Emma's Quilt


Welcome Cottage Friends,

 I'm  happy to tell you I finished the quilt I last showed you in my a bit of vintage quilt post.  

This quilt is the first bed size quilt I've made since I took my beginning quilting class last October, and is a gift for my granddaughter Emma's 13th birthday.

 Memories flooded my mind as I worked on Emma's quilt.

My late husband and I traveled across the country to meet Emma and help her mommy and daddy take her home from the hospital.  Oh, the joy Jim and I felt gazing at our first grandchild. 



She was a beautiful baby, and had her Papa Jim wrapped around her sweet baby finger from the moment he laid eyes on her.  

 We finally got our girl -- a happy, funny, bright little "Sweetpea".



Three years later she welcomed her baby brother into the family and took on her role as big sister with pride. 

 When Emma was nine Oliver cut his finger and she nursed him back to health with ointment and a bandage. He didn't want to relinquish his finger to her, but she patiently, gently admonished him, "Now, Ollie, if you want your finger to get better you need to let me do this."  

 I smile just thinking about it.



We were so proud of her when she started school.

She's always been a good student.

 She plays clarinet in band, and in sixth grade was hand picked to play in a special jazz group.


Emma's a girly girl who likes to polish her toenails, yet she's not afraid to get her hands dirty and help around the house.


Quilt back
She likes the color blue, so I'm glad her quilt has some blue in it.  To finish Emma's quilt I did a stitch in the ditch around the quilt blocks. With each block I said a prayer for her.

Quilt Back

 I prayed that God will guide her through the rocky teen years and that she will cross over from girl to young woman with grace and poise.



With every free motion machine stippling stitch I sewed on the borders I asked God to keep her safe and fill her with the knowledge of His love.  And I prayed that she will follow Him with all her heart.


I made a label and hand sewed it to the quilt back. (Oh, Lord, don't let my girl ever forget how much You and I love her.)



Emma's quilt will be packed up and shipped tomorrow.  I hope it arrives in time for her birthday, and that she'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for her.

Happy 13th birthday, Emma.  
From Nana, with love.
I'm sharing Emma's Quilt at these lovely blog parties:
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings
Inspire Me Monday at Create with Joy
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
The Art of Homemaking Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth
Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House
You're Gonna Love it Tuesday at Kathe with an E
Do Tell Tuesday at Mabey She Made It
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts
Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Share Your Cup Thursday at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Thursday Favorite Things
Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home
Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage
By Nancy at
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56 comments

  1. LynneAugust 10, 2014 at 11:35 AM

    Oh my, this brought me to tears. So lovely, touching and tender . . .
    With my love . . .
    Lynne

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 10, 2014 at 1:42 PM

      Thank you, my friend. I know you understand a grandmother's sentiments. xxx

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  2. Janice Kay SchaubAugust 10, 2014 at 4:31 PM

    That is a beautiful quilt. I love the idea of a prayer for each block. It will wrap her in love. I like that pattern I have done that one several times because it goes together quickly and looks so good.
    Janice

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 10, 2014 at 5:48 PM

      This is the first quilt I've made from this pattern, Janice, and I'll definitely use it again. It really was super easy. Thanks for visiting and for your kind words. xxx

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  3. Donna WilkesAugust 10, 2014 at 4:40 PM

    Beautiful post about your granddaughter. I am sure the quilt will be passed down many generations to come.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 10, 2014 at 5:50 PM

      I hope so. I have a quilt from my late husband's grandmother and I treasure it. Thanks for your sweet comment, Donna. xxx

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  4. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 10, 2014 at 4:44 PM

    How beautiful! I have a granddaughter the same age and they sure are precious and a blessing. Enjoy your week! Hugs!

