For several years now I have been corresponding with a “sewing friend” based in Germany. We have never met but have struck up a great friendship due to our shared interest in sewing in general and dressmaking in particular. Antje seems to favour jersey fabrics for her projects whilst I prefer woven cottons and linen. We do still sometimes buy the same pattern and it is always interesting and inspiring to see what and how Antje has been making.

As Christmas was coming up I decided to send Antje a Christmas present – handmade of course!

I recently completed an Autumn-themed quilt for my husband’s grand piano using a 3D-bow tie block which had the added interest of a faux cathedral window set into the ”knot” of the bow tie. I really enjoyed this block and as I had more fabrics in my stash in this colour theme I continued by making a lap quilt hoping that the colourway would compliment Antje’s décor.

The quilt is made from 16 blocks each measuring approximately 9 inches square with an additional border and binding.

The wadding is a 2 oz polyester and the reverse is a Natural calico purchased from Lady Sew & Sew of Marlow. Quilting was done on my new Brother 550 Special Edition machine using a walking foot.

The quilting design is free motion interlocking circles. The quilt is completed with a machine embroidered label on the reverse that was stitched using my Brother 4000D sewing and embroidery machine.

I enjoyed making the lap quilt and have gained considerable pleasure in being able to gift to my e-mail friend.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art…. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves