We Are Family

I designed and made this quilt "We Are Family" in 2002.  It once hung in the dining room.  When we redecorated, it found its way into the closet.  I took it and a number of other quilts with me when I spoke at the Pelican Bay Women's League on Wednesday.  I wanted to show the ladies how my work has progressed in the last ten years.

Everyone in my immediate family (husband, children and grandchildren) traced their hands onto paper creating a template.  (Actually, I couldn't finish this piece until Abby, our youngest granddaughter, was born.) 

The entire piece is machine quilted with the exception of the heart in the center which is hand quilted. 

I made narrow piping and stitched it around each hand.  Each person's name was free machine quilted down the center of their hand.  I used a thread that nearly matched the hand's fabric.  I wanted everyone to really search the quilt to see where they were on it.

I'd forgotten how much I love this piece.  I can assure you it no longer hides in the closet!

Thanks for visiting my Pink Saturday blog.