Ezra's Quilt
Oh, I'm so happy this is done. So happy. Or, rather, Ezra is really so happy that it's done. I don't think I moved that slow on it, but to a four year old -who asked a couple of times a day, 'is my quilt done yet?' - my production rate was s-l-o-w. All is forgiven now that it's done, though, because now I hear several times a day, "thank you for my quilt, Mama. I loooooove my quilt, Mama." Be still, my heart.
I chose a simple patchwork for my daydreaming Ez - I was envisioning him finding lots to look at and dream about with these fabrics. There's lots of our old favorite Munki Munki prints in here, and a few newer Superbuzzy bits, too, as well as one special fabric that Ez picked out on his own (can you guess?) - it was the only fabric purchased for the quilt. I really, really struggle with color - I was trying to stick to his favorite color of blue, with some greens and yellows too. But that brown? I have no idea why I put that in there - it stands out more than I thought it would. Oh well.
For it's simple patchwork design and easy piecing, the rest of the quilt got a little complicated. I kept getting stalled out on boring details along the way - no tape in the house just when I needed it (what?), a broken walking foot (seriously. not cool.), the wrong batting purchased (super high loft, and not the right size), and some seriously awkward wrangling of the quilt through my machine. I was a quilting sailor mouth, I tell you. But thankfully, I had some help along the way - Deborah gave me some fabulous advice that saved me from even more bumps and cursing. Thank you!
So yes, the puckers and flaws abound, but of course, they were never noticed by Ezra and completely forgotten by me the second it was placed on his bed. I borrowed some words from Blair and told him that with his quilt, I was hugging him all night long. He loved that thought as much as I.
Amanda, I love the colors...even the brown.
I think I will borrow the thought of hugging the child all night with the quilt I made.
My 12 year old daughters quilt is getting quite old...peach colored crazy quilt that I put a peach ruffle (almost bed skirt size) on for her probably 5 years ago...I asked her if she would like a new one and she said no. She loves her quilt. :o)
I posted a picture a couple days ago on my blog that I thought Calvin would like...tall ships that our city owns were in town on the fourth.
Good for you getting the quilt done!!
Posted by: Lori | July 16, 2007 at 12:27 PM
It's just divine. And it wouldn't be handmade by mama unless it had a few flaws.
Posted by: Annie | July 16, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Very nice quilt. Ezra is lucky to have a mama like you.
Posted by: Céline | July 16, 2007 at 12:58 PM
So cheerful and inviting. I've got to seriously start on a quilt for my boy. Inspired!
Posted by: Ang | July 16, 2007 at 01:12 PM
So beautiful and inspiring! (maybe I'll finally get started on that quilt of mine...)
Posted by: Andrea | July 16, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Lovely!
Posted by: Molly | July 16, 2007 at 01:36 PM
It looks fantastic.
Posted by: Stacia | July 16, 2007 at 01:52 PM
That quilt is really adorbale! If I had a kid, I'd want it too :)
Posted by: Minna | July 16, 2007 at 02:08 PM
love it!
Posted by: Courtney | July 16, 2007 at 02:28 PM
oh amanda! you did such a lovely job and ezra couldn't be cuter sitting on his quilt with his book. it's gorgeous.
Posted by: erin | July 16, 2007 at 02:49 PM
I love it, it's perfect!
Posted by: Valerie | July 16, 2007 at 03:26 PM
the quilt turned out lovely. what size did you end up with? it fits his bed nicely. isn't it wonderful to have children who appreciate handmade things?
Posted by: samantha | July 16, 2007 at 03:27 PM
It's wonderful and I like the patches of brown.
Posted by: Robyn | July 16, 2007 at 03:32 PM
ADORO!
I love it!
Posted by: Zelia | July 16, 2007 at 03:33 PM
What a beautiful quilt, you can see the love it was made with eminating back out. Working my way up to a people sized quilt! (Even just a little people!)
Posted by: Jessicah | July 16, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Stunning. Simply stunning.
Posted by: melody | July 16, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Such a beautiful quilt! I'm so glad Ezra loves it - must make all the hard work so worthwhile.
Posted by: Clare | July 16, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I so appreciate the quilt my grandmother made. Actually, I wore it out from loving it. He will love this forever. His joy over it is so sweet.
