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
Beautiful - and seeing the back of this, just makes it even more special! Love the fabric and pattern. What a special graduation gift. Looking forward to seeing the second one for Madison.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sigi! I've said it before, but I really should do fun backings more often. So much more interesting when snuggling up with the quilt! Hope you are well!
DeleteReally nice quilt, and the quilting really adds to it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue! Yes, I'm really happy with the quilting Jen used. It just finishes it off so nicely! Manly and rich looking!
DeleteI love this quilt! I think using some homespuns with this pattern would also be great. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent idea!! Maybe even homespun on the front and flannel on the back! What a great quilt that would be!
DeleteTruly lovely "guy" quilt! Enjoyed your post :) Faith.
ReplyDeleteThank you Faith! Why are guy quilts just so much cozier? :) Maybe that's a lesson for us girls!
DeleteOh my gosh,that is beautiful! Nice job and a lovely gift!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Sue! Hope you are well!
DeleteThis is beautiful! I think I may follow your lead, we have a close family friend that I think could use a snuggly quilt and this would suit him perfectly! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh that is wonderful! Makes me happy to know that this might be an inspiration for someone you want to gift a quilt to! Thanks!
Deletebeautiful quilts! I think I know what pattern you made your nieces' quilt from: I have that pattern and am making a quilt for my sister from it. :-) Hugs, H
ReplyDeleteOh thanks so much Helen! :) :) Hope your sister loves it!
DeleteI love this quilt. I know that colorful one is going to be a beauty as well
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is very pretty
Thank you Rosemary! Have a blessed day!
DeleteFabulous gift for the graduate!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Have a great day!
Delete