Connections (new quilt)...

After a late night, I've managed to finish assembling another quilt.  This quilt is based on the pattern "Over and Under" from the book Scrap-Basket Sensations by Kim Brackett.  Or at least loosely based on it.  I liked the pattern of the quilt, but for various reasons decided to put mine together differently.  Here are the two blocks I used to make my version...

Two blocks that make up this quilt

In her pattern the block(s) are different.  In fact, the large open space in the right block is split vertically and horizontally by a seam in hers.  Initially I thought I would turn this into a signature quilt, so I didn't want the division and redrafted it in EQ7.  I also used a lot of partial seaming in these blocks just because I liked the flow better.  I'll definitely admit that her version is easier to piece than mine.  But I don't make quilts because they're easy, so it didn't bother me.

I used the Fons & Porter Triangle Trimmers to cut the tips off my pieces before assembling them.  With so many angles in the one block, this was a huge help in getting everything to line up perfectly.  You just lay the template on your piece and cut off the bunny ear.  The only difficult part is determining which of the 2 templates to use.

Trimming my block pieces before assembly

I trimmed all of my pieces before starting to assemble the blocks and everything fit together perfectly.  I ended up using the blue trimmer for the white centers and the pink for all the rest of the pieces.

Trimmed pieces waiting to be put together

My version also includes more blocks but of a smaller size - 9" instead of 12".  I wanted this to be a nice size lap quilt so the top is 69" square.

Connections Quilt Top

I have to admit that I thought I'd like this quilt a lot better than I do.  My husband suggests it's because it has a stark, modern look to it and that's not my usual taste.  I like it, but I don't love it.  I'm planning to quilt feathers across the top of it and hope that will soften it some.

Gabriel as my model...

In any case, it's meant to be a throw over the back of this couch, so I'm not upset about it.  I'm quilting another quilt right now and then I'm hoping to pop this one on the frame and get it done.

While making this quilt, I kept the block pieces in separate baggies so as not to confuse them.  When I went up to my sewing room one morning, I discovered that Moses had been busy playing with them...

Scattered bags of fabric pieces

For such a small cat, she's a big thief - but a great companion!

Moses on my ironing board

Until later...

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)