Sunday, December 13, 2009

Last Christmas Gift Completed!

It’s been a wonderful twelve month journey thanks to Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. 

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Anne started her Tisket-A-Tasket BOM in January of this year, the same month I started blogging.  Thank goodness for that or I would never have stumbled upon this wonderful design.  I don’t know about the rest of you but I certainly looked forward to the 5th of every month, the day when the next installment would be released.

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As soon as I saw the first design, I knew that I was going to make this quilt as a Christmas gift for my friend Lucie.  I tried to keep up with completing the blocks on a monthly basis as they were released and for the most part, I was successful.  But then there were times where I had to concentrate on swap gifts and other things and found myself sometimes three months behind.

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But I persevered.  And just last night, the final stitch was sewn!  Ta da!

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My friend Nancy (no blog), quilter and long arm quilter extraordinaire, custom quilted it for me.  Nancy is the same gal who did the incredible quilting on my Lemoyne Star quilt.  I thought it was going to be touch-and-go to have the quilt finished in time to give it to Lucie for Christmas, but Nancy worked her magic and came through with flying colors.

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Isn’t the quilting amazing?  And this was all done free hand!

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I am so thrilled with the final outcome and I know Lucie will ♥ it!

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Now I have to concentrate on finishing next month’s First Friday Freebie because I just looked at the calendar and realized the the First Friday of January is on the 1st!  Yikes!  But don’t worry because it’ll get done in time and I know you’re just going to ♥ this one!

Happy stitching!

Kaaren ♥

 

on

68 comments:

  1. SheilaCDecember 13, 2009 at 11:38 AM

    I just love the colors you chose for your basket quilt.... the browns just give the quilt a warm, cozy feeling.

    I am sure your friend will love it!

    SheilaC

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  2. TerryDecember 13, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    What a beautiful quilt! Well done to have it finished for Christmas! :0)

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  3. LynnDecember 13, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Just exquisite. Nancy did a spectacular job on the quilting. This is the first ufo I'm working on after Christmas. Yours is beautiful.

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  4. pauletteDecember 13, 2009 at 11:55 AM

    Wow! Stunning! And the quilting is gorgeous!! What a labour of love!!
    Well done!
    Paulette

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  5. julieQDecember 13, 2009 at 11:55 AM

    What a wonderful quilt! I have only...one...block done, but intend to finish this one!

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  6. Abby and StephanieDecember 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM

    Lucky Lucie! It's just beautiful Kaaren.

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  7. Stina BlomgrenDecember 13, 2009 at 12:12 PM

    Kaaren... what a wonderful gift for your friend.. she will be thrilled!! The quilt is fantastic!!! Well done..:o)

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  8. ferneDecember 13, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    It's unanimous I love the quilt too! I started this one, but it was my first attempt at hand applique and I somehow got so far behind that I stopped working on it. I did print them all out though so someday! and you have just given me the inspiration to get back to work on it. I need a Nancy!

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  9. BéaDecember 13, 2009 at 1:00 PM

    Amazing job, yours and longarmer !

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  10. NancyDecember 13, 2009 at 1:09 PM

    WOW...I bet you are the first one to finish this..
    It is gorgeous...

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  11. AnnetteDecember 13, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    It took my breath away! Such a beautiful quilt. You must love your friend very much. She will be so thrilled.

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  12. DarleneDecember 13, 2009 at 1:54 PM

    Lucie is going to be so surprised. Kaaren, it's beautiful and a delightful heirloom for Lucie.

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  13. AnonymousDecember 13, 2009 at 1:58 PM

    Lucie is a lucky girl. It's a beautifull quilt.

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  14. CathiDecember 13, 2009 at 2:24 PM

    What a wonderful gift! Everything about that quilt is fantastic!!

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  15. AnonymousDecember 13, 2009 at 2:37 PM

    I'm changing my name to Lucie and you have my address. :-)
    What a wonderful gift! The quilting is fantastic too! I love the warm browns!!

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  16. AnneliesDecember 13, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    I love it. It is very, very beautiful !!

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  17. imagrandma2fiveDecember 13, 2009 at 3:13 PM

    Your quilt took my breath away! It is beautiful! And your quilter did a magnificent job!! I have been following that BOM but have not gotten around to doing it. You have inspired me.

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  18. Linda - Behind My Red DoorDecember 13, 2009 at 4:21 PM

    Kaaren,

    You have once again amazed me with your creativity and talent! It is gorgeous and I would love to be a fly on the wall when Lucie opens it up. It is surely to become an heirloom! just gorgeous!!

    I hope this weekend is treating you well!

    warm hugs, Linda

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  19. PatDecember 13, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    Lucky, lucky Lucie. I know that she will love it. It's beautiful!

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  20. MarjDecember 13, 2009 at 4:42 PM

    Your quilt turned out absolutly beautiful!

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  21. JocelynDecember 13, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    Oh Kaaren, it turned out so beautiful!!! Love it!

