I've just completed my little Stars meet Hexagons quilt and it is settling in at home. How do you settle in a new quilt? Sometimes, but rarely, I know exactly where it is going. But usually it does a bit of a wander around the house till it is 'comfortable' somewhere.
First a garden photo shoot...
Then decorating a gate...
Could be a table topper...
Finally in to the lounge for a sit down...
Just to recap on the making of this quilt:
I started it in January 2014 - the pattern is from Petra and An's book Promenade in a Dutch Garden. I saw their little red quilt at Quilts in the Barn in 2013 and loved it. Mine finishes at 41 inches (104cm) by 48 inches (120cm).
The EPP and fussy cutting process was such fun.
Gradually it grew and grew..
Hexagon chains for an applique border...
I hand quilted it with Aurifil size 12 thread, trimmed the edges and added a red binding.
I'm really happy with the texture of the hand quilting. It was a good chance to try big stitch quilting and a 'safe' one to experiment on as the stitches are not a feature of this quilt. The wadding used was cotton - a change from my usual wool. There was no particular reason for the change of wadding - just thought I'd try something different! It was easy to stitch through and light but possibly less loft than the wool.
I wanted the hexagons in the chain border to pop out a bit so only stitched around the edges and in the joins between the hexagons. I was tempted to add more quilting to the 3 inch border but thought keeping it simple might be best.
Last post I showed you my red CWB blocks on the portable 'design wall' that I move in and out of the family room. Well...the design wall is now doing double duty! In a rare moment of clarity I realised I could use the back too. What a great solution for someone doing far too many projects at once?!
So, on the back I have pinned my Benjamin Biggs BOM progress - a very long-term project:
Here are close ups of the latest two blocks - 13 and 14:
 |
| Block 14 |
My secret sewing of Auntie Green in neutrals is going well - I have finished the top! I don't want to reveal too much at this stage (because it is a special gift) but just to prove it is done - here is the last little bit of applique on the corners of the outer border.
 |
| Preparing to applique |
 |
| A finished corner |
Now I have till my daughter's wedding at the end of November to quilt it. I have no idea if that is enough time to hand quilt a 90 inch by 78 inch quilt (gulp) but I'd like to give it a try!