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Monday, September 19, 2011

A quilt for Kyle...


Beki from artsy-crafty babe has a fun cute blog. She is a crafty to all sorts of projects, photography, decorating, cooking, jewelry, knitting, gardening...whew! That is my kind of girl! She makes and sells darling purse patterns through her etsy shop. Cute!


kyle's quilt
Last week Alex came home from school with a note from his teacher saying that one of his classmates lost everything in a house fire.  Alex was quick to tell me, "mom, he doesn't even have a book sack!".  As a first grader, all this info is a bit difficult to process.
The note went on to say that the school was having a donation drive, but if we had any ideas for the class to do something special for their classmate, that would also be appreciated.
kyle's quilt
Well you know me, my mind immediately turned to what can I makefor this boy?  What can I do with the kids for this boy?  A quilt seemed like an obvious answer.  A quilt that every kid in the class could contribute to.  As soon as I could, I emailed Alex's teacher with my idea and thankfully she loved it.
kyle's quilt
The next day I sent to school with Alex some fabric squares that had been ironed onto freezer paper (much easier for little ones to draw on that way) and some fabric markers.  My only instructions were for the kids to draw Kyle a happy picture and sign their name.
kyle's quilt close up
Oh my goodness, the pictures I got back were so sweet!  I can't help but smile when I look at them.
kyle's quilt front
This weekend I got busy on the quilt.  My original plan was to border each drawing with a colorful print and back the quilt with a solid gray, but after making block, I decided that was a bit much.  I didn't want to detract from the drawings at all, so I alternated a solid gray border with a print one, then I threw in some white to make it all pop.
kyle's quilt back
Using gray on the front meant that I didn't have enough for a solid back, so that got pieced.  I personally like a pieced back better anyway, so that all worked out.  
I'm so happy with how this turned out!  My quilting is wonky and I machine stitched the binding on entirely, but in this case, done is better than perfect.  Tomorrow I'm sending this quilt to school with Alex to give to Kyle.  I sure hope he likes it!



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23 comments:

Paskiaq said...

That is the sweetest quilt! Love all the drawings and I'm sure Kyle and his family will be super touched.

Andrea said...

your quilting is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

What a special treat for Kyle! I am sure he will enjoy having it! I am also certain his mama will feel so loved!

pinsandneedles said...

What a sweet story and the drawings are precious. I'm sure it will bring a smile to a little boys face! Great job!

Leslie said...

That is just so precious! what a blessing I am sure that quilt will be to Kyle and his family :)

The quilt is gorgeous and what a great idea!

Vivian said...

What a very special gift to give the little boy! Great project!

Krista Schneider said...

aw, how incredible! such a great idea. hopefully they will cuddle up in this quilt for years to come and recall how people helped out in a really rough time.

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said...

LOVE the quilt, that is so sweet!

Kathleen said...

What an awesome idea! It turned out beautiful and I am sure Kyle and his family will really appreciate the love that went into it!

Deborah in Atlanta said...

That was an awesome idea, and I'm sure he won't think much of it now (other than the fact that he's grateful for the quilt), but I'm sure his mom will realize the love that went into the preparation of the quilt, and will make sure it's kept for when he's a grown man. Great idea!! I hope you put a label on it.

Lindsay Conner said...

How cute is this memory quilt! Love the coloring pages. :)

MariQuilts said...

The quilt looks fabulous. I've done something similar in the past. I love your idea of the freezer paper.

Rebecca said...

What a beautiful and meaningful quilt!!

Andee said...

You have just made a little guy's day...he will remember always how his classmates cared for him in such a difficult time. Pat yourself on the back!

Tamara Hampton said...

you made me cry, what a sweet quilt!

Teje Karjalainen said...

That quilt is so beautiful and really unique! Perfect idea to have all the children to draw and you made the quilt so great!

Miranda said...

What a great idea! I don't really know what else to say! It totally makes me want to cry! It is a beautiful quilt and the kids did a great job making pictures. Let us know how it went :)

Tamie said...

What a sweet thing to do and a special lovey for Kyle.

Charity said...

What a way to bring a smile to Kyle's face.

Canadian Abroad said...

What a lovely thing to do. I think that will be bringing huge smiles in difficult times for his family.

Lynne said...

What a wonderful idea, a lovely thing to do and a keepsake quilt!

Jenn said...

Absolutely darling!! What a special quilt!

Anonymous said...

Such an awesome idea! I'm sure they feel blessed!