Auntie Green gifted and gone

I started this quilt in June 2014 - planning a gift for my daughter's wedding this year. She liked the pattern that I suggested (by Irene Blanck) and she selected a palette of neutral fabrics. I made small changes to the pattern ( such as drawing up a basket similar to the one on the original antique quilt) appliqued it and hand quilted it, finishing the quilt in about a year from start to finish. 

Well the wedding has been, the gift was given and the happy couple are off on honeymoon. They loved the quilt and, because the day was unseasonably cool, my daughter snuggled under it straight away and declared it was very warm too. Good thing I used wool wadding I think! I had also added a hanging sleeve (in case they choose to hang it) and an embroidered label. 

The quilting isn't perfect but there is a lot of it! If you look at the back it is really quite reversible. 

When they opened the gift we had a laugh looking at the quilt design - deciding it was perfect for a wedding gift - images of beauty, health, fertility and growth (healthy plants and abundance of flowers), love and unity (circling intertwined vines), and even a few tears around the edges ( just as must be in all long and happy marriages). Quite moving really. 

Thank you for all the kind wedding wishes - they were much appreciated. I think they all came true! 

It was a lovely day - unseasonably cool and even a bit of drizzly rain - but the venue was all the better for it - lush and green rolling hills around the old village hotel and gardens. After months of tender loving care (and much concern) the flowers from my garden worked out well - plenty to pick and arrange in jars, and a bouquet for the bride with flowers she selected herself. 

It's a bit early for getting photos together but I have a small number to share - blushing bride, gorgeous groom, delighted mob (my goodness, still can't believe that was me).

With all the busy-ness that has been happening in the wedding lead up I have been a bit remiss in blogging. Should be another update soon on other quilting projects, and hopefully lots more stitching done!