Thursday, May 9, 2013

I Give You.. "THE BIRD" :)



It's my day in the "It's for the Birds" blog hop--my very first hop--over at Sew We Quilt! (Thanks Madame Samm for organizing and Mary for Cheerleading!) If it's your first time here, Welcome! I hope you'll come back by sometime and have a look around.. I love making new blog friends from all over! 
When I first read about the hop and decided to sign up, I had two projects in mind.. One, a stuffed owl pattern that I had but had never tried out, and two, a quilt for my bird-loving MIL, who actually asked me to make her a bird-ish themed quilt a few months ago.

I originally decided on the owl thinking I'd be more likely to get it done on time, but then it went together so fast that I thought I would use the extra time before the hop for motivation to finally make that quilt for my MIL.

Armed with a little FQ pack that I had been saving with her in mind, and a matching charm pack, I set out to make a quilt involving a couple of large feathers and maybe a bird appliqued onto it..  I didn't have a pattern and planned to just wing it. (no pun intended) 




Then I stumbled onto the most perfect linen ever that for some reason just reminds me of birds..Quiltmaker's Linen in Straw Dot.



..the two feathers evolved into one large feather with some borders around it and so on, until eventually I finished the quilt! Here is the feather portion.



I incorporated some text fabric into the border around the feather b/c my MIL loves to read and also writes occasionally for her neighborhood newsletter, along with some crossword fabric and dots b/c she loves those too and a couple of leftover jelly roll strips that coordinated.  Did I mention that she also has a collection of bird feathers and bird houses?


And the text fabric also has the name Buster in it, which is the name of our big furry dog that she loves. :)  So it's very very personal just for her.





The bird is  made out of a piece of fabric that I made with all of the crumbs from the teal fabrics I used in the feather.  My first experience making crumb fabric, and it was so much fun! So satisfying to use teeny tiny pieces you would otherwise throw away. And his button eye is from my G-ma's vintage button jar.  Lots of readers helped me choose which button in a previous post.








I googled "bird silhouette" and looking at the little pics that popped up, drew him out freehand on some paper for a pattern. The twig that the bird is perched on is made out of the tree trunk fabric that's used in the feather. The bird and branches were cut with pinking shears and raw edge appliqued on with a layer of batting underneath them so they are just a bit raised off of the quilt.  



The whole quilt was basically an experiment that I made up as I went along and it was lots of fun (and a little stressful) to see how it evolved. A few times I had to rework the plan.  


The binding is made out of scraps too, all of the strips of various width that I didn't use in the big feather sewn together into a long piece of fabric and then cut into binding.




I backed it in white minky so it would be a nice warm and cozy lap quilt for her. All in all I'm happy with the end result.



It's so snuggly.



It screams out my MIL's name to me. I hope she loves it!



It is all wrapped up and awaiting her arrival this weekend. :)






If you'd like to check out the other project I made for the hop you can click here to read about Lolita the Owl. :)



Thanks for stopping by; I hope you enjoyed your visit.  If you're on the hop trail I am next to last. You're almost done for today!  If you're not, why not go and check out some of the other birdilicious projects? :)
I'll be back later to announce the winner of my Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day prize.  If you haven't entered yet, and would like to, click here.  You could win a jelly roll.. it is open until Friday evening.  Have a great weekend and thanks for hopping over! And lots of thanks for Madame Samm and Mary for spurring along my motivation to get these two projects done. :)

xoxo

84 comments...:

So creative! I love it! I am. however, disappointed that you didn't use the bra clasp as the eye for the bird? LOL JK Kudos!

Sue said...

Bet your mother in law will love her little birdie quilt! You done good!

Vickie said...

The bird LOL quilt is just "sew" pretty !

Michelle said...

I really love your quilt, the colors are soft and lovely. Reminds me of the beach and there are always birds at the beach. Great job!

Judy B said...

I wish I was your MIL! Love your/her quilt and your little Lolita owl! Thank you for sharing and for joining the hop.

