Maddie, I Hope You Dance

Finished a special quilt order today.  When the order was placed for the granddaughter I was told that she was passionate about ballet.  Well, there is a song sung by LeeAnn Womack called "I Hope You Dance".  The words have great meaning to me.  I knew the quilt had to be named "Maddie, I Hope You Dance".  I used one verse from the song on the label.

The pattern is the Disappearing Pinwheel Basket by Missouri Star Quilt Co.  When I first saw the tutorial given by Jenny Doan the center of the blocks reminded me of dancers twirling around, arms spread out, and skirts in full twirl.  This had to be the pattern for this quilt.

The fabric is Artisan Batiks - Aqua Spa, Moda solid white, and Cobblestone by Connecting Threads in lavender.

I love this quilt,  My granddaughter loves this quilt.  I hope Maddie loves this quilt too.

I Hope You Dance
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance 

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance

I hope you dance 

Apple Time Quilt

My daughter in law, Trista, wanted to make a quilt for one of my grandson's teachers.  Apparently, she is an exceptional teacher.  Well, Trista is a busy mother of 4 & attending college as well.  I ended up making the quilt after finding a pattern called "Bushel of Apples" by  Penny Rose Fabrics.  It measures about 68" x 68".  I really like the bright colors.  Trista had purchased several fat quarters & I added some pink, yellow, white print, and the yellow & red border fabric.  I have given information on the apple appliques in a previous blog.

I machine quilted a very simple all over loop pattern with a custard colored thread.

I usually make a matching pillowcase to gift the quilt in.  However, this time I used the left over 9 patch squares and the one apple applique block and made a tote bag.  I am very happy with the results.

The sun finally shining through the front windows.  We had a storm blow through last night so it was too wet to take pictures outside.

I love all of the colors.

Had to make the label on my Babylock as my embroidery machine needs some work.  But it will do for this quilt.  I named the quilt "Apple Time".

Made a matching tote bag with the leftover 9 patch blocks & the one left over applique block.