The White Buffalo Quilt and It's Story ~ warning photo heavy post!

According to Wikipedia

A white buffalo or white bison is an American bison possessing white fur, and is considered sacred or spiritually significant in several Native American religions; therefore, such buffalo are often visited for prayer and other religious rituals. The coats of buffalo are almost always brown and their skin a dark brown or black; however, white buffalo can result from one of several physical conditions:

They may be albinos, in which case they will remain unpigmented throughout their lives, and may also have hearing and vision problems.
They may be leucistic, with white fur but blue eyes, instead of the pink seen in albinos.
They may have a rare genetic condition which causes a buffalo to be born white, but to become brown within a year or two as it matures.
They may be beefalo, a bison–cattle crossbreed, and thus have inherited the white coloration from their cattle ancestry.

White buffalo are extremely rare; the National Bison Association has estimated that they only occur in approximately one out of every 10 million births.

I would assume, that sadly, many will never even see one of these beautiful creatures in their lifetime. The brown buffalo are magnificent in their own right, large massive and full of honor and glory.However, it is the white buffalo that holds an allure of mystery and beauty that can not be matched. My family has been blessed with being able to be up close and experience these wondrous creatures firsthand.

We have a dear and wonderful friend who has a buffalo ranch down the road from our cabin in Colorado, they have three white buffalo in their herd and they are as special as you can imagine. We have never taken for granted how special the experience has been to be able to say we have experienced these amazing creatures up close and personal. A true gift.

In June of 2012, an idea formed from a posting of a completed wall hanging by Bonnie Smith. This photo was posted on The Quilt Asylum quilt shop bring and share post that they do each month on Facebook. I sent Bonnie a message and asked her about the pattern. Bonnie graciously shared where to get the pattern and I found it HERE. I purchased the pattern and just filed it away for a "someday" reason to make the quilt I had pictured in my mind. 

Finally, the day came...there was going to be a wedding, our friend was getting married and I could finally bring to life the quilt I had dreamed of making. There was just one small problem...it was a wall hanging....and I needed to make a king size quilt.

I followed the directions exactly, and as the image began to take shape on the design wall....I have to say I was alarmed. Steve and Jeff said it was a blob.....I knew it was surely going to work out, as I forgot about the seam allowances! It was a doubtful start. But I knew I had to put all the doubt aside and keep sewing.

I sewed, and sewed and spent hours on piecing this quilt. I made all the blocks first, and as I laid them out, the quilt grew and grew. This quilt was so different from any thing I had ever done before. I wanted this one to be just right..(not that each one I make I don't have the same goal) but this one held a special since of myself sewn in with the fabrics. It started out as a wall hanging and needed to be made into a king size quilt and aside from the original pattern, this was being constructed clearly from an image in my mind. I stressed that I would miss the mark and it not turn out the way I wanted. 

When I lay my quilt tops and backs on the floor, the dogs pretty much know to stay off of them. (most times) In this photo, I was piecing the back and had spent the whole day sewing. Dora had had enough of not being the center of attention and as I went back in my sewing room for some additional blocks for the back, this is what I saw when I walked back into the room. She had gone and gotten Steve's sock and placed it right in the middle of the back of the quilt...Just LOOK at her face......ugh.

Here is the quilt top before going to the quilter. I have never been more proud of a quilt that I have made. Steve wanted me to keep this one for us!

The corners have brown buffalo because our friend does have a whole herd of brown ones, but the center jewel is the white buffalo.

Here is the quilt once it was finished. I was pleased that it turned out the way I wanted it to in the end. The colors are so bright and vibrant. I wanted to stay away from it feeling too southwest in style and I think I accomplished that here.

True Story, I had a lady ask me how much I'd charge her to make her a quilt like this one. I told her I could not do it, as it was a one of a kind. She persisted.....I finally told her $1800.00 and that was a bargain. Her eyes got as wide as saucers and said (I kid you not) that was not enough. Maybe not, but I told her it was one of a kind and I could not make another. She said she might try and make one herself and did I mind.....be my guest was my reply.

Here is a closeup of the quilting, not too much so the piecing and everything on the quilt stands out, not the quilting. Joanne did a wonderful job on the quilting, I love how it turned out.

Here is a photo of the back, pieced with left over blocks from the front.

We went to the wedding in November of this special couple, our son was the best man. It was a beautiful day in the mountains of Colorado. It was a wonderful wedding and we were so happy to be able to go. I took the quilt all wrapped up and placed it on the gift table at the wedding.

Little did I know, this special couple would take the time at the wedding to open their gifts before they left the venue. I have not seen that done in years, and as a giver of a gift it was refreshing to see this done. 

I was able to see the couple's reaction as they saw the quilt I had made exclusively for them, and them alone. The most touching part of the whole experience was after they opened up their gift from me, the groom got up, made his way over to where I was sitting and gave me the biggest heart felt hug and thanked me for their quilt and told me how much they loved it. I was so touched by that, but it just confirms my feelings for this couple, and the fact they are as special as the beautiful buffalo they raise. It was a moment in time I know I will never forget. Rare as the White buffalo itself.