Frederika said...

So creative. What a great idea using the feather. Love this quilt.
Thanks for sharing
Frederika

Beautiful Job! So very inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us.

SandyMay said...

Wonderful cozy looking quilt. Something made with love. Great job. Beautiful colors.

Nati said...

That quit is amazing, love the feather... I was thinking maybe I could make a big feather as a table runner? oh so much inspiration! Thanks for sharing

Claire said...

It looks fantastic - I do so love the bird!

Patty C. said...

beautiful bird quilt - such soft pretty colors

ruthsplace said...

Wow, the quilt is stunning. Love the feather, the bird and the colours.

Anonymous said...

this is awesome Kelli,well done on a beautiful finish.xx

Fab little bird on a fab little quilt!! Well done!!

Leonie said...

Its gorgeous Kelli well done! Love it! And am sure she will too!

charlotte said...

So glad to finally see the finish of this quilt. I love It!, The colors are beautiful and I love the way you designed it. I have worked that way before and It's always a surprise in the end. Awesome job!

Your quilt is so awesome. And I have also read your post about the Owl. Thanks for sharing your creativity and being part of this hop

Unknown said...

Very creative...your m-i-l will love her quilt I am sure....nice work

What a stunning quilt! I love everything about it, the colours, the fabrics and the design. Thank you so much for sharing.

Your quilt is gorgeous! I love the fabric you used. And Buster looks like a total sweetie!

Noela said...

Your quilt is gorgeous Kelli. Love the fabric colours. Hugs.....

Very nice quilt! Thanks for sharing.

She will love it....wonderful

Very pretty! The palette is soothing. The little button is perfect for the eye.

Sparky said...

and yes I felt your giving of the bird....lol
very pretty colours....lovely gift

Kelli, it's beautiful! You made such a thoughtful and considerate quilt for your MIL -- I'm sure she will love it . She is lucky to have you!

Now, this is a bluebird of happiness! Love your project :)

Thearica said...

Your quilt is truly fantastic! LOVE the colors! and the owl is too sweet!

What a lovely quilt. I was also working on a braid pattern yesterday, so this really caught my eye. I love, love, love those fabrics, and your bird is great. Wonderful job!

Mary said...

What a wonderful quilt. It turned out so well. Love all the neat fabric you used. Thank you for being part of this hop.

Patty said...

what a beautiful quilt for your MIL!

Gill said...

This is fabulous! I love your bird and I'm sure your MIL will love it too!
Thank you for sharing!

Love your quilt and beautiful bird on it!! Your owl is super cute!!

Anita said...

This is gorgeous! I love it! My Mom would love this too. You are a very nice daughter-in-law. :)

Your quilt is beautiful and a great gift that I'm sure will be so appreciated. That owl is amazing...love it!

It turned out beautifully. I just love the colors and the design. The little owl is so sweet too.

Kelli,
This is breathtaking!
Lovely color combo and design.
She is going to love it!!!

Linda said...

Your quilt is gorgeous. I love the colors you used.
The owl is also adorable!!

Calicojoan said...

Beautiful quilt, that your mother in law is sure to love!
:-)

Unknown said...

Very lovely. Thanks for sharing
www.notionnanny.blogspot.com

Lovely quilt that will be much appreciated I am sure. That owl is a Hoot!

Lisa Lisa said...

Love the whole story that goes along with this labor of love. Your mother-in-law is very lucky to have you in her life. What a SWEET quilt! Absolutely love it, Kelli!

Kelli! I am such a sucker for the teals and beiges/browns together and I have been waiting to see this reveal....You have not disappointed me! Lovely.

Dropped by from TGIFF and I just love the quilt. The colours and the fabrics and the little bird is simply perfect. Your MIL's just going to love it :)

Linda C said...

What a wonderful surprise awaits your MIL after the hints about a bird quilt for her! Well done, Kelli. Amazing fabrics you chose to make it happen. The owl is cute too.

Kathy H said...

