It is amazing what can happen when you are focused. Monday afternoon we got some news from my DH's brother. He has been battling the aggressive form of prostate cancer for about 5 years. He got some news on Monday that was not good. I've been planning to make him a quilt for his birthday next month but have decided to get it done and give it to him early. Along with my DH, my brother-in-law is a huge Connecticut Huskies fan so the theme was a no-brainer. I knew I had some of this fabric left over from making my DH's UCONN quilt 2 years ago so this is where I started.
After looking through about 10 books, I decided to make a quilt that I've now made 4 times! It is fast and fun and it's from Kim Brackett's book Scrap Basket Surprises.
This was the first one,
this was second,
and this third one was made for my friend's birthday.
This was Kim's original quilt.
When I got home from work Monday, I started pulling blue scraps and was able to get all the 2 1/2" strips cut out that night. Since it was so scrappy, I decided to make a border of blocks instead of trying to find a single fabric that matched or using the strip border shown in the book. I was hoping to be able to use stash fabric and not have to buy anything.
I fussy cut four 8 1/2" blocks of the focal fabric and then cut 6 smaller pieces to use in the other blocks. I then added 8 pinwheel blocks.
Here's my block with the kitties.
This afternoon I finished the top. I've got some fabric that will work for the backing. I'm going to prep that and then get it basted. I hope to be quilting by tomorrow. It feels so good to be moving so quickly and I'm really happy with the way it's turned out. This was not the kind of news that we wanted to hear and not the way we wanted to start out the new year, but we are the only family he has and we'll take it one day at a time.
It's been a very productive start to my 2014,
Karen
11 comments:
That's a great quilt pattern! Can you make it in your sleep? It is sure to cheer your BIL up.
The blues work up well in that design. And also showcases the sports fabric well. You set your mind to it and whipped right through.
I know he will be so amazed. It is beautiful and I think it will mean a lot to him, especially now! Great job!!
That's a productive start, but I'm sorry for the reason you had to do it.
It must be a great pattern if you've made it that often. You did a great job, it looks wonderful and I'm sure it will be loved and provide some comfort.
I'm very sorry to hear about your BIL. Making a quilt for him is not only a thoughtful and generous thing for you to do, but I'm certain it's also good therapy - it gives you something to occupy your hands and mind while you think of and pray for him. You're doing a great thing.
Wow, good for you to have a great gift and a finish already for this year! Kim's book it great for quick quilts that are beautiful.
Happy new year to you!
Karen,so sorry about your brother in law. Hope his outcome will be better than expected. I love the quilts, you have a great eye for color..I think I'll make that one next for a friend. Hope this new year will be a better one for us. Johnny is finished with his chemo, just hope it stays in remission and that his scans will show nothing when he goes in 2 weeks.
diannemitzel1@hotmail.com
I'm sorry to hear about your brother in law, what a thoughtful gift for you to give. I think your use of blocks to the border is great. He will love those added blocks from the Huskies print, we don't even have to tell him those were the easiest block in the quilt!
I find it fun to remake a quilt I've done before, it's like visiting an old friend ~
:-}pokey
What a sad reason to hurry up on this one, but what a lovely quilt it will be. One made with love in every stitch; he will be covered in love! We all know about the miracle of healing quilts and the power of prayer... he's on my list!
Quilts are such a comforting labor of love for you and the recipient. Your BIL: is going to be so touched!
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