I included fabrics depicting things which were special to the kids. Not to be found was kayak fabric. I'd looked everywhere and nearly given up when my sister made an amazing find. The kayak is red - just like Matthew's! How cool is that? Wanting to use it in one of the corner blocks, I tucked it away...so far away that I couldn't find it until long after the quilt had been completed.
But I just had to use the fabric! So I stitched an envelope to hold a very personal letter I had written - along with care instructions. It was perfect.
The very special kayak fabric my sister Patty found in California.Below are a few pix my DH snapped of the unveiling.
Matthew's expression when he looks at Suzie is wonderful.On the coffee table are their Easter basket goodies for this year: a favorite wine (Black Mountain Pinot Noir) and green bean snacks from Trader Joe's.
I bought the last tulips available in Suzie's favorite color - orange.
The kids examine the kayak fabric closely.
Out of the bag at last!
Intently reading the label
First look.
And another.Matthew's drawings can be partially seen on the back wall.
The kids' expressions and that smile on Suzie's face made this all worthwhile!
Matthew examines a block.
Here I am with Matthew and Suzie. We girls didn't coordinate our wardrobes, really we didn't.Photo credit: Bill Guerrant
Note to those wondering about the pattern: The basic NY Beauty block is a variation of one by Karen Kay Buckley from a class long ago. I drafted the border blocks - inspired by a photo I'd seen somewhere - I think in a French or Australian magazine. The blue and orange had to be added as those are the kids' two favorite colors.
