A Labor of Love

27 years ago my mother made a quilt for the baby in her belly, me. It was a bright orange with 12 gingham animals on it. I loved it, and used it, and left it in the wagon one spring and it is now covered in rust stains. I still have it. Well, when my best friend (who has been my best friend since my mother made that quilt) got pregnant, I decided to make her a replica of my blanket, one that she remembers as well as I do.

I, obviously, decided not to do it in orange, but picked a beautiful baby blue flannel, which I love!

I tackled MANY firsts in this quilt, which is why I have titled it a labor of love. I had never done hand-quilting before, or applique work, or embroidery. The edge work of triangles was also a first for me, and a very scary task which is now my favorite part of the quilt.
I had presented the un-finished top of the quilt to my friend at her baby shower, with the promise that I would take it home and finish it in the months to come. I had been planning on edging it with the triangles, but hadn't told her, and while I was visiting her during her shower, we happened to be wrapped in a quilt that was finished this same way. She made a big deal in pointing out what a cute finish it was, and I smiled knowing that I was already planning on finishing hers that way. I intended on keeping it a surprise until she opened it, but knowing that I wouldn't be there to get the reactions, I sent her a photograph of the quilt in a text message, and was thrilled her response! She was in fact surprised by the adorable gingham triangles, and pleasantly surprised if I might add.

There is a lot of hours in this quilt, and even more love. Amanda, I hope you love it as much as I loved making it, and call me when you get the package in about 3 days....