I have been following this forum for over a year but this is my first post at the encouragement of my DH. This is the memory quilt I made for his mother's surprise 90th birthday. I did raw edge applique with a buttonhole stitch using a compilation of patterns from Lori Holt's: Comforts of Home & Family Reunion http://www.beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com, a Pansy block designed by Joan Jones and a few of my own creation. I had 3 months to complete it, allowing an extra month for a LAQ, so just kept making blocks until the deadline approached. I arranged blocks on 1/4" graph paper, as you would furniture, to create a cohesive plan, with sashing to allow greater freedom in arrangement. I had to make a few extra blocks to "fill in the holes" and started trimming and sewing the blocks together. The back is a huge crossword puzzle I had printed at Spoonflower.com which consists of special names, places and events in my MIL's life. Family well wishes and mementos surround the puzzle and clues. Hope you enjoy!

Such a wonderful tribute to your MIL. Looks like a lot of work and I am sure she will treasure it forever!!

Wonderful quilt. She will love it.

Fabulous quilt, 3 months does not seem to be enough time! I'm glad your husband encouraged you to submit a picture!

Wow! that is a wonderful quilt. Three months, I may have taken me three years. LOL! Thanks for sharing.

Holy Cow...this is fabulous! Lots of love went into it for sure. Beautiful job.

What an amazing tribute to a wonderful person and her amazing family:)

Thanks so much for sharing ... you need to do it more often!

The quilt is amazing, you did such a great job and your MIL and family must be so pleased and impressed.

What a lovely quilt. Fantastic job.

Oh that is amazing. It is so nice that you used a compilation of different patterns to personalize it to fit your mother in law. And the crossword puzzle on the back was such an fabulous idea. I am so impressed by your quilt. You put a lot of thought and talent into it. Thanks for sharing.