Quilted Growth Charts

Since the recipients of these gifts are both under age 2, I think it's safe to post them before Christmas...

Several months back I got my hands on some fabulous Dr. Seuss fabric and was just dying for a project.  I wanted to somehow showcase the characters.  A friend of mine also loved the fabric and wanted something for her boy's room.  And that was the start of the Seuss-inspired growth chart.

Custom Quilted Chart 

I framed each of the characters with coordinating fabrics from the same line (note, matching 'wonky stripes' is impossible - don't try it).  Starting with 'The Cat' along with 'Thing 1' and 'Thing 2', then 'Sam', 'Horton', 'Yertle the Turtle' and ending with 'The Grinch" along with Max.  Each framed character is separated by a block that lists various Seuss Titles.  And at the top the chart is personalized.  

This growth chart was so much fun!  It's a lot of color and character and wonkiness but I absolutely love it.  And I think I have enough fabric for one or two more...

And the latest chart is a take on the same quilted frames idea, only this time I used a Butterfly print from Michael Miller's Wings of Peace line.  In each block is an applique letter and then it is framed with a pink linen blend (oh so lightweight) and then trimmed in a matching pink broadcloth.  And of course, the finishing touch - 5 custom embroidered butterflies.  My favorite is the purple one at the top, though there is also a shimmering blue one in the middle.

 Custom Quilted Name Chart - $50

Sunflower "Growing Like a Weed" Growth Chart

We have a pretty yellow flowered "weed" here in Missouri that overtakes the ditches in the fall. I recently found that they are called "swamp sunflowers". Rather than the tall straight stalk with one large flower at the top of a traditional sunflower, it grows like it is forming its own bouquet of sunflowers - which I love. And thus, the inspiration for my Sunflower "Growing Like a Weed" Growth Chart!

So that's where I started. Then, I sketched out a design (I often do this while Lil Hoot and I are having art time). This time we were playing with markers.


Then I take this idea and head to my computer to create the panels for stitch-out on my machine. I stitch out the charts in 12" sections.

Then I gather up all the supplies and start putting it together. No two charts are exactly the same, I make some small changes here and there along the way each time. I absolutely love the creation process. I love having an idea, putting it on paper, then into the computer, looking at this pile of canvas, felt, thread, velcro and any other random supplies, and then in a matter of hours it comes together to form something entirely new.

What a grand ability God has shared with us - to be creative.
It is such a wonderful blessing!

3-2-1 Blast Off!

Finally! I completed my first ever Rocket Ship Growth Chart! It started from a simple idea, sparked by some fabulous fabric from Michael Miller that became this shirt.


So I toyed with the idea for a bit, for months actually. I wanted a chart that could be easily transferred, stored and shipped - fabric. I wanted a chart that could capture everything - 1' to 6' tall. I wanted the Rocket Ship to move (but not get lost or eaten) - velcro and ribbon. After that it was just a matter of detail, which I am still tweaking. It has been quite a process, hours upon hours of digitizing the embroideries, tweaking them, stitching it out, marking the scale, testing fabric markers, ironing, photographing, photographing again (and again and again). This Rocket Ship will go to its new home soon, but the item is up in my shop and available for purchase.

Loose Ends

Right now, most of my energy is going toward taking care of this unhappy fellow. Hoot Dog isn't feeling so good. He has seasonal allergies that attack him in the fall. Last year was mild and didn't require a trip to the vet, so I was hoping that our move meant that his allergies wouldn't flare up here in Missouri. I was wrong. He's back scratching, nibbling and generally causing himself harm. We have an appointment at a specialty clinic this afternoon (since long term use of the steroids given at most local clinics cause kidney failure and other horrible side effects).

Until then, I'm trimming threads and doing final construction on this Rocket Ship growth chart.

It's only my second growth chart, but I am close to working out most of the kinks. So don't judge me until it's completely, but here it is about 75% complete.





And a few sets of fabric letters. This project needed some tweaking as well but I finally found a combination that works for me. The top fabric is a designer cotton that coordinates to the letter (B for blueberries, C for cupcakes, L for lion, etc.). The back is a coordinating fleece or flannel so it will stick to a felt or flannel quiet board or book. And sandwiched in between is a layer of flannel (in this case an upcycled bed sheet). With the multiple lines of stitching this gives the letters a bit of stiffness but still keeps them soft. I chose to trim the edges with pinking shears because I think it looks neat and minimizes the fraying, which is still an intentional part of the project but I like a slightly frayed look over complete chaos.