I drew my sister Diane’s name in the siblings and spouses Christmas gift exchange. And — she drew mine! That doesn’t happen very often. This is what I am giving her:
It’s a table topper. You may remember seeing the unfinished top in an earlier post. Diane saw that post and fell in love with the fabric (from the Ainsley line for Northcott Fabrics) and the kaleidoscope block. When I drew her name, I decided to finish the table topper for her.
I didn’t want the topper to be poufy so I used flannel for the batting. It’s quilted very simply. First I stitched in all the ditches and then quilted on both sides of the straight lines in the center and outer edges. Then I quilted a triangle in each of the eight wedges of the kaleidoscope. The simplicity of the quilting keeps your eye focused on the flowers and leaves and vines in that gorgeous Jacobean print:
Here’s the back of the topper:
I had never before applied binding to a quilt with obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees but less than 180). Thanks to Heather Mulder Peterson of Anka’s Treasures, who posted a terrific tutorial on her blog, Trends and Traditions, it was a breeze.
Diane’s table topper — #5 in my series of kaleidoscope quilts — measures 22″ across and 22″ top to bottom.
I hope she likes it — and I hope she doesn’t see this post until after she opens her gift!
Another jaw dropping work of art, a loving gift from your soul to hers. A gift simply cannot say anything more. I could weep for the beauty of it, except I’m smiling too broadly.
Is soooo nice when they tell you what they want…don’t you think?
One of the things I do now for table toppers and even some wall hangings is go a totally different colorway with the back. Sometimes even a whole new pattern/ style for the backing and then they have 2 for 1.
good idea, Becky!
It’s beautiful! She will love it! Have a wonderful Christmas. If you see your dad please tell him hello from me!
I love your site!
What a lucky sister you both are!
As the happy recipient of Dawn’s wonderful table topper, I can now report that every room in my house has at least one of her creative treasures (some rooms have more!) and these treasures are the rooms’ focal points). I never tire of enjoying her amazing skill, which has made my home special and unique. Nubs, you are the best twin ever!