Thursday, January 13, 2011

A birthday quilt for my little hockey star

I can't believe I am the mother of a seven year old! Happy birthday, Big G! Seems like just yesterday...
And now....
Yep, still a hockey fan! His current favorite team is the Flyers (in case that is not obvious). For Christmas he received a Flyers hoodie (always worn with hood on), worn topped with a new jersey, and then a baseball cap. He can recite all the stats and standings for all the teams, knows how to look them up on the internet on his own, and when he is not watching hockey, he is playing it.

So, when it came time to design the birthday quilt, the inspiration was clear- must include hockey. Originally, I had planned to use a couple hockey themed fabrics among those in the quilt top. Then I thought I would do a small rink on the back. But wouldn't it be fun to make patchwork red and blue lines? Let's make it bigger. And THAT is how it evolved into a hockey extravaganza!

But let's back it up here. While I now consider this a "reversible" quilt, the original top is an "I Spy" style patchwork inspired by this quilt.
I used about 90 different fabrics (only 2 are repeated, can you find them?), basically everything but the kitchen sink, but of course no pinks, purples or flowers for my guy. I included a bunch of my Munki Munkis, some Japanese prints, lots of dots and stripes, some robots, my Riley Blake Wheels scraps, some Modern Meadow, Katie Jump Rope, and so on! This is my first real "scrappy" quilt, and I guess I did that to the extreme!
I alternated the prints with a tan solid cotton, which kind of comes off as a linen. I love how it warms up the quilt! The sashing is a dark navy/indigo, and both solids are from a local quilt shop.
The back is a big old hockey rink. Man, this thing kicked my butt. Worth it. My worry was that it would come off too cheesy- I mean, it IS a hockey rink on a quilt!- but I think it turned out just right.

I tried many new techniques here, and learned a ton. How to add all those circles? I didn't want raw edges, so at first I thought I would piece them, but as there are circles within circles, it was just too complicated and I kept getting puckers, so I scrapped that. So I decided to applique them with the technique found here. I layered the appliques- red circle, then white, then mini red, to be accurate, then hand stitched in the mini line details with Perle 8 red thread. Time consuming!! But it's all in the details :-) I also appliqued aqua half circles for the goal creases.
Another technique to learn was piecing quarter circles to curve the edges of the rink. Love how it authenticates the "rink"!
Next detail was the red and blue lines. I decided to piece them, and I loved the effect so much I continued that theme on to the quilt's binding, adding one little strip of blue amongst the red.


Basting...well, you already heard me bellyache about that. But I learned some great new things, in addition to my husband's dumbbell idea. More on that later! The result was perfect! Front and back perfectly centered and in line. Due to the busy pattens front and back, I decided to do free motion meandering quilting, using white thread. I like how it pops against the dark sashing. And, not a pucker to be found. Happiness is!
It's done! I love it. And I love the crinkly goodness (cue angels singing).
This quilt included many "firsts" for me....first twin sized quilt (finished size is 70" by 84"), all the new circle piecing and applique techniques, first true scrappy quilt as opposed to sticking within designer lines, first pieced binding. And, most importantly, first quilt I have made that is actually staying in my own house!! I couldn't be happier with it...or more proud of its recipient. You and your sisters will always be my most precious creations. Love you, G!

p.s. I think he likes it :-)


Sharing this quilt with {Sew} Modern Monday.
Also entering it in:

Gen X Quilters

44 comments:

Amy Friend said...

I'm guessing that he is going to make the back the front! Congratulations on finishing it! He looks like a happy boy. My 7 year old boy is just about to turn 8 in a couple of weeks...I am still not used to 7!

Belinda said...

That is AMAZING! What details! I bet he's going to cherish that quilt for as long as he lives.

Lee Ann L. said...

I am loving the back! Too cool! Thanks for sharing.

Elizabeth Dackson said...

Oh, I'm so glad he likes it - you put so much work into this quilt, it is just SO awesome!! If my son ever gets into hockey as he gets older, I will definitely be coming to you for advice on a hockey rink quilt. :)

Kati said...

That really is so fabulous. I love the hockey side, but the front is wonderful as well. So creative and unique. Great work!

Emily said...

As beautiful as the scrap front is, maybe it will never see the light of day, huh?! :) Great concept and execution on the hockey rink.

Jen T said...

This is such an awesome quilt!

Debbie said...

awesome!!

Im so glad that you got to try out a bunch of techniques. I have only done a few of them.

I'm surprised that this is the first quilt you are keeping. I want to keep making more and more to keep - but my husband wont let me. Oh well- more for friends.

felicity said...

He obviously loves it - what a gorgeous quilt. Themed without being too hokey (not to be confused with Hockey, of which it has just the right amount.). And so many "firsts" that all turned out so beautifully. Way to go! I feel like Oh, Canada! should be playing in the background. :)

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

I just love this quilt, it turned out amazing and so original! He looks delighted too :-)

Jennifer said...

