If a Quilt Could Be The Last Quilt Ever

So, I might be done blogging. Every once in a while I see something so beautiful that I think “Well, it’s not that I feel like I have to top that, but if there’s already something so beautiful and amazing in the world then I can just look at that– all day every day– and be happy.” Totally, completely, blissfully happy.

This is that. This is my idea of heaven. Like, after you’ve done your smooth glide through the front gates (there’s no line, ’cause it’s heaven) you’d float over to a breezy springtime cabana and your favorite people that’ve gotten there ahead of you are waiting to welcome you. And after the heaven high-fives, you’d all settle in with a few of these. And in heaven you could even have a picnic on one and not worry about it, because in heaven there are no mud or grass stains. (Right?)

via

So our best friend Anna Maria made this. Ooooooh kay. We’re not best friends yet. But one half of the relationship is set on it. We’ve blogged about her fabric here and here and here and here. And more places, but that’s enough for now. When I met Amy Butler a few months ago, I managed to keep the crazy in check and not hug her. Though if I saw her again, now that we’re old friends, I would. And Anna? I’d tackle with my over-the-top enthusiasm. Her blog is one that’s in my “must-read” Google Reader folder. I absorb every word.

So our new second best friend (if you’re going to be second, it’s not upsetting to be second to Anna, right?) is Bianca of Sweet Diesel Designs. She’s hosting a QAL (quilt-a-long) and the prizes are FANTASTIC. A Janome sewing machine for one. Which is crazy because this is one of those times where the finished project is SUCH a prize in and of itself that who cares if you get anything for it? You know those movie scenes where people roll around in money? This quilt would be that for me. That’s how much I love it. So the cool part is: win you’ll have the quilt AND awesome prizes to roll around in. DOUBLE WIN.

I myself have never made a quilt that required templates. So that’s a step outside my “box”. But this one is worth the effort, for sure. If you think I sound gushy in writing, you should hear all of the gushing happening in my head. I’m writing “Mrs. Patchwork Prism” in my fanciest cursive all over my English Lit notebook.

In addition to the lovey-dovey feeling I get when I look at this quilt, there are a few things about it and the quilt-a-long that are particularly great:

1) The fabrics you choose can totally change it up. AMH’s style is so personal, and the scraps in your scrap jar/box/bags/pile will make this yours.

2) Not much in your scrap jar/box/bag/pile right now? Here’s an excuse to load up on beautiful fat quarters or scrap bags. AMH has them here.

3) The PRIZES! Read more about them on Bianca’s post, but they include a whole lot of fabric, notions and a deluxe Janome sewing machine worth $699. It’s quite a haul.

So, my templates are printed and I’m starting to pull things from my stash.

The whole thing gets rolling on April 24 and I can’t wait to see what people make. There’s so much room to make it your own– my favorite part of any crafty endeavor. The quilt-a-long post spells out how to get yourself in and get started! Tell me, do you love it as much as I do?

Somewhat related: I’m drooling over this. More than drooling. Maybe scheming.