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Monday, June 27, 2011

A Few Odds and Ends

First of all, let me say that Gail was so appreciative of all the wonderful comments left about her grandson's quilt and her first quilting efforts. I forgot to mention that she also learned how to sew on a binding. She did that completely by hand along with the label. Thanks for all the encouragement. Secondly, I want to comment on the "big stitch" technique. I'll do a little tutorial soon on some of the things I learned since a lot of you said you had never tried it. And yes, my Mother's and sister's flag quilts got finished eventually :)!
Now, on to my newest granddaughter's baby quilt. I've finished the applique blocks, and was trying to decide on a setting. Originally, I had 5 blocks across. That made the inside a little too big, and didn't give me a lot of border options.

I briefly thought about setting them on point and adding a sashing. While I liked this it also made the center part too big. I played with several different inner border options and settled on this. I chose the pink and the blue scraps left over from the bumper pads. They are part of the Kumari Garden line. I cut them to finish at 1". I originally had planned to do a checkerboard border, but it was just a little much for me. This was just enough to pull some color toward the outer border.
My last design element, was to pick a "K". I decided to add an initial block to the front. You'll have to wait and see which one I picked. Or maybe I'll ask you to guess which one I chose?

I'm ready to baste and start quilting!! My favorite part :)!
Have a wonderful day,

-Karen

10 comments:

carol fun said...

What a gorgeous quilt! I love the use of the big scale print with those beautiful applique blocks - this is stunning!

Amy said...

Love that fabric! I like the top left K :)

Carla said...

What a pretty nursery this is going to be! I'm with Amy above on the letter....it goes well with the curves in the fabric line.

Kim Brackett said...

This is too adorable! It's going too look so cute in her room.

Becky said...

I really like the little squares leading to the border fabric. It's beautiful. Just for the heck of it, I like the K top right. I didn't know there was a "big stitch" method. I bet it was started by one of us beginners! Most of my stitches could be considered Big stitches and not on purpose! :)

FlourishingPalms said...

Such bright fabrics! Your little granddaughter will be enthralled with the colors and patterns. I'm trying not to turn green over the fact that you have a girl grandie to sew for. Count your blessings, Karen, as I am sure you do!

Karen said...

So pretty!!! Being a "K" myself, I go with the top left. :)

Ineke Original said...

Fantastic. Love the colors. I've just added your blog to my favorites!

hens teeth said...

There's an awful lot of skill and talent going on over here! Lovely.

Sparky said...

K for Karen...lol. lovely colored quilt..such detail..you have been busy this summer?
Very inspiring you are to me...