Welcome to my niece's room. B is a cute, cute, cute 5 year old. She is a girlie as they come, loving tea parties, dresses, and jewelry. She has a wonderfully pink room, filled with animals, frills, shells, and a mural of country life surrounding her, complete with Charlotte's Web.
When I walked into her room the other day this was the view that greeted me. Not perfection, not the sign of a mom-made bed. But the sign of a played in, jumped on, and snuggled in bed. And right there was the quilt I made when she was born.
That is a paper pieced quilt. Yes, me, paper piecing. This wasn't a one time experience, either. I actually really enjoy paper piecing. Have you lifted your jaw off the ground yet?
The butterflies were a mish mash of pink scraps. And though you can't see it (I neglected to get a close-up) I embroidered the antennae in black, with a little eye too. The butterflies also have some detailed quilting. The rest of it is quilted in a grid pattern and free motion heart motif.
I love that the quilts I've given to my nieces and nephews are loved and used. They aren't hiding away on a high shelf or in a box of baby stuff. Okay, maybe two are, but those kids are older. I forgive them. But it gave me great pleasure to see this quilt a little bit dirty and just piled on the bed. That meant it was loved. No matter the design, the technique, or the recipient that's all I can ask for.