Why I Quilt - Part 4

Here we are at the end of August and my last Why I Quilt post. How did that happen? You can find part 1 here, part 2 here and part 3 here. This past 3 posts I have shown pictures of special quilts that were a a part of my childhood and first planted the quilting seed in my brain. This week, the result. The main reason I quilt is because of my family and friends. It is really easy (sometimes) to buy a gift in a store, but to decide on the right pattern, fabric and then make a quilt... is a lot of work. Once I decide to make a quilt for a specific person, I really do think about them as I make it. Here are just a few of things I have made over the years. 

I made this Queen size quilt for my friend and her husband for their 10th anniversary 2 years ago.

My mother requested a quilt for each season to hang above her bed. This is Spring (and my favourite).

A small house warming gift for my brother and his family when they moved into their current home.

A pin quilt for my mom. 

Made this for my brother who has been to Afghanistan twice with the Canadian Military.

My sister and I made this for my parents 40th anniversary last year.

A 10th anniversary quilt for my husband's sister and her husband last year. She has also caught the quilting bug. I'll have to post some of her amazing quilts - if she'll let me.

A birthday present for a niece.

For my daughter.

For my son.

A Birth Announcement quilt for another niece.

I made this quilt earlier this year for my step-grandmother, letting her know I was thinking of her as her son battled a losing fight with cancer.

I also crochet and knit for family. I crocheted this afghan for my paternal grandmother. She knit all her grandchildren many sweaters while they were children and her great-granchildren were also given sweaters, hats and booties when they were born. This was my way of saying thank-you.

I crocheted blankets for every niece and nephew (9 in total) and for my own 2 children. Here is 1 of 7 nieces with her blanket.

And the best part about quilting for family? Is passing the love onto the next generation. Here is my daughter piecing a doll quilt for one of her cousins.

My son watching me piece a quilt for one of my nephews a few years ago.

Thank you to my family for letting me make you quilts. You are the reason why I quilt. I really do enjoy thinking about what to make them next - even if the list is longer than I could ever complete.  This is a picture of me with my parents, siblings and our kids, this summer.