I present - the finished Flag Quilt.
Perhaps a new all time favorite.
Last week my friend Julie, from Norway, was here. I've already mentioned in a previous post that we met in England and lived in the same flat for 5 months. And became life-long friends. It always feels like no time has passed when we see each other again, even though it's been a few years in between. We had a GREAT time just talking.
Thirteen years ago I visited her family in Norway with my parents.
(We were even there for the 4th of July.)
Let me just say, if you ever get the chance to visit Norway, run.
It's quite possibly one of the most beautiful places ever, in my humble opinion.
Here we are last week in downtown Salt Lake City.
(Which one of us looks like they've aged a lot faster?)
And so I made her a quilt for the occasion. And since I've been on a bit of a flag kick, I decided to use her three favorite flags. (Julie was born in the US and lived here for part of her childhood, so she has dual citizenship.) Isn't it great that their colors coordinate so nicely? Once again, I used Cath Kidston as my muse as well.
And I am so happy to report that she loved it. Hooray! She's always wanted a quilt. We both cried. Isn't that the greatest feeling? Giving someone a quilt that they love?
The back. All the fabric in this quilt came from the stash. Woo.
I love the blue and white floral stuff - so Scandanavian looking to me.
Reminded me of Julie's mom's kitchen.
Well, all the fabric was from the stash except for one. The binding. I was having a hard time finding just the right thing, when I found this awesome red dot print for 50% off. Perfect!
I didn't wash the quilt because I figured it would be easier for her to transport back home nice and flat. I guess I'll just have to find a way to get back to Norway sometime to see how the quilt looks washed.
And here is a little bit more of those mountains.
Happy holiday to those of you in the states!
Linking up to Amy's Sew and Tell
anniem says
I absotivley posilutely love the quilt. My fathers family is Norewegian, my brother lives in Oregon , my mothers family is British...mmmmm? I've gotta figure out how to put the Canadian flag into that and it would be a go for me. I think yours works so well due to all the straight lines on the flags. The pesky maple leaf could cause some design problems. I just had to tell you how much I
paulette says
Thanks for sharing...loved your story of a wonderful friend, flags...oh and your mountains. Are those Utah mountains? I love the way the mountains are in the distance in Salt Lake City! I had to go see your profile to see if you lived there! Also a gorgeous place!<br />Paulette
Nedra says
Oh, Amy, your quilt turned out fabulous! I bet it was hard to give this one away. <br />Isn't this a pattern you designed? If so, you need to publish for sure! <br />I have been to Oslo, and I agree, beautiful place. Our family roots are from Copenhagen.
Katy says
wow - it's perfect and such a great idea to use all 3 flags! Such a lovely story too.<br /><br />I took a quilt home from the US and carried in my carry on so I could sleep under it all the way home, instead of those horrible airline blankets!
Little Lady Patchwork says
Amy that quilt is amazing and it looks so beautiful against the backdrop of the mountains!<br /><br />BTW-the fabrics in the quilt remind me of Cath :0)<br /><br />Two thumbs up,<br />Stefanie
Sarah N. says
I love the quilt! Maybe I could make one of countries I have visited....hmmmmm....Canada, England, France, Switzerland, Italy...and of course the USA! Thanks for sharing!
angela says
Fabulous! I love all the flags and they look so wonderful in all the Cath-inspired fabrics. The way you arranged them is so cool - not all just sitting there in a row. Love it! And that it will be so loved is the best!
patsy says
I just LOVE this quilt!<br /><br />thank you for sharing it 🙂
Des says
i'm putting my hand over my heart right now!<br />I pledge allegiance to this quilt......<br /><br />FABulous!!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
Just a smashing quilt Amy! What a thoughtful gift for a long time friend.
Denise :) says
I particularly like that last picture ... with the majestic mountains in the background and your beautiful flag quilt ... beautiful! 🙂
Kate says
It is perfect! Beautiful.
Sew Create It - Jane says
What an amazing quilt!! And how wonderful that she loved it...that is the best feeling in the world!
live a colorful life says
Absolutely amazing quilt! What a special gift to a special friend.