What an awesome mom you are! That is a fabulous quilt! Happy birthday to your little guy! He looks so thrilled with it!

Little Island Quilting said...

Amazing detail - I hope it is appreciated!

Samantha said...

All I can say is...WOW...love it!!! Your best quilt yet! Big G looks so grown up (I still remember him as that adorable, pudgy baby). HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO HIM!I wish I lived closer so I could take some quilting lessons from a master quilter like yourself!

Riel Nason said...

It turned out just great!!! Total heirloom!!! If you ever branch out into pattern design, I would suspect that hockey rink would be a great Canadian seller!!!

robin said...

Wow - the hockey side is awesome! The other side is pretty neat, too!

Tezzcan said...

Stunning, just stunning, I'm in awe.

Marianna said...

Congratulations on making a truly one of a kind quilt. I think you did a great job. And the color combinations make it look very sophisticated and not at all cheesy. I enjoyed reading about your process and all the thought and effort that went into designing it.

I avoid the whole measuring/basting/pinning rigmarole by renting a long-arm machine from one of the local stores in L.A. This way the utter pain in the butt that comes with wrestling and quilting a twin size quilt (or bigger) with a regular sewing machine disappears. Perhaps there are stores in your area that will rent you their long-arm. The stores here charge by the hour or half-hour. It takes me less then 30 minutes to meander a twin.

Again congratulations, and my good thoughts to you and your lovely family.

jednoiglec said...

Hockey rink? What a fabulous idea! I love such quilts made with love and passion!

Andrea said...

That hockey rink is amazing!!!

I also love how you bordered your quilt in a dark fabric. It really makes it pop.

Megan said...

Love, love, love this! And look at his smile! :) Adorable!

Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday!

Teje said...

Hi! This is wonderful quilt! The best idea for a hockey-boy, I'm sure he loves it! I love it!
All your quilts are so beautiful! Thank you for inspiration! Teje

Emily said...

I don't know squat about hockey but your quilt is amazing! Great job :D

Cammy said...

Unbelievably creative!! Your quilt is beautifully done and so cool :)

Quiltstory said...

Amazing once again!

Linda at Roscoe's Ma said...

This is a great, great quilt!! Lucky (and cute)little guy!

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

oh how clever. My boys are all grown up but they play(ed) hockey and would still love this quilt today at ages 27/30! So well made!

AnneMarie said...

WOW!!! What a great quilt with so many firsts! All your experimenting paid off - it looks fantastic. I have 2 boys myself - and you've given me ideas for when they get a little older.

thanks so much for entering it in Gen X Quilters Love Nest Quilt Contest and best of luck!

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

That is awesome! You could really market that one in Canada!!

anne said...

LOVE the hockey quilt!! Have you thought about writing it up as a pattern?? I'd love to try to make one for my husband anr/or sons some day!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

This is just genius - I have a feeling I commented on this one on flickr because I thought it was so cool - just love it - great one to share!

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is *gorgeous*! I found you by accident through a Flickr search at Film in the Fridge. I also have a 7 year old son "G" who's a hockey nut and he loves your quilt...he said if he had it he could use his Lego guys to play hockey. :)
Rebecca

Lynseylou said...

I can't even begin to say how excited I was to see this! You are amazing and very creative! Now I have to figure out how to make it for myself... you don't have a pattern do you?

Unknown said...

I want a hockey rink quilt, too! How awesome is that?! Nicely done!

natalie said...

ohmyword, this is seriously the coolest quilt i've ever seen!!

Jess said...

OMG, I absolutely LOVE the hockey rink side of the quilt!! It's beyond fabulous! That's one lucky boy you've got!

angel said...

I love this!!! coolest hockey quilt ever! We live in hockey central and my son would love this.

Let me know if you ever post a tutorial.

Den Leader Info. said...

Oh my....this would be the best gift in the world for my hockey boys. would you consider a tutorial or sharing some more details?

Anonymous said...

What a great quilt. Will you share the instructions and measurements?

Tracey Jacobsen said...

Great quilt!
Definitely needs to be a pattern! :)

Bev Beck said...

I love this hockey quilt and cannot wait to make one for my son. Would you share your instructions or secrets?

Thank you.
bevguy1@yahoo.com

Luke's Mommy said...

Would you considering making another but with a plain backing and selling it?? If you are please email me at dizzy4disney247@gmail.com

BJ said...

Love this quilt. I have 2 grandsons who would love it too. Are you considering sharing/selling the pattern for it? If so I'd be quite interested.Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I was just searching for some hockey quilt inspiration and found your post. It is absolutely perfect!

Anonymous said...

I was just searching for some hockey quilt inspiration and found your post. It is absolutely perfect!