Thursday, September 2, 2010

"Feminist Boy" baby quilt

Note: Don't forget to enter my "New Blog Design Giveaway" here.

Yes, there is a story behind the quilt name!

A good friend of ours, who incidentally introduced my hubby and I 17+ years ago, had finally settled down with a lovely wife a few years ago. Both busy professionals, they started trying to have a baby, and as sometimes happens....well, it wasn't so easy. They had suffered several miscarriages, when finally, B. changed jobs, and things came together for them. She is certain that it has to do with leaving the stress of her prior job. They are due with a little boy this fall! Both from families with mostly females, when asked how they would deal with a boy, B. replied, "No matter, he will be a feminist regardless." Knowing them, this is certain to be true :-) Thus, the name of the quilt!

I used mostly Joel Dewberry Modern Meadow fabrics for this quilt- I absolutely love this line! The colors are fantastic, and a great go-to for a masculine quilt. I added a few solids, as well tried something new by adding some fabrics of texture.
I am terrible with the names of fabrics....the white is velour-like, and the corduroy is extra soft- I used this for the binding as well.

I also added just a single square of red (non-cotton, kind of suiting-type?) material to both the back and front, just to draw the eye.
As another first, I tried out some hand quilting using my Perle 8 thread in conjunction with some machine quilting at 1/4 inch from the seams. I loved hand quilting! I found it very therapeutic to sit and stitch. I just did some random lines, using colors coordinating with the quilt, and again just a touch of red. These added a bit of something to the front, but where they really shine is on the back:
I used a dark navy solid for the back, which really highlights the hand quilting, and pieced it with with some squares. I love a pieced back, it is like a bonus, a happy surprise. Of course, this quilt has lots of "character" (i.e. crooked and uneven stitches!)......best admired from afar :-)
In another quilting update, the twin quilts (plus 1) are complete! Just waiting on those babies....at 38 weeks already! Their Momma is a trouper! Here is a preview....the full reveal when these little guys finally make their debut, so I can do the finishing touches!

p.s It is Sew and Tell Friday at amylouwho again today....go check out the great accomplishment of the week :-)

27 comments:

Kelli said...

This is such a lovable quilt!
those textures will be awesome for the little fella as he grows. Was it a killer to use that fabric for the binding?

Rene' said...

This is an amazingly sweet quilt!!!! I'm sure it will be well loved. I really like the hand stitching you added, and the fabrics are great. Thanks for sharing!

Jessica Kelly said...

I love those colors, and the back is gorgeous! I love your hand quilting, adds a really nice touch!

Leslie said...

this is a beautiful gift...i love it when the name of the quilt has such a great story.

Cecily said...

That is a really pretty quilt. I love the combos of fabrics and the hand stitching/quilting. Just gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

very cute!! I especially love the twins quilts.

Michelle (LemonadeGal) said...

I love the Modern Meadow fabrics, too. I am really liking the back of your quilt. The hand stictching looks FANTASTIC!

Katie B said...

Love your boy quilt! The back looks really cool, and I love the added texture. Great idea with the corduroy binding.

Nina... said...

A very charming quilt. All of the different fabrics really add character and the hand stitching is such a nice touch. Can't wait to see the twin quilts.

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

from sew and tell. i have to say i LOVE your blog header. I love the country fair line...

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

And I can't type, apparently. County fair. :)

pinksuedeshoe said...

Wow, I can't decide if I like the front or the back better. That dark navy looks fantastic with the hand quilting!

amy smart said...

This quilt is fantastic bu the hand quilting takes it to the next level!! I LOVE IT! Would you be okay if I 'pay homage' and just full-on copy you??

Karen said...

Awesome baby boy quilt. Your hand quilting does look fantastic on the back against the dark fabric.

Mary said...

Wow, the back of your quilt looks AWESOME! I like the front, but I really love the back :-)

Larri said...

I especially love the binding! It adds so much texture and interest. Stopping by from Sew&Tell. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sewing! :o)

Day before Michelle said...

I love it! It has character, texture and good color sense. You did a fantastic job with it!

Sarcastic Quilter said...

The name is great and the quilt is adorable. I always use different textures for my baby quilts and constantly have rave reviews from the parents that the baby always plays with it. A gift from you, I'm sure will be well loved.

Béa said...

Beautiful quilt, I love !

Kera said...

I love this quilt! I may have to try hand quilting one of these days.

Sparky said...

A feminist quilt works for me...I like it..
blessings madame samm

Jennifer said...

I love this quilt! The hand quilting is awesome!

Jennifer :)

Belinda said...

LOVE the mixture of hand quilting with the machine quilting. Great quilt!

Unknown said...

I love the hand quilting!

emilyc @ Sew Super Sweet said...

I am in awe! I found your site from today's link party at Quilt Story and I am in awe of your talent! I love your quilts!

I am following because I cannot wait to see what is next!

Kelsey said...

Lovely quilt! I am sure that baby boy will be absolutely fascinated with all the different textures in the different fabrics. :)

amylouwhosews said...

Love it all! Especially the color thread on the dark blue!