Blue Is Bleu says
Ooh I love it! I was thinking of making a flag quilt to represent the countries I've lived in and where I ended up.
Kristine Hanson says
wow, wow, wow! this is lovely, I would have cried too! nice job!
A. says
Beautiful quilt!! Although I have to tell you that the first thing (literally) out of my mouth when I saw that photo was, "aaawwwwhhh, Utah!" 🙂 (and I know I've made similar comments a thousand times here before... please forgive my, um, vain repetition...)
Katie B. says
This is a stunning quilt, Amy! What a wonderful gift.
Emily {Creative Chicks} says
I love this quilt on so many levels...
ktquilts says
So beautiful!!! Great gift!!! Hope you all had fun!!<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />KT
Calli Makes Do says
The quilt is so wonderful! Your friend is a lucky gal. It makes me want to make a flag quilt... or at least a pillow.
Leslie says
this is beyond gorgeous.
Maggie says
This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing. I want one!! 🙂
a little bit biased says
I LOVE that quilt! It is so cool! Great job!! (I'm a fellow Utahn too! 🙂
Trisha says
What a nice gift! It is gorgeous. I just love those flags and the overall look of it.
Michelle@Somedaycrafts says
Beautiful!
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
Oh my gosh Amy, this quilt is absolutely stunning! You continue to amaze me!
Jennifer says
What a great quilt. I love our beautiful mountains.
nima says
wow...that's a great idea to make a flag quilt...looks awesome...thank you for the idea
Karen says
Love, love, love the flag quilt.
Larri @ Seams Inspired says
Love the quilt, but especially love the story. You've created a tangible piece of your friend's and your history. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Happy Sewing! :o)
Carla says
Very creative and lovely quilt! It's wonderful to have such a great friend. Thanks for sharing!
Rita E says
What a fantastic quilt! Loving it! Enjoyed the post ... thanks for sharing!
Yvonne says
What a beautiful quilt! I'm a Norwegian who has lived one year in the States and on year in England - you should make a pattern of the quilt! We Norwegians normally don't use our flag for anything else but as a flag. The only exception is flags on napkins and the use of the colors on our national day. It was wonderful to see that someone else had done what many of us secretly want to do -
April (Polkadot Sparrow) says
Your friend hit the jackpot with this one! 🙂 It's a great idea and wonderfully executed. I love quilts that have such stories and meaning. <br /><br />I dream of making my own flag quilt some day and you have encouraged me even more! 🙂
Amber H. says
This is beautiful! I love it and it is pretty awesome how all three flags share the same colors. You did a great job!
Dayna says
This is absolutely stunning, with a precious story!
Sølvi's blog says
Great quilt and lovely story behing. Good to hear you still have contact after all this years.
Lori Holt says
Hi Amy...<br />I just LOVE it as I told you before...I'm so glad I got to see a finished photo before you gave it away to your dear friend...I just know she loved it!<br />x<br />lori
Allison says
ok that quilt is amazing....if you made that up you need to make a pattern, its beautiful!
Nanette Merrill and daughters says
https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/sk.html<br /><br />I want to make your quilt with this flag in it. I LOVE it. oh how I love it. I could easily do it I think. And applique the shield. I'm half danish and half slovakian. But everyone in Utah is danish or something scandanavia. Not many are slovak and I'm proud of my non-lds heritage too.
Pamela says
love it Amy ~ what a sweet wonderful gift for a friend of 13 years.
Marit says
That is a quilt to melt many hearts - it is beautiful and have strong symbolism of friendship across nations. As a norwegian, my hart skipped a beat when I saw it. <br />Life long friendships needs celebrating!!<br /><br />; )
Lynne (Lily's Quilts) says
Yup, I of course love love love this quilt! I didn't realise it was yours though - it's great sometimes to be able to connect the dots...
CrafterBerly says
This came out great! Nicely done.
Rebel says
Love it love it love it!
thesewingwren says
I have been looking at all the beautiful projects, the many truly wonderful pieces.... I love them all!<br />