Is it just me or do other people think they posted a post when they really didn't? Maybe it's just me. For the last week or two, I thought I told you about this quilt. Clearly, I have not. Let's ameliorate, shall we?
So two years ago I went to Hawaii, it was fabulous, see for yourself. While there I purchased some Hawaiian print fabrics, because I figured that's what one who is crafty should do. Shortly after returning home, Little Sir switched to a toddler bed because he could climb out of his crib at 15 months old (awesome.), so naturally I thought a quilt for my kid was in order.
So I washed the fabric. A few months later, I drew up a quick design (but I could have put them together in any way, there is a lot of crazy going on with those prints). A few months after that I cut out the fabric. And then, a week before Sir's second birthday, I thought, "oh, I will finish that quilt!" And I worked so hard to get it done, but after basting it, I lost steam. And then the quilt sat in the basement for almost a year taunting me with its uncompletion. Even Little Sir would say things like, "that's my quilt that mommy didn't finish, right?"
So for his third birthday, I was determined to finish the quilt. I quilted it with 30 degree parallel lines (with 2 inches between) running one way. I originally thought about quilting in the opposite direction to form quilted diamonds; but, that would have tacked on months to the process, because really, that is sort of how a roll (if you haven't caught on to that yet). After getting some great advice from Diana, Caro and Ashley (great advice=telling me what I want to hear), I called the quilting sufficient. The quilting is most discernible on the back (which I think I like better, actually) in the solid sections.
After taking all the pins out and the painter's tape off however, I didn't feel like doing the binding, and I had to sleep. I finished quilting the quilt at 3 in the morning on the kid's third birthday. After a week or two of hemming and hawing I figured it was time to get it done. You see, I couldn't justify working on another quilt till this one was done. And really, all I had to do was the binding.
I once hated doing the binding on quilts, but now, I think it's the easiest part. Unlike most quilters who lovingly hand sew the binding to the quilt back, I take the extra time to iron, tuck and pin my binding to the back of my quilt and machine sew like it's my job. I don't have the patience for the hand sewing bit, and this quilt is for a boy and will get washed a ton, so that's my rationalizing.
I am so glad I finished this quilt. Not just because, well, yay, I'm done; but, Little Sir LOVES his new quilt.
He promptly followed his thanks with a request to "make [him] another quilt; but, one that matches [his] little brother's." People, I have not made a quilt for Little Mister to be matched, so Sir has, in effect, asked for me to make two quilts. Stellar. Hilarious is Little Sir's middle name.
I think it is worth noting that Little Sir acted as creative director for this entire quilt photo shoot of ours. With the exception of the shots that I caught with the two of us, he pretty much told me how he wanted the pictures taken and came and looked at the camera to give approval.
Is it wrong that my kid's knack for framing and composition impresses me more than his ability to say please and thank you?
Beautiful photographs of a happy little person and his special quilt!
Posted by: Marianne | May 27, 2009 at 04:44 PM
Cannot. Take. The. Cuteness.
Posted by: Elspeth | May 27, 2009 at 06:13 PM
Little Sir is really very amusing and clever and adorable and talented in the photo staging department. So clearly he deserves two quilts :).
Posted by: grumperina | May 27, 2009 at 06:28 PM
i'm with elspeth!!!
totally adorable.....
Posted by: leslie | May 27, 2009 at 10:29 PM
So beautiful! Look at all that hard work being appreciated by Little Sir! I love reading about him. He sounds awesome.
Posted by: Oiyi | May 27, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Rad.
Posted by: AnnieSue | May 28, 2009 at 12:49 AM
that is amazing! i love it, you and Lil' Sir!!
Posted by: margaux | May 28, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Your son is so cute, he makes my uterus ache for another child. Ha!
Lovely quilt - and sure, make another one, how can you say no to that face?! LOL.
Posted by: June | May 28, 2009 at 08:29 AM
You and little sir are too cute!! I love the Hawaiian print and what a colorful gift for a kid. I think you're going to have people lining up on your blog for a quilt like this of their own!
Posted by: catherine | May 28, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Aww, what a cutie pie! I love the quilt, so bright and happy.
Posted by: Emilee | May 28, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Lovely photos. Little Sir is quite the director. Great quilt. Come back to Hawaii one of these days!
Posted by: Barb | May 28, 2009 at 01:09 PM
your little guy
is totally adorable
and cracks me up...
love the quilt!!
Posted by: gkgirl | May 29, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Terrific quilt. Terrific little guy, too. Congrats!!
Posted by: Vicki | June 02, 2009 at 11:23 AM
He looks awesome and so does the quilt. I like the crazy side with all the Hawaiian prints. Totally cool.
Posted by: Kathy | June 02, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I love your quilt! It is so awesome!!
Posted by: tiennie | June 05, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Gorgoues quilt!! Love the colors.
Posted by: Andrea | June 08, 2009 at 09:34 AM
i love this quilt. perfect.
i have been sewing on the binding lately too. much, much better i say.
Posted by: kaite | June 23, 2009 at 07:43 PM