Quilts: A Finish and Works In Progress

I have a 'library' of books on quilting, most published during the first decade of the 2000's.

I seldom make a quilt exactly as pictured in a pattern, and I may never make even one quilt from a particular book. Its all about mulling possibilities and enjoying what another quilter has created.

The above book, rather unique, was a birthday gift a year or two ago from J's cousin who takes quilt construction and finishing to a level well beyond my efforts. 

We share a dedication to meticulous workmanship and a love of fabrics in our chosen colors.

This particular book has a number of projects which require the use of templates. Will I venture one or merely admire?

The most traditional block in the above book is called 'Aunt Sukey.'

I knew I wanted to make this; when I pulled out my stash of Moda fabrics two coordinating 'lines' reminded me of a friend's lovely sunroom, decorated with vintage collectables and inviting fresh colors.

Several blocks were constructed in January and then put aside while laboring over the afore-mentioned large quilts.

The construction of each block is the same. Note how the color placements give different effects to the pattern.

There is special pleasure in making a quilt as a gift, hoping that it will bring as much delight to the recipient as to the creator.

I finished this one in June and sent it for the local long-arm machine quilter to work her magic. The best photos of the finished quilt are on my phone--which seems to lack compatibility with blogger.

Rummaging in my assortment of 'spare parts' revealed a stack of triangles sliced from larger units in another project. I chain-stitched the triangle pairs, trimmed to 2 1/2 inches and produced 4 inch pinwheels. I thought of making a table runner. I wrestled with the math for a diagonal setting with a neutral background fabric for the alternate blocks. 

Of course the quilt grew! By the time I decided on 8 rows across and 10 down I needed to quickly construct a few extra pinwheels.

The first 4 rows are stitched, the remainder laid out on the guest room bed. Depending on what I use for borders it will become a generous lap/throw size. 

I'm becoming rather fond of it.

I drafted this as a 9 inch block when blogger-friend Bovey Belle posted a photo from a quilting magazine.

Two blocks constructed and I'm anxious to work on this again. Due to my difficulties with 'mirror images' I need to lay the units out very carefully, one block at a time and make sure I don't turn them when moving the pieces the few inches from table to sewing machine.

Other fabrics in my large stash are begging to be turned into pretty quilts.

My 25  year old Elna machine made a visit this month to the local shop for cleaning and tune-up. I use the Elna for piecing; my larger/newer Janome is helpful for stitching on long rows, borders and for applying binding. 

No lack of fine fabrics, plenty of ideas for future projects. 

The house wants a fall cleaning--but making quilts is far more rewarding!