Now for something completely different

This is the last of the small quilts for a while. I took a class from Jo Morton in 2007. This is her Peppermint Twist quilt from the book, Remembrances. I made all the churn dash blocks right away, but the applique has languished.

Let me confess - I am not skilled at applique. I've taken a class, I work with several ladies who are experts at applique but it hasn't rubbed off on me. My sister-in-law Jan, who also works at the quilt store, does the most beautiful applique work. A while back, I asked her if she would make the center of this block for me and she said she would be happy to do it.

When I got the center back from her recently, the beauty of her work took my breath away, and I couldn't wait to finish this quilt top. First, I had to trim that beautiful center. It took me several attempts before I had the courage to cut, afraid I might ruin it! But I did, and then made 32 teeny flying geese for the border. To my surprise and delight, the border fit perfectly around the center!

Next, I pieced the 4 corner units and, again, everything fit together perfectly with no problems. Until it came to assembling the quilt. That's when I discovered the center unit was too big to fit the corner units.

I took it to the quilt store, exasperated. My coworkers pointed out that the center setting triangles left too much of a seam allowance and that trimming it to a perfect quarter inch would help.

I took the quilt home and did just that. It made sense. However, the center was still too big. I did some creative seaming and made it fit. It's not perfect, will never win any ribbons, but I still think it's a beautiful quilt. Just don't scrutinze very closely. Maybe that will quilt out?

By George

And next up is my finished top of George - another of Carrie Nelson's Schnibbles patterns. This one is made from Moda's Charlevoix fabric designed by Minick and Simpson. I love how bright and cheerful these fabrics are and again, I had no trouble at all with the pattern. Easy peasy!

My Good Fortune

The second Schnibble I finished for my office is this one, Good Fortune. It's made with Moda's Howard Marcus Traditions fabrics, the same as Carrie's example. I love the colors and this quilt could not have gone together any more perfectly.

Another one of the small quilts I've been working on has a diagonal set like this quilt, but the designer does not explain that you need to trim the 4 corner units before putting the quilt together. I was pulling my hair out wondering why things weren't fitting. I'm once again reminded how thorough and accurate Carrie's directions are.

Schnibbling

Ok, yes, I know I haven't blogged in ages! I moved into a new office space in March. Love the fact that I have windows and a great view! But saddened that I no longer have room to hang a full sized quilt.

Since the only finished small quilts I have are Halloween and Christmas, I set to work making some smaller quilts for my cubicle walls.

Here is my first top. I made Novantique using an older Minnick and Simpson collection called Vintage Reserve. I left the border off to make a small quilt, 20 x 27. So that's what kept me away. That and an unfortunate cross country skiing accident. Ever pulled a hamstring? OMG, pain like none other. Took almost a month, but I'm finally getting back to normal. Stay tuned - I have 3 other small quilts to share!