Friday 26 June 2015

Maria's Quilt!



Maria had a lovely birthday yesterday, and, happily, the quilt was finished to give to her - with several hours to spare!


After my late panic about how it was looking all together, I am actually really pleased with it now.


It wouldn't be to everyone's tastes, but it has just the bright, whimsical, slightly crazy mix of fabrics look that I wanted for Maria!


I think changing that middle block was very important though, it looks really different now...


And I think the whole quilt works together so much better because of it.

Although I do like the 'on the surface' look of this quilt, that's only part of the story with it. The more important part is hidden away deeper into the quilt.

It was constructed from 15 largeish blocks, and each of these blocks has a hidden picture or cute creature or message, each one particular or personal to Maria. They've all been part of a blog post along the way, so I won't show you all of them again, but just a quick sample of them. Ten are hidden away in lift the flap blocks. This one, for example...


Hides a mermaid, with the obligatory rainbow tail of course!


Or this one...

From a drawing Maria did.
Or one more...


Of the remaining hidden pictures/creatures/messages, four are in a 'pocket in a block', along these lines...

A bee buzzing out of this pocket to visit the neighbouring flower garden, tucked up under a flap.
 And one is in an envelope in a block...



  
Maria has had lots of fun exploring these different elements, and whenever she drags the quilt around with her (happening quite a bit at the moment!), it tinkles gently as the bell (inside the envelope block) jiggles around. It's the first tinkling quilt I've ever made!

For the binding, I did think about going scrappy, but there's just so much going on in the quilt that I decided the red and white spotty fabric all the way round might help bring it all together more.


And, again since there's so much going on in the front, I just used a bright, flowery, vintage sheet for the back.


Happily, it's a lovely flannelette one, so extra soft!


And, since it's Friday, I'm doing some linking up - over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Crazy Mom Quilts, and Chezzetcook Modern Quilts who's hosting TGIFF this week.


Have a great weekend,

Sally.

21 comments:

  1. Goodness Sally, it is amazing!!! How lovely to have followed along with this as you created it, and to now see the finished quilt. It is beautiful, and I know, without a doubt, will be treasured by Maria.

    Happy birthday to Maria, may her next trip around the sun be filled with wonderful things, and lots, and lots of love. And a happy birthing day to you my friend.

    Enjoy your weekend. xo

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  2. What a treasure you've made! How cool to have all of the surprises in the blocks. I've never seen a quilt like this! Wonderful.

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  3. I hope that Maria had a wonderful birthday, and I *love* how the quilt turned out for her! Congratulations on getting it done in time, and I think that it is a stunning tribute to things that make her so unique and special.

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  4. Oh, my word!! Sally, this is one of the most awesome quilts I've seen. :D It more than works - it's flat out terrific!

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  5. Perfect choice with the binding, this is such a fabulous quilt :-)

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  6. absolutely gorgeous! what a wonderful gift made with love to always be treasured x

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  7. What a great idea to have hidden flaps and pockets! I love the whimsical look.

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  8. What an amazing gift Sally....I'm sure Maria will treasure it always...the colours are just delightful and even without the flaps and treasures that are hidden, it looks fantastic. I love the lush green forest you've chosen to take the photos in too! Jen

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  9. Its absolutely wonderful!!!

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  10. Very very cool - what a lovely, personal quilt! Well done! I have stitched pictures that my son drew - when he was about five I got him to draw his nana and her dog, which I stitched for a cushion panel - lots of fun!

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  11. Changing that middle block absolutely brought this quilt together, awesome job! It turned out wonderful, I love it! :)

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  12. I love it! The fabrics, the colors, the scrappy look to it and most of all the hidden messages/treasures. It's a sweet and most certainly unique quilt!

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  13. Oh my God, Sally, what an exquisite quilt. So much time, so much love... every piece of this quilt makes me smile Great job! Happy birthday to your little miss. xox

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  14. Happy birthday, Miss Maria!
    Once again I'm smiling as I read one of your posts. Congrats on another wonderful finish. :-)

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  15. Congratulations on this beautiful finish! What a fun quilt! Maria is sure to love it for many years to come. My favorite is the envelope block. Happy Birthday Maria!

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  16. Such love and imagination in this quilt, what a wonderful birthday gift. Hope Maria had a wonderful, happy birthday! X

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  17. I LOVE this quilt - from the creativity to the amazing color and pattern. It is fabulous hands down! Thank you for lynking up with me for TIGFF!

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  18. An awesome quilt, Sally!!! Maria must be absolutely thrilled to bits with her new quilt and I'm sure it's one she will always treasure. She's one lucky girl.

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  19. That quilt is so beautiful and so special, I love all the ideas and little surprises you put into it. I really hope Maria will keep it for years and years.

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