Posted by: Madeline R | July 16, 2007 at 05:22 PM
that is beautiful! And even more so because it was sewn with a mothers love behind it.
Posted by: Steph | July 16, 2007 at 06:10 PM
YAY! Love the "hugging you all night long" thing...
Posted by: Bex | July 16, 2007 at 06:53 PM
I love it!
Posted by: Jody | July 16, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Lovely quilt and great inspiration for Ezra's imagination and my creativity.
Posted by: southerngirlmusings | July 16, 2007 at 10:43 PM
What a divine, warm, gentle, loving, tender, imaginative hug. This is a bear hug, bunny hug, elephant hug (these are the sort of hugs we have at home). This hug from you will be passed down through the generations, hugging grandchildren, great + great + great grandchilren. And then one day, someone will find it in a thrift shop and take it into their family and feel the hugs and love and patches of life you put into everything you do.
Posted by: Ellie | July 16, 2007 at 11:48 PM
(wiping tears from eyes)
you are amazing.
Posted by: martha | July 17, 2007 at 12:29 AM
So absolutely lovely!
Posted by: myra | July 17, 2007 at 01:50 AM
LOVE the brown!
I remember waking up one Christmas morning to find a new quilt on top of me. My mother had secretly worked on it for me each night after I went to bed. I cried and cried (I couldn't have told you why at the time...)
Quilts made by mothers' hands are truly a special gift. I can't wait to do the same for my little one.
Posted by: Caitlin | July 17, 2007 at 02:08 AM
love love LOVE it! I need to put together such a fun quilt, it looks very summerish! great job!
Posted by: kate | July 17, 2007 at 02:28 AM
What a beautiful quilt!!
Posted by: claudine | July 17, 2007 at 08:11 AM
J'adore your quilt. Such nice sunny colors.
Posted by: Pien | July 17, 2007 at 03:16 PM
the quilt looks beautiful. i am sure ezra felt hugged and loved the moment he saw it.
{i like the brown, btw}
Posted by: Veronica TM | July 17, 2007 at 03:21 PM
Beautiful work- he loves it because his mommy filled it with love! Isn't that the greatest?
Posted by: Emily (Five Flowers) | July 17, 2007 at 04:33 PM
I LOVE that. What a great thing to do for your kids. It would inspire me to do the same except I have 6 kids and probably wouldn't stay motivated to complete them all, lol.
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Gorgeous quilt! What a lucky guy!
Posted by: laura | July 18, 2007 at 12:44 AM
no way would I ever believe that you struggle with colour! The colours in this are amazing, I love the brown and the green. You know, your talent and passion is really inspiring. And your stories of your SO sweet kids taking such joy from simple pleasures is really heartwarming.
Posted by: kimba | July 18, 2007 at 07:31 AM
What a beautiful Quilt!
Regards,
Sonnja from the Netherlands
Posted by: Sonnja | July 18, 2007 at 07:50 AM
stunning quilt! I am so inspired to make one for my nephew...
Posted by: amy | July 18, 2007 at 10:38 AM
These blankets are very soft.
I love it.
Posted by: Rafael Urnhani | July 20, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Just lovely, and isn't it heart warming when ones production goes to ones children who really really wants them!!
Posted by: Elena | July 22, 2007 at 08:39 AM
wow i love it!!!!
Posted by: sammy | July 22, 2007 at 06:31 PM
I love your quilt ! Sarah x
Posted by: sarahsarah | July 26, 2007 at 10:08 AM
gorgeous!
Posted by: Dacia | July 26, 2007 at 02:27 PM
this is so awesome! i wish i can make a quilt as simple but absolutely gorgeous like this!! :)
Posted by: esther | July 27, 2007 at 04:42 AM
What a gorgeous quilt!! I love your blog, too. I found it from Lindsay's.
Posted by: Sheila | August 08, 2007 at 12:58 AM
I love it. I wouldn't worry about any imperfections. As the quilt ages, it will just add to the richness. I am older and my son is 21. Last Christmas I made him a quilt. He attends University in Vancouver. When he got home las year it was on his bed here. The first thing he asked me was if he could take it back with him. It is a loving feeling, knowing that it keeps him warm each night. Your quilt is beautiful.
Posted by: Brenda in Canada | December 10, 2007 at 01:37 PM