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 10, 2014 at 5:52 PM

      Thank you. Now that this quilt is finished I plan on loafing this week :) I do enjoy my granddaughter, although she lives in another state now and I don't get to see very much of her. Thanks for stopping by. xxx

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  5. DebbyAugust 10, 2014 at 5:54 PM

    What a great quilt and so much love in it for your sweet granddaughter. She will cherish this forever.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:18 AM

      Thank you, Debby. You're very kind. I do hope Emma will enjoy the quilt and know how much I love her. xxx

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  6. Kim August 10, 2014 at 6:08 PM

    Nancy, I am so impressed with your talent. I remember your posts about your quilting class and how much you enjoyed it. Your gift is so beautiful...both in craft and sentiment. I am sure that your granddaughter will love and cherish it.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:16 AM

      Thanks for your sweet words, Kim. I'm so glad I took that beginning quilting class. It makes me so happy to have not only a beautiful but useful object to show for the hours spent. And I've been very surprised to find it's a relaxing craft for me. xxx

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  7. Betty August 10, 2014 at 9:45 PM

    It is so pretty and I know she will treasure it. They grow up so quickly don't they. Our oldest granddaughter just turned 14 this year and she is also a girly girl.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:27 AM

      Yes, I can't believe how quickly the years have passed. It seems just yesterday we were playing "restaurant" with our little girl. Thanks for visiting, Betty. Enjoy your week.

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  8. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseAugust 10, 2014 at 10:14 PM

    The quilt is absolutely lovely and I'm sure Emma will treasure it all her life. Happy birthday to her!

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:26 AM

      Thank you, Magali. I'll be sure to tell Emma she received a birthday greeting all the way from France! Hugs, Nancy

      Delete
  9. Laura of Harvest Lane CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:10 AM

    A beautiful post, a beautiful quilt, a beautiful girl.
    I like the quilt so much, I pinned it.
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/257690409903941872/

    I want to remember the pattern and colors.
    If you'd rather I remove it, please contact me.
    Blessings,
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 11, 2014 at 6:24 AM

      Laura, you're so sweet. I'm flattered that you pinned the quilt. The pattern is Thimble Blossoms Piece of Cake 3, and I used the 3 Sisters Lario Layer Cake by Moda. If you do make a quilt like this one, I hope you'll let me know. Hugs, Nancy

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  10. JESAugust 11, 2014 at 4:28 PM

    Nancy, what a beautiful quilt, woven with love and piled with prayers! This was very touching to read. I am glad you joined us at the Art of Home-Making Mondays :)

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 12, 2014 at 12:19 PM

      Thank you, Jes. I'm glad I joined, too. I like your blog and party. xxx

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  11. Nancy SAugust 11, 2014 at 4:41 PM

    Nancy, I stumbled upon your blog while "cottage" searching on Pinterest. what a nice surprise! The quilt is beautiful, and coincidentally, I am making this same pattern, Piece of Cake 3 right now. LOL. I am using Camille's (Thimble Blossoms) April Showers layer cake and loving every minute of it! I am re-decorating a home we just bought with a cottage look and this quilt will be in it. I subscribed to your blog and look forward to enjoying what you share. Thank you so much.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 12, 2014 at 12:26 PM

      Nancy, it's so nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and becoming a subscriber. I'll be visiting your blog, and I hope you're sharing your Piece of Cake 3 quilt there. I'd like to see it. I'll be sharing many more quilt, sewing and misc. projects in the months ahead for a new cottage we're building. Another thing you and I have in common: new homes! xxx

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  12. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeAugust 11, 2014 at 6:29 PM

    Oh, my heart! Such a beautiful post, may she ALWAYS remember how much you and God love her...
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY...
    Many blessings,
    Cindy

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 12, 2014 at 12:27 PM

      Thanks so much for your sweet words, Cindy. I want to be a positive influence on my granddaughter; I'm so thankful for her. xxx

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  13. GranthamLynnAugust 12, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    Oh how beautiful post. I love the story and the photos! What a beautiful way to showcase it.
    The last photo is breathtaking. I love the prayers that you prayed for her as you worked on this masterpiece. It is a beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing it and your heart with us today.
    I really enjoyed visiting you. I am following you now.
    Have a wonderful day.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 12, 2014 at 12:29 PM

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I feel very encouraged by what you wrote. God bless you. :)

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  14. DebbieAugust 12, 2014 at 1:13 PM

    You did such a wonderful job on the quilt for Emma, Nancy. It's just beautiful!! I love that you prayed as you sewed. What a special gift, with so much of your heart put into each phase of the quilt. You are a virtuous woman, Nancy. Prov.31:10-31.
    Blessings to you.
    Debbie
    xo

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 12, 2014 at 2:33 PM

      Debbie, you have given me a great compliment, and although I don't feel I measure up to the Proverbs 31 virtuous woman it is my desire to do so. Thank you, my friend, for your encouraging words. xxx