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  22. MiriamDecember 13, 2009 at 5:31 PM

    What a beautiful quilt. Lucie is going to love it!!! Great work Kaaren!
    Congratulations to you and your quilter!

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  23. BrendaDecember 13, 2009 at 5:50 PM

    Oh Kaaren, It's wonderful!!!! I know she'll love it; who wouldn't?! Congratulations on completing the Xmas gift list with so much tim to spare. Now you can sit back and enjoy the Season...or go out and shovel the driveway, LOL!
    Big hugs, B=)

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  24. PattyDecember 13, 2009 at 5:56 PM

    Very nice, I'm sure she'll love it! Beautiful quilting job too.

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  25. MargeDecember 13, 2009 at 6:07 PM

    Thank you for sharing your stitching journey. I haven't got a blog but I do enjoy reading them. I am sure the lucky lady will love your gift of a wonderful quilt. How generous of you.
    Marge

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  26. DarleeDecember 13, 2009 at 6:11 PM

    Indeed... the quilt is truly amazing!! Oh isn't it grand that there are long arm quilters ready to help us get those quilt tops finished.

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  27. CarolynDecember 13, 2009 at 6:51 PM

    Gorgeous! Makes me want to catch up on my blocks and finish it...I can't believe I was actually thinking of giving up on it. I've done through August!

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  28. Carrie P.December 13, 2009 at 6:57 PM

    Wow, you did it Kaaren just in time for Christmas.
    Oh it is just perfect and your quilter really did a wonderful job on the quilt. I love the feathers.
    Lucie is going to just treasure it.

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  29. By Hoki QuiltsDecember 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Wow Kaaren the quilt is gorgeous, and the quilting fantastic, what a lucky friend you have and what a great friend you are.
    Miche'le

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  30. B J ElderDecember 13, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Your quilt turned out beautifully and I love the quilting. WOW! I have the patterns, but they are still on the "projects in waiting" pile - LOL

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  31. QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DIDecember 13, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    What do you mean--you are finished with making your Christmas gifts---that is not allowed--it is Christmas rule #2--Never finish all your gifts til the "wee" hours of Christmas morning!!!!!!
    I love your quilt--I have also done that one--but I have made each of the blocks into door hangings for the month--but am behind--the first three are done as for a quilt--and I am behind on two other blocks--bad me!!!
    Hugs, Di

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  32. JanetDecember 13, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    Wonderful quilt. She is very lucky to get it. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to each 1st Friday of the month.

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  33. JanetDecember 13, 2009 at 8:38 PM

    Wow Kaaren, it's fabulous and so is the quilting. It really brings it to life.

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  34. Mary on Lake PulaskiDecember 13, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Oh Kaaren.....lucky Lucy!! That quilt is incredible. And Nancy did an awesome job on the quilting too. Wow!!

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  35. Annie BeeDecember 13, 2009 at 9:34 PM

    This is just gorgeous. I had forgotton about this beautiful BOTM and went and finished downloading it. The quilting is beautiful.
    I can't wait to see what you have in store for us for the First Friday.

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  36. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsDecember 13, 2009 at 10:03 PM

    Oh Kaaren, You did it!! and what a job you did, it is beautiful and the quilting is just amazing, what a luck lady to receive this masterpiece!!

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  37. I Purr-Furr to CraftDecember 13, 2009 at 10:17 PM

    It looks absolutely lovely, well done. what a beautiful block set.

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  38. tamiDecember 13, 2009 at 10:42 PM

    Gorgeous quilt. I love it. Wish I was your friend Lucy.

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  39. AnneDecember 13, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    Okay Kaaren, you've put me to shame. I should have had mine done long ago. I guess you could say that "life" got in the way. It looks wonderful! Question...what is the pattern for that stitchery/wool pillow in your header. The one that's leanging against the lamp. I absolutely love it!

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  40. Simple HomeDecember 13, 2009 at 11:15 PM

    What a beautiful blog. Your quilt turned out wonderful. I love the colors you chose.
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  41. AnnieODecember 13, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    Brown is just the best, isn't it? I remember reading somewhere why brown goes with everything, and a light bulb moment of thinking, of course!--it is because brown is a mixture of red, yellow and blue--that's why you don't find it on the color wheel :) The quilting is indeed wonderful and your friend a very lucky woman to be a recepient of your beautiful applique.

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  42. WoolenSailsDecember 14, 2009 at 12:05 AM

    The quilt is beautiful, I love the colors and fabrics you choose and Nancy did a beautiful job on the quilting, it is definitely a wow quilt.

    Debbie

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  43. AllieDecember 14, 2009 at 12:51 AM

    Oh my goodness that is FABULOUS she will LOVE it! You did an amazing job on this quilt- and so did Nancy!

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  44. DonnaDecember 14, 2009 at 1:12 AM

    The quilt is gorgeous!

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  45. bingo~bonnieDecember 14, 2009 at 2:09 AM

    BEA-you-ta-full!!!!! You are such a great friend to make this for Lucy! ;) Great job!!!

