Tuesday, September 2, 2014

A Dress, a Baby, and Some Horses

This 42 x 46 baby quilt was a custom design for a friend of a friend.  The story behind the quilt is really sweet actually.  The customer sent me her bridesmaid dress and asked me to incorporate it into a simple patchwork quilt for a friend (the bride previously) who is expecting a baby.
As we discussed possible fabrics, I stumbled upon this wonderful, scrappy patchwork quilt top by Heather on instagram, which we both liked.  The horse print from Melody Miller's Mustang line for Cotton and Steel was the starting point, along with the blue solid from the dress.  I was able to pull the rest from my stash (hooray!). 
It was so fun to have free rein to choose many non traditional fabrics for a this eclectic quilt.  I especially love the ledger print from Architectures by Carolyn Friedlander, the mustard wood grain by Joel Dewberry, and the aqua print from Field Study by Anna Maria Horner.
  

The back is a fun text print and a column of scrap strips.  And I think black and white striped binding is almost always a good idea.
 
 
I hope the new mom loves the quilt as much as I do, and hopefully my customer will be pleased with it too.  The dress fabric makes this quilt a nice reminder of their friendship.

7 comments:

Danielle said...

Really lovely Alex! And great incorporation of the dress fabric. Beautiful.

Amanda Jean said...

It's beautiful! Love the story behind it, too. Your color and fabric choices are always spot on!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

You have done a wonderful job. Being able to incorporate the dress fabric makes it very special.

Kelly O. said...

that binding is the perfect addition to a baby quilt!

alidiza said...

What a great way to reuse a dress you'll never wear again in a truly meaningful way... and of course you did it with style:-) Sure to be a treasured heirloom!!!

liz said...

What a sweet idea. Love what you came up with too.

FlourishingPalms said...

This is so neat! It's a simple design, but so effective pieced on the diagonal as it is, with all those great colors and prints - including the solid blue from the dress. Perfect. I think you did an awesome job. Good for you!