Sunday, April 22, 2012

90th Birthday Quilt

My grandfather turned 90 at the end of last month. I decided I needed to make him a quilt, a quilt with a family tree. I didn't get the greatest photo, but I also didn't finish the quilt until about 1 am the day of the birthday party. If you click on the photo to enlarge you can sort of see the quilting.

Originally, I had planned to make a whole cloth quilt, but then decided that I would just make it very simple. I like the simple quilt design. I then used photos of my grandparents, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for the quilting design. These all became the main parts of the tree. I defined the tree around the faces, then used straightish lines in the background to distinguish it from the tree.
I think it turned out nicely, but there are many things that I would change if I were to do this again. First, I would start with a completely different top, not sure what type of piecing goes with a tree quilt. I also would use different thread. I wanted the quilting to show, but not too much. After I was finished, I decided that the quilting was the big deal here, so I should have used thread that created more of a contrast. I also used variegated thread and it looks kind of weird on some of the faces. 
And this is my cute grandparents with the quilt. My grandma turned 85, so it was a double birthday party!

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my god - what an amazing quilting job you did. Your grandpa is one lucky man. How lovely of you!!! xo

The Dunns said...

That is a really great quilt. Wonderful job on the faces! What a special and personal gift. I like the idea of contrasting thread, too. I think it would really showcase your art well.

Anonymous said...

Holy cow! I am absolutely impressed! Wow. That's really all I can say!

Valerie said...

Seriously, my friend. I am blown away by your talent. That is unbelievable.

Kim said...

Love it! What a treasure.

Unknown said...

I made my dad some ceramics for his 93rd birthday earlier this year. They were nice but don't compare with your beautiful quilt. What a fantastic idea. Your grandparents must be absolutely delighted.

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