Now, that Christmas is over, I can share some of my holiday quilting projects. I have a large stash of orphan blocks, saved over the years from various projects or sometimes made as a single, difficult block that I would not want to use for a big quilt. I decided to put some of them together as lap quilts for my son in St. Louis, his wife, two daughters and their dog.
In each case the quilts were 36×48 inches (except for the one for the dog) since that’s about as big as I can handle on a domestic sewing machine any more. Also, the quilts were all backed with fleece and included hand-embroidered labels. My son’s quilt was made up of black/white blocks, which included several Judy Martin blocks, an Eleanor Burns block and a 70s style appliqued turkey.
I used sashing and some lively polka-dot fabric as borders to complete the project.
My daughter-in-law’s quilt had a large medallion block in the center that was made as part of Jacquelynne Steves’ Sew Sweet Simplicity quilt-along.
The older granddaughter’s quilt was made using a block I saw on the internet. I added an embroidered panel at the top.
The younger granddaughter’s quilt centered around a block I found online plus three hand-embroidered panels at the top.
The dog’s quilt was made using blocks from a Barbara Brackman Civil War quilt-along and one block I made for a swap about 12 years ago.
The family sent me a picture of Cocoa with her quilt. I’ve never met Cocoa and think the next time I’ll need to add a few more blocks for a bigger quilt.
Click on photos to enlarge.
LILLIAN'S CUPBOARD 
A great hone for all the orphans. Love the embroidery. Coco is really cute under his quilt.
so cute!
This is Kelli at Kelli’s Kitchen! Your work is gorgeous as usual but my very favorite is the Turkey on your son’s lap quilt! Your family is very lucky! Every time I use the ones my Nana made I think of her fondly!
Those are great! Your work always is and I love that you share with everyone.
Looks like you had everyone “covered” with your lap quilts. Good use of those orphans that we never know what to do with. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy 2016.
Such special gifts. I always enjoy the way you integrate embroidered squares into your work. You have such a soft spot for animals – what a lucky dog Cocoa is.
I have to admit, the dog’s quilt makes me happiest of all! And she loves it!
Enjoyed seeing your quilts! Cocoa is so cute!