As we're nearing the end of yet another month, i suddenly realized that i was dragging my feet with this month's small quilt challenge.
Kathy's choice was 'Broken Dishes..another little quilts from Prairie Children & their Quilts book. I was happy with that and got to work choosing my fabrics...only to find that i changed my mind several times over the following days. I can't remember ever being this undecided. This was not a good sign. But i wasn't go to be deterred!
WELL. i'm relieved to say that i finally made my fabric selection [last Monday] and got cutting.
i decided to include a few pumpkin / mustardy yellows for a little extra pazazz.
48 hsts later i think i'm happy with the layout..yes? no? maybe??
Oscar senses my indecision and decides to leave..smart move!!
okay, after what seemed like forever, i FINALLY got all eight rows of hsts joined. Next, i laid them out on the deck in natural daylight. Yes, i thought..i'm happy with the layout, but you know what? i don't remember choosing so many pinks..way too many!! don't you hate that!! one thing's for certain no way was i going to unpick those hsts, those pinks would just have to stay..sigh!
Kathy's version of this little quilt has a double border, but you know what, because i wasn't happy with all those pinks i decided to keep it simple..a single border would do. Simple enough you might think but noooo.. after umpteen fabric auditions, i was still undecided and tempted to chuck it in. This little quilt had a mind of it's own and i had absolutely no control what-so-ever..it was the strangest thing.
I knew i had to simply walk away and sleep on it.
Two days later i decided i was ready to give it another try. It was now or never!! And guess what?? within minutes of walking into my studio i spotted the blackish/blue hail spot fabric peeking out from under my darks. I was just a tad excited when i trialled it against my flimsy. It worked!! well, you can imagine my relief..phew!
Yesterday, i finally got the layers basted and using my NEW Sewline TRIO pen [which arrived on friday, with my order from the Fat Quarter Shop ] i carefully drew the quilting lines and it worked beautifully, made me very happy indeed. Forget the icky, sticky masking tape, this pen wins hands down lol!
nice clear lines. i love my new pen.
this morning i got cracking with the quilting and within an hour and a bit i had half of the quilt, quilted.
i love to hand quilt and you know what? as i'm sitting back quilting my little Broken Dishes quilt, i can honestly say that this little quilt is beginning to grow on me..funny huh!!
I love the dark border you've chosen, perhaps that's what Oscar was trying to tell you. He did have his dark paw just where the border was to go!I really like the teal fabric you purchased & the 2nd fabric under your sewline pen is one of the fabric I've chosed for my sons quilt
Posted by: Robyn of Robyns Nest | February 20, 2012 at 08:09 AM
It's just perfect. You chose some great fabrics. And you're way ahead of me! I still have to cut mine out.
I love those sewline pencils!!
Posted by: Sue | February 20, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Can't believe you have nearly finished quilting it since Saturday - especially after being in the garden Sunday!!!!
Posted by: Helen F | February 20, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Sweet little quilt. Love your border choice , and the pumpkin colours set it all off beautifully.
Posted by: Kerry | February 20, 2012 at 09:17 PM
It's funny how some quilts have a mind of their own! I think the darker border really sets off the HST units very well, it has turned out to be quite a cutie, well done!!!!
Posted by: Merilyn | February 21, 2012 at 10:09 AM
A beautiful little quilt....in the end it all worked out well and yes, I agree with the others the dark border looks great against the other fabrics.
Posted by: Jenny M | February 22, 2012 at 10:26 AM
I think it's gorgeous Marian - and not too much pink at all!!
Posted by: Meredithe | March 28, 2012 at 05:53 PM