Thimbleanna

The Happy Flower Quilt

Whoosh!  Just like that another month has whizzed by and Thanksgiving is upon us.  I would ponder where October went, but really, where did the whole year go?  It’s been a busy year here, but I always try to slip in as much time for sewing when I can — otherwise, I get grumpy LOL.  I finished the Happy Flower Quilt top a few months ago, and I love it!

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

I participated in an online quilt-a-long run by Ms. Pretty By Hand.  Over the course of a year, we completed 2 blocks a week (there are 99 blocks in the quilt) and when we were done, we were on our own to finish the borders.  I loved the quilt-a-long — it’s always nice to have a goal, and doing 2 blocks a week was doable and fun.  The pattern was from the book Happy Flower Quilts by Atsuko Matsuyama.

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

I used lots of my favorite scraps and many Japanese prints that I had in my little etsy shop.  (There are several more prints scheduled to arrive this week — they’re so cute, I wish they’d been in time for this quilt!)  I loved every minute of sewing these little blocks — so many cute patterns.

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

Each week we completed one pieced block and one applique block which was surrounded by a border.  I chose to use the same pink that the original book used for the little border strips.

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

I debated a long time about what fabric to use for the big borders.  I originally wanted a check print like the one used in the book, but I couldn’t find one that I liked, so I decided to stick with the Moda Bella Betty’s Pink that I used in the little block borders.  I think it will work great and will really show off the quilting.

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

I’ve also really been debating how to quilt it.  When a quilt has this much hand stitching in it, I can’t bear to have it machine quilted, so it will be hand quilted.  I’ve seen some really cute in-progress quilts on Instagram that are using big-stitch quilting, so, I might do that.  Or, I might do fine hand quilting.  That would only take me until I’m dead LOL.  Maybe I’ll just ship it off to a hand quilter — we’ll see.

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

I do have a favorite block, just FYI, lol.  It’s the cute little honeybee block below.  One of MeMum’s first quilting projects was a honeybee pillow, so I’m partial to the block.  I’d love to make an entire quilt out of little 6-inch scrappy honeybee blocks — so Fun!

Thimbleanna: Happy Flower Quilt

And now, it’s the sprint to Thanksgiving! The little cherubs are arriving on Tuesday and I’m SO excited. Plus, ALL the kids will be together this week (the first time in several years) so we’re going to be playing with gingerbread. I have a LOT to do — must get to it ;-D!
Have a wonderful week — and a Very Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!
XOXO,
Anna

13 thoughts on “The Happy Flower Quilt”

  1. hand quilting would be great on a hand pieced and applique quilt top – big stitch works well for most of us and it can get done faster if you keep reminding yourself to take big stitches that doesn’t work for me – the one I’m working on is meant to be big stitch but I keep taking little ones!

  2. Oh oh oh! (as opposed to ho ho ho…) This finish is so beautiful, and I enjoyed seeing your posts on the finished blocks. My favorite is that strawberry at the top. My eye gravitates to it every glance, and I want to pick it off your quilt! Alas, it’s fabric, so it would be tasteless in flavor and in action. But no calories… So happy your crew will be with you this Thanksgiving! It makes the holiday all the sweeter. And let the gingerbread house competition begin! I’m sure the ideas are already percolating. Happy Thanksgiving!

  3. Beautiful quilt! How fun that it was hand-pieced. I wonder, do you have any secrets for the best gingerbread?? Happy Thanksgiving, Anna!

  4. Your quilt is lovely, the pink is perfect for borders! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! You are so lucky to have everyone home this year!

  5. Your quilt turned out beautiful ; I love the girly colours and I totally agree that it needs to be hand quilted. Happy Thanksgiving Anna and enjoy having your tribe home, especially those two little girls.

  6. That’s really lovely, Anna. What a lot of work! I hope you and yours had a lovely Thanksgiving with lots of little-people-cuddles.

  7. It’s beautiful, just like every other quilt I’ve seen of yours! I did the Splendid Sampler the first year Pat Sloan did it. I loved piecing and appliqueing those little blocks – but – in true “me” style, I have yet to put them together. This quilt of yours is so bright and cheerful!

    And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your cherubs!

  8. It is beautiful! On the applique squares, are they hand appliqued? If so, how do you do it so fast, as for meI fi nd it takes a long time for the precision of hand quilting. You always inspire me. Hope your Thanksgiving was as lovely as you!

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