    Love from Texas! ~bonnie

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  46. DebDecember 14, 2009 at 3:07 AM

    Just another awesome piece of quilting done by the quilter of my dreams.. you did fantastic!! from your #1 fan!!
    Kaaren you are the best!! have a great holiday your friend will that is for sure

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  47. SusanDecember 14, 2009 at 3:57 AM

    Hello Kaaren,

    Due to sorting out computer/internet problems. I have missed quite a few of your posts, so it was a wonderful moment to see your gorgeous quilt. I have the patterns and intend to make these along with the other quilt of basket blocks I'm doing with the Yahoo "Basket Case Quilters" group.
    I loved seeing all your other photo's of the snow etc. A sight we'll never see here at our home!!

    I hope to post on my blog in the next day or too myself.

    Regards,

    Susan

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  48. Nanette MerrillDecember 14, 2009 at 12:03 PM

    I'm in awe and amazement. I can't believe you got it finished before the end of the year. It is a work of art. So incredibly lovely Kaaren. I'm super proud of you.

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  49. SherriDecember 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    It's absolutely gorgeous!!! Wow...finished and quilted! I can't wait to finish mine...hopefully right after Christmas!

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  50. Carrie ~ Cricketwood PrimsDecember 14, 2009 at 1:47 PM

    Wonderful finish on your quilt. It has been such a fun BOM to work on I love your sashing choice, it will be a special gift to receive.
    Merry Christmas.

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  51. KathleenDecember 14, 2009 at 3:46 PM

    Lucie is one lucky gal!!! Your quilt came out beautiful, I love it. I haven't even started the blocks on mine yet, but plan on doing it in wools. Congrats on the finish!

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  52. Cathy @ CabbageQuiltsDecember 14, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Kaaren your quilt is beautiful, the quilting stunning, it will be a wonderful gift, just in time for Christmas. Congratulations on blogging for almost a year, doesn't time fly? xo

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  53. JulieDecember 14, 2009 at 8:01 PM

    this has turned out beautifully kaaren. what a lovely, generous gift to give to lucie. i'm sure she is going to treasure it.
    julie

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  54. Four O'Clock Quilt CompanyDecember 14, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    beautiful! I'm way behind on mine!

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  55. MelDecember 15, 2009 at 12:18 AM

    Breath taking!! You are an inspiration!!

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  56. JantineDecember 15, 2009 at 3:09 AM

    I can't believe you have it finished already! It is a lovely quilt, the quilting is stunning and your friend will love it to bits! Good job.

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  57. black bear cabinDecember 15, 2009 at 3:26 AM

    wow...its totally gorgeous...and you are right, i LOVE the quilting!!! what a treasure, i know Lucie will love it...i would :)

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  58. Beth KareseDecember 15, 2009 at 5:30 PM

    Wow! Kaaren, it looks fantastic! I never would have thought of brown, but it looks so rich. Great work! And Nancy's quilting is the perfect compliment. Such a gorgeous gift for your friend.

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  59. Kim D.December 16, 2009 at 2:35 AM

    Beautiful quilt Kaaren and the quilting is wonderful also. Too bad I'm not Lucie, she's going to love it.

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  60. SiobhánDecember 16, 2009 at 5:33 AM

    WOW!!!!!!! Your friend is going to be absolutely thrilled with that work of (he)art that you created for her, Kaaren! The quilting is perfect on it--your friend did a great job!

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  61. SusannahDecember 16, 2009 at 1:42 PM

    Oh.....AH.....your quilt is magnificent. Your color choice for the borders and binding are superb!...Makes each block stand out so nicely. What a beautiful gift.

    Friends,
    Susannah

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  62. jackieroDecember 16, 2009 at 9:39 PM

    I love your colors for this BOM quilt! And I love your website! Thank you for all you give and may you be blessed through-out 2010!

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  63. KarenDecember 16, 2009 at 11:59 PM

    WOW -congrats on getting that one finished and on time,LOL. Your gift is going to make someone very happy. that quilting is beautiful - wow again.

    hugs - Karen

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  64. Judy S.December 17, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Excellent work on the BH quilt, Kaaren. I really like the colors you chose for the sashings and borders. I only got as far as copying the pattern.....next year hopefully! Your friend will love your gift!

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  65. Purple PamDecember 17, 2009 at 8:11 PM

    Your basket quilt is darling. It is the first one I have seen finished.

    Thank you for the Christmas Eve Santa pattern. He is a wonderful Santa.

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  66. DonnellyDecember 17, 2009 at 11:32 PM

    Your "Bunny Hill" quilt is lovely! Thanks for sharing it with us! Happy Holidays!

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  67. TatkisDecember 18, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    Your quilt looks wonderful!

    Tatyana

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  68. Blanket AmericaDecember 26, 2009 at 2:24 AM

    Each block has a message to say.Each detailed work.I really love your quilt.

    blankets

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