This year my family each selected just one person to buy gifts for. I ended up with my brother, and before you think that I just forced my love of quilts on a 29 year old guy, let me preface this by saying that he had previously mentioned that he’d like a quilt (though maybe he was just being nice!)
I started thinking about his quilt right after Thanksgiving, and went through my fabric stash to pick out all the ‘guy’ fabrics. I selected fabrics in shades of green, orange and blues (nothing with flowers!). Then those fabrics sat in a pile for a couple weeks while I tried to think of a pattern to use.
I finally decided on this for the front – I love how the white brightens up these fabrics -
I used the orange Amy Butler striped fabric for the majority of the binding, and also pieced in a few other prints from the quilt top because I really do love a pieced binding.
(Once I finished quilting it I just couldn’t resist taking it outside in the snow)
Now I must tell you a little bit about my brother. We tease Ryan for his OCD tendencies – he really likes everything to be straight and to line up correctly, and he does love everything to be clean (let’s not tell him I had his quilt out in the snow!). We discovered that he has a real issue with blankets or quilts when he can’t tell which end is the top. In his opinion, you should always have your feet at the same end of the blanket so you’re never putting your face next to the side where your feet may have been. (Personally, I don’t care, and maybe that just means I’m the one with the problem!)
Maybe you have to know him to find this as funny as I do, but I really got a kick out of making the back of this quilt -
And it looks like he’s pretty happy with it as well…
Merry Christmas Ryan! May your head never be where your feet have been…
Okay, first, I love that quilt. Second, that arrow is too funny. Totally makes it. Such a fantastic idea! Nice work.
that’s the best quilt back i’ve ever seen…and so thoughtful of you too!
What a great idea! I DO think he has a point there and I just wish now that you hadn’t brought it up!!!
Tricia
What a sweet and funny gift! I think it’s perfect.
That is the cutest Christmas story I have read all week!! What a great sister you are.
May I ask what pattern you used for this or can you put a tutorial up for it? I have been wanting to make this quilt for a while now.
Thanks!
Rachel
What a great quilt. Very manly. I love the backing. Such a cute idea. He looks like he really likes it.
It is a wonderful quilt! And too funny. I love the back – it was a great idea and came out great.
Love the quilt! It is a great pattern. And I love the arrow too – looks like he really liked it : )
Your story is HILARIOUS, Ash! I’m still waiting for you to call me back so we can catch-up!
Funny, I need to make 2 men quilts and that one would be perfect!
Your brother seems to love it!
can you share the pattern name and source please?
oh, that’s beautiful. what a great quilt! and personalized to just fit your brother’s needs. i think the arrow is a fabulous idea ^^.
wish you a happy new year, and keep posting those pretty photos, please. i just found you a few days ago and really enjoy reading and looking
Hey Ash, I just knew you’d find a way in pics and text to share that great story. And it’s especially nice that you created that design just for him … and the title, the “this end up” quilt is so perfect! Good job! (Let’s hope he doesn’t see the snow shot!)
Oh it’s great!! I find it’s so rare that quilts are made for men, so I love to them one that is. It’s wonderful! And the back is GREAT.
that’s hilarious, and so creative of you to think of the arrow. i love it.
That is SUPER funny. Great quilt.
The arrow is hilarious! LOL I love it! Looks like your brother loved the quilt.
Your brother sounds a lot like one of my friends – great job on the up arrow, my friend would appreciate that!
I’m sort of surprised the offset rectangles don’t bother him on some level… But the quilt itself is wonderful, great work!
I love it! the arrow is too funny!
What a hysterical idea with the arrow… I’m sure he appreciates the personal touch
Great story and really fun personalized quilt!
This is so great – I love the arrow. And his reasoning does make sense!
That is hilarious. I hope he really likes it! I love, love the arrow.
I love the expression on your brother’s face! I’d say he likes his new quilt. Great job with this one made for a guy.
how funny! I love the arrow. I’d say he definately has OCD.
That is way too funny!! He look as though he loved it…hahahah!!
Okay- too flippin funny. I looooove the arrow- how wildly clever. And I love your little blessing “May your head never be…” too much! I need to get making my younger brother a quilt too. Luckily he is very into Japanese arts and stuff so I envision his being black and white with some traditional Japanese prints. Maybe I can score some yard sale goodies to cut up
I love it! Very very clever!
i. love. this. quilt. the front is oh-so-perfect. and the back is hilarious. such a great personal touch.
lol – love the arrow
The top is beautiful – in a manly way!
I just love this quilt! I came across it on flicker and love the white combined with the colors. I am the same way with my feet and a blanket, love the arrow. Happy New Year!
Ahahaha! The arrow is priceless! I love a quilt with a sense of humor.
Awesome! The back is even better than the front!
very nice! i love it!
and i guess im weird too. I always use the same end for top and bottom. never thought to put an arrow! he looked happy with it too
handsome guy i might add.
just found your blog and wow, only a year??? so talented
I must be a little OCD like your brother because I feel the same way about blankets. I’m so glad to know that I am not the only one. My husband thinks I’m just crazy