Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Karlie's Quilt -- Stars and Hearts

When my niece, Karlie, asked me to make a quilt for her I was delighted to do so.  When she said she wanted it to be black and grey with white stars and red hearts I thought that might be a challenge.  I've made quilts with stars,  and I've made quilts with hearts, but I've never made one with both.  I wondered if I could come up with a design where the stars and hearts played well together.  I got out my handy-dandy graph paper and started with stars.  (Don't anyone tell me I need to learn to design on the computer -- I've tried -- I can't.  I like graph paper.)
























Every single black and white print came from my stash.  I have a pretty cool supply of B&W prints!


















My original plan was to just put a black border on it, but I didn't like the way the stars would be cut off.  























You know what that means, right?  Out came the graph paper!


















This is how I made the components I needed to get the stars to extend into the border.






































































Does that make sense?  Anyway.  This border was going to look lots better.
























I had to at least throw some hearts into the backing.  


















A little bit of everything actually ended up there.




















That was still not enough hearts to suit me.  Now it was up to my friend, Shirley (Custom Quilting by Shirley Jackson) to work in a few more.  I asked her to do a simple meander and every once in a while, throw in a heart.  It's all good, she knew exactly what I meant.  She used a variegated black and red thread which looked perfect.
























The hearts needed to stand out just a little more, so I embroidered around just those in the border.
























Yes!  That made me happy.  In fact, I love it.

































Finished! 

























The best part was yet to come.  Seeing Karlie's face when I gave it to her.


























There you have it.  The perfect gift for a beautiful young woman.  I know she loves it.  These pictures don't lie.












8 comments:

piecefulwendy said...

I'm with you on the graph paper, although I haven't tried a computer program yet. I know how to use graph paper, not sure I want to take the time to learn the computer program. The quilt is really pretty and cleverly designed, with hearts in the quilting and then embroidered. What fun seeing her with the quilt!

Louise said...

This post makes me so happy!! I just love seeing pictures of quilt recipients right as they open their gift. Congratulations on a lovely finish, perfect for Karlie! :)

PaintedThread said...

Graph paper (any paper!) is a must.

I love embroidering around some of the hearts. What a great idea! I'll have to remember that.

Great quilt.

Mimi said...

Cute, cute quilt. Your niece looks so happy with it.

Pam @ Quilting Fun said...

Love your quilt! The embroidered hearts are a fabulous touch, so inspired! I am in awe of your black and white stash.

Mary Marcotte said...

Smart move adding the black border. Tt frames the quilt beautifully and makes all the other parts stand out. I especially like those red ribbon hearts. And you're right: those pictures can't be wrong!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I love how you worked in all her desires for this beautiful quilt! Great job by your quilter, too, and the extra embroidery sets it all off just right.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Hi Sandy, your niece really loved her quilt. It's gorgeous!