A Quilt for Lilly

My mom taught me how to sew an apron the summer I was 12. I think her mom did the same. Every since then I've liked to sew. I've always gone through phases, making a whole quilt in a few weeks time, then not touching a machine for months or even years. But at heart, I do consider myself a quilter. I want to make each of my kids a quilt. I'm making Lilly a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. I've always been drawn to the old-fashioned stuff, and I'm hoping she'll like all the pretty colors and patterns.

I actually started this quilt 2.5 years ago, with then intent of giving it to Lilly for her 3rd birthday. Well, life and my short attention span both got in the way, and here we are. Lilly will be 4 in February, and I see no reason I can't have this done in plenty of time. Oh, and one for Owen too. They're twins.

I heart fabric. I bought a stack of 50 fat quarters of vintage reproduction fabric several years ago. I'm finally getting around to using it.

I'm not using a particular pattern. I didn't see one that looked exactly how I wanted, so I found several patterns I kind of liked, and combined them. I drew my pieces free-hand, on freezer paper.

All my edges are raw.

I pinned all the pieces on 13" square backgrounds, using tiny applique needles.

I used the blanket stitch on my machine.

I have all my pieces cut. Next I just need to pin and sew. I think this will end up being a twin size quilt, but I'm not sure. Once all my 16 squares are done I'll have to figure out how I want to put it together, etc. I'm not one of those people who plans everything out before starting a project. It drives my husband crazy, but usually, it works.

I really hope Lilly loves her quilt when I finish it. I hope it makes her feel special to know it was made just for her, by my hands. Even when she is grown, I hope she will pull it out sometimes, and hopefully even use it, and feel loved.