I was thrilled to get this photo after the holidays, as I had thought I had lost all the original photos I had taken of this quilt. Luckily, I was able to find them on my computer. But I am so happy to have this photo of Jessica and Paul with their quilt. 

I love it when the vision I have in my mind comes to life into something I am super proud of. As in most of the quilts I make, it is often hard to spend so much time on creating something and then give it way. This one was no exception. Out of all the quilts I have made to date, this one is the one I am most proud of.  I know however, it has a good home, a home where it is meant to be with a special couple who are happy to have it. That in and of itself makes for one happy quilter!

Hope you enjoyed seeing my pride and joy in this quilt, I have been meaning to share about this one, and just now getting the post done. I may never make another one like this one...but at least I can say, I did make one and it that holds a special meaning to my heart both for the work and who it was given to as a gift.
~ Good stuff.

Baby Girl Quilt ~ Baby Lattice Quilt Pattern

My husband most of the time happily does his part in the quilting process. You know what I mean, he holds the quilts up high in the air until his arms hurt and muscles burn from me taking too long to take a picture. What?? you don't know what I am talking about?? Oh...come now!!!

There is a girl who works in his office having a baby in a couple of weeks, and he sorta mentioned earlier in the summer maybe I could make her a quilt for her new baby. It was a subtle hint, but I picked up on it right away.

I was happy to do it for her. One of the things that made this one so fun for me as the colors she had chosen for her nursery were colors that are not in my typical colors I often work with.

Now, not knowing the lady personally, I was not sure what she might like. I sent my husband several styles of quilts via text to get an idea on her taste. He then, showed the pictures to her mom and we came up with this quilt. It is a nod to traditional quilt blocks in a way and that is what the new mom likes.

My husband sent me a picture via phone of the fabrics she used in her nursery. The colors were pink, bright green and the teal blue. In fact, hard it it is to believe, the fabric used for the name is the exact fabric she was using in the nursery bedding.  The pattern for the quilt is Baby Lattice Quilt and the pattern can be found on the Moda Bakeshop website. 

I added a border that changed it up a bit from the original pattern. I wanted to add the babies name to the quilt border, so I added diamond cornerstones in each corner. I love how this quilt turned out. 

Here is a close up of the quilting. The teal blue thread was used and it is just adorable on this quilt. (click photo to enlarge and get a better look)

I posed a question on facebook about the backing when I was trying to choose a backing fabric. I had this fabric in my stash, but only had enough for ONE quilt. I love this fabric, and was torn between using it, as it was perfect for this quilt or hanging on to it for a maybe project one day. I decided to use it, and love, love, love it.

I added the binding using Sweet Divinity stripe by Riley Blake. I am proud of this quilt, and can not wait to  hear what the mom says  when  my husband gives it to her.

Baby quilts are so much fun to make. I can't help but think about how precious a new little life is and all the things that are sure to come for the whole family. Best wished Brittany, as you welcome your new little girl to your family, babies are such gifts from above.

**Last night, Brittany sent a photo by text of the quilt in the new nursery. She had it draped over the bed along with her bedding. It was really special and fun to see how it worked in her nursery. 

It really does look so good with her colors. I was so excited to see the photos and happy that she loved the quilt. 

The colors are so rich and vibrant and really lovely for a baby girl. I have seen a lot of baby bedding in these colors this summer, so I am guessing it is the popular color scheme right now. I am really glad I used that wonderful fabric for the backing....it really was perfect in every way.

This is one of my very favotite quilts to date. This pattern was fun and easy, and it used up a lot of 5" charm squares I have aquired in various swaps online. I was fortunate enough that I had so many prints in my stash that worked in the colorway I needed for this quilt. This pattern may be my new go-to for future baby quilts. I really love the finished design and feel. I am excited for baby Blake to make her grand entry into the world very soon!

Summer 2013 ~ Graduation Quilts Part Two

Today, I want to show the other two graduation quilts I made this summer for a couple of special graduates. You may recall the other graduation quilt I post about this week, well, these two recipients graduated from the same town, just from a different high school. In fact, they were a part of the very first graduating class from Centennial High School which is also in Burleson, Texas. Both of these girls are cousins and daughters to my long time best friends in High School.

I chose the chevron pattern for these quilts. The design is trendy, and very popular among many this year as you see in in everything from home decor to clothing. I was in hopes these two young girls would love the pattern and not thing it too old fashion.

The purple and white chevron quilt was made for Victoria. I did not make it in her high school colors but instead made it in her new college colors.

I thought it would be great to take with her to her new dorm. Here is a close up of the quilting.

Here is a snapshot of the backing. I did not piece the backings on these quilts, but found a cute fabric that coordinated with the front.

Since these quilts had a lot of white fabrics up against such dark colors, I prewashed all the fabrics first before cutting and sewing together. I found that worked out better than I thought it would. However, I am still on the fence about doing it all the time.

