Sunday, November 30, 2014

A signature quilt

Five weeks before my niece Callie's wedding I received a call from her, asking if I would make a signature quilt for her wedding.  She was wanting to do a quilt for the guests to sign (since signing a book is so old fashioned).

I pulled out my books and patterns and found a block called just that, Signature!

Sept 19, we met at the quilt store. I had in mind that she was wanting old fashioned fabric, such as these 30's & 40's reproductions. 



However she was wanting more muted colors that would match her wedding theme. 
She picked these 6 fabrics by Moda. She is such a good shopper (being a Textile and Apparel Management graduate helps). All of these fabrics were in the sale bin. Several were all remaining on the bolt and so we got got an additional discount.



As I started cutting the selvages off (I collect them), I noticed something very interesting. There was a theme going on, "Best Wishes", "Together", and Women of Courage".  Could she had gotten anything more appropriate?  She didn't even realize it.


This is the pattern that I first laid out and emailed the photo to her. It's 140 blocks or approximately 50 inches by 70 inches.

I got this reply from Callie, "Aunt Patti, can you add some birds to it? " I said sure, I think I can do that.

"Ok", she said, "How about our names?" Sure I can do that.

"And how about the date too?"  Sure, anything else?  

"No, I think that is all", she replied.



So I found a paper piece pattern for two birds, reversing one so they would look like love birds. 



Here is the finished piece.

If you enlarge the picture you can see I took some of the selvage and sewed it in the birds mouth to represent straw. 

Here is a picture of the finished quilt after I sewed on the binding. 


And here is a picture of the beautiful bride!!!

Here I am with the quilt as it hung at the reception. It worked great for signing. Two ladies attended and supervised the signatures. I had sewn in a pocket to hang it from PVC pipes. It had cardboard against the back for stability.

Soon she will return it and I will hand quilt it. I've also asked Callie's Grandma who is 87 years young to help. 

Best Wishes, Callie and Aaron!

7 comments:

twodraftmom said...

What a beautiful bride! And a great present from you. Love the center block! Claire

KatyTrailCreations said...

Gorgeous!

Missouri Gal said...

Gorgeous quilt and beautiful bride!

Anonymous said...

That is totally awesome!!! That center block is the perfect focal point and personalizes it so nicely. What a joy it will be to do the hand stitching. It is on pieces like this one that I really miss the ability to hand stitch!!!!

Janna and Mike said...

Wow!! I am not much of a designer, I need a pattern--you did a fabulous job!!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Beautiful Quilt, Bride, and Quilter!! Yet another gorgeous keepsake.. love it. -Tammy

Diana LaMarre said...

What a great wedding gift! Love the center block. Did you dress to match the quilt for the photo op? LOL. You look beautiful!