Of all the quilts I have made, this quilt has been the most challenging and the most personal. Personal in ways I never even thought of until I headed out this evening to get photos at sunset.
From the sunrise in the east to the sunset in the west,
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
This verse came to mind – that despite the utter devastation of losing my niece almost 1 year ago, God is still good; He is still to be praised. The verse has even more meaning with the quilt being inspired by the Rising Sun panel print in the bottom corner. Japan is also known as the Land Of The Rising Sun, being the furthest land to the East of Asia. The rest of the blocks were arranged in a ray-like layout beaming out from the Rising Sun print.
And why use I Am Ninja by Illustration Ink for Robert Kaufmann? Well, my sister and her husband have an ongoing argument about who would win in a fight – ninja or pirates. My sister is Team Pirates and my brother-in-law is Team Ninja. For Ariella, I made a polar bear quilt using Laurie Wisbrun’s Brrr line, so it was only fair that this baby get a quilt that daddy would especially love. I will also be making a pram/stroller/pusher quilt using scraps of Sarah Jane’s Out To Sea range – many, many thanks to Lara and Kristy for helping to supplement my meagre supplies!
This quilt is only a small’un, finishing at around 38″ square, and was pieced by first sashing all the blocks, then filling in the gaps to complete the background. It may not have been the most efficient method, but it worked! I It’s backed in an Apple Jack by Tim Beck flannel in the perfect shades of red, dark grey and light grey, and quilted with a square-ish meandering – one of my all-time favourite go-to quilting designs. I used one of my favourite Little Apple prints to bind it, which is a slightly darker grey than the solid background, with little spots of red in it. Perfect again! All that remains is to handstitch on a label, which I’m glad I hadn’t gotten to yet as now I can add the verse too.
Linking up to TGIFF at Quokka Quilts!
Ms Midge says
It’s a gorgeous little quilt Alyce – and the photos are just fabulous!
Kerstin says
What a cool and original quilt!
Leigh Anne says
It’s so beautiful Alyce! Just perfect 🙂
Kristy @ Quiet Play says
Lovely! I’m sure your sister and her family will treasure it and the special meaning behind it (even if in this case the ninjas have won 😉 )
Audrey says
Alyce, I love the verse, I love the fabric, I love the quilt. This is really special, and I’m sure it will be treasured.
lattegirl40 says
love it!! And the back story! It’s not always easy to understand, faith, hope and love get you through!!
Michele says
Simply perfect.
Kelly G says
Perfect!
Congrats an overcoming such a personal challenge – but I am sure that your sister and her little family will just adore this quilt for more reasons than it just being a quilt.
Laura says
Looks great Alyce! 🙂 congrats on a challenging finish!
Serena @ Sewgiving says
Outstanding in the speed at which you completed it, the photography and of course the sentiment. Happy new year Alyce, may it be a good one for you!
DeborahGun says
it is a gorgeous quilt and the idea of a pirate pram quilt to keep both your sister and her husband happy is a great idea. The verse is one of my favourites too 🙂
Janine says
Dad is sure going to be glad to have a second ninja lover in the house, because whomever snuggles with this quilt is sure to become a ninja fan, too! Your quilt is fabulous!
Mary says
It’s sew cute! Love it!
Vera says
Oh, I love it! It’s super fun and I like the layout as well.
Jenni says
Alyce, its wonderful!! I am so impressed.
Linh Schilling says
Very cute stuff!!!
Jess @One English Teacher says
I love the story of this quilt; you’ve put so much love into it.
Vicki says
Blessed be the name of the Lord! We do serve an awesome God. Beautiful quilt.