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.

slow and not-so-steady

I am making some progress on the beginnings of a quilt I posted about awhile back. But quilting is not priority lately. Life is busy. And good. Can't wait to show more.

patchwork

Another quilt from my pile. Check.

I like that feeling of accomplishment. I also like pretty fabrics. Win/win.

This one is for my friend's baby boy. I don't know what her nursery looks like, but it's likely beautiful. Maybe this will complement her decor. But really, I'm not worried if it doesn't, 'cause, you know, not-matching is the new matching. I prefer it. {not-matching, that is.}

quilt pattern:  5" patchwork squares

fabric:  nicey jane by heather bailey

quilting:  straight lines, 1/4 inch along the seams

 front

 back

multiple choice

My temperamental-lately sewing machine is to blame for these unflattering nighttime photos. If she'd just behaved and worked her normal goodness during daylight hours, I could have easily captured this quilt's beauty. But since she was uncooperative and finicky, I finished this quilt only moments before a baby shower deadline and was afforded only the minimal light in my living room for photos. In fact, I almost forgot to take any pictures in my haste to get it wrapped and to the party. (Mama is expecting her 7th, and it's her first girl.) 

I need to: 

a) learn how to use my camera at night. 

b) not ever take nighttime photos again
c) not rely on photo editing to fix really bad photos - some are just beyond repair
d) learn how to use adobe lightroom

e) get better lighting in my living room (sheesh!)

f) get my sewing machine serviced (sheesh!)

g) borrow back the quilt for some better daytime shots

h) call someone with skills to take my nighttime photos

i) all of the above
j) so many choices - sheesh!

OK, so now that that's out of the way, I have to say I love the fabrics in this patchwork quilt. They are mostly 1930's reproduction prints, mixed with some pink and purple solids and polka dots. I promise, the photos don't do it justice. I cut 3 1/2 inch squares and pieced 13 across the top, and 16 down - simple and classic. Oh, And that's my new gray couch.
The end.