Peek-A-Boo!

I LOVE the pattens that are created by Amy Bradley (www.amybradleydesigns.com). I think that every time she's created something, I've wanted to make it. The first thing I ever made of hers was her "Kitty City" block of the month series.

The "Peek-A-Boo" pattern book came out before I got pregnant with #2. I had the fabrics picked out Christmas 2006, and knew I'd make it for a new baby someday. It doesn't go with his nursery decor, so I decided it would go on a wall above his bassinet in our room (he'll sleep in our room for about 4-5 months). Coolest part is that I get to look at the cool quilt all the time too.

So, in November 2007, I had the appliques all cut out, fused and ready to be stitched. I wanted to do the blanket/buttonhole machine stitch, but my amazingly sturdy little Bernina 1040 didn't have this stitch. Usually I've used my mom's machine or borrowed one from work. Doing the applique just got put on that long "quilting to-do" list.

On Christmas day, my mom and dad came to join us for present opening. We'd opened all the gifts and I was informed there was one more gift for me. As soon as I opened the box and saw the words "Switzerland" I about peed my pants. (Bernina machines are made in Switzerland). My mom and dad had bought me the mac-daddy of the sewing machine - a Bernina 440 QE (quilter's edition). I could write buckets about this machine, but suffice it to say, it has the buttonhole stitch I'd always longed for (along with a million other features I'd drooled over numerous times).

I set up the machine that night and within two days, I'd finished the appliques for the quilt. In about 2 weeks, this quilt was assembled and quilted - I was hopelessly in love with my new machine and the first quilt it created!