The Farm

This is actually a 2013 finish, but it turned out so well I have to share it.  It is my favorite quilt so far.

I grew up on a farm and next door to my Grandparents.  In between the two houses was a big red barn.  I spent many hours playing in that barn and around the farm.  I think we (brothers, sisters, and cousins)  were outside from sun up until dark most days in the summer.  Lots of fun memories.  Sadly the farm has since been sold and the houses and barn are no longer there.

So when I saw the barn block on Bee in My Bonnet, it reminded me so much of the old red barn I knew I had to make something with it.  Then I saw the tractor block, and knew that had to be included also.  I wanted to make it for my mom for Christmas. It was close but she did have a fully finished quilt to unwrap on Christmas.

 

 

My original plan for the layout wasn't going to work out, but then I saw the Bee in My Bonnet Row Along and thought how great some of those blocks would work with the barn and tractor. I did have to wait for the book Quilty Fun to come out for the patterns.

 

I was toying with the idea of quilting each element separately, but do to time and since it is already pretty busy,  I went with an allover stipple with little flowers thrown in.  I used Aurifil 50wt in #2311.  I love how the quilting turned out.  The little flowers are just so fun, and the chicks in the barn make me smile every time I see them. =)

 

I found some fabric sheets at JoAnn's made for running through an inkjet printer. It is a bit more papery feeling than regular fabric though, so I'm not sure if I like that.  I will have to do some research and see if I can find a better method for labeling.   

All in all a great finish to the end of 2013.  I loved making this quilt and loved giving it away even more.

I am linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for finish it up Friday.