Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Nothing like the last minute (again)...

My plan this year is to participate each month in the Another Year of Schnibbles challenge hosted by Sinta of Pink Pincushion and Sherri of A Quilting Life.


The idea is that each month these ladies will pick a Schnibbles pattern.  You then have the entire month to make the quilt (or your version of it).  Fortunately, it doesn't have to be quilted.   To recap, last month's pattern was Full House and this was my version.  (Still halfway quilted by the way.)

La Maison - My version of Full House
This month's pattern is I.S.T.H.  Apparently that stands for "Insert Snappy Title Here".

Picture from FatQuarterShop.com
It took me a while to get started on mine.  I knew I wanted to use my Little Gatherings scraps to make it and I was going to change the pattern a bit.  I started with a couple of test blocks...

Star Blocks
Alternating Blocks
I made the star blocks exactly as the pattern details, but added these alternating blocks instead of the setting triangles and sashing.  I also knew I wanted to make my quilt larger and finally settled on 12 stars.  (Actually, I ended up making 16, but decided that was too big!)

Center of quilt before borders
You can see that all the blocks along the edges are a bit irregular.  I didn't want to deal with all the math and bias edges, so I made them bigger.  I then marked my quarter inch seam with painter's tape and added my border alongside the edge of the tape.  Only after the border was on did I cut the excess fabric off.

Adding the borders to the edges
I realize it's a convoluted way to do it, but I didn't want to have to figure out how to get the little brown triangles by the border to work out right.  Usually I love math, but I was in a hurry to get this done on time!

The Night's Sky Quilt Top
My top finishes at 44" x 36" and is the perfect size for above our bed.


Since I had made so many extra star blocks (and had a couple of extra hours), I went ahead and pieced the backing as well.  Initially this is what it looked like...

Take #1 on the backing
Looks weird, huh?  It bothered me so much, I took it apart and added some more sashing.  I think this is a slightly better version and the one I'm sticking with...

Take #2 on the backing
It was a great way to use the additional blocks and gives me some space for quilt information once it's quilted.  Of course, I now have such a stack needing to be quilted that I have no idea when I'll get around to it.

I'm eager to see what March's choice is and hope to find more time to sew next month.  I'm also looking forward to seeing everyone else's versions.  There are some very creative and skilled quilters out there and it's fun to see how different they all are.

Until later...

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. 
1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NLT)

6 comments:

  1. It is beautiful. I like how you changed the pattern. The name fits it and it will be beautiful over your bed. Yes, I am in Texas, just north of Dallas. I dream of going to Houston, but have never made it!

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  2. It's impressive quilt! I like your changes... and also I'm looking forward to see parades.

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  3. OMG! That is awesome! You have outdone yourself here.... bravo! Seriously I am standing and applauding!!!

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  4. Just amazing! I love what you did with it! The backing is wonderful too :-) I really like quilts a little extra touch on the back.

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  5. I just had to visit your blog after seeing your beautiful quilt in The Parade. I absolutely fell in love with your changes and I am green with envy. I love Little Gatherings fabric and have a bunch of it in my stash. Quite frankly, I would love a whole bolt of every color. lol I also love what you did with the backing to your Schnibbles. You have some very good ideas and will take some time in the next few days to read thru your blog. I like your style.

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  6. Striking! I just finished a tumbler quilt with Little Gatherings. I don't think I'm through playing with this fabric line, though. I LOVE your quilt. Congrats!

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