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| Photo courtesy of TriathlonGold |
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If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!
Each ambassador was to use the same pattern (a string quilt by Kathleen at Kathleen McMusing) so that each of the 12 recipients would have mostly matching quilts. Island Batik sent me two packs of 2 1/2" strips of their new Freedom collection, along with solid white fabric and blue fabric for the backing.
Whenever using white fabric, I like to piece with white thread. Darker thread would show under the white fabric, but the white thread won't show under the darker fabrics.
The throw sized quilt required 63 blocks.
The saturated colors in the Island Batik fabrics get me every time!
I loaded the quilt top on my longarm with Hobbs batting, and quilted it using 40wt Aurifil thread #2730.
I free motion quilted a large meandering design, and added a small heart in the bottom corner.
Of course I machine sewed the binding on (tutorial here), but this time with one small change.
I sewed a quilt label into one corner of the back while sewing on the binding! The quilt label was embroidered by Jackie Kunkel. (And now I want an embroidery machine!) She made a personalized label for all twelve of the quilts!
Once the binding was finished, I hand sewed the other two sides of the label down. I'm much less fearful of hand sewing than I was just a few years ago!
The finished quilt measures 49"x63" - a fantastic throw size!
I really enjoy making quilts with recipients in mind! And this is the first time I've made a quilt for a triathlete!
When reading about Annie and her journey, I discovered that her dream is to become a professional runner. Ummm...that seems really crazy!!! But I'm sure she thinks "quilt pattern designer" is a pretty crazy profession too!
I really hope Annie uses and finds comfort in this quilt as she pursues her running (and swimming and biking) dreams.
And now I'll be reading the sports news just a bit differently! Go for the gold, Annie!
Linking up with TGIFF, Peacock Party, Finished or Not Friday, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?, Off the Wall Friday, Beauties Pageant, Monday Making, What I Made Monday, Modern Patch Monday, Moving It Forward, Design Wall Monday, To-Do Tuesday, Colour & Inspiration Tuesday, Wednesday Wait Loss, Midweek Makers, Free Motion Mavericks, Needle & Thread Thursday, and Put Your Foot Down.
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This is so much fun to see all these great quilts & what a fab job Annie did of displaying hers! I am so thrilled for them, and yes, it will be fun to launch! Thanks for the link to my pattern.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be making something that colorful for an up and coming athlete. It is a beautiful quilt and I'm sure Annie will love it forever. Think of all the running you do with those 3 boys! Thanks for sharing this wonderful finish
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is wonderful! Its hard to beat red, white and blue. Our founding fathers knew what they were doing. You did a superb job of putting it together and quilting it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photo of Annie and her quilt!!! Great job to both you, Laura, and Annie!
ReplyDeleteI love string quilts - and love them in patriotics!! NICELY done!
ReplyDeleteI know I am supposed to be focused on the quilt, and I am not a fan of getting tattoos for myself, but I truly admire the octopus that resides on Annie's upper arm.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful quilt-so perfect for those triathletes! I really love the blue with stars on it. Great finish!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura! I just LOVE this post. Go Annie! This colors in this quilt are just SO - so rich, so bold, so red, white and blue, and so perfect for a triathlete. She'll be wrapped up in your love after her victories. Professional runner??! I didn't know you could be a professional runner. I'll be watching the tryouts to see how Annie does, and I hope she knows we'll all be cheering for her. Thanks for linking up today! ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience for some of the ambassadors to make this connection with the elite athletes. What an awesome photo you got in return too from Annie. I'm sure your ears will prick up everytime she is mentioned in the media now. And of course, the wonderful colourful fabrics..... thanks for sharing on Colour & Inspiration Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous quilt for an intrepid athlete. Keep us posted on her progress. LOVE the strong colors -- as you said, saturated color. I particularly like the white center of the blocks that make that great design. Good job!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful finish it is. Thank you for linking up to Put your foot down. I will be having a free qal soon to share in your Giveaway Party
ReplyDeleteYou had me with red, white and blue!
ReplyDeleteSuch a colorful quilt. Those athletes are going to love them! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.
ReplyDeleteHello Laura,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous quilt! It must have been such fun choosing the design for the occasion. Annie looks really thrilled with her quilt.
Thank you for linking up with Free Motion Mavericks. Your quilt is this week's featured project!
Love, Muv