I haven’t had as much time lately for quilting because days and nights have been busy. So I had an idea to instead show off some of the quilts I’ve made that are being loved by others along with little notes on why they are special. Since I quilt in honor of my aunt, I hope this post makes her proud that the skill she taught me is able to bring happiness to other families.
Mama Track was the first online friend to receive one of my quilts. Her not so little anymore baby girl has the safari quilt to match her room.
Baby Track bundled up when she was still a tiny baby.
Natalie: “Our quilt was the absolutely perfect way to welcome Baby Track home from the hospital. It was warm and happy and made with love. We couldn’t be more grateful for it.”
Greta at GFunkified won the Christmas quilt I gave away over the holiday season. As you can see it is well loved by all of her family (pets included).
Greta and company love the Christmas quilt
Greta: “When I won the giveaway in December, I was SO excited, especially because I was chosen as the first of the three winners and I could claim the beautiful quilt as my own! It may technically be a Christmas quilt, but the colors go beautifully in my living room, and I am most definitely not going to pack it away for the next ten months.”
Kimsley at Reflections of Now wins the prize for having the most quilts made by me. I think it’s a fair trade considering all the website design she has helped me with.
Baby Jessie and his brothers have fun on their boy quilts.
Kimsley: “There’s something special about using a handmade item for your kids. You know that it was made with special care and extra love. It brings a little piece of a best friend into your hearts and home.”
Alison at Writing, Wishing lives far, far away in Malaysia but that didn’t stop her from receiving a quilt for her Scrumplet before he was born. I’m still waiting for her to send me cupcakes…
Scrumplet is a stud on his blanket.
Alison: “My baby boy has had this gorgeous quilt from Jessica since his first day. He’s played on it, spit up on it, and now he sleeps on it in his crib. It’s the one constant in his life (other than me!). The big boy loves pointing out the pictures on it, and has tried to steal the quilt on more than one occasion. Before the baby arrived? I was cuddling up with it. We love it.”
Runner Mom Jen gave her youngest daughter the Frog Princess quilt. Because every princess needs to be surrounded by frog princesses. Plus, look at that big smile!
This Princess is set with her frogs.
Her daughter says “It fits me just right!”
Elaine at Miss Elaine-ous Life also won my holiday giveaway and she wanted the quilt but Greta had already claimed it. When I sent Elaine the basket of products I also sent her the Americana quilt as a Christmas surprise.
Her son and I both agree that quilts are perfect for iPad time.
Elaine: “It’s special because it was made by YOU and because you surprised me with it and that was awesome. 
Also, it reminds me of a quilt that Ben still has that was made by and given to me by a good friend’s mother at my baby shower for him and I think this one will be great to pass on to my kids or grand kids!”
Angela Amman has two of the I Spy quilts for kiddos. One with pink and one with green.
Angela: “We use our quilts all the time! They are bases for tea parties and in-home “beach parties”. The kids “play nap” with them (though I wouldn’t mind an actual nap now and then!), and they love just cuddling on the couch with them. The solid pattern is always on the outside because they love holding them up and looking at the different fabrics on the other side.”
Thank you to everyone who sent me pictures and quotes for this post and helped me honor my aunt.
And now I ask… What makes homemade gifts special to you?
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I so love this post (not just because the boy + his quilt is featured), but because it shows how amazing you are, Jess. You literally give a piece of your heart with each quilt you make. Thank you again for the special gift.
(I’ll send you cupcakes soon. One day. Maybe even show up in person with them.)
Alison recently posted..The Things They Do
Thank you, Alison!
I’m looking forward to the cupcakes. And I bet they would taste even better if you delivered them in person (hint, hint).
Twitter: gfunkified
says:
I’ve said it before, but I’m in awe of your quilting talent, Jess. I know you make them with love, too, and that makes them extra special. You’re making your aunt proud, for sure.
Greta recently posted..Project 365 (Week 8)
Thank you, Greta!
If this post is not a reminder of the friendship born by blogging, thenIi just don’t know.
You have such a special heart Jess, and these friends you have surrounded yourself, even tho far and wide are as true as can be. What a great list on here … and kinda proud to say that I friends with them too.
Keep it up – you rock the awesome xxxx
Sisters From Another Mister recently posted..Shot@Life Champions in Washington DC
Thank you, Nicole. It’s great to know I have friends all over the world. Including you in sunny Florida.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
This is exactly what blogging friends are about. Your quilts are amazing but what makes them special is each one is made from your heart.
Kimberly recently posted..The Real Reasons Why I Had Kids
Thank you, Kimsley!
Twitter: queenofchaosmom
says:
Gorgeous quilts! I love homemade gifts because they make me think of the person that gave them to me and how special that person is to me. Love the pics and quotes!
AnnMarie recently posted..Essence of Now: Weekend Update
Thank you, AnnMarie!
your quilts are incredible!! I don’t know where you find the time but I’m so glad that you do!
I really hope you hold a giveaway again soon!
Leighann recently posted..Apparently She Likes Bat Shit Crazy
I’m sure at some point in the future I’ll have another quilt giveaway. I think it is a nice way to say thank you to my readers.
Twitter: amountainmomma
says:
I love homemade gifts because you are really receiving the gift of time and the efforts of another human, not a machine. I made crab apple jelly for everyone last Christmas from the trees in my backyard. Such a big hit!
Theresa recently posted..The Essence of Now: Vacation Edition
That sounds yummy!
Twitter: elainea
says:
Don’t you just love that your handiwork is spread all over the U.S. and even the world? I mean, WOW! Loved seeing all of these and the photos. You’ve done good work, my friend.
And thanks again for our amazing quilt! xo
Elaine A. recently posted..Here I Am
It’s crazy! I never thought my quilts would travel past the west coast but here they are on the east coast and even in Malaysia.
All of these are so gorgeous!
Shell recently posted..Mom Promise: I Will Make Time for Me
Thank you, Shell!
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
How cool is that? You are very talented Miss Jessica!
Natalie recently posted..Be Still My Heart…
Thank you! I do my best.
Love these pictures–almost as much as our quilt! Baby Track totally rocks hers. Thank you again, for everything.
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Road Trip
You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing a picture.
Twitter: madwomandiary
says:
LOVE all the pics… how fun.
I do homemade gifts for the people I know who will appreciate them: lotion bars, homemade cards by the kids, etc. Sadly nieces and nephews are at the ages where they only want tech gifts. Sigh.
BTW, my kids received homemade stuffed puppies for Christmas and I really think they like them more than the plastic store-bought junk, I mean toys.
These are SO adorable! Much more the kids (and that cutie cat).
Your quilts are obviously made with love.
Tonya recently posted..My Miracle