Bloggers Quilt Festival . . .

The Fall Bloggers Quilt Festival is going on right now at Amy's Creative Side and here is my submission . . .

This quilt is probably my favourite I've made, and mostly because of who I made it for.  My maternal grandmother (my Oma) has always been my closest grandparent.  We lived nearby growing up, visited often, and have so many great memories that include her and my Opa.  Then, when I was a teenager they moved 12 hours away, but I followed only a couple years later.  It was wonderful being close to them again, and we visited often.  And after my first daughter was born, I settled into a weekly coffee visit at their house in addition to seeing them at church on Sundays.  But then my husband took a job back in my hometown, so we moved and we were once again 12 hours apart.  Whenever we visit, we try to stay a few nights at their home (they have a whole finished basement that we take advantage of).  But last year, the Lord took my dear Opa to Himself, and my Oma is now continuing on without him; but with the grace and strong character that I've always loved about her.

And as far back as I can remember, my Oma has had a pair of knitting needles or crochet hooks in her hands.  She loves to create baby gifts, blankets, coasters, and sweaters; and the sound of those needles clicking is a familiar one in her home.  MANY times, I have given her yarn and a pattern and asked her to make something for me or for one my kids, and she always gives a little smile, and an "Oh, sure."  Making a quilt for her in return made me think of all those times, and how many countless hours she spent working on something for me.

This quilt is a 'copycat' of one that a friend made, I saw it and right away thought the design and colours were perfect for my Oma.  I love being part of a quilting and blogging community, and getting inspiration when I'm not even looking for it.  The pattern can be found here (but I used a diamond ruler that I bought at JoAnns), and the fabric is a retired line from Connecting Threads.  I quilted on either side of the ditch, and used a solid brown flannel for the backing.

So when my Oma reads this (she loves checking up on her grandchildren's blogs), I hope you're still enjoying this quilt, and please know that I think of you lots!  Love you!