One of the teachers ,C., from my daughter’s hula halau (school) is getting married this month. The halau is throwing a surprise wedding shower for C. I wanted to make something personalized for C. as a gift, but I really didn’t have much time with the kids out of school and the impending move coming up.
I’ve made a picnic quilt for another friend and it was a hit, so I thought I’d make one for C.’s gift.
I found a pretty black and white floral fabric. But since I don’t know C.’s fiance and how he’d feel about such a bold floral pattern, I decided to use a simple denim on the flip side.
I simply sewed the edges all around with right sides of the fabric together, leaving a 5 inch opening so I could turn it right side out. I hand sewed the opening shut and then sewed a band around the edges to add a finished border.
To personalize the quilt I hand-stitched traits that are necessary for a successful marriage. I chose traits from 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 and Galatians 5: 22-23, with “aloha” (love in Hawaiian) centered in the middle of the quilt.
The quilted words are:
joy, love, grace, trust, patient, gentleness, hope, kind, peace, faith, mercy, perseverance.
The photos don’t really do the quilt justice. I’m pleased with the actual quilt and hope that C. and her husband have many happy picnics with it over many, many years to come.
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Holly says
Hi Susan – What a thoughtful and creative gift. I know they will cherish it for years to come. Hugs, Holly
http://coconutheadsurvivalguide.com/blog/
Crystal says
I love, love, love it!! The words that you hand stitched are perfect!! I do not sew, so it is amazing how perfect your lettering is for hand stitched. What an awesome gift! She’s going to love it!!
theliberalladykay Kay Long says
That is such a wonderful and thoughtful gift! Thanks for the great idea! –Kay
Darlene Nemeth says
Hi Susan,
What a wonderful gift. They will love it. Just imagine all those romantic picnics then family picnics. Thanks for sharing.
Bye for now, Darlene
http://www.mylittleshopoftreasures.blogspot.ca
http://www.darlenebnemeth.blogspot.ca
Winnie says
I think it’s a fantastic gift
You made it yourself and you did a wonderful job!!
They will cherish it 🙂
Cynthia Landrie says
Oh My Gosh! Your stitching is great! I know your daughter’s teacher will just love this very personal gift! So glad you shared it at the In and Out of the Kitchen link party!
Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.com
Helen @ Blue Eyed Beauty Blog says
This is really cute! I love picnicking!
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Exercise Encouragement GROUP Blog
Emily says
Loving this…. Did you hand sew the words? (Either way, I’m very impressed!)
~Emily
http://tossedsaladlife.com
Susan@Organized31 says
Thank, Emily. I hand stitched the words. I’m a very reluctant machine sewer, I much prefer hand work.
Al@PolkaDotsandPaisley says
What a thoughtful idea. I love homemade presents and actually spend yesterday making a wedding gift for a friend.
Robin Buster says
What a unique and clever wedding gift. Thanks so much for sharing this at Fluster’s Creative Muster. Now that you found the party I hope you’ll be joining us again.
Robin @ Fluster Buster
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
What a great gift idea, and I love that you hand stitched those words in!
Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom says
This is so wonderful. Such an original gift!
Angela says
They will cherish it, so beautiful.
BTW, I have been on and off your blog all evening here in England, I love it xx