Thursday, October 11, 2007

Baby Bird

This project has taken me a little longer to finish than I'd hoped, but it's finally ready! Baby Bird (hence the little chick fabric - it's also the backing) was born August 29th in Hong Kong and this quilt is finally on its way to him!

The quilt is 36"x48". I had a little trouble quilting it - very bulky seams in some places were one issue, my limited free-motion abilities were another. Ripped it out twice and started again. I foundation-pieced on muslin, making it a bit heavier. I wasn't really thinking that this kid doesn't need warmth in a quilt living in Hong Kong!! Oh well, quilts aren't just for keeping warm - they're for having picnics on, too.

I'm a little frustrated because the ink I used on the label bled a bit in the wash. Can anyone out there recommend a good, reliable fabric-safe fine-tipped pen that I can buy in the US over the holidays? Thanks!

Mary kindly posted a link to my instructions for this quilt on the HeartStrings site.

25 comments:

dutchcomfort said...

What a lovely and cheerful quilt!!! It will be well received!
I use a zig millenium .08 marker (black but they are available in colours) to write my 365 day’s Challenge quilt. The ink is supposed to hold when washing. They are sold in scrapbook stores in Holland too.
If you can’t find them please let me know!

Libby said...

Quilts also make fantastic forts and capes for budding superheroes . . . it's destined to become a well loved quilt *s*

Rosalyn Manesse said...

A wonderful quilt, baby will enjoy it. I usually hand embroider on the back of my quilts, name or initials and date.

Jenni said...

It's lovely Hedgehog. They will probably have an airconditioned room for the baby in the heat, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Jeanne said...

It's a wonderful quilt! I use Micron
Pigma pens for my signatures or labels. The .05 works well and is permanent.

sewkalico said...

It's a really lovely cheery quilt - I'm sure it will be well loved. (sorry no tips on the pens)

Amanda Jean said...

beautiful quilt! this has inspired me to make my own strip quilt. (Well, I have yet to start it, but it is on my list.)

I use an extra fine Sharpie to mark my quilts. I use a double layer triangle as a tag sewn into the corner before the binding is stitched down. the sharpie is very permanent.

Vicki W said...

What a cute quilt. I love the bright colors!

Sue Seibert said...

I love the colors. What a great quilt for a new little life! I just visited a fantastic quilt shop today. The gal longarm quilts, and her work is true art!

Luísa Silva said...

Amazing colours. The quilt is lovely.

Tonya Ricucci said...

lovely soft colors - wonderful baby quilt. I love the chick fabric - very cute. Another vote here for Micron Pigma pens.

Lily Mulholland said...

Well done! It's lovely and bright and as he grows he'll have lots of fun looking at the cute little chicks :)

The Calico Cat said...

Lovely quilt. I use Pigma pens.

Anonymous said...

Love the quilt! The colours are wonderful.

Laurie Ann said...

Great quilt! The parents and the baby will love it. I like to make my string quilts on a foundation too. I'll have to try that pattern.

dee said...

That is so sweet. The fabric is adorable. For many years I've been using Sakura or Micron pens with good results. I just back the fabric with freezer paper and design my own little label. It doesn't say to do this but I heat set the label before sewing it on. I've got some from 15 or more years ago that are still clear and fine.
Thanks for stopping by to visit me. I miss Maine too!

Quiltdivajulie said...

What a delightful little quilt... and another vote for the extra fine Sharpie markers (lots of color choices!)

Anonymous said...

Hi!
Love this quilt. I love the colours too...nice and sweet and not the traditional baby blue and pink as normal!..I bookmarked the pattern..I really liked it!

Kristin Shields said...

It's gorgeous! Love the colors. I would suggest a Pigma Micron Pen, size 05 or 01. I heat set it with an iron, but haven't ever had a problem with it running.

Anonymous said...

Darling quilt, Hedgie. I can see how using the muslin foundation would make the quilting more difficult. You did a great job with your fabric choices.

corry said...

What a cute quilt! The colors are so delightful!

Unknown said...

This is beautiful, so bright and lively.

Anonymous said...

so, so pretty and eye-catching!

Vera said...

Beautiful ! ...and I love your blog

Ivani said...

I love String quilts, and yours is great. I was thinking how to make this block and I have just found your tutorial. Thanks so much.
Hugs from Brazil. - Ivani