Grandma’s Bunnies

I have meaning to sit down and write this post for like 2 weeks!  I guess I will have to make it worth the wait!  That is code for “tons of photos.”  Grandma’s Bunnies is a quilt I did for my dear friend Rita.  Rita is one of my local clients and friend.  She was one of my very first customers.  🙂  Before I get to the eye candy, I want to get the specifics out of the way…Grandma’s Bunnies is by Darcy Ashton.  Double layer of batting – Dream Blend with Dream Orient on top by Quilter’s Dream Batting.  Monopoly monofilament and So Fine Threads, both from Superior Threads.  All quilting is freehand with rulers.  Lastly, Rita LOVED how her quilt turned out.  Thrilled!  I was pretty happy with it too. 🙂

 The borders are kind of narrow in relation to the blocks.  I wanted to make the most of the space with a design that would elegantly frame the quilt.  Naturally that design would include feathers.  All kinds of feathers in this quilt!  I love straight lines mixed with the curvy shape of the feathers.  Visual contrast creates awesome texture!

  Each of the 20 bunny blocks has its own design.  These are not shown in any special order.  I think I have them all pictured in some way or another.

Above is one of my favorites.  Bunny nibbling on some ferny feathers while a butterfly rests on them.

I did not pre-plan any of the designs.  No special process.  I “figured it out” as I went along.  I let each block “speak” to me as how it should be quilted.

I quilted on each bunny applique with Monopoly monofilament thread.  It is clear in color, making it a wonderful choice for applique.

Bunny in a garden arbor. 🙂

 A little flower quilted in the background for the butterfly.

 Lots of swirly feather flowers quilted to look like lots of butterflies swirling around.

 This one reminds my friend Patti of an Easter Egg. 🙂

 Curly feather filler.

 Cobble stone path and if you look closely there is a dragonfly quilted above the bunny. 🙂

Some closeups.

And the back…may just be as beautiful as the front!

I could have posted a pic of each block from the back…but I didn’t.

Sorry for the long post and ALL the photos.  Probably could have made this a mini-series, but was afraid I would not post again.  I want to thank Rita for giving me such a beautiful canvas to quilt.  Rita was so grateful for her quilt.  I cannot tell you how that makes me feel.  Seriously, I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. 

One last thing….this is really cool!!!  My good friend Karen Of “…laugh yourself into Stitches” has just published some of her original designs!!!  It is so exciting!!  She is UBER talented!!!  Her patterns are available on Craftsy here.   I purchased her first pattern Pumpkin Spice.  I cannot wait to make it!!!  Then Karen gifted me the pattern for CandyCorn Pumpkins and CandyCorn Pinwheels.  Same pattern makes 2 runners!!!!  You know I love me some runners!!  Karen is having a giveaway this weekend on her blog here.  She is giving away several patterns!!!  Stop over and take a look!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!