A Quilt For My Girl

I wanted to make something very special for Scarlett for her 8th birthday.  I ordered fabric and a pattern back in January so I would give myself enough time to make her a birthday quilt (Tenneille is still waiting for hers).  I was so close to finishing it for her birthday on Monday, but with Jairah’s mishap Sunday, I didn’t stand a chance.  4 days after her actual birthday, I finally finished her quilt.  I stayed up until 1.30am, hand sewing the binding while watching Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Sleepless in Seattle to keep me company, as everyone had long gone to bed.  I bundled up her finished quilt and placed it at the end of her bed to find in the morning.  She loved it.  Oh, I am one happy mama.

The reverse of the quilt

Close up of reverse of the quilt

I changed the material layout but not the pattern.  I left off some of the circle apliques and ric rac.  The back of the quilt is my own design and I am really happy with how it looks.  I used scraps of the material off cuts which, when joined with the white cotton, were just the right width to match the front.  I wanted the quilt to be reversible.  I machine quilted it, as I didn’t have the time to hand quilt it.  I used a walking foot for all the lines and on the outside border I used a free motion foot and did basic swirls.  I must say it was fun doing free motion sewing.
The best part is, I didn’t really stuff anything up.  I cut the binding thinner than was suggested, but I prefer finer binding. I did rounded edges on the quilt, as I didn’t want to have to do mitred corners.  I find is so much easer just to finish with a bias join instead.  I think I am a fan of rounded edge quilts from now on.  The quilt measures approximately 66″x66″.

Close up of rounded edges on the quilt

The pattern and fabric were purchased as a kit online at the Fat Quarter Shop (very lovely to deal with and shipping was prompt).  The quilt pattern was called Marabella by Amy Hamberlin.  The fabric was by Henry Glass & Co.

Now to get started on Tenneille’s quilt!  Jacinta x