Friday, April 01, 2011

A Satisfying Finish

Once I went back to the nine-patches, the addictive quality of these little blocks kicked in.  I had only intended to make a few more, and then go back to another project.  Instead, I finished this, which can be a lap quilt for the veteran's hospital where one of my guilds sends quilts.

It turned out to be quite a stash buster; when I started cutting the longer sashing strips I was no longer using tiny scraps and had to use larger pieces.  That's a good thing.  The final outer border used up a piece of amazingly hideous dull green and brown fabric, and I pieced the back, using up even more fabric which seemed a bit dated to me, but works perfectly here.  So I'm very pleased with the whole thing.

I'm also happy with the batting I used.  I like polyester batting for service quilts because of the easy care, and this time I bought a new product from Mountain Mist called Quilt-Light batting.  It's very low loft, which makes it light, non-bulky, and easy to manipulate for quilting in the Janome, and I had no problem with the fabric creeping and producing tucks.  It's soft and drapey when finished also.   The king-size batt I bought should make three more quilts.

A few other things to be pleased with:  Peppermint Stars is packed and on its way to Paducah, I have a place to stay when I go there, and all my Alzheimer's quilts have sold.   If anyone reading bought one, thank you so much!

11 comments:

Paula said...

This quilt would be a great stash buster. I already have strips cut. Hmmm, I may need to put this one on my "to do" list. It turned out wonderful.

Suzanne Kistler said...

I'm so glad you get to go to Paducah!! I hope you have an absolutely amazing experience. When I got to go, as a participant, every single one of my smile muscles hurt like the dickens. It was SO worth it!! :)

Rian said...

What a great quilt! It has two distinct patterns overlaying that shift back and forth. Good luck with Peppermint Stars at Paducah.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

Wow Kay, this is fantastic! Have fun in Paducah, I am planning on going the following year for sure!
You have been working hard.

Debra Dixon said...

Nothing like a 9 patch quilt! Nothing. That little bugger can be arranged so many ways that I could spend years exploring it. Love this setting.

Good luck in Paducah! What fun.

Libby Fife said...

Rian took the words right out of my mouth. What a great quilt!

I am glad to hear about all of your good news too. Sounds like that show should work out well:)

*karendianne. said...

What a great finish and I enjoyed reading about your experience with the different batting, too. How fun.

Can't want for the fun in Paducah. Oh Kay. Heart swelling moment.

jenclair said...

This is a great quilt--such a nice mix of traditional and contemporary! I really like the colors.

Have a great time in Paducah!

McIrish Annie said...

What we think is old and dated will make someone else smile and keep them warm. and the bonus, you can buy more fabric in paducah and not feel guilty!! have a great time.

Liz in Kansas said...

I sometimes think that 9-patch is addictive! I really like the way the brown and yellow/orange moves across the quilt. Satisfying is just the word for it!

Barbara C said...

I confess, I love browns. Your quilt really catches my eye, and I'm sure it will be much appreciated.