A first for this ‘closet quilter’
Our daughter is marrying a wonderful man, bringing to the marriage, each, two children. I was told that during the wedding ceremony they will be pinning each child with a special heart pin.
(Sidebar) Both Kim and Bob have built their relationship on Biblical principles with God as their foundation. The pin, with the smaller hearts interlaced together by the center heart (their children) each outer heart represents them. Yet all hearts are held together by the larger heart representing God. It is with this foundation they know their commitment to each other will remain strong.
The first challenge was finding a picture of THE pin she described. Then how to convey what I had in mind and put it on fabric?
I drew a sketch.
Put it to scale, created my appliqué pieces, since that's what I love doing, and 'wow I was on a roll!'
STOP!!! Let's get real... think it through before jumping in. I needed to ask some very important questions: Was I going to quilt it before or after I did the applique? Do I embroider before or after quilting? I decided to embroider the names first with hopes I could successfully quilt around them.
I then created the appliqué banner and embroidered the name Adams putting it to the side to applique after quilting. When it was time to applique the banner I realized it looked plain with no depth or definition. With a little more embroidery work, now it looks like a ribbon banner.
My FIRST attempt at machine quilting. I drew swirls using a Piolt Frixion pen (amazing, it disappears with a little iron heat). It wasn't necessary to draw them over the entire piece. Just enough to follow until my confidence grew.
The interlacing of the hearts was tricky for me but I think they came out ok. At first, I was going to use different fabrics so the hearts would be distinctive from each other. However, when I laid them together the difference in color didn’t flow making my eyes bounce all over the place. Certainly not giving the message of ‘unity’ of the families. Thus the reason the hearts are all the same color.
Of course doing the applique was enjoyed the most.
Take a look at A Quilting Reader's Garden on Applique Thursday.
Sew Happy to share,
Wow Penny, that's so unique and beautiful, you have made a very special heirloom that your daughter and her family can treasure.
ReplyDeleteThis is just wonderful! It's so wonderful seeing a family new or old honoring God.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and unique gift, Penny. I know they will treasure it - for what it symbolizes and all the love you put into it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt...as lovely as the meaning behind it. May God Bless their marriage and new family. Does she know you are making it?
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous gift, based on such a beautiful idea.
ReplyDeleteOh Penny what a delightful original heirloom for them and their children. A very very beautiful mini quilt. When times are tough they will be able to look at this and smile and every thing will be OK. Have enjoyed browsing your blog you do beautiful appliqué. Cheers Glenda Down Under
ReplyDeletemom, Reading your blog and watching the progression of this PRICELESS heirloom brings tears to my eyes! This gift is a treasure to someday be passed down and marveled over as we will each day we see it on our wall! Thank you for the passion, heart and soul you put into this piece. You are very talented and keep on quilting! Love you!
ReplyDelete