A sweet friend turned 50 today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Meredithe!!
Last year Helen and Kaye plotted to make a birthday quilt for Miss M's 50th and it was decided that the theme would be ~ BASKETS ~ an obvious choice because Miss M LOVES baskets!!
So, without further ado they got to work choosing the background & backing fabric. Next, they contacted dozens of quilty friends [incl me] to see if we'd like to make a few basket blocks for M's quilt..well, of course we did.
Within a few days i received an envelope in the mail [from Kaye] with instructions and also some lovely grey fabric..enough for four blocks. In her letter, Kaye also specified that the baskets had to be made in BRIGHTS. I don't own many Brights, however, i did have one piece that i thought would be suitable. It was a lovely Japanese print with a spray of bright flowers & cranes. I just happen to know that M likes birds & flowers too.,so the Japanese print ticked all the boxes.
i got to work and had these four little basket blocks made up in no time..aren't they FUN??
Four weeks ago i was fortunate to get a sneak peek at M's quilt, after Helen picked it up from Somerset Patchwork, where the talented Karen did an amazing job of quilting it. We couldn't wait to get it back to Kaye's place so that we could have a closer look [and feel]..it was STUNNING!!
We knew we had only minutes before M turned up..just enough time to snap a few photos..you should've seen us scurry when we heard her at the front door LOL!!!
a close-up of those darling little baskets...
check out that gorgeous quilting...
a sea of brightly coloured little baskets...BRILLIANT!!
Two weeks ago, Helen presented Meredithe with her 'surprise' Birthday basket quilt. To say she was surprised is a complete understatement! I only wish i had been there to see the look on M's face! i believe her reaction was priceless, as expected!
Here's M's basket quilt proudly displayed in her dining room [courtesy M's blog]
and i also had to show you a photo of the label [courtesy of M's blog] with the beautifully embroidered pomegranate, by Helen including the names of the 36 quilters who took part in making this delightful birthday quilt.
I was thrilled to be part of it!!
Welcome to the Fabulous 50's Meredithe, i hope you had a Wonderful Birthday with lots of lovely surprises!! xx
Who doesn't like a basket quilt! Wonderful colors. My eye is drawn all over looking at the delightful baskets. The quilt design was a good choice.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | February 28, 2012 at 01:11 AM
That is one beautiful basket quilt! I just love it when a traditional pattern takes on a whole new modern look! Happy Birthday M!
Posted by: Miri | February 28, 2012 at 08:38 AM
Marian what a beautiful narrative of your participation in M's quilt! Did you get my email of the photos???? Hilarious!!
Posted by: Helen F | February 28, 2012 at 06:26 PM
Marian, what a great group effort & i've read 'M's' blog page she was quite impressed with her quilt!
Posted by: Robyn of Robyns Nest | February 28, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Thank you Marian - I didn't know this was here (I'm only just catching up on my favourite blogs after being away). I've found all your blocks in the quilt and just love them. I still can't get over how sneaky you've all been!!! But I just LOVE my quilt!! xx
Posted by: Meredithe | March 28, 2012 at 05:57 PM