When I was testing out the Picnic quilt blocks, I made this version in blues and forgot to share it! If you purchased a paper Picnic pattern, there's a photo of it on the inside cover to show what the lap size looks like (vs. the larger throw size on the cover). Basically I couldn't decide which size I liked better so I just included them both.
I mostly chose some blue basics from my stash and added in some golds and simple florals.
These blocks come together quick, but I definitely recommend laying all of the pieces out into blocks before you sew.
These blocks are set on point, and after I trim the edges (the scariest part!) I always ALWAYS sew around the edges of the quilt top to prevent the bias edges from stretching or seams from popping.
I backed this with a Blossom 108" wide back I had in my stash. Last year during holiday sales I stocked up on wide backings, and it's on my list to do again. I usually buy 2 yards since I usually make throw size quilts, or 2 ¼ if I'm making a twin.
Kaitlyn quilted this, and I love the geometric design she chose!
The Picnic pattern can be found here.
Now looking at these photos reminds me that I need to find a new home for this quilt. I am the worst at gifting quilts. I usually make quilts just for the joy of making them, but I have such a hard time gifting them to people even though I want to. I over think it...will they like the colors, the size, the pattern, would they actually want it? Then I usually talk myself out of it. Maybe that will be my quilt-resolution next year...gift all my quilts!
Ellen
Ha! You do overthink giving quilts. I think the majority of people would love to receive a quilt regardless of the size or pattern. Your quilts are beautiful and I love you patterns and blog. I need to stock up on wide backings, so thanks for the reminder.
Life is Good :)
Allison
Thanks Ellen! Wide backs are the greatest invention for someone who hates piecing a quilt back!
Ellen
So here's where I overthink things...I'm hoping my comment about overthinking gifting quilts didn't come across the wrong way (I've been thinking about it all week and so I have to make another comment, ugh!). Gift giving is hard and I can see your hesitation with giving your quilts as gifts and that you don't want people to feel pressured to use them. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Now that that's off my chest, I hope you have a great week! Life is Good :)
Emily
I also struggle to gift quilts! I don't know why it's so hard. I have a finished quilt sitting right here that I meant to gift earlier this year. I just keep putting it off.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of this quilt - I love the colors!
Allison
I'm glad I'm not the only one!!
Pam
Love this pattern I made a baby quilt
Allison
Thank you! This is a great fast pattern for baby quilts!
Patti Mac
I started quilting 2 years ago and have only kept 1 quilt. Gift them, people will truly love them! This lap quilt is beautiful and someone will be lucky that gets it,
Dee
I too have gifted a quilt that's never been used. So now I try to make sure the recipient is a quilt lover before I make them one, ha!
Allison
LOL I'm glad my over thinking quilt giving is a little bit justified!
Allison
I know I need to gift them and that the receivers would love them (and it's the thought that counts anyways right?) but it's so hard to just do it!
Lea
Your quilt is beautiful and I can't imagine anyone not wanting to receive this as a gift.
When I made a quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas many years ago, she didn't like it and it ended up in the closet, in a plastic container. For years. After she passed away my sister-in-law asked if she could have it and my husband and I said yes. That poor quilt stayed in a plastic container for more years. My sister-in-law gave it back, out of the blue, as a surprise. It took about 14 years before that quilt was ever used, by me and my husband.
So, I learned a few things. 1) If I'm going to gift a quilt get more details. Talk with the person about what they want and don't want. I think where the challenge comes in for me is if they have different taste than I do. Then it would be hard to make a quilt I don't like.
After that I started making quilts for kids. They loved the quilts they received. These quilts are always bright and cheerful.
Allison
Oh that quilt has quite a story! I think that's my biggest concern...they won't actually use or want the quilt or have a place for it, but they'll feel bad getting rid of it and it will just take up room in their home. I don't even care what they end up doing with it...I just like making them! :)
Robby H.
I usually ask first because quilts are a commitment to make and take up space to store if they aren't used. However, my alma mater has a program that supports students who have aged out of the foster care system and don't have family support (financial, encouragement, etc.). The program accepts new bed sized quilts that are available for graduating students to choose from. It's a tangible reminder of all the people that care about them and helped them through college, as well as a practical graduation gift. Plus, they choose, so they're almost certain to get something they like since the quilts come in all styles and colors. They are so excited to choose them when the time comes. Maybe you have a program similar near you.
Allison
Oh that's an amazing way to gift a quilt. It's been on my mind for awhile to see if there is a program like that in our area and if not maybe start one...I need to do some research!
Mary M Long
This is a beautiful quilt! I love the colors you chose, and I love your quilting on it!!
Allison
Thank you Mary!
Dawn Burnell-Powers
I too have shared all your gifting concerns for years and watched how hurt my sister became when she would gift people with her needlework that was not to their taste etc and not appreciated for what it was. So this is what I do...I make the quilts that I enjoy and that challenge me. I have sent an email to my extended family explaining what a quilt is, why I do it, the hours and expense involved. It is like an art education class Ha. Then I post a picture of the quilt and if there is anyone in the family who would like it, they let me know. I also tell them I would appreciate it if they did not use it as an opportunity to regift as a way to get out of Christmas shopping. (my family are mercenaries LoL). Also following on this logic (I am in Canada and my family is spread across the US) I tell them they have to send me the postage to ship it. This sorts out the casual, "that would be great" responses. If you have to pay $40 for shipping, you likely want it. If there are no takers, I post it to a friend email chain with the same standards. If there is more than one person excited about it, I draw out of a hat and ask the loser if they would like something like it in the future. I keep it in mind next quilt when choosing a style or colour scheme. I think it is a valid concern to not create an obligation with our gifts. I don't so much as gift a table runner, unless someone has said they would like one in advance. I agree with others, baby and kid quilts seem to always be appreciated and used. There are family members, who 10 years ago were not at a stage to know what to do with a quilt. But since I have put it on their radar, they now have a desire to have one in their lives. Sometimes we have to bring people along with us on the journey and not bomb with our quilts from 20,000 feet from above :)
nikita rathore
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