DS reads. A lot. He devours books as if they were fine chocolates. Last Christmas I decided to make him a small lap quilt (since he was always stealing mine!) for when he’s cosied up reading on the couch. I acquired a bag of quilting scraps off a local forum (for free) and designed a library quilt with what I had available. The brown ‘shelves’ are from a brown skirt I cut up, bought from the charity shop, The tartan is another skirt from the same shop and the inner layer is a thick cotton throw, also from the charity shop. I wanted the lap quilt to be heavy enough to drape and be super cosy. I had intended it to be a reading diary, of sorts, by embroidering the names and authors of the books he’d read throughout the year onto the ‘spine’ of each fabric ‘book’.
He was reading the Harry Potter series while I was secretly sewing the quilt together and so I made a section dedicated to those books, using the colours of the bookspines themselves. I am embarrassed to confess that I never kept up my end of the bargain and never embroidered another title onto the lap quilt since. I should make up for this after Christmas and get him to write out a list of all the books he’s read so I can update it.
Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home, for now. One eye is always on the horizon.
Abzi says
I adore this idea! I am totally going to have to make my own version! Love the idea of stitching the titles on the quilt!
Sharon says
How cool is that?! Love the idea, what a lovely present x
mark says
I love your blog it gives me a lot of inspiration
Kate Cass says
Wow, such a great idea! I want to try and may a patchwork blanket/spread for my dad when he’s in his office or chair reading just to put across his knees! Loving this ty for the inspiration x x
Lydia Frew says
That would be fantastic to display where I work (in a library). I recognised the Harry Potter books straight away.
kayleigh watkins says
this is fab my mum is a keen knitter and reader so will have to share this with her, thanks xxxx
leanne perrett says
my mother loves sewing and reading so im gonna recommend this to her she will love it
Debbie Skerten says
I love this. As a big reader and a big stitcher, this is perfect in my eyes x
Cindy Gillespie says
I love this library quilt and what a thoughtful gift for a bookworm to keep them warm while they’re sitting in their favourite chair. I should make one for my daughter but it would have to be chocolate items I put on it x
Elizabeth says
Chocolate items would make an awesome quilt 🙂 You can get quite a range of fabrics these days, or even have your own designed, so your daughter’s favourite chocolate sweets could be incorporated – lovely idea!
Irene Murdoch says
Great idea, very unusual.
caroline.gray says
ooh, simple idea, amazing result 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thanks Caroline! 🙂
Honey says
Fab!
KATE SARSFIELD says
It’s a beautiful & personal idea, clever lady!
Anonymous says
I have a question about the back ground. Is the back ground just added to each book? I don’t have a problem with the rest, maybe just a “senior moment”. thanks
Essem Sween says
I’m enjoying your posts a great deal Elizabeth (I found you via your upcycled jumper pet bed post that was in my FB Newsfeed) and this is a great idea too. I’m particularly interested in the local forum where you found bags of scraps for free? Could you give me an idea of where I might find such a thing in my area? I’m in Nottingham and you can find me in facebook or on gmail, I’d appreciate your advice.
Anonymous says
Great idea! Thanks 🙂
Anonymous says
What a brilliant idea!! My daughter is the same…avid reader and steals my lap quilt
Kate - Turquoise Lemons says
Absolutely love this Elizabeth!
Susan says
Brilliant, I love it…you are so talented! x
Gattemelata says
This is extraordinary! I saw the first picture and recognised the Harry Potter books straight away (and I haven’t read them!. What a lovely idea. I’ve been thinking about doing something similar with biscuits and a cake for my husband, but haven’t formed the idea properly yet, but I love the idea of copying actual books they’ve read…