Key to the Quilt

14 columns, beginning from the far left, top to bottom:

First Column:

Second Column:

Third Column:

Fourth Column:

Fifth Column:

Sixth Column:

Seventh Column:

Eighth Column:

Ninth Column:

Tenth Column:

Eleventh Column:

Twelfth Column:

Thirteenth Column:

Fourteenth Column:

Thousands of Stitches

Naturally, I couldn't use the first-time appliqué work of three little girls regardless of how earnest their efforts.

The quilt needed thousands of tiny stitches that could only be produced by the skilled hands of adults. Thanks to a couple of moms (Ingrid and Yvonne, thank you!!!) the work was knocked out.

I was determined not to cut corners. Sure, I could have used the sewing machine to apply those squares and rectangles, but the true nature of the quilt would have been lost.

Everything about this project has an organic thread running through it. And if appliqué is about hand-stitching, then those squares and rectangles will most certainly be hand-stitched.

Up close, it's so peaceful:

And when you step back, here's the result:

Squares & Rectangles

Remember that turmeric dyed fabric?

I set it aside for the necessary pop of color this quilt would inevitably need. And now was the time to use it.

I rounded up each kid and had them cut one square and one rectangle out of that fabric.

With the first shape, they used fabric scissors:

With the second shape, they used the rotary cutter:

Then it was my turn to see which shape best fit onto the quilt.

And enter a few girls who were taught a little lesson in how to appliqué:

Stay tuned for the final result...

Batty

I recently picked up the quilt's batting. It's a felted cotton (80%) and wool (20%) blend that will be perfect for snuggling underneath.

Apparently, it's also a fun toy.