Thursday, June 25, 2015

Cath's Rainbow Mini

I'd like to introduce you to Cath Hall of Wombat Quilts, a delightful human representation of the generosity and friendliness of quilters. She was one of my bee mates in the Hope Circle of do. Good Stitches last year. I had the honor of meeting her briefly during a family vacation to Portland where she currently resides. I can attest, she's as lovely in person as she is online.
I was cruising through my Instagram feed when Cath's beautiful Flying Geese mini caught my attention. Her status read, "So this is my rainbow mini quilt. I volunteered to be an Angel for the #rainbowminiswap but found out this morning my quilt was not needed. So I am finishing it up..." I audaciously commented, "I need it!" to which I fully expected an appropriately fitting response such as, "Nice try, Afton!" Instead, Cath blew me away by replying, "Afton it is yours if you want it. I will finish it up in the next week and send it to you." It's as awesome in person as it was online. It finishes at 18" square, so many of those triangles are really tiny, and yet impeccably pieced.
Cath's packaging was adorable too!

Here's a peek of the back. It's a bright, collage-style print that coordinates well with the front.
Thank you so much Cath!
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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Moccasin BOM

Hip, hip, hooray! I have a finish today.
The pattern I used is Anne Marie Chany's Moccasin. It consists of twenty-three 9" blocks divided into eleven monthly patterns, as well as a twelfth pattern for finishing.
My version will serve as a shop sample for Quilts Ole. You can call the shop at 505-890-9416 if you are interested in purchasing a kit. If you live outside the US, prefer the original color scheme, or Quilts Ole sells out, Missouri Star Quilt Co. is an alternative source.

Instead of using the colors specified in the pattern, this version has more of a southwestern flavor. Below is a chart of my color modifications. I used Kona solids. Additionally, I used coffee instead of purple for the background on Month 6, and burgundy instead of indigo on Month 11. 
Original Color
Quilts Ole Kit Color
Indigo
Aqua
Pink
Turquoise
Purple
Burgundy
Orange
Terra Cotta
Yellow
School Bus
Brown
Coffee
White
Oyster
Light Pink
Teal
If you are going to use an alternate color scheme, I highly recommend you print a coloring book outline.
Patti Lueker (505-699-3748 or pattilueker@yahoo.com) did the fine custom quilting. I love how she incorporated southwestern motifs and a modern aesthetic.
I do have a few suggestions for the piecing. For one, I learned the hard way that using a acrylic ruler and matching the wedge length to the pattern will not suffice. If the wedge on the ruler is a wider angle, your Dresden Plate will not fit on the block.
Secondly, I made some modifications to the patterns to employ strip piecing, particularly with the four identical blocks that surround the Dresden Plate. The provided instructions tend to involve cutting each piece individually which is a bit tedious for my taste.
For the backing I used a Michael Miller Fairy Frost from my stash since it was similar in color, just the right amount, and would hide quilting starts and stops. While I didn't quilt this piece, I have learned from personal experience that using a solid colored backing is very unforgiving, and provides good reason to either tie off and bury all starts and stops, or consider a different backing selection.
Thanks for joining me!
I'm linking up with:
WIPs on WednesdaysFluster BusterThe DIY Dreamerkatherines cornersaving4sixFree Motion MavericksCreations by Nina-MarieCreativity Unleashed link party!The 36th AvenueKitchenFunThe Shabby Nest
Fort Worth Fabric Studio
Rooted In Thyme

Lil\'Luna


Keeping It SimpleSkip To My Lou
mop it up mondays

Making the World Cuter
Cooking Up Quilts
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