potluck

I am loving scrap quilts lately. I am calling this one "Potluck*" because it's a hodgepodge of lots of favorites all combined for one big feast, or in this case, one big quilt. To make this one I:

1. Decided it would be a throw size: approx. 63" x 57".
2. Planned out my diamond shaped pattern on graph paper. This told me how many patterned and white squares I would need.
3. Gathered up my leftover cheery, bright fabrics I have used in recent years. Not hundreds, but definitely dozens. It was fun to remember how and when I used each and every one.
4. Cut 3 1/2 inch strips from each fabric.
5. Paired up random fabric strips and sewed them together.
6. Cut the paired strips into 3 1/2 inch sections.
7. Cut 3 1/2 inch white strips, then into 3 1/2 squares, according to my drawing.
8. Laid it all out to make sure it looked like I wanted.
9. Sewed it all together.
10. After quilting and binding it, I washed it (with a little white vinegar to set the colors) and dried it to give it that softness I love.

I quilted it diagonally through every square, going one direction. Then alternated every third square diagonally going the other direction. This gave me rectangles on the back.

The back is gray and aqua flannel.

The recipient of this quilt is a friend who took our family photo last year. Actually in 2011. Yep. Overdue.

*The term, Potluck, seems to be used a lot by quilters. Just did a quick search on pinterest. Guess I'm not that original.