Thursday, June 10, 2010

Mckinley's quilt

Post-publishing note: For those who are interested, I have now posted the pattern for this quilt here.

I am so pleased with how this quilt came out, I seriously considered changing the name of one of my girls to Mckinley so that I can keep it. But, in the end, I can't think of a better home for this one. Mckinley was recently adopted by long term patients who I consider friends, after a long struggle with infertility. It is such a happy ending, and I am thrilled to do something for this beautiful new family!
I made the quilt using a Moda Hunky Dory charm pack, then framed each square in white to make it pop. The back is a solid of my favorite pattern from this series- the flowers are so vibrant and retro looking. I then bound it in the pink polka dot from the series. I also put in a white bar on which I hand embroidered Mckinley's name. To do so I printed a font and size on my computer, held it up to a window, and traced it onto the white sash. I then used 3 embroidery threads to stitch it up. Thanks to Amy at NanaCo for the advice! I extended the name stash to the edges, beyond the borders of the blocks, to add interest. I really like how it breaks up the quilt.
Next, I added a few shabby fabric flowers, with mismatched button centers, to add more texture and interest to the quilt. I love it! This idea was from Kathy at Magnolia Designs- she even lent me her Big Shot to cut the fabrics :-) They look even better all wrinkled up, once washed.
For quilting, I machine stitched 1/4 inch from all the borders. It really brings it all together!
I hope Mckinley and her family enjoy the quilt!
In another note, the hubby and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary today! Time flies. We are heading out for a swanky dinner tonight....and I have a BIG surprise gift planned. Can't wait to see his face! I will reveal tomorrow......

10 comments:

Jennie {Clover and Violet} said...

Wow, I saw this on Flickr and it's just beautiful. Great job. I love charm packs for baby quilts. Beautiful...I may have to use your idea sometime, if that's okay!

shelia said...

Really adorable and i'm sure she'll love it! I especially love the hand embroidery ...a lovely touch!

Mary said...

So pretty! I love Hunky Dory.

Anonymous said...

As the recipients of this quilt we cannot put into words how much we LOVE it! Everyone that sees it comments on it's originality and beauty. It's a beautiful gift for our little angel made with love by a dear friend, it doesn't get any better than that.

Thanks Kristi

oxoxo Mckinley and her mommy and daddy

Belinda said...

I saw your post on Quiltstory and LOVED it. You are so talented!

Bettina said...

This is so stunning- I actually went out and bought the Hunky Dory Charm pack as I was so inspired. Beautifully designed and put together, and such a wonderful gift!

Crystal said...

I LOVE this quilt!! You did a great job! I have a question for you about the flowers. Did you back them with anything or put interfacing on the back? I wasn't sure if you needed to or if they would hold up well without anything.

Greta Adams said...

Hi..i am new to your blog..found you via flickr...

i absolutely adore this quilt and i know the family will too...

Unknown said...

I LOVED this quilt so much that i did my best to recreate it and used it to teach my niece to quilt. thank you for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

Wow gorgeous! I have been looking for a quilt to make for my daughters and just spotted this one in my search. Seeing as our Surname is McKinley i think its meant to be and i must make this quilt as a family heirloom :) .