April's UFO is DONE!

Just in time for the end of the month!  This quilt began as 6 pre-printed blocks that were cross-stitched about 10 years ago.  Yep, they've been sitting in a plastic ziploc baggie on the UFO pile for THAT long!  You can read more about them here.

Now, they have become a really cute twin size quilt using some inspiration from a photo of a quilt on the internet called "Serendipity."    I was really nervous about quilting this one, but I was determined to do something "custom" that I learned from my APQS classes with Dawn Cavanaugh.  One thing that really stuck with me was the continuous curve quilting technique that she taught.  So, that was what I tried (after convincing myself that if it didn't work out,  this was a 10 year old UFO and I could give it away or donate it if I didn't like the result).

As you can see, it came out okay.  Nothing fancy, perfect, (or even symmetrical) since I didn't do any marking or try any ruler work.  This is just straight freehand (I probably should have tried a little harder - afterall, Dawn DID teach me better than that).  Not great, but not bad either...I can live with this as my first attempt.

 And, of course a pieced backing (using up another set of blocks that have been in the UFO pile/stash for just as long as the blocks on the front).  And, I've finally used up the rest of the rose yardage (surrounding the rose blocks).  There's just scraps left of that fabric (after using it as a main fabric in "And Many More" - Bonnie Hunter's pattern "Florabunda," and as a border on my "Bowdacious!").

I already added a little label onto the bottom right-hand corner, but I have yet to name this quilt.  Suggestions are certainly appreciated!  This baby is now in the washing machine getting all nice and crinkly!  Now, onto the next project....

Vintage Rose Tiles

Pattern:  Serendipity (internet photo, no credit given)
Size: 65x90"
Quilting:  free motion beginning custom

Quilting Thread:  Glide white

Today, I'm linking up to A Lovely Year of Finishes, 12 Finishes in 2014, Sew Darn Crafty, and Can I Get A Whoop, Whoop?  Hop on over to these blogs to see what other quilters are finishing this month!

Design Wall Monday!!!

Here's what's on the Design Wall and my UFO goal for April...

These are old cross-stitched rose blocks done about 10 years ago.  I just got these out over the weekend and began playing around with a setting for them.  I found a photo on the internet for a quilt called "Serendipity" and started playing with the math to get the frames and sashings together.  Next it will get a set of borders that will include the dark green QSTs that will finish out the on-point edge squares.

And, that's the next mathematical equation to tackle.  Not too hard...I'll just begin with the QSTs and figure the HSTs that need to flank them flying goose style! These are BIG blocks!  The cross-stitched blocks,  themselves, are 15" unfinished!  It will finish around a twin size...as is, pre-borders, when pieced together it'll be at about a 54x78" top.

I may also enter this in as my guild challenge quilt.  The theme is "A Few of My Favorite Things" and we are to chose one line from the song and create a project based on it.  If I can figure out how to create "Raindrops on Roses," this may just work!  Any ideas?

Linking up to Design Wall Monday and A Lovely Year of Finishes.

Another hobby

Here's what I do when I have no bindings to hand stitch down while hubby is watching tv (and there has been A LOT of tv watching going on over the holidays...football, football, football...)...

I can't remember the name or information on this cross stitch pattern off hand other than it's one of two patterns and I think it's just referred to at the Family Sampler.  This project was started by my youngest daughter a few years ago and it was going to be a gift for me at some point.  Surprise...I get to finish it and I'll probably do the companion pattern, too...a wedding sampler, to commemorate our 20th anniversary this past summer!