Monday, March 26, 2018

Prairie Quilt Complete


As I was putting this quilt together, I came to think of it as my Prairie Quilt! The fabrics are from Basic Gray's Persimmon collection for Moda. When this collection came out, I was drawn to the variety of prints, many traditional but sprinkled with a modern flair. And it reminded me of a Little House on the Prairie theme.

So I got my AccuQuilt cutter out and started making six-inch blocks. To come up with the design layout, I simply placed all the squares in a paper bag, closed my eyes, reached in, and drew out a square, one at a time. That was such a fun way to layout the blocks.



Of course, I made some rules for myself. If I drew out two of the same squares, one right after the other, I'd throw back the second one and select again.  I also tried to have some semblance of balance with the lights and darks. So I did  do some rearranging before the final layout was complete.

For the quilting, I wanted something different than straight line quilting, which seems to be the standard for simple patchwork patterns. I also needed something different because my Gammill doesn't like to straight line stitch from right to left. The thread breaks. Often. Even when I adjust the needle position, and fiddle with the tension, and slow down, I still get thread breakage. So I avoid straight line quilting. I think, overall, it's good to know either the limitations of the machine, or my limitations and not fight it, lol!



So what I chose to do was use a curved ruler for a simple jumping curve on each side of the blocks. I thought of them as 'jumping' as I quilted it because I bounced from one side to the other to the other. It was actually a fun method to quilt, it went quickly, and I sure enjoyed the process!



I actually have enough fabric blocks left over to make another quilt like this one day. Hmmmm......

Getting this quilt quilted and bound was my OMG goal for March, and also a quarterly goal for the 2018 Finish-A-Long. I sure am glad to have finished it. I think I'm almost ready to start on a king-sized quilt for my son. Maybe. Yes, one day soon. I should. Yep, yep. For heaven's sakes, Barb, just do it! You've been putting that one off w-a-y too long!

Quilting with a smile,
Barb

Linking up with:
OMG 
Oh Scrap
Main Crush Monday
Monday Making
Midweek Makers
Let's Bee Social

Finished or Not Friday
Linky Tuesday

21 comments:

  1. Barb, that's a beautiful quilt! I'm always drawn to simple patchwork like that. I like your quilting, too!

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  2. Really wonderful quilt with perfect quilting.

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  3. I love a simple patchwork quilt and this one is really lovely! The colors all look great together. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!

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  4. Oh, this looks great! And I know doing that random draw from the sack thing wasn't easy for you so congrats on sticking with it!

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  5. Great quilt and I also love to do that quilting pattern...easy to go back and forth across the quilt! And you can dress it up as much as you want, too! Now, get to working on that king sized quilt for your beloved son!!!

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  6. Great looking quilt, Barb!! Do you quilt on a long arm or your domestic?

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  7. Your Quilt is AWESOME!! Love it..and the quilting is Gorgeous!! :)

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  8. A very fun quilt - love your quilting design. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!

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  9. I am always amazed at how beautiful a quilt can be just by random luck of the draw with the pieces! I guess I just love scrap quilts. Nice job.

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  10. I love those fabrics and used them in one of my favorite quilts. You did a great job with the quilting - it looks so soft and snuggly!

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  11. Congrats on the finish and it is gorgeous and I love the process of choosing the layout. Love the quilting as well. Simple and effective.
    Kathryn Quilts

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  12. Love the Prairie Quilt! The quilting is, as you say, something different to straight line work, it/s very effective.

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  13. Nice finish! The quilting compliments the squares.

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  14. It is so lovely and the quilting looks perfect!

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  15. Isn't it odd that even with random our eyes and minds will make connections with a pattern or lights and darks? I just love a one patch like this, and I know that even with the simple quilting design it took a long time to do. Very nice, Barb, and congratulations on another fine finish!

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  16. Sounds like you had a blast putting this together - very few rules! And the quilting is perfect for it. Well done on a great quilt!

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  17. Sometimes simple is best - this is a wonderful quilt! And....I love your "orange peel" quilting design.

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  18. Your quilt turned out beautiful! I love the line you choose. The quilting complements the quilt very well, and knowing what your machine can and can not do is essential and causes a whole lot less headaches. Congrats on your finish!

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  19. Oh I love a scrap quilt, and I am also fond of curved quilting! Thank you for taking part in the Finish-A-Long on behalf of all our hosts.

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I always love to hear your thoughts!

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