A Summer Spot

This picnic blanket is one of my favorite projects I've ever done. First, the the fabric is a mix of vintage sheets and some pieces I bought in Paris. So I just love the fabric and I love that it is in big bold pieces. The project was really well laid out in Handmade Home by Amanda Soule. I've always been a bit skeptical of machine quilting, but with this project it was quite simple and works well. I used a wool blanket that I found in a charity shop for a pound as the backing. I'm hopeful that it will wick moisture away from the surface as only wool does, and so far on damp ground we've been quite dry. Second, I just love that it is a picnic blanket. Picnics on Hallowed Hill, at the botanic gardens and at the cathedral are frequent outings for our family. What I didn't expect was that on these warm sunny days that with a stack of books, some snacks, some knitting or embroidery and two small boys it would become a backyard fixture where we base our day. So in form and function it suits us and has already seen a lot of use in the past couple weeks. Bring on the picnics!