump. It uses rows of slightly wacky rectangles.
I fell in love with it, and decided to use it. I chose to use many different fabrics to give it a coordinating-but-scrappy look; feminine, but not too babyish, I hope. After I pieced the quilt top, I did the embroiery work. The first verse of Jesus Loves Me is spread across the quilt. I used white thread on white pieces so as not to distract from the overall appearance of the design.

All that was left was to do the quilting and binding. My free-quilting practice didn't go so well, so I opted for something a little simpler: vertical, slightly wacky lines the length of the quilt. Also, because of the simplicity of the piecing, I didn't want to over-do the quilting. In the end, I was really happy with the look that I got. After I took these pictures, I went ahead and washed it to give it an oh-so-slightly-puckery look; just enough to look soft and cozy. I pray that every time Violet looks at her quilt, she will remember how much we love her- and even more, how much she is loved by Christ.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

September 29, 2009

Good Surprise

Good things come in small packages!

No, not that kind... This kind!


Our family excitedly welcomes the newest addition, a little neice, Abigail Violet! She was so excited to get here, she couldn't wait. She's a tiny peanut at 5lbs 12oz, but she's strong and healthy. We love you, sweet Vi, (and her Mommy & Daddy)! Praise God for His great gifts!
Photo compliments of the new Daddy :)

September 26, 2009

Sorry, Rhino!


Yup, another online find, from a great little shop I discovered. I told you I was on a sewing kick. And I'm not even done yet. But I did finish the curtains for the boys' room. It's cute- they're so excited about them. While I was working they were hovering over me, watching. As I cut the fabric, Trevor observed that I was cutting the animals, and suggested that I apologize to each one. Sorry, Giraffe!

September 23, 2009

Lazy Daisy Days of Summer


I saw this fabric online, and instantly fell in love with it. Summer may be over on the calendar, but I think these cheerful valances in my living room will keep us thinking of summer all year round!