This is a finish from a few months back as shown by the snow in the photo. I took a long time making this little throw, so it makes sense that it would take a long time to write about it. Anyway, it was nearly 100 degrees here in beautiful, southern Wisconsin today, so what a wonderful reminder of the brutal winter to follow this smokin' summer heat?
This was a patternless quilt that I basically made up as I went along, but I had seen the idea at some long ago visited quilt show. I think the blocks are known as a disappearing nine-patch. I started with a couple of charm packs of Fresh by Deb Strain, and then obtained some yardage for borders and backing with a shop visit (Saving Thyme Stoughton, WI) and some very determined internet searches.
I love the challenge of tracking down fabric in this way. When I find it, I feel like I won a prize or something. This is one of my favorite fabric lines since I've been into quilting, and I still have a some yardage of a few of these prints that I think about making a bag or tote with. I think many just refer to that as "stashing".
I quilted this on my Pfaff machine and Fabric Mover/Stitch Regulator (which I still have mixed feelings about). I'm not entirely sure that it isn't really more trouble than it's worth in the end. Sometimes it seems to work nicely, but others it is super frustrating.
There is a very limited field in which you can stitch (which you cannot see the parameters of because it's under the quilt), and when you get to one of the four edges of the field it just stops abruptly. This usually creates an unsightly jog, some not very ladylike language, and careful readjustment of the quilt before carrying on.
The result is a lot of stopping and starting, and the first few stitches when you start to sew again are not "regulated" very well.
I like the white thread on the bright colors, it reminds me of the look traditional bandannas. I took these photos before washing, and the washing improved the overall look of the quilt. The crinkles soften the look and the stitching doesn't look so stark. It has been in service (not today of course!), and it is nice and warm.
Like so many other quilters out there in the world, I just have to keep practicing. There are so many accomplished quilters making stunning pieces of art, if I ever gain a small degree of their skill level I'll be a happy woman.
My mom likes it and she's been known to say many times that she just doesn't really like quilts in general, so that is high praise! It is all too easy to want to pick out all of the flaws, but having my mom say it's pretty and I did a great job quilting it helps to just appreciate the sunny brightness of it. -Thank goodness for moms!