Mary Graceland: A quilt
January 12, 2015
At the beginning of December, having decided not to go through with my book, I found myself freed up from commitments and decided to make a few Christmas gifts. I don't know about you, but I find that as I get older, it is very hard to come up with gifts for my parents that they want let alone something that they need. I can almost always find something for my mom, Mary Grace, but this year I didn't have anything that I was excited about giving her. So, as these things happen, she moved to the top of my handmade gift list and I knew that only one thing would do: a quilt.
While I had some time, I didn't have a ton of time so I knew that it would have to be a fairly fast sew. I also wanted this quilt to live at my parents' house in Telluride, where we spent Christmas and where we have so many great family memories. I landed on the Proverbial Quilt by Denyse Schmidt, spelling out the nickname one of the carpenters gave the house when it was being built years ago, Mary Graceland.
I wanted the quilt to be classic and simple so I limited myself to just three fabrics: one for the background, one for the letters (and backing) and one for the binding. I bought all three at Purl Soho when Fatty and I were in New York. The background fabric is a Robert Kaufman chambray and the letters were pieced with Liberty of London John in Navy. The binding is also Liberty - Agandca in Navy.
The back, shown here horizontally, was pieced out of necessity. Otherwise known as bad math on my part. That said, I love how it came together. I improvisationally pieced the 2014 (thank you, Denyse, for showing me how to do that!) and made the rest of it work, using almost every little bit of Liberty and chambray I had. I imagined it would be used to cuddle up on the couch with and it ended up being a good throw size - about 57" wide by 70" long.
I used a cotton batting that I had on hand (I think Warm and Natural) and quilted it with free motion loops in navy thread. I don't think I will ever tire of this style of quilting. It has interest and movement without being too busy for such a simple design. I did wash and dry this quilt before giving it to my mom. The chambray and Liberty combination is a winner: it is super soft with lovely drape and a good amount of crinkle. Cozy!
Beautiful as always Erin
Posted by: Teri | January 12, 2015 at 09:40 AM
Love it, Erin!
Posted by: Michele(Maryland) | January 12, 2015 at 10:22 AM
beautiful! i always think a quilt is such a meaningful gift. you hit it with this one!
Posted by: Sarah | January 12, 2015 at 10:22 AM
That is so pretty and what a great combination of fabrics!!
Posted by: Emily | January 12, 2015 at 11:01 AM
that is just lovely...so snuggly im sure.
Posted by: Jenny | January 12, 2015 at 12:34 PM
The style of your quilts is what keeps me coming back. What an awesome gift!
Posted by: Suzanne | January 12, 2015 at 01:00 PM
Beautiful quilt, Erin. Just knowing how soft and cozy it must be, makes it even better! Mmmmm
Posted by: Barbara OC | January 12, 2015 at 07:04 PM
I love it Erin! What a beautiful gift!
Posted by: Blair | January 12, 2015 at 09:33 PM
i just love it. and the story about the name of the house! please tell miss mary grace that i now allow the children to say "crap" freely. :) xx
Posted by: leslie | January 13, 2015 at 05:47 AM
Coming up with Christmas gifts that re meaningful has become the bane of my holidays - you nailed it with this one. Hope she loved it!
Posted by: Darcy | January 13, 2015 at 07:57 AM
lucky mom! talented daughter! That is so beautiful AND functional! Love the sentiment behind the words.
Posted by: Julie | January 14, 2015 at 11:08 AM
wait! i want to know what your mom's reaction was!!!
Posted by: emily | January 15, 2015 at 07:42 AM
The quilt is beyond beautiful! It is one of my favorite presents for Christmas! I am a lucky woman to have such a talented and generous daughter. I love her and I love my new quilt! It looks great in our family room......perfectly made for our mountain home. I love the fact that I think of her every time I see it. Thank you, Erin for such a thoughtful gift. I will always treasure it and of course, you, my beautiful talented daughter. Thank you, Love you, Mom
Posted by: Mary Grace Burke | January 15, 2015 at 05:14 PM
Oooh, I love it! And how sweet to read your Mom's lovely comments above. So clever are you to give a gift to the house :)
Posted by: JCasa | January 18, 2015 at 08:33 PM