"Inherited" UFO top and Label complete
 

My son started this quilt in 2001 at age 11, but put aside the pieces because he was frustrated by its imperfections (& he hated the seam ripper as much or more). I came across it while cleaning my sewing room and decided that I would finish it for his first child. I had many ideas about what to do with the pieces but no clear vision...I wanted to maintain the work he'd done while creating something that he would be proud of...my son seemed open to many of the ideas I tossed his way, so I asked the board for advice about whether to fix or not fix his childhood errors. Thanks to all for the advice...in the end, I decided to fix the bad seams and complete the quilt as my son had originally envisioned all those years ago. I have drawn and hand painted the label which will be the focal point of a simply pieced back. I'm calling the quilt "Together" because my son and I did this project together and now he and his daughter are together (not to mention the fact that this quilt is finally together). The label briefly tells the story of the quilt in a heart shape to represent the love of a family. It also includes the images of both an adult and juvenile sea horse symbolizing mother-son, child-man, and father-daughter. My son leaves this morning for basic training(USAF) and I want to have the quilt completed for his graduation ceremony. I'm proud of my son's decision to serve and know that times of separation will be hard for his family and that's another reason I wanted to finish this project now.
The first four pictures show my son's work (what I inherited) followed by the completed top and the label.

My jaw dropped when I read your story and saw your label. The quilt top is fantastic and your label is so lovely! An heirloom is born! Look at all the detail and the love! :thumbup:

Your label is beautiful! The quilt came out lovely! Great job!

Wonderful story & a wonderful quilt!

It is beautiful. What a wonderful story too.

What a wonderful story! It's a beauty!

Beautiful quilt, and story.

great colors and terrific finish

The finished top is gorgeous. Your son had very good taste in the fabrics he selected at the age of 11.

Oh my, I don't know what to say. Your story and your son's quilt are both beautiful!

That was quite ambitious for an 11 year old! I agree with ManiacQuilter, he had great taste at such a young age. Good for you for completing it for him. It will be cherished for sure!

Lovely story and quilt!

I'm sure your son will treasure this quilt. I love his color choices. This reminds me of my sister having her 2 grand daughters make "cat" quilt blocks when they were very young. She then had me put all the blocks together and the blocks were all different sizes. A few years later my sister lost her battle with colon cancer, so I hope the girls held onto that quilt.

Awesome!!!!!!!

I love the colors and the quilt is beautiful and what a great story that goes with the quilt.

Love your story and finish!

Awww..... what a nice ending to a beautiful story. It makes me teary eyed. Your DGD will cherish this quilt forever and ever.

Bring hankies when you give it to him for I am sure his heart (as a father and a son) will be deeply touched. God bless you and your son.

Wow, what a great top this finally became. Your label is so heartfelt and so appropriate too. The colors remind me of the ocean and with seahorses, it is the male, the father, that gives birth to the babies. So fitting.

Wonderful quilt, love the label.

Great job, you've saved/created an heirloom! I really like the fabrics Zac chose!
I'm sure his daughter will treasures it during his service.

Beautiful quilt and label. Hopefully it will be a treasure and momento for many years to come.

What a great story! You did a lovely job for him. :thumbup:

Jan in VA

That came out great! I love the label...I had never thought to paint one. Care to share any tips on doing so?

Absolutely beautiful! I love it!

Wonderful, all of it! The story, the original fabric choices, the finished quilt, the label, and the love behind all of it!

love the lable

Wow! Great story. Beautiful colors, quilt and label. Your son had an eye for color at such a young age. Yep, tears will flow!

I love your story. The quilt turned out great..... I particularly like the large border fabric.... it's 'yummy!"

Turned out wonderful and liked the fabric he chose.

Neat quilt and fun story!

This is my first attempt at painting...I read a tutorial about different types of color tinting and wanted to try this one with permanent water colors...I'll let you know what I think about it after I wash it for the first time. I'll also see if I can find the information on the tutorial and try to oost the info.

It is going to be tough with my son away...my DIL just posted this picture and it broke my heart...she titled it "The Last Night". I know that she's struggling and their baby just won't understand why Dad's not there to play and snuggle.

extremely nice, coloring great

A perfect ending!!!

I don't think I even have words for this awesome quilt and story. It is beautiful, love the colors and it will mean the world to him when he receives it. What a great gift. Great label too.

Perfect in every way. Love the story.

Wonderful story. The quilt is beautiful. That picture grabbed my heart. Prayers go with him and your family.

Wonderful quilt finish and gorgeous label.................you and your son rock!