13 December 2013

Friday Finish: Red String Quilt!

Drum roll please. Cue Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney. I have finished the red string quilt (which I can now cross off the 4QFAL list!):



Wanna hear a great story? Of course you do.

I have a great friend I've known for over 20 years. She and I have always shared a love for all things Christmas. Every year, we see who starts playing the Christmas music first (I've been winning the last few years because I play it when I'm working on Christmas projects!). We shared an apartment in Salt Lake City for a while, and I have her to thank for introducing me to "White Christmas" while we were roomies.

Now, I always thought that my first Christmas with my new husband would be so fun and romantic. And it was. But we were still getting to know each other. He didn't get my obsession with Christmas music. Or my need to put twinkle lights on anything that stood still (don't worry, he gets it now). So I was sort of lonely the first Christmas we were married.

Until a package arrived. Just a CD.

Well, not JUST a CD. A carefully selected CD, chosen by my best friend, of Christmas music sung by one of my favorite singers (Josh Groban was still in high school, I think!). Michael Ball, tenor extraordinaire, who played Marius in Les Miserables, and what's-his-name in Phantom of the Opera.


(There were no videos of his Christmas music - just trust me, it's awesome!)

I was a bit giddy about it, and insisted on listening to it the entire month of December.

Such a simple, thoughtful gift, but it made me feel loved.

Flash forward to last year. She got married! Finally! And I didn't have time to get a quilt done for her. But I wanted to give her this one, because not only does she love Christmas, she also LOVES the color red.

So this quilt is headed to Utah as an early Christmas/late wedding gift. It's big enough to share, if she wants.


Here's to awesome friends! Have a lovely weekend, and I'm linking up!

18 comments:

  1. Truly beautiful quilt. Your friend will cherish it.

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  2. Awesome Christmas quilt Jennie, I love the crisp white sashing, I'll bet your friend will be delighted.

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  3. It's gorgeous! what an awesome gift and friend you are!

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  4. I have loved this quilt since my first glimpse of it. I don't think I would have the patience to sew it. Your machine quilting looks like so much fun, too. I am sure she will love it.

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  5. Truly delightful; what a wonderful gift. An heirloom that will be in the family for generations.

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  6. Oh, my gosh, it's so gorgeous! Great finish, and I hope she loves it. Best friends are the best, aren't they?

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  7. This quilt is gorgeous. I love the classic red and white colour choice and extra love the scrappy feel.

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  8. Oh Jennie, this is so beautiful. I bet your friend will treasure it always.

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  9. I love your story, Jennie (think Josh is much cooler than Michael - but in his day!) and think your quilt is deeeeelicious. Your bestie will treasure this forever :)

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  10. Wowie! That is one awesome stringy red quilted beauty! I just watched White Christmas yesterday while quilting my current project and must be a soul sister of yours too. I love Bing and listen to him and Glenn Miller all year round; Christmas music included. Your girlfriend will definitely "feel loved" back! Super wonderful finish!

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  11. Wow! I love string quilts and have made several but this one is just beautiful. Great quilt, great work and great friend. Love it. The story makes it even more special.

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  12. Love every bit of it! The red and white are just fabulous, and the swirls and loops soften it up nicely. A great gift for a special friend. :)

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  13. Love every bit of it! The red and white are just fabulous, and the swirls and loops soften it up nicely. A great gift for a special friend. :)

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  14. I love this quilt! It's a beauty. Red and white is a favorite of mine!

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  15. Perfect in every way! Love the swirls and the color says LOVE all year long. Merry Christmas.

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  16. Lovely quilt and love the swirls. The colors say LOVE all year long. Merry Christmas to you.

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  17. It's a beautiful quilt, and a lovely story! I'm sure she will treasure it. And look at your snow all of sudden! Very pretty. We're baking here in Australia at the moment.

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  18. Love the red string quilt! I like seeing this design in such a controlled colorway. And that Michael Ball Christmas cd is one of my all-time favorites (oh no, Christmas is over and I already miss Driving Home For Christmas and Winter's Tale!)

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"The more things you do, the more you can do."

Lucille Ball