From Paris with Love: The Story of the Caterpillar Quilt

I’ve shared a few snippets of The Hungry Caterpillar Quilt 🐛, but I haven’t shared the full story yet. Now that it’s safely in my client’s hands, I can finally show you the finished masterpiece.

I love this story so much. My client purchased this fabric years ago during a family trip to Paris. Her niece, who was just a teenager during that trip, is now a mom to a one-year-old! My client used to quilt but no longer does, and she knew I was the right person to bring these Parisian memories to life for the next generation.

A Leap of Faith

She handed me a stack of fabric and told me to "work my magic." She trusted my instincts so much that she didn't even want to see a proof—she wanted to be totally surprised by the finished product.

I fell in love with these fabrics immediately. The bright, high-contrast prints were the perfect antidote to some gloomy winter days. I worked hard to maximize the fabric, showcase those amazing prints, and balance the colors.

Where Art Meets Engineering

I started with rough hand-drawn sketches before moving over to my design software. Fun fact: Thanks to my marketing background, I actually utilize graphic design software instead of specialized quilt software. I like having a printed copy of my planned quilt top with all my needed cuts. This keeps me organized and ensures every note is in one spot.

I used my design board to piece the quilt together, making small tweaks as I saw the physical blocks interact. After carefully prepping the top for the longarm, I loaded it up and quilted it with freehanded loops and swirls. I wanted the stitching to be the supporting actor—dense enough to ensure this fabric becomes a durable heirloom that can withstand years of real-world use, but subtle enough to let the Parisian prints be the star.

The Finishing Touches

This quilt screamed for a chunky binding to mimic the sashing. I also created an oversized custom label for the back to utilize more of the fabric, matching the embroidery thread to the watermelon print to tie it all together.

Despite my husband's reassurance, I was so nervous about the big reveal! But I truly believe that nervousness is just a product of how much I care. I pour my heart into every quilt, and seeing the joy and delight on my client's face was the highlight of my week. To say she was thrilled would be an understatement.

Write Your Next Chapter

Do you have a stack of fabric from a special trip or a hidden stash waiting to be brought to life? Or perhaps you enjoy the shopping and planning but want someone else to execute the "magic"?

My 2026 calendar is open, and I would love to help you create your own "giant hug."

• Start the conversation: www.lotsoflove-killey.com/contact

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