A Sunny Mini

A friend and co-worker left our department and I gave her the choice of what handmade item she'd like as a going away gift: a pillow, pouch or mini quilt.

Lesley chose a mini, and I'm so glad she did because I had the perfect design all set to go. Lesley is easily one of the most cheerful, sunny, positive people I know. So something involving a bright sun was a no-brainer option for her gift, which I called "Let Your Light Shine Bright."

It's not very big - maybe 13"x14"? I can't exactly remember. But it began with two improvised "slabs" of fabric - one blue and one yellow. I used a circle ruler to make the inset half-circle. The letters and sun rays were cut out of fabric to which I'd adhered fusible web. I drew the letters freehand (and in mirror image!).

Stitching down the appliqué via freemotion quilting plus some fun designs in the sun was the only quilting I did on the piece.

A cute yellow binding was a nice finish, I think.