It's so difficult to make one of these quilts because ALL I want to do is share with her! I started out pulling lots of scraps; it was completely scrap-made in the end... and then...
...pieced together an improvised sunset, because the original image begged for more depth...
...raw-edge appliqued a sun and added some improv curves as waves...
...quilted a ship after some drawing practice and lots of thinking about scale...
...appliqued a rock and a mermaid in pieces (usually the heads and bodies look so strange until I add hair and quilted details, like a purple bathing suit/bra - which is all purple thread since it was just too small to applique :D)...
...quilted in the song, appliqued Flounder and Sebastian (accented with little FMQ bubbles and hand-stitching on Flounder [they are probably my favorite part of this piece; Marisa told me I couldn't add more people but she didn't mention sea-living sidekicks!])...
...appliqued clouds, and quilted the sky in countless different Aurifil 50 weight threads (they purposefully weave in and out of each other, and I wanted them to slightly contrast the curvy movement of the ocean).
The backing was special, too; I used the purple colorway of this Biology print by Sarah Watson for Marisa's pillowcase last year. Apparently her roommate also recognized it (HI, JEN!)!
Here's the happy recipient! My parents drove down to visit Marisa, who requested her birthday gift early, since it was already done (her birthday is in November, and she won't be home until mid-December). I wanted to be the one to give it to her but I was rewarded still with a hilarious video of her opening the gift! You can't make up smiles like that! Custom, handmade gifts have and always will be my favorite gifts to give.
And here are all three Disney mini quilts. I can't think of anyone else I would have rather made them for. :)
Omg I thought you couldn't top the lanterns and somehow this is just as amazing!! And I really like how they all tie together with the yellow from the sunset pulling out the yellow from Rapunzels &Elsashair. What a lucky and happy sister! Makes what we do, so much more with while! PS..."Hi sister!"
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, Jess. I love the hand stitching and quilting detail that you added so much! And you are so right, there is no way to make up smiles like that. :D
ReplyDeleteThis is just incredible, no wonder she is so happy. x
ReplyDeleteWow! It's absolutely spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThese minis are absolutely crazy, wonderful and beautiful! Since I'm a Disney lover myself, I can totally connect to these quilts ;-) I really like the colors and the patchiness of each. Tomorrow Night is my favorite though - I'm a sucker for the story behind the lanterns ;-)
ReplyDeleteThese are just amazing Jess. I really love them! I need to experiment more with this type of piecing and quilting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Thanks for linking up to #scraptastictuesday
ReplyDeleteYour sister is a lucky girl-what a wonderful quilt-love your lettering on it! Such a great idea!
ReplyDeletereally amazing
ReplyDeleteWonderful work and what an amazing gift for your sister!
ReplyDeleteWow, such a lovely quilt! I am amazed at all the FMQed details you added. Your sister is lucky you're willing to make such fabulous gifts for her!
ReplyDeleteYou know...I love this! I've never done anything like this (theme wise), but I appreciate it when others do. There is only goodness with this one. You nailed the scale of the ship perfectly, perfectly!! Your sister is so lucky, and she must know she has the best sister ever! Well done Jess! I'm singing the little mermaid songs now...thank you for that!!
ReplyDeletethis is so sweet! The sunset colors are glorious and it captures the mood perfectly - slightly sad but very hopeful))
ReplyDeleteThat is so fantastic!! That smile says it all!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! You are very creative. It looks fun to make a quilt like this. To me it looks relaxing to work on this type of creativeness. My granddaughter just had her 5th birthday and Little Mermaid was the theme for her party. I may have to try this.
ReplyDeleteI am an almost 80 year old Disney Fan(atic) and love, love, love all 3 quilts. If you ever have the patterns available, I'm in line! Love them!! Time for me to start creating more! Thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteYou make me want to get in touch with my Disney side. What a great series!
ReplyDeleteJess, you are a good sister. Marissa is a lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteI love all three quilts!
Jess I am impressed! You inspire me and that's why I read your blog and The Wonky Press. So original. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely amazing! I remember seeing your Frozen quilt last year; what fun tradition! Lucky sister!
ReplyDeleteThis is just gorgeous Jess. I really like how you talked us through and showed us your progress.
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ReplyDeleteFabulous interpretation, Jess! You never cease to amaze and inspire me with your creativity!
Your talent goes in such different directions and each is a wonderful as another. I love your appliqué mini quilts, so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great series! I look forward to seeing what you make her next! I love all the details about your process. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnother gorgeous piece of work - well done! I love the patched sunset!
ReplyDeleteThese are some of the most spectacular mini quilts I have ever seen. Your sister is very lucky, but I'm sure she knows already.
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