Some of you may remember some earlier posts about a design for a growth chart quilt for Brynne that I had started on. I found the entire process very liberating - it was my own design (although it was certainly inspired by various projects), and the cutting and sewing were very free (I didn't have to use a rotary cutter until cutting the borders!). Here is the quilt top for the growth chart, which I am also offering as my submission for May's Month of Softies with the theme: May Flowers.
It was hard to get great photos today (weird overcast sky), but hopefully you'll get the idea nonetheless. The background of the quilt (the ground and sky) were sewn using raw-edge applique, and the grass, flower stem and flower, sun, bee, and ladybug were all appliqued using a satin stitch with a coordinating thread. The white fiberglass tape measure was stitched on over the right inner border (which was cut slightly wider than the left so that it would appear to be the same width after the tape measure was sewn on). Most of the quilt top (save the borders) was made using fabric scraps that I scored at the thrift store a while back. Most of the scraps had been cut into 2" strips, making them ideal for my rough edge applique background. So, a project like this is a great way to use up some of your scrap bag, if you're so inclined! I used pre-made quilt binding for the flower stem because I liked the fabric pattern, and it made it easy to do the curve that I wanted.
Here are some closer shots of the sun and flower
the ladybug and bee
and the grass
Next I will baste, quilt and bind the growth chart. Once that is done, I will embroider leaves with Brynne's height at important dates and those will be appliqued to the quilt. That way, the flower will gradually get more leaves on the stem as Brynne grows.
I really had fun with this project, and I think I may need to get into some more easygoing quilting! I love the beautiful geometric patterns of more traditional quilts, but I also liked being able to relax a bit with this one. Not having to worry too much about perfect cutting and seam allowances was refreshing!
That really came out great, Kelly! Bravo! How cute that'll look once it's finished and hanging.
Posted by: Jan | May 19, 2005 at 04:15 PM
wow! that is incredible! i love the idea of embroidering leaves as time goes on. i really need to learn to sew...
Posted by: ani | May 19, 2005 at 05:07 PM
Cuuuute! Great job Kelly!
Posted by: myra | May 19, 2005 at 05:37 PM
looks great! congratulations!!
Posted by: hillary | May 19, 2005 at 05:43 PM
This is just AMAZING Kelly. Really amazing. Such a wonderful treat that Brynne will have forever! Beautiful work!
Posted by: amanda | May 19, 2005 at 06:34 PM
This is beautiful... I love the stem and blades of grass, so bright and vibrant. It is truly a work of art!
Posted by: laurie | May 19, 2005 at 08:49 PM
Oh, it's so sweet! I love the mix of patterns and how they blend together. Great job!
Posted by: Melanie | May 19, 2005 at 09:34 PM
Cute! I love the concept that you will keep adding leaves as she grows.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 19, 2005 at 10:47 PM
I love it!!!!
Posted by: Snowbear | May 20, 2005 at 08:53 AM
what an amazing idea!! I love it!
Posted by: jenn | May 20, 2005 at 11:55 AM
kelly -- wow, well done! i saw your post when you began the ground portion of the chart awhile back and LOVED the idea. i was curious to see the finished product, but then i couldn't remember whose blog i saw the idea on (that's when i was brand new to this whole blogging thing). i was so excited to see it finished today! what a special gift for your daughter. i'd love to try something like this for my little margot, but don't think i have the skills (or patience) to finish it before she turns 15!
Posted by: kristen | May 20, 2005 at 01:57 PM
Gorgeous job, Kelly! I love the leaves idea, too - what a wonderful thing for Brynne to have & keep.
Posted by: Fiona | May 21, 2005 at 03:51 AM
I love the grass! The whole thing is fantastic!
Posted by: caro | May 21, 2005 at 08:59 AM
What a beautiful piece of art--and growth chart! Incorporating the tape measure into the design is a brilliant idea. I especially like the rays of the sun!
Posted by: Anamaria | May 21, 2005 at 05:35 PM
very nice-way to go! love the ladybug.
Posted by: amy k. | May 22, 2005 at 09:41 AM
Wow - that is gorgeous. I love it! The bee and the lady bird are just gorgeous..
Posted by: kerrie | May 22, 2005 at 12:37 PM
Wow, this is so great, fun, funky, I love it, what a treasure.
Posted by: Amber Lee | May 22, 2005 at 02:35 PM
Wow! Great work. One of my favorite parts are all the beautiful blue fabrics making up the background.
Posted by: Martha | May 23, 2005 at 10:23 AM
It's gorgeous and I love the idea for new leaves to mark growth! :)
Posted by: Linda | May 24, 2005 at 09:48 AM
Its lovely. I like the bugs.
Posted by: Kay Susan | July 15, 2005 at 04:12 PM