A Quilt Full of Hugs

Well, I finished my hugs quilt today. It took me almost two weeks, but at least 3 of those days were no sewing days, so they don't count. My friend will receive her quilt this weekend when I see her, and it is a surprise. So, here it is:

 I used all fabrics from my stash for the top. I googled X quilt block to get dimensions and then I just cut and cut and then chain pieced for days to make this 63 inch square throw quilt.

 I know there are parts where there is less definition between fabrics, but up close, it's a beauty.

 The back is all pink, a fabric I picked up at Joann. I just really didn't want to take the time to piece the back for this one. I wanted it done and in her hands.

 The red binding goes well with both sides and frames the quilt up nicely. I have had that in my stash for years and am glad it found a home.

 I used a cookie cutter to trace a heart in the center and then quilted hearts one inch apart from there outward. It does lose some of the definition, but I still love it.

Quilt inspector Pouncer came by to put her paw of approval on the quilt. She knows a good one when she feels it.

       Got my label and I wrote the date with a micron pen on the back.

 And now it's ready to be gifted and I am happy to have it complete. Now, on to my December Penny Sampler Quilt lesson. I have to finish that so I can put that year long project together. I have decided to hand quilt it, so that may take awhile. Don't worry, I will have lots of other projects going on to show you while I hand quilt. Have a great weekend. Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts

I Am, Therefore, I Sew

I cannot imagine not sewing. I do it as much as I breathe or eat, to live. My creativity is a part of me, so very deep. And I enjoy blogging about my sewing. I love reading blogs, more than looking at instagram, because I want to see the story behind the quilt. That is always interesting to me. Bloggers who have a story to tell, rather than just "I made this." Today's blog certainly has a story to tell.

It started with a stack of fabrics, reds and pinks, the recipient's favorite colors. I like to use favorite colors when I can. I have made quilts like this before. A tragedy occurs and I know there is really nothing I can do. I can't change things and I am not close enough, either geographically or otherwise, to be of much help. So I do what many of us do, I make a quilt.

I have made them before and I am sure I will again. They are for the sick, the survivors, or the ones left behind. I have done all of these. I spend every moment stitching love and hope into my creations.

 I chose reds and pinks for this one and I used my go to pattern, the X quilt, or Hugs as some may know it. There is nothing more appropriate for someone who is sick or grieving.

 I have been sewing these blocks for 5 days now, well, cutting and then sewing. I needed 196 of the squares, so I would have 4 per block. These are easy to chain stitch, but it is the volume that gets you.

           There are hearts, flowers and kitties.

           And of course, there is true love.

           And a few bunnies. My recipient loves bunnies.

And so now I have 49 Hugs blocks to stitch together, back, quilt, and bind. I hope to have it done in another week. I used to be able to get a quilt like this done faster, but I am not as young as I used to be. I will be back to share a finish soon. I also have some secret Christmas sewing to show you, soon, very soon.