Friday 16 August 2013

Challenge Accepted

After writing Wednesday's post I sat down at my machine and spent some time quilting.  As I quilted away I started to wonder if I could actually finish it for a Friday post.  I started calculating how long each section took to quilt and how many sections there were.  I figured I could probably do it.  And the challenge took hold in my brain LOL.


I stole every minute I could on Wednesday.  I even went down at 9pm after a hill workout.  I promise you that the only thing I WANT to do after running hills is eat, shower and sleep.  But I went down and finished the quilting.  As I prepared my machine for making the binding Thursday morning I figured I might as well piece it all together.

Thursday morning, the girls came down and played at my feet while I trimmed the quilt and attached the binding.  During afternoon nap I finished sewing on the binding and it was done!


If this is your first time visiting, I made this quilt as part of Christa's String of Pearls QAL.  I made my version smaller than the original design.  Her instructions were well written and the pace of the QAL was perfect for summer sewing.  I'll definitely join in any future QALs she hosts.



From the beginning, I knew I wanted to use the Happy Go Lucky Dots for the center and grey strings (Bella Solids Graphite Grey).  It took me quite some time to decide on the Comma Dots for the background.  And as I assembled the quilt top I worried that I made the wrong decision.  It seemed like it might end up a little psychedelic.  But when I stood back from the finished top, I loved it.  It was subtle and fun all at the same time.



The quilting plan changed a half dozen times before I even started LOL.  But I think my final decision was a good one (if not the best one!).  I'm happy I decided to follow Christa's suggestion to outline the strings before beginning the FMQ.  It does a great job holding everything together throughout the quilting process.  I put spirals in the center of the squares.  The background got more spirals with curved lines around them.



The quilting process was quite enjoyable.  I feel like I've hit my groove with FMQ.  The combination of my Machingers and upping my tension has eliminated the eyelashing I used to struggle with.  I'm excited to try out some different patterns on the next few quilts.



The Details
Size: 44" x 55"
Binding: scrappy Happy Go Lucky Dots
Backing: Comma Swinging in Slate

This quilt is now up for sale in my etsy shop.  You can find all the details here.

Linking up with Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts, Amy at Crafty Shenanigans and Melissa for ALOYF mid month check in

21 comments:

  1. It is absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to see it again in our end of month link up!

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  2. It looks great- well done :)

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  3. Nice Job! You're finished quilt looks great!

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  4. Beautiful!! I love the FMQ pattern on this, I've been wanting to try, but haven't yet! Very inspiring :)

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  5. It looks wonderful. I like the fabrics on the front, and your backing fabric is icing on the cake. It's inspiring to see how quickly you got it quilting. I need to jump in and get to work on quilting mine.

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  6. Wow! I love it! It's beatiful
    Came here from TGIFF

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  7. Oh, I think the comma dot on the front is the best part! I love all those white/cream Comma prints used as background fabrics. The quilting you did is amazing! Great finish. Congratulations!

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  8. I really love the spiral quilting in the squares, and your scrappy binding looks great!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuaiton

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  9. I am so STINKIN' proud of you! Way to finish. Oh yeah - and good job on running hills - that deserves a high-5 too :-)

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  10. It's fabulous - I love the quilting. Terrific!

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  11. WOW!! It turned out fantastic. Great job with the quilting. Congrats!

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  12. Fantastic quilting! Well done - and thank you for linking to TGIFF!

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  13. Beautiful finish, Leigh Anne! Love everything about your quilt and agree that your fabric choices were dot on! I adore that scrappy binding. Perfect finish. Way to press on and get her done!

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  14. Nice finish! I love the scrappy binding!

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  15. So pretty and I love the quilting you decided on. Perfect!

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  16. This is beautiful! The fabrics are so pretty and fabulous quilting.

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  17. I am just loving all these dots! They do work great with each other and the binding really brings it all together. Your FMQ looks great to. I am having a hard time with the swirls right now, but pressing on:)

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  18. Thanks for linking up - my favorite picture is the one on the steps :-)

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