I started making this little quilt before Parker was even thought about, in the winter of 2011-2012. I got this far with it before we had to pack up the travel trailer and head back to Arizona. Since my surgery, I have not been able to do much sewing, until around march of this year, when I challenged myself to sew for 30 minutes a day. I quickly figured out that I was not able to tolerate 30 minutes a day at the sewing machine. So, I put the project aside again for a couple of months.
I picked it up again in June, and worked on it for a few minutes at a time until I got the whole thing put together and quilted. The only left to do was the binding.
Once all the machine sewing was completed, I did the binding by hand. It took about three nights while watching TV to get the binding on. What a relief it was to finally, after two and a half years, to be able to say that the baby quilt for Parker was finished. I mean, he’s only 18 months old now.
I quilted it by machine with a wavy line. I think it looks pretty good. I love the way the plaid fabric looks as the binding. And look at all those monkeys!
Today I was able to get over to my daughter’s house and give Parker his quilt. He has never wanted to sit with me before. He always acts shy, and comes just close enough for me to tickle his side. He has always stayed just out of reach from me. Today, Emily, my daughter, was giving me a pedicure. I still can’t reach my feet, so she took off the old nail polish and trimmed my toes. While she was doing that, Parker was playing with my feet. I guess if it was ok for Mommy to do, it was ok for him, too.
When I gave Parker his quilt, he loved it. He was patting it and wrapping it around himself, as if he knew it was something special. Then something magical happened!
Parker climbed up on the sofa next to me, and snuggled up to me with his quilt. He was loving on me, and hugging me, and even gave me sugar. That was a first!
This was one of the best grandma days, ever!
Crystal says
Oh, that’s too sweet! It truly is magical when you get to snuggle with the little people you love. I’m glad you and Parker had such a wonderful bonding experience.
Lauren Harmon says
Parker looks very pleased with his quilt! You did a great job! 🙂
Shannon Schmid says
A hand made quilt is truly a gift from the heart!! I think its so special that you gifted one to that adorable cutie! I’m sure it will always be treasured!
Dianna @ Oy Vey a Day says
How wonderful. Quilts really are magical – my MIL made quilts for my boys, and they love them. When she sent a new one for our 5 year old (I guess she figured he had outgrown his little baby quilt),we told him that he will have this one all the way until the time that he becomes a daddy, and then he can give it to his son or daughter. The look of awe that he had on his face was priceless… he loves his quilt!
I’m glad you found time to finish it. He will cherish it, I’m sure.
robyn says
awww, how absolutely sweet is that photo of you and Parker?! LOVE IT! My Granny made a small quilt for my dolls when I was a little girl. I treasure it.
Krissy Higgins (@Krissy_r) says
How absolutely adorable! I wish I was crafty because I would be making quilts like they were going out of style!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
Oh my goodness! I’m so happy for you! Not only for tackling and finishing such a project in your health state but for that major bonding breakthrough! So wonderful!
Kimberly Grabinski says
Beautiful! Quilts do have magic powers, they come from the love put into each stitch.
Lisa says
You did such a great job on that quilt!
Crystal says
What a timely post! I was just talking to my mom about learning to quilt so I could make something special for my daughter this Christmas. I guess I should get started!!
seasidemermaid says
How cute is that! I wish I knew how to quilt, but I don’t know how to sew for the life of me. ~lol~
HilLesha
Melissa says
I love the quilt but I love the story even more. How wonderful to get those snuggles!
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already says
Absolutely beautiful! I’m jealous of how you got your corners to match. I tried to make a couple quilts a few years ago and it was a horrible mess.
ameribrit68 says
I’m so envious! That quilt is beautifully adorable! I don’t have the patience to quilt because I can never get things lined up, so I just give up, but I’d gladly pay someone to custom-make me a quilt! The love that goes into making quilts comes through in spades!
Karen says
Thank you!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Yay for snuggling with Grandma! With you recovering I’m sure the timing couldn’t have been much better!
Jen - Life With Levi says
With all the love that goes into stitching a quilt, of course they have magic powers! Quilting is one of those things I’ve always wanted to try, but never seem to make time to do.
Shell Feis (@NotQuiteSusie) says
Oh that is SO sweet! I am glad the quilt worked it’s magic 🙂 You’re such a great grandma to make something like that for him, no matter how long it took. I’d love it if we had something like that for my boys!
Maralea says
He will cherish this forever. There is truly nothing better than receiving a homemade gift from Grandma. Such a super cute quilt!
Megan Filzen says
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I admire your work!
AnnaZed says
Well your quilts have magic powers. I wish that I could still do that, but my eyesight won’t let me.
Cynthia C says
I need to start a baby quilt for my friend’s daughter. I love your monkey print!
DJ says
I’m new to quilting, but I am really loving it. It’s something my mom and I are learning together, which makes it even more special.
Lesley F says
Beautiful quilt. I really wish I could sew when I see something like this!
Karen Propes says
You created a beautiful qullt. I have a Granddaughter that I make quilts for almost every holiday and birthday each year. She’s like a princess and the pea story, she wants to have them all on her bed. But we are having a grandson in April so I have to get started on his quilt. I love this, thanks for sharing with us and giving us a great idea on making a special quilt.
Michelle Richardson says
That turned out super cute! I love it!