1.02.2010

My First Quilt!

This Encore Bride is a firm believer in giving experiences as gifts instead of "things" however, with Mr. Encore's impending deployment I knew there will be no time for any travel plans for Christmas. Instead I remembered how Mr. E fondly recalled the memories of his grandmother hand quilting when he was growing up. I decided to make him a quilt just in case it got a little cooler at night and that green Army blanket wasn't enough to keep him warm. It took me about 40 hours to finish (8 alone to cut the fabric!)

The blocks are finished and the border is set.

(click pictures to enlarge)

Here is a picture of it completed, please excuse the poor lighting on these pictures.


The back of the quilt, you can't see it but there is a custom silk label on the corner with his name, a scripture and my name.


This is what he found when he opened his last present on Christmas, I had a blue ribbon and bow around it inside of the box.

I never dreamed that he would be so touched by the quilt! Due to his deployment I could only give him things he could use and take with him; an iTunes giftcard, movies, hi-tech watch, calendar, custom letterpress stationery with his rank and name, a control remote Army tank (just for kicks) and the quilt.

He knew I'd been working very hard on this quilt and I had to tell him a "white" lie so he wouldn't know it was for him, when he opened the box and saw the quilt he was in shock. He took the quilt with us to his family (we did Christmas at home before we left for his family) and made sure to tell everyone about it.

The quilt is not perfect, it was my first and although I've been sewing a very long time I never made one before. Due to the prints I chose I realized after I started that it would take a while to cut as all the prints needed to be matched (the guitars, diagonal lines, linear prints, etc.) In the end I'm so glad it turned out well and all of my efforts paid off, it was a hit and is currently somewhere in the Middle East keeping my honey warm as I write this.

In the process I learned to never underestimate the appreciation for giving someone your time as you create something for them, small or large, it is the thought and effort that counts. Did you make any handmade gifts this season? Did people react as you expected once they saw them?

Update: Just received this picture from Mr. E, I can only imagine the looks he's getting!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

My beautiful baby, that quilt is the best gift I've ever recieved. Thank you for giving me you! I love you with all my heart!

Melissa B. said...

Just stunning! I wish I were crafty like this. You definitely have a gift! SITS sent me by, and I'm glad they did...

Listen, She's Not a Kid Anymore

Vodka Mom said...

GORGEOUS!! My sister quilts, and I have always admired her patience and talent.


xx

This Mama Works It! said...

great job!! it is beautiful. My mother in law makes quilts all the time and she just loves it. it is sooo much work. You know when you get a quilt from someone that it was made with love. Stopping by from SITS!

Jen said...

Wow you did an awesome job. Love, love, love the fabric.

Happy Saturday Sharefest.

SandyQuilts said...

WOW great quilt.

Please tell Mr. E we thank him for helping to keep us safe.

The Local Cook said...

Great job! My mom quilts, I sew things that take a lot less time (like reusable bags and elastic waist skirts LOL).

Stopping by from SITS.

~dawn said...

Okay... jaded old old lady - almost 44- with 3 marriages and 6 kids under her belt and...you made me tear up with the quilt... it is perfect -- even if it really isn't because it was made from the heart...
Okay then cried when saw post from Mr E ... he is a treasure!

King of New York Hacks said...

I would wrap myself in that quilt while driving my taxi...its freakin' FREEZING here !!

Melissa B. said...

PS: We're having a little bit o' fun over at my place today.

Definitely Not a Snow Job

Rachel Cotterill said...

That's fantastic - I haven't done any quilting, I don't think I quite have the patience!

Nima said...

beautiful quilt...cool colour

When Pigs Fly said...

Wow! I make quilts and know how tough it is. I, however, do not hand quilt but do it by machine. I love giving gifts I've made. They are so special. My thoughts are with you and your husband!

A Bride...Again said...

You did a FABULOUS job!! Congrats on making your first quilt...word of warning - they're slightly addictive...

Have fun with it - I know that he loved it!

Encore Bride said...

Thank you all for the lovely comments, including you Mr. E! It has become slightly addictive as I already purchased the fabric for my second one (for me this time). I'll keep you all posted!

Matt5verse6 said...

FABULOUS...absolutely fabulous! I really enjoyed this post. I have always wanted to try making quilts but never actually did it. I have seen other people do it with ease and think, "I could do that." The design of your quilt looks wonderful! You have inspired me to give it a try. Any pointers?

Dropping by from SITS to say, "hello" and so glad that I did. Best wishes in love, Iraq, and 2010. I'll be sure to "follow" your blogging.

Kindest regards,
Brook

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