A Cardinal Quilt for a Bird Lover

Quilt makers know that sometimes you don't choose the quilt, the quilt chooses you. In the case of this cardinal quilt, it chose the recipient. I was looking for a quilt pattern for which to make for a friend who loves birds and has created a backyard Shangri-la for them. When I saw this pattern, Cardinals by Margot Languedoc Designs for The Pattern Basket, I knew I had to tackle it.

I chose a layer cake of fabrics, Roselyn by Minick & Simpson for Moda. The various shades of red, pops of pink, florals and bold stars added such variety, and made this a really fun quilt to work on.

It was a process, that's for sure. Getting the seams to match up so the tails didn't look like they disjointed was a challenge. There were lots of do-overs.

My design board was starting to cheer up my sewing room!

Lap quilts are so warm and inviting.

The cardinal is Ohio's state bird. Since my friend lives in Columbus, Ohio, I added this small panel to the back of the quilt.

For the wide border, I used yardage of Roselyn Floral Taupe. And for the backing, I chose Tiny Calico Cream Red, another in the Roselyn line.

My husband asked why some of the birds are facing each other and some aren't. Some of them are sulking. ;)

This has a "vintage-y" look, but with a modern twist.

Those little beaks! ♥

🦆

To learn more about this quilt and Diane's other quilting projects, contact her at diane.fitzpatrick@mac.com. And check out her Instagram page.

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