The Big Hex Flimsy

The Big Hex ~ 44"(h) X 52"(w).

I have been inspired by this quilt/play mat for little ones that I found on Pinterest as a way
to combine my own recently constructed hexie blocks (most recent BOM at my LQS) into a similar project for a baby gift; the hardest part, for me, was finding suitable quality pom-pom trim, I am super picky about that! I found some that is absolutely perfect, it is a natural color, I can use it as is and it will add visual interest, texture and assist in weighing down the edges when it's on the floor for baby's tummy time; or, I can get brave and try dyeing it turquoise for one more pop of color. I am still not sure about that. In the meantime, while I decide to dye or not to dye, I already have a quilt on Snowbird, as soon as the quilting is completed on that one I will be loading Big Hex on the rails for its turn and adding the sweetest Goldilocks and the Three Bears backing fabric. I do believe that the new baby, and her Mommy, will really enjoy this gift.

Stay tuned for the pom-pom edge finishing touch; I am hopeful that last step will be as wonderful as I am imagining it to be, I have never done anything like this before (dyeing or adding an embellishment as an edge finish), any advice or tips would be most appreciated. Fingers crossed!🤞

Life is Good!

 

Rounding Out The Jellyroll

This sweet little jellyroll looks innocent enough... all packaged up so pretty and tied with a bow. I find myself attracted to these adorable little two and a half inch strip bundles, in fact, I had to fight for this very one. At our recent Bee retreat  we enjoyed a belated Christmas gift exchange; the type of exchange where you can either go for the unknown by choosing a wrapped gift or steal someone else's already opened gift when it's your turn to pick. I had drawn the coveted #1 ticket which allowed me first and last choice this year. I'll admit it, I stole this jellyroll! Now, I would ordinarily feel bad admitting that, but when I stole it I had the knowledge that the one remaining wrapped gift on the table was the very one that I had brought; I knew that the friend I took this jellyroll from would adore the low volume fat quarter bundle contained inside. I was correct, she was pleased! Whew! So, back to the innocence of the pretty little jellyroll. Don't let her cute little outer appearance fool you. She demands more than to simply following you home to sit on a shelf. She requires company! A charm pack, some backing and binding fabric will round her out nicely and give her a purpose.

All the makings for a small quilt are assembled, this little jellyroll is happy now.

"Strawberry Lemonade" is completed and ready for Lynnleigh's 1st birthday party today!  Made from nothing more than a jellyroll and a charm pack (plus backing and binding) this is a quick to make and attractive quilt, measuring 60" X 60", is a good size for both children and adults alike. The pattern is "Easy Breezy" by Touchstone Designs; this is the fourth quilt I have made from this pattern, and as you now know, it won't be my last! Don't say you haven't been warned... those sweet little jellyrolls can be very demanding!

It's all good~

Life is Good!

Update: I am so sorry to report that the pattern mentioned above is out of print 

and no longer available. I will post a photo of the completed quilt design 

with measurements for anyone who might be interested, stay tuned...

On The Flip Side

I spend a lot of time thinking about the reverse side of the quilt, backing fabrics and the way the quilting will appear on the flip side are both important to me. It's all an integral part of the whole and not an after-thought. For me, even the binding choice must look like a good match where it wraps around and touches the reverse side. I found this backing fabric on sale (Yippee!), it's just perfect for "Sunflower Love". On the other hand, I really like pieced backs, too. My personal opinion is that a pieced back needs to convey something from the front to the back, though, a like-fabric or color for some sort of consistency... multi-fabric pieced backs are especially effective on Scrappies. I've finished the quilting (with black thread) on "Survey Said: RED!" and am including a photo of it shot from underneath while it was still loaded on Sundance. I just love the way the quilting looks on the reverse side. This pantograph design is called "Lime Tree" by Keryn Emmerson. I don't have many pantographs, but I've collected a few and am in the process of acquiring more. I've seen many clever storage ideas out there on the blogs, shoe cubbies and pockets mounted on the back of the door. I use an expandable wine rack. It's the kind that folds up, accordian style, it's from Ikea and was very inexpensive, it's completely perfect for my growing collection! I've moved the wine to a larger rack, no worries...

Life is Good!