Here is Victoria with her quilt. She is so cute and such a sweet girl. It was so much fun thinking about the bright future she has coming her way!

Victoria is off to Abilene Christian University this fall and is going to be a nurse. Best wishes to her and all that lies ahead in the coming year!


The second Chevron quilt was done in the Centennial School Colors. This quilt went to Brenna and I love this quilt done in the blues. 

I chose blue fabrics, one of them has a little darker coloring in it. I did not put any black in this quilt, which may be in the original school colors, but used a darker blue in its place. I thought to use black, but it was too harsh with all the white.

Here is the quilting in this quilt, I love how it turned out. If you have made one of these chevron quilts, you know how many half square triangles are in these quilts. Let me say, if you turn one the wrong way when putting the top together, it makes for a lot of resewing! ahem.....

Here is the back of Brenna's quilt. And the fabric with the darker coloring is that stripe on the right. I loved that piece of fabric.

Here is Brenna with her quilt, she was surprised over the weekend with her quilt and look how cute and happy she looks. Brenna is going to Tarrant County College ~ Trinity River  Campus and has a bright future ahead of her as well. Best wishes to Brenna and all that the future holds for her as well.

It was a lot of fun to make these two quilts for two special girls. Both of them are daughters to my long time best friends in High School. I was happy to be able to do that for them as their gift for graduation and give them something that they can keep for years to come. 

 I loved that there was a pattern for the chevron print and a design that was so popular this year.  I think it might always date the quilt back to around this time in the future and the year these two girls graduated from high school. 

Summer 2013 ~ Graduation Quilts Part One

Yes, I know the summer is almost over, and honestly any quilt that was a graduation gift for 2013 should have already been presented to its recipient. However, with my surgery this year, and other circumstances beyond my control, I am just now getting these to the special graduates. This post is part one of these quilts, I will have another post up this week.

This quilt was for my nephew. He graduated from my old High School, Burleson High School in Burleson, Texas. The school colors are red and black. (as always photos are click able for detail image)

I chose to make a string quilt using red, black, gray and white fabrics in the different colorways and shades. I have seen lots of string quilts without borders, but I decided to add borders to this one. I love the scrappiness of all the strings.

My long arm quilter, Joanne used a modern quilting pattern on this quilt, and I love it! It fits perfectly with the feel of the quilt. Joanne is wonderful about choosing the perfect quilting designs and does a fabulous job. It is so wonderful to send your quilt out to be quilted and know the person working on your quilt will not make mistakes with your work. It is a wonderful feeling.

This is a very modern backing, I liked the fabric well enough to use on the back and it really does bring it all together.

In the border, I off set the smaller string blocks on opposite edges, I really love how this one turned out. It is hard to find a design for a guy, and I think this one turned out really great for my nephew.

Here is my nephew, Keaton with his quilt. We went to dinner last night and I gave him his gift. He is off today to another state for the next chapter in his life. We wish him well in the months ahead. He is smart and so handsome and he will do well. We love you Keaton!

I have made a lot of quilts, and this is one of my very favorites. Maybe it reminds me of my old high school days a bit with all the red and black.....not sure.....but I love it and when you really fall in love with something you create it is a little hard to wrap it up and give it away! Luckily, it is going to a family member who I know will cherish it!

Wedding Quilt ~ First Time Using All Batik Fabrics

I have been  doing a lot of sewing, but don't have a lot to show at this time on my blog. Many gifts were needed to different life events for this year, and I have been busy working on all of those gifts.

We went to a wedding in June, a very dear friend of ours was getting married and I wanted to make the couple a quilt as part of their gift. They are young, and wanted something a little modern but something I felt would go with their home and be something they could use for years to come.

I had a hard time choosing a pattern that would not take me months to complete, and was something that would be pretty when finished. I found a free pattern over on Judy's blog, Patchwork times. I have made a quilt in one of Judy's quilt alongs in the past and felt sure I would have no trouble following her instructions and getting this one finished as well. Than you Judy for easy to follow, wonderful patterns.

This one is much different from the  original quilt Judy made, but it was a jumping off point for me, and this is my version once it was finished and quilted.  Judy's quilt was a monochromatic challenge quilt using browns, I was not sure it would work with the colors I wanted to use, but I decided to just plow ahead with the idea I had in my head. The borders are also different than what Judy designed on her quilt. I loved her borders, but new with the time constraints, I had better stick to something that I knew I could do. I like the finished quilt, and funny how some of those fabrics alone really were not too pretty, but all together they look nice.

I don't use a lot of batiks in my quilting, but after finishing this one, I like how the batiks look in a finished quilt. Some of the colors look like sparkling jewels and stand out in a very pretty way. I may have to use more batiks in the future. I have another quilt I need to make later on this year, and I am making another version of this very quilt. I have most of the fabrics and won't need to purchase too much to complete that one.

Here is a glimpse of the back, and the quilt label for the quilt.

I have three other quilts being quilted now, and will have them to show soon. I hope to have those bound and delivered before the first part of August. What have you been working on lately??