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 whatI am giving her:
It’s a table topper. You may remember seeing the unfinished topin an earlier post.Diane saw that post and fell in love with the fabric(from the Ainsley line forNorthcott Fabrics) andthe kaleidoscope block.When I drew her name, I decided to finish thetable topper for her.
I didn’t want the topperto 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 thestraight lines in the center and outer edges. Then I quilted a triangle in each of the eightwedges of the kaleidoscope.The simplicity of the quilting keeps your eye focused on the flowers and leaves and vinesinthatgorgeousJacobean print:
Here’s the back of the topper:
I had never before applied binding toa quilt with obtuse angles(greater than 90 degrees but less than 180). Thanks toHeather Mulder Peterson of Anka’s Treasures, who posted a terrific tutorialon her blog, Trends and Traditions, it was a breeze.
Diane’s table topper — #5 in my series of kaleidoscope quilts — measures 22″ acrossand 22″ top to bottom.
I hope she likes it — and I hope she doesn’t see this postuntil 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!