A Quilt Only a Father Could Love

/ Monday 16 August 2010 /
In my last post I kind of moaned about the quilt I was making for my Dad.  The four kids are convening in Memphis this weekend, where my brother and his family are hosting a shindig in honour of my father's seventieth birthday.  I wanted to make him a quilt.
Manly quilt
I fixated on making a "manly" quilt, which to me meant subdued colours and staying away from a lot of fussy little pieces.  I saw this pattern in a recent copy of Quick Quilts, and it seemed like a good choice.  The pieces were large and manly and I knew I had to have colours in my stash that would go along with what I thought a man's quilt should look like.
Homely detail
But, oh!  It just looks [wrings hands] homely!  Do you see what I mean?  Just the slightest bit ugly.  Plus, instead of looking manly, it looks like an old man.  Now you may argue that at 70, my father is an old man, but he wouldn't thank me for pointing that out!
Rows of homeliness
In a comment on my last post, someone said my father would love it because I made it for him.  Let's hope that's true, because, honestly, I think this is a quilt that only a father could love!
homely detail
This is a special birthday for him, because it was very long odds, indeed, that he would ever see this milestone.  My father had cardiomyopathy and was very ill for a long time.  He could not climb a flight of stairs or walk to the corner.  Seven years ago, he had a heart transplant.  Three cheers for Vanderbilt's transplant team, and above all, three million cheers for a very special family, whom we do not know, who allowed this gift of life to be returned to my father.  I have signed my organ donor card.  Please consider signing yours.
a 5-clothespin day

19 comments:

{ beth } on: 16 August 2010 at 18:11 said...

What a wonderful gift!! He's going to love it!

{ felicity } on: 16 August 2010 at 18:23 said...

It's wonderful! Very manly but not at all "old man." He's going to love it not only because it's beautiful, but because you made it.

{ Jennifer } on: 16 August 2010 at 19:01 said...

i like the loopy quilting. the whole thing looks very cozy.

{ Molly } on: 16 August 2010 at 19:43 said...

I love the quilt! It does look like a manly quilt and the quilting is great. I'm sure he'll love it! What a lucky guy to have such a great daughter!

{ Sarah Craig } on: 16 August 2010 at 21:51 said...

I think it's beautiful, and I stand behind what I said yesterday - he will love it because you made it! Remember those terrible clay pots you made in art class as a kid? Well, maybe it wasn't a clay pot, but there was something you made that your mom and dad kept forever because you made it for them. I found stuff of my dad's when I was clearing out my grandmother's house - it's universal! And again I say, it's a beautiful quilt - I love the graphic design - it's so bold!

{ My Life In Stitch } on: 17 August 2010 at 17:37 said...

I think you are too hard on yourself and your dad will love this quilt as much as I'm sure he loves you. Enjoy the party.

{ Rene' } on: 18 August 2010 at 18:32 said...

Lesly, your Dad will definitely love it!!! I think you are your worse critic. It in no way looks homely...it is manly and beautiful...all at the same time ;-) So glad your Dad made it to this milestone. Thanks for sharing the story of his heart transplant.

{ Tamera } on: 19 August 2010 at 09:11 said...

I LOVE the last picture of it when it's blowing in the breeze and the sun isn't so harsh on the face of the quilt. I think it will look LOVELY inside...where it's going to be...wrapped around him on cold winter evenings. :-)

{ QuiltyBee } on: 20 August 2010 at 09:30 said...

I agree with Tamara--the last shot is fabulous--the sun was ugly not the quilt! It will look great on a bed or a couch. Plus YOU made it--his little girl :) Don't apologize for heartfelt gifts! Have fun this weekend.

{ Paulette } on: 20 August 2010 at 10:04 said...

I think it's great, and you succeeded in making a quilt he will truly love. How wonderful to celebrate your father's birthday after the health challenges he has had. Every day is a gift!

PS - I just want to run my fingers across that great texture!

{ Leslie } on: 20 August 2010 at 10:41 said...

i think this is awesome. your dad most certainly will love itperi

{ amylouwhosews } on: 20 August 2010 at 10:46 said...

great story and he will LOVE it. :)

{ trish } on: 20 August 2010 at 15:58 said...

Your quilt is absolutely gorgeous! :o)

{ Michelle } on: 20 August 2010 at 17:32 said...

I don't think it looks the least bit homely! I'm sure you're dad is going to love it.

It's wonderful news that he is doing so well. My dad died Aug 2 (suddenly and unexpectedly) and we did donate what we could.

{ Pokey } on: 20 August 2010 at 23:20 said...

I'm glad for your finish, it's a good quilt for your Dad. But even more, I'm glad you've been gifted more time with him! Life is precious! Blessings to you and Dad!

{ Larri } on: 21 August 2010 at 07:14 said...

What a gorgeous gift! I bet he loves it. Fabulous finish! Stopping over from Sew & Tell. Happy Sewing! :o)

www.seamsinspired.com

{ ktquilts } on: 21 August 2010 at 11:31 said...

I think you must just be sick of looking at it, 'cause you are mistaken! It is beautiful, and it speaks of love for your father. Great quilt!

{ sandra } on: 21 August 2010 at 19:55 said...

I think it is lovely and manly, these are the colors my husband would pick. Your Dad will Love it.

{ Rachaeldaisy } on: 3 November 2010 at 15:44 said...

You made me laugh so much with this post!! I actually really like this quilt. It looks friendly and comfortable in a GREAT way! I bet one day you visit and see the quilt with fresh eyes and realise how lovely it really is.

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