It’s happy dance time on Nelly’s Parade! I have finally finished the elephant quilt for my daughter Helen, it’s only about 12 months since she asked me! Last week I set too and finished the quilting, which as usual (for something I was putting off!) it didn’t take half as long as I expected.
Earlier this week I started stitching the binding on, I’ve finally got the knack of doing the mitred corners without having to find the instructions in a book. I always hand-stitch the binding down which does take a good evening but I think it gives a much neater finish.It’s also one of those jobs you can do without thinking really, have a good day dream and before you know it it’s done. Zach, our old dog, otherwise known as my little black shadow, decided I needed some company!
I tend to label my quilts directly on the back, rather than attaching a separate label. I followed the line of the quilting and just did simple back-stitch letters. Usually I do this freehand, but this time I decided to use my silver gel pen and I must admit it was easier. I added a silver elephant button which is one I saved from a dress I made Helen when she was a toddler.
I gave Helen the choice of quilt names, Elephants on Parade or Nelly’s Parade. She chose Nelly’s Parade which I was pleased about as it was my favourite. Nelly was her nick-name as a child and of course there is Nelly the Elephant. Helen is in the Army , so this is my Helen on parade…
So, to sum up this quilt, the original pattern was Elephants by Laundry Basket Quilts, in the end I just used the main elephant applique pattern and changed the layout to make it the size I wanted. The fabrics are all batiks, mainly from my stash, the backing fabric is a batik with elephants on. The tails and tufts of hair were embroidered in perle thread, the eyes are little black buttons.
It measures approximately 70″ square and as such is the biggest quilt I’ve tackled on my little sewing machine, quilting it in strips definitely helped when moving it around.
I’m really pleased with this one and more importantly, Helen loves it 🙂
I’m linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, a celebration of hand-sewing, why not follow the link and see what everyone else has been stitching.
OMG so fabulous! I just love all the special touches you added to make the quilt extra precious!
Great way to label a quilt with the hand stitched words!
Congrats on this finish!
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Thanks Kathy, I’m really pleased with it.
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This is so fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful quilt with us along the way! Maybe it’s because I love elephants, but this is just fantastic! I bet your daughter will love it!
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Thanks Catherine, Helen is well into elephants at the moment, she loves it 🙂
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CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve made a lovely quilt your Helen will treasure always.
(My, they both do look grand on parade!)
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Thanks Del, I was one proud mum watching her on parade 🙂
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It looks gorgeous.
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Thank you 🙂
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It definitely was worth the wait….beautiful finish!
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Thanks Suzanne
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oh wow!!!!! It turned out beautiful!!! The name is perfect. You did a fantastic beautiful job! =)
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Thank you, I’m getting better at naming my quilts 🙂
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A stunning quilt, what beautiful fabrics and colours.
I am sure your daughter will love it.
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Thanks Debbie, it’s on her bed ready for when she comes home 🙂
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No surprise that she loves it! It is such a u owe and wonderful gift!
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Thanks Kathy, we do appreciate things we make for each other 🙂
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What a smart turnout, both Nelly and Helen on parade!
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Thank you 🙂
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What a beautiful quilt. I adore the fabric colors.
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Thanks Cathie, she asked for bohemian colours!
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So very cute.
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Thank you 🙂
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Of course she loves it – it’s beautiful and the button is such a special touch.
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Thank you, I just happened to spot the elephant button whilst I was finishing it!
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Great job. It’s a lovely quilt and gorgeous fabrics!
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Thanks Sarah, I do like batik fabrics!
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Instead of a like button there should be a I love it button!❤️
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Thank you 🙂
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Wonderful quilt with so much love and work incorporated into it. Such a special gift for Helen.
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Thank you, she’s coming home this weekend so she can take it with her 🙂
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Beautiful quilt!
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Love the elephants, and the extra embellishments you added!
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