A flannel quilt for the graduate!

I love making graduation quilts. There is so much promise, hope and excitement in watching a young person graduate and take their next steps in life. I think it energizes those of us who have to brush off the cobwebs to remember our own graduations. It reminds us of the possibilities of new beginnings, and how thrilled and scared we were in those moments. Making a quilt for a graduate is our way of sending love and encouragement with the young person embarking on that new journey.

We have two special graduates to celebrate this year . . . our daughter’s boyfriend Cameron and our niece Madison. Cam just graduated from college and Madison is graduating from high school. They are both terrific young people who will make a positive mark on the world.  I look forward to seeing how their futures unfold. Today I want to share some pictures of Cam’s quilt, which we gave to him this past weekend.

The gorgeous flannel fabric you see in the photos is Farmhouse Flannels II by Primitive Gatherings for Moda.  This collection will release in July, and you definitely want to get your hands on a bundle! To tell you the truth, I think I need more of this fabric! It goes nicely in my house!

Obviously, the flannel texture is yummy, as flannel always is. But I also love the rich, masculine palette. The steely grays lean toward blue to my eye, the blacks remind me of charcoal, and the browns have a bark-like coloring ~ the color palette is natural and wonderful.

I knew this collection would make the perfect college graduation quilt for Cam. I searched for a simple, masculine pattern and found one on Fat Quarter Shop's website: “Picnic” by Zen Chic.  This FREE pattern finishes at 72” x 83” and is layer cake friendly.  I had a fat quarter bundle of Farmhouse Flannels II, so I cut my 10” squares from the bundle and used the remaining fabric, along with some yardage, to sew a scrappy backing. Two quilts in one!

By now you’ve noticed the fabulous machine quilting that adds such depth and visual interest.  The pattern is called Diagonal Plaid Bias and the wonderful work was done by Jennifer of Farm Fresh Stitches. Thank you so much, Jennifer! It’s perfect!

Each time I make a graduation quilt, I envision it with the recipient. My sappy hope is that it brings them the comfort of home and the reminder that they are loved. Although I haven’t known Cam his whole life, I’ve known him long enough to appreciate his kindness, sense of humor and genuinely good character. He’s accomplished great things so far, and I’m sure that will continue in his future. Here he is with our daughter, Haley.

In a week or two I’ll share my second graduation quilt with you, Madison’s quilt. Here’s a sneak peek.  This quilt is all sunshine and sweetness, just like our niece!

Thanks for stopping by the blog today!

~Taunja