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Friday, May 28, 2021

Bear Hugs


Last October, Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs released a new pattern as part of By Annie's Sew Pink blog hop.  It's a scrappy bear paw that she named Bear Hugs.  I fell in love with it immediately.  Cheryl's version was in all pinks.  I wanted to try it with pinks and purples, all from my Island Batik scraps.  I could tell from the pattern that it would be a great leader and ender project, so I broke out my Accuquilt and cut pink & purple scraps and solid white batik in the 2 shapes needed for the blocks. My plan was to expand Cheryl's generous throw-size quilt to full size and make it for the bed in my guest room, which doubles as my sewing room. I started as a leader and ender some time in November.



Fast forward to early 2021 when I decided to attempt quilts for the 4 teachers Fire Monkey has had this school year.  One of the teachers, Ms. H, said her favorite color was pink.  I figured this was pink enough to qualify, and since I had been using it as my leader and ender project, I was making good progress.  I knew that I would be much more likely to be successful in completing 4 quilts in the time I had if I chose easy patters or quilts that were already in progress.  The quilt for the guest room was to be a spare, my Octopus's Garden quilt is on the bed now, so I didn't actually need another quilt for that bed.  And since it's scrappy and we all know that scraps are never depleted, I knew I could make another one if I wanted to, so I decided that Bear Hugs would go to Ms. H.

I quilted using wavy lines with a variegated pink thread.  At first I was sorry I used such a prominent thread, but I think it's grown on me.  The back is a beautiful pink dandelion print from Backside Fabrics. 

This one is my favorite of the four.  It's a great pattern and works well as both a scrap buster and a leader & ender.  I think it's likely I'll make it again.  


12 comments:

  1. Love how this turned out! I've seen the pattern and thought about getting it. I may just have to now!

    Sandy

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  2. Your quilt is beautiful. All your son's teachers are going to be gobsmacked with such lovely quilts. I got this pattern too, and plan to enlarge it for a wedding quilt - and extra row and top and bottom. Your idea of using it as a leader/ender is inspirational! I am going to adopt it today! Thanks!

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  3. It's beautiful Emily! So generous of you to make the teachers each a quilt, they will love getting them.

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  4. That's beautiful, Emily! What a great quilt for scrap busting!! And in two of my favorite colors!

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  5. Bears Paw is a favorite block for me, so I really like your version, Emily! I'm sure Mrs. H will be completely surprised and delighted!

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  6. It’s great! I think the pink thread is awesome

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  7. So cute!!! Love the pink thread, too!!! Wonderful gift, Em!!!

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  8. Beautiful quilt!!! Love how you were able to use the Accuquilt, scraps and make it as a leaders and enders! Mrs. H will love it!!!

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  9. This is one great quilt and to make it the way you did - perfect. I love this version and the pink thread is perfect for this gift!

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  10. I love the layout, and the pink thread too! Beautiful and cheerful quilt!

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  11. Beautiful Emily. I love the pink thread and I’m sure you will get a piece of Mrs. He’s heart with this gift!

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