Natalie's "In the Leafy Treetops"

33 comments
Two years ago I designed this quilt "In the Leafy Treetops". It is my daughter Natalie's favorite quilt of mine and she's been wanting to make her own from quilt from this design. But Natalie really prefers to applique rather than piece, so for her birthday last year she asked me to make her a pattern for an applique bird so she could make her own version of "In the Leafy Treetops".
Along with drawing up the pattern for her I made her a potholder block as a sample. I love the plumpness of the birdie.
I changed the design up a little bit and added a different fabric to accent his wing. I sketch embroidered it all with my machine and then tightly quilted the background so Mr. Birdie pops.

So now Natalie is finally getting around to making her quilt (since she's getting to a finish with her cacti.)
She's so organized. And she over preps. You have to admire that though. Here is her bag for wings....
and birds.....
and leaves. You see she's all cut out and ready to go. Hey! I recognize some of that fabric. Actually I'm happy to share with her. But most everything comes from her own stash. She is using all the same colors/fabrics for each part of the bird/wing and leaf. Very modern.
It's going to be really great. Her background will be various shades of grays/linen colors. She hasn't picked out her rick rack yet. I imagine that will be in similar colors too. I'll keep you posted on her progress. I'm excited to see her take the idea and make it her own.

-nanette

P.S. Today is Mr. Hive's birthday. He really prefers very low key birthdays. But on Sunday we'll have a family dinner with Lori Holt's Strawberry Pie.
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33 comments

Dresden Quilter said...

Happy Birthday to Mr. Hive! The birds look great. What a fabulous quilt it is going to be.

Anna said...

love it! will the applique pattern be for sale?

Jennifer said...

I love it! I've been hooked on the purple/yellow/grey color combo lately so I especially love her colors.

Jennifer :)

AnnieO said...

That's a great design, Nanette. I especially like how the quilting on the bird and leaves is done--very mod! It will be a fresh and hip bunch o'birdies.

Happy B-day to Mr. Hive. My DH has told me he does not wish to be known as Mr. Orts, LOL!

Jan said...

Oh I can't wait to see Natalie's creation!!! I am soooooooooo impressed w/her organization!!! I could sure use her help in that area. Happy Birthday to your honey ... he sounds like mine ... doesn't get into his own birthday too much; but I wish him many more happy, healthy years to celebrate :)

Lynn said...

So cute, I think we all might want to know - will it be for sale (pretty please)? Mmmm strawberry pie.

Brandie said...

After seeing the catus quilt, I know this one will be just as lovely. Can't wait to see it.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Just popped in to my head....."the family that quilts together, stays together"..... :-)
Will be fun to see Natalie's birdie quilt sing!

Unknown said...

Can't wait to see it finished....I love how organized she is...can she come over and play at my house?

Trisha said...

Cool that she is putting her own spin on your pattern. I am glad you are going to share updates! Happy Birthday to your husband. That Strawberry Pie looks delicious!!

Barb said...

How wonderful that your daughter sews as well. My children love what I do, but want ME to do it for them.

Sherri said...

Natalie's quilt is going to be great! I'm looking forward to making Lori's pie soon too!

Thimbleanna said...

Oooh Nanette -- I love that new appliqued birdy with the free-motion stitching -- very cute! Yesterday was TheManoftheHouse's birthday -- he prefers very low-key too. Instead of the big family birthday get-togethers (which he hates) we just went to dinner and a movie -- just the two of us and he was happy as a clam. Happy Birthday to Mr. Hive!

Quilt Monkey said...

I love this bird!! And the thread sketching really makes it. Will you be selling a pattern for this? On another note, I'm almost finished with my version of All Dressed Up. It's a surprise for my mom's birthday, but I'll send you a picture and post on my blog after I give it to her. Thanks for all the great inspiration!

Betsy said...

hi Nanette, great quilt again. Today is my sons birthday too.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

wow, you have really raised a very talented quilter. I like the new design modification, and she's making it her own. Great job from you both!

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

This is adorable! Great stitching on the applique. Happy birthday to Mr. Hive:)

pratima said...

I love the soft curves of the bird and the colors are very chirpy & cute and it looks as if the bird just flew out of a story book. I'm looking forward to Natalie's progress. She's very organized :)
Happy Birthday to Mr.Hive! Lori's Strawberry pie is yummy! Happy celebrations!!

Shelley said...

How niceof you to do this for her!! Great idea!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I love all it!!! How cute can it be?? Very very cute!!

Nedra said...

I love your ITLTT quilt too! I still have the kit you got me started on, and keep thinking I will get to it soon. I love Natalie's version.

Nedra said...

Oh yes, and Happy Birthday to Dave!!

hetty said...

I just love the applique pattern for this quilt! Natalie will do an amazing job. I just know it! Happy Birthday to Mr. Hive.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Happy Birthday Mr Hive, I'm sure you will have a fabulous day! Your quilt is adorable Nanette, it will be lovely to see your daughters quilt come together with those gorgeous colours xo

*karendianne. said...

I totally admire DD's organizational spirit. That will continue to serve her well throughout her life. Just my humble opinion on that. The fabrics I can see here that she's chosen are so FUN. I guess part of the reason I say that is I DON'T HAVE any of those cool pieces and I do like 'em. I will try not to shop for these fabrics though. I will try not to shop.

Happy Birthday Mr. Hive.

Dawn said...

I love this version you designed for Natalie! Looking forward to seeing her progress. Happy Birthday Mr. Hive!!

PamKittyMorning said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. HIVE!

Micki said...

I am sure that Natalie's quilt will be gorgeous. I love that bird applique!
Micki

Rae Ann said...

Happy Belated Bithday Mr. Hive!
I love the new PLUMP birdie. It is singing to me and I must make one~ too cute!

Sherry said...

Love that bird pattern. I think Natalie's quilt will be awesome, love her colors. Happy belated b'day to Mr. Hive!

Browndirtcottage said...

What a great quilt Natalie will have....I especially LOVE the 'altered' birdie design!!

Shari said...

I just love this bird that you designed for Natalie! And your machine sketching... you must be so proud of her...

MichelleB said...

I love your new little birdie! I can hardly wait to see this quilt finished. With all of those colors it will look great.