That is a beautiful quilt. SHe will love it. ANd minky on the back. Wonderful.

Margaret said...

I love your quilt. So creative

Gwen said...

I think your Mother-in-law will love her quilt--you put so much thought into what she likes--what's not to love?!

Pauline said...

This is gorgeous! I love your quilt, your MIL will love it too! Thanks for sharing.

Carla said...

How beautiful is that!!

Your quilt is gorgeous! Great job. I love the name of your blog, by the way.

JillB said...

I have to say that this is my favorite of the hop!!!
LOVE IT!!

love your quilt nice job

Jeanie said...

I just love this quilt and all of the little details about your choices along the way. Your MIL will be thrilled!

Lucky MIL, that is a beautiful quilt and the owl is adorable. Thanks for sharing.

Wendy said...

This quilt is gorgeous Kelli, I love everything about it, the feathers, the colours and of course the bird!! Hugs Wendy

carla said...

Hi!!! Your bird quilt is amazing!!! I love it!!! Wonderful gift!!!

It's fab, and love the crumb fabric, perfect use of it *wanders off to find scraps to crumb with*

Denise said...

What a darling quilt and I know your MIL will love it! I have the same charm pack, jelly roll and fat quarter of that material! Never knew what I was going to do with it either. It looks lovely all together!

Patty said...

I like the quilt you made for your mom-in-law. And your owl is quite the looker. I had to laugh over your title. So you are giving us the bird.Ha! love it.

Janarama said...

Beautiful quilt. Your MIL is going to love it.

Lovely quilt, and the colors are wonderful.

Sarah_L_N said...

Wow, it is beautiful!

Tammy said...

what great projects. Thank you for shareing them with us. I love that owl. They are my favorites of all creatures.

vexa said...

Pretty. I like the color combo, very comfy.

It turned out amazing! I love the colors.

Amy said...

Kelli,
It is just lovely. I am sure that your MIL will love it. Beautiful work!

lefuntz said...

How could your MIL not love it. The colors are beautiful and you made it sew personal just for her.

Cath said...

It is incredible miss Kelli! I love the colours you used and the feather is so clever. I just LOVE everything about it. Such a lot of love and thought went into this quilt. MIL is going to be thrilled.
Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs

Kirsten said...

Your crumb bird is wonderful. I'm sure she will love the quilt.

sunny said...

Your quilt is awesome Kelli! your mil will adore it, and adore you!!

DeborahGun said...

This is so beautiful.

Janet said...

Wow! It turned out fantastic!! I'm sure she will love it.

Kathy said...

Your quilt turned out phenomenal!!! Thanks for sharing how it all came together out of your creative mind.
Love how it turned out!

Jeneta said...

Oh it is simply delightful! I love all the personal touches embedded into the quilt - I'm excited for your MIL!

Jody said...

Very nice!! She will love it!

Tricia said...

What a wonderful way to honor your MIL's request. I love the fact that you was able to use all the different bits within the quilt. You have a wonderful quilt there. I saw the owl and she is prefect. Thank you for being a part of this blog hop and sharing your delightful birds with us.

Sincerely,
Tricia

Wow your quilt is wonderful, very creative!
Bente

LJ said...

Seriously, I thank you for the introduction to Lolita. Congrats on "the Words" from Mary; how exciting! The MIL quilt is fantastic - absolutely love that big feather and the colors you used were perfect.

Your MIL's bird quilt turned out great. I know she'll love it. BTW, Mary and I sew together most Thursdays, at a local quilt shop, and are in a guild together. Small world. I think she did a nice job hosting the hop.

Mara said...

It turned out so fantastically awesome! Gorgeous, Love the colors, the bird, the eye we helped you pick out, lol. And the binding, oh I could go on forever, I loved everything about this wonderful quilt for your MIL.

Oh my Kelli!! This is just too darn cute!! Your fabrics are just spot on!!!

I.LIKE.

Kelli said...

It looks so great!!! Great job Kelli. :)

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