4.17.2009

Quilt Fest!

I'm joining in on Amy's fabulous idea of an online Quilt Festival today, sharing my favorite quilt.

HoldenQuiltFront

I've written about it before here. But with time between, it remains my favorite.

HoldenQuiltDetail2

These first little drawings of Holden's are still so magical to me. I wanted to preserve the memory of his memories of the world around his 3-year-old self: some birds from a field guide, his hand-held sister, a swirly snail, a little skeleton man...you know, all the important things in a 3yo's life.

HoldenQuiltDetail

We're not afraid to use this quilt: backyard picnics, zoo trips, an extra layer of warmth on a foggy day stroller ride. It's beginning to show the wear and tear of a much-loved quilt, which makes me love it even more.

HoldenQuiltFront2

And now, as little glimmers of big-headed, pokey-footed people and animals begin to appear on Esme's canvases, I'm beginning to dream up the colors and design for another favorite quilt as well...

HoldenQuiltChair

I'm off to peek into some other favorite quilts in blogland. Be sure to join in, there are some great quilts to see and some great prizes to be had!

**Edited to add: This quilt was inspired by a similar one done by soulemama which I mentioned in my original blog post but felt I should add it here as well to give credit where it's due. OK, back to regular programming...

44 comments:

Patricia said...

How lovely! and a great idea. My grandson has a "blankie" (what he calls his quilt) that has been loved so much it is almost in threads. Think how he will smile when he shows it to his children!

Jodie said...

Wow, what a great idea. Love sentimental quilts like this and I love, love the fabric.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

That's an excellent idea! What a great way to forever capture the essence of a 3 year old. Not to mention that the colors and fabrics are a fantastic collection as well.

Rebecca said...

absolutely gorgeous. :)

Zonnah said...

I absolutly love this quilt! I am going to do this when my little one start to draw. Thanks for the idea!

Hedgehog said...

What a fabulous quilt!

kangaroo said...

what a sweet idea! i'm all misty over here! just gorgeous!

Tacha said...

Wow - I love this quilt too! And such a budding little artist! I am glad you use it. Sometimes it is too tempting to put it away to keep for later.

a friend to knit with said...

oh, how i wish i had a treasure like this of some of my children's drawings.
and the fabrics you chose made it a lifetime quilt... not just for those early years.
i adore it.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Gorgeous quilt - I remenber this one - so glad you are using it - no doubt Holden is super proud of hhis art work!

Casey said...

beautiful quilt!

Lori said...

absolutely gorgeous!!!

Kerri said...

oh, i just love this!!! the embroidery is my favorite!! i should do this with my little guys quilt!! thanks for your inspiration!!

Anonymous said...

Very cool! I love this.

Jocelyn said...

awww, so sweet. Loved the colors. Thanks for sharing.

dutchcomfort said...

Gorgeous quilt!
I love how you incorporated the embroidered drawings into the quilt.

hetty said...

I love how you are showcasing Holden's artwork! Great idea!

Jessica said...

I really, really love this quilt!

stitchinpenny said...

To quote my almost 2 year old granddaughter - Oh my gosh. It is a great treasure.

Toni said...

What a fun idea! I love the color scheme as well.

Quilt Rat said...

Oh my goodness this is just so wonderful. totally love it!

Anonymous said...

The quilt is so cute, I love it. My littlest is 3 years-old and I will have to make him one (once he starts to draw..your 3 year-old drew those???) We are working on circles and lines, that's about it. Thanks for the inspiration!

marlene@ByTheSeam said...

What a lovely idea to forever preserve those drawing of the tiny little hand. I just love it. I wish I had done one when my kids were little. Grand kids, most of them are older now. It is the simplicity of the drawings that attract me to it.

Andi said...

Lovely memory quilt.
It will be a treasure forever.

Emma said...

I love this! I just may do one of my own, since James is just starting to get creative with a pencil!

beki said...

I love this, it's wonderful!1

Unknown said...

I love this quilt, and that you aren't afraid to use it! Such a great inspiration piece for so many :) Thanks for sharing Mel!

Sarah said...

Oh, I just love it! I love the personal touch...

Terri Stegmiller said...

Fabulous!!!!!

Jody Sanders said...

I love it. What a great idea ... I can't wait to make one of my own.

Cherry Possum said...

What a fabulous quilt, I love it, something to treasure forever. I'd love to do one similar when my little one starts to draw. What kind of fabric and thread did you use for the embroieries?

Kelli said...

Love this one! Hmmmm...now my gears are a' turning.

Janet Brady said...

The fabrics in this quilt are great. I've made quilts like this with kid's artwork from my daughter's kindergarten classes for the last 2 years. I like the fact that you use it instead of just looking at it or storing it away.

Anonymous said...

That's a beautiful quilt! I may steal the idea when my kiddo starts drawing something other than circles and dots.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea and it turned out so cute too!

urban craft said...

love the detail work on the quilt. Quite a treasure!

Nancy G said...

Thanks for sharing an inspiring idea.

rebecs said...

love your quilt! and the hand drawn images, they are the best.

Anonymous said...

This is so cute. I had seen SouleMama's ideas for this type of thing but I don't think I've seen it put together as a quilt. One for each child. Hmmm...did you just add to my quilting wish list??!

Ariane said...

I love it. Such a beautiful quilt, and one that will bring you back memories of your little one for years.

Granny Lyn said...

oh, how precious! As an old fat granny, I just might steal this idea for my grandchildren! Love it!

Kathy - Pink Chalk Studio said...

Oh my goodness, this is so special and fabulous, wow. I love everything about it. I can see why this is your favorite.

connie said...

I love everything about this!!! What a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing. My kids are in college but I have their drawings and I just may have to do this....

e.c said...

I love this idea. I'm bookmarking this for when my boy does more than scribbles. Maybe I'll save his scribbles and do a metamorphasis style quilt for each kid?

Your quilts are so great.