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  15. GranthamLynnAugust 12, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    HI again. And thank you so much for coming by. Your words were a sweet blessing to me. I wondered if anyone would 'get' what I was trying to say. You blessed me so. Thank you for letting me know it made sense! I just pray that some one is encouraged.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Many Blessings,
    Sherry

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  16. ipatchandquiltAugust 12, 2014 at 11:36 PM

    What a sweet quilt for a darling girl!
    Esther

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  17. Jacqui S.August 13, 2014 at 12:02 AM

    A lovely present of a quilt filled with memories, too.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 13, 2014 at 7:52 AM

      I really enjoyed making this quilt Jacqui. Thanks for visiting, and for your sweet words.

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  18. LynnAugust 13, 2014 at 1:34 AM

    A delightful quilt, I love the border fabric that just sets it off so well. And she's a fortunate granddaughter to have such a loving, caring grandmother to make something significant and pray continually for her. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 13, 2014 at 7:53 AM

      Your so sweet, Lynn. Thank you for your encouraging words. xxx

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  19. Lorna McMahonAugust 13, 2014 at 6:11 AM

    Stitched with love and many prayers, this quilt will be treasured for years to come. Such a beautiful gift. Great job, Nancy! And happy birthday to Emma!

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 13, 2014 at 7:54 AM

      Lorna, thank you so much. I appreciate your visit and very sweet words. xxx

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  20. AnonymousAugust 13, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    Oh it came out beautifully! And happy birthday to your granddaughter! 13 is a special birthday, that first "teen" birthday. All the best to Emma and to many more happy years to come!

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 13, 2014 at 2:37 PM

      Your very kind. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. xxx

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  21. DianaAugust 13, 2014 at 7:02 PM

    Nancy, what a stunning quilt and sweet, sweet post. I love how you prayed for Emily as you sewed the various parts of the quilt. She is a blessed girl to have a Nana like you :) Love the photo "mounted" on the quilt background.
    Blessings,
    Diana

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 14, 2014 at 8:24 AM

      Thank you, Diana. Your words are an encouragement to me. xxx

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  22. Tea in the LibraryAugust 14, 2014 at 5:43 AM

    What a touching post. We know the prayers of the Godly availith much. Blessing to you and your family.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 14, 2014 at 9:50 AM

      Thank you, Susan. I firmly believe that God hears and answers us when we humble ourselves and pray. xxx

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  23. Oliva OhlsonAugust 14, 2014 at 1:24 PM

    Lovely and very touching post! I wish I had a grandmother like yours.

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  24. Art and SandAugust 15, 2014 at 7:53 AM

    What a lovely quilt you created and what a treasure for your granddaughter.

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 15, 2014 at 1:23 PM

      Thanks, Carol. I learned to quilt for this very reason. I want my loved ones to have something from me that is lasting, and hopefully that they will, indeed, treasure. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  25. RoseAugust 15, 2014 at 5:23 PM

    Nancy, it is beautiful, as is your granddaughter. They are such a joy, aren't they!

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 17, 2014 at 3:44 PM

      Thank you very much, Rose. I do find great joy in being a grandmother. Hugs.

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  26. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonAugust 17, 2014 at 11:25 AM

    Emma sounds like a doll Nancy, and I love her quilt! She surely will too. I am continually praying and asking the Lord for the same blessings for my 9 grands. Thanks for sharing with SYC. This quilt will be something that she will always treasure! I have made some for some of my grands, but still trying to make sure all of them get one.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 17, 2014 at 3:45 PM

      Jann, I think you have a few more grands to cover than I do. :) Your quilting skills are wonderful, and I'm sure your grands are happy to get your wonderful quilts. Thanks for your sweet words. xxx

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  27. KathyAugust 20, 2014 at 4:58 AM

    Hello Nancy, my heart was so touched by this story - this quilt is such a beautiful gift of love! I know Emma will cherish this for always and share it with her children - I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  28. The Charm of HomeAugust 20, 2014 at 7:15 PM

    What a beautiful gift. I love the colors you used. Sherry

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    1. A Joyful CottageAugust 22, 2014 at 12:59 PM

      Thank you, Sherry. I like the colors a lot, and found them very easy on the eyes. :)

      Delete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.

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