12 March, 2012

Spring Ahead...

Cheerful Chicks  60" X 60"
That extra hour of daylight last evening made it seem much earlier than it really was as I added the last outer border to my "Cheerful Chicks". It was a a late night, but sew worth it. It seems like Springtime inside now too. This happy flock greeted me this morning when I stepped in the studio, I'm glad I persevered on this one. I tried two different pinwheel fabrics and felt just like Goldilocks... "too bright", then "too pale" and, several months later, finally chose this small aqua print... "just right" this Goldilocks exclaimed!  After that the project languished in a box, for over a year. One by one the chicks received their eyes, and then their feet... until they were clamoring to get out, I couldn't ignore them anymore! I changed my border from the pattern and wrapped HST borders around all four sides, I like the way this feels now, with the angles all marching the same direction yet falling off at the corners, it has rhythm. I feel as though the chicks themselves are marching too, and singing (or humming, I suppose since their beaks are sewn shut) with joy! And, as if these happy birds aren't good news enough: just look at what I found for the back!
I have been looking for this exact  fabric for a year and a half. I had a very small piece and had done exhaustive Internet searches. I found it on Saturday, exactly enough, at an online quilt shop in WA! It's on its way here now. Isn't it perfect? It doesn't get any better than this... all this and an extra hour of daylight too!

Life is Good!

19 comments:

Paula, the quilter said...

I love it when a plan comes together. Cute cute quilt.

45th Parallel Quilter said...

LOVE that little chick fabric ... perfect for your project. Don't you just LOVE it when you're on a quest for fabric that is either out of print or there just isn't enough of it and then you find some? Makes my day!!!

LizA. said...

It certainly doesn't get any better--that really is the PERFECT fabric for this quilt....love the happy, bright chicks.

Nane said...

I saw some more of these chicks on Bonnie Tise's quilting machine when I dropped off my quilt... I think she said they were JH's. They are very cute indeed!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Glad you are feeling better enough to enjoy the cheerful chicks!

Isn't the Internet amazing?!?!?!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely darling!!! Will you be at the quilt show Friday? I should be there in the am with a friend.

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

Oh my! That background fabric is perfect! And I LOVE your chicks. I think I hear them singing too. :)
xo

JudyCinNC said...

Sometimes a plan just comes together - Love the chick fabric and it is a perfect backing - aren't you glad you held out? Judy C

KaHolly said...

How darned cute is that?? Just love it!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

LOVE that quilt. And the back is perfect.

cityquilter grace said...

it's perfect and adorable! i believe your fabric karma was working overtime....LOL

*karendianne. said...

Now this is just a whole lot of fun. I enjoy how you did some redesigning here, too. I admire that!!!

Unknown said...

WOW! The top is wonderful and the back is beyond measure!

You do such nice work.

Does this mean there is another little grandbaby on the way?

Best Wishes!
Cindy B.

Salem Stitcher said...

So tweet! Makes me want to pull that pattern out and make some chicks myself!

Janet O. said...

Such a cute, fresh quilt, Mrs. G. Your little tweaks were just right (but I am still trying to get over the fact that you sewed their little beaks shut).
Oh, what a delight to have a plan finally come together. Perfect backing fabric! *huge sigh of relief*

AnnieO said...

Sew, sew adorable! I like the marching chicks and the marching HSTs. Glad they finally got more of your attention and are nearly ready to make their appearance for Spring.

SpinningStar said...

Cute quilt....glad you are feeling better. But, I bet you're tired from cleaning every surface to stop whatever bug y'all had.

Take care & happy spring!

liz

Linda in NC said...

Cute quilt and perfect backing! I keep trying to resist that pattern, but I may fall for it yet with examples like yours tempting, tempting.

lindsey said...

I love the fabric and the quilt...beautiful!