Graphic Florals - Purl Bee pattern

After my last project involving 110 blocks and lots of precision, I decided that I need to do a simple, yet pretty quilt.  Something that would show off some of the larger patterns I've picked up, but that would not necessarily require seams to match up.  So, I've decided to go with a pattern that I've been kicking around for some time. 

It's from Purl Bee and it's called A Wedding Quilt. I think it's appropriate to do a wedding quilt since I just finished the spinster quilt and I might as well keep that theme going.  But, since I'm not making it for anyone's wedding, I've decided to call this the Graphic Florals Quilt because of the lovely pattern of graphic flowers that I'm using.  Feel free to go to Purl Bee to check out what it is going to look like.  

The first set of colors and prints. 

All the colors and patterns, cut and completed. 

The pattern is fairly easy, just a lot of cutting up front.  I finished up all the colors and patterns tonight and will next need to start cutting 96 12.5 by 3.5 white pieces.  That's the hard work.  I can play on the layout a bit and then start assembling.

The fun thing about this pattern is that it should come together quickly.  Then, I get to go to my next project which will be much, much more difficult.   Just a little hint - I've decided that it should involve way too many HSTs.

Spinster Quilt - Back

The pretty back

All picked out for the next one. 

The picture isn't that great for the back of the Spinster Quilt.  I had to move the coffee table from the living room to get enough room to lay it out and it is slightly difficult to get a good picture of something that big.  The back is a dark blue Kona with eight log cabins, one of each of the color groups from the front.  I need to schedule some time on the long arm and pick up some batting and get that puppy finished.

In the mean time, I've decided what to play with for my next project.  Graphic Florals from a designer bundle I picked up at Fabricworm.  This should be fun.

Spinster Quilt - Log Cabins

Log cabin city!  I'm putting these bad boys into the back of the Spinster quilt. The rest will be a lovely dark blue that I picked up on sale awhile ago (thrifty!).

We've started a Modern Quilt Guild here in Olympia.  After much discussion and a need to include all our quilting sisters and brothers who are from the outlying areas, we've decided to call it the South Sound Modern Quilt Guild.  Did I say this was exciting?  Because it is. It is very exciting.  I nominated myself to be secretary because I like to type and I have to justify purchasing word for my MacBook. Heck, I have to justify purchasing the MacBook. At any rate, the above quilt is for our first charity project - a quilt or two to give to the Oklahoma City Modern Quilt Guild for them to distribute to tornado survivors.  This is my contribution. We went with blue, green, gray, and white to symbolize the colors of Olympia.  Boom, people.  Olympia is in the quilting house, y'all.

Tunnel Falls on Memorial Day weekend

I put my hiking boots on this weekend, packed a backpack with a sleeping bag and food, and hit the trail with the very awesome AH.  We hiked to Tunnel Falls, a hike on the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and then camped about a mile past the falls.  I've never been an eager backpacker, but I have to admit that it was very fun.  The campsite we found was about 7 miles up the trail and right on the river. When I woke up during the night I heard the roaring river, and lots of raindrops.  Luckily, the rain waited until the night and then made intermittent appearances during the hike back.  I highly recommend this hike, even if you aren't into backpacking.  The falls are 6 miles in and feature a tunnel carved into the mountain that can be used to walk behind the falls.  The roar of the water is deafening, the rocks are slippery, and it is a long way down.  I'm very scared of heights so that part became more intense for me, but it was well worth it.  It feels good to admit that I might be able to handle a night in the woods.  Maybe even more than one if the opportunity arises.

The Spinster Quilt - The Front is Done!

Scout helps to finish the border.

The pretty pieced front....

.... with a cat for scale.

A view of the cornerstones.

My photography assistant

This is crazy!  I finally finished piecing my Spinster Quilt.  I added the last part of the border today and am happily admiring it and the work that it took to put this together.  This was not without risk; I took these pictures while standing on the island in my kitchen and I was slightly afraid that I would fall off it.  I think it would be an awkward way to die - landing on my head while taking pictures of a quilt.  But, that's probably happened to someone somewhere because it is important to get the right shot.

I succeeded in not using the same patterned fabric in more than one block.  Most of these were taken out of my stash, but I also definitely purchased some bright colors with the intention of using them here.  I did use one or two solids in more than one block, but that is the nature of solids and I'm not going to worry about it.

The cats were helpful as usual and are probably happy that I no longer will inquire as to the condition of their toes.  (Are your feet dirty? You can't be here if your feet are dirty!) And, now, to the back!  I'm planning on making 8 log cabins, one from each color group represented on the front.  I have about three yards of a deep blue and I plan to incorporate the log cabins into the blue and make a simple, but pretty back.

Taking the day off work to finish this was the greatest decision I've ever made!

Okay, now I'm done with the re-dos.

After playing with the layout, I decided that I need to remake another three blocks.  After I told a friend of mine I was remaking more, she kind of rolled her eyes and told me that I really needed to stop this now.  But, she gets it and I think that I will probably not do something this labor intensive again in a long time so I might as well get it right.  Having said that, here are the final three entries into the Spinster Quilt. 

Square Dance

I thought that this would help blend some of the pastels together.  Its a little busy, but I've promised myself not to remake this block again.

Rosebud

You can never have enough orange in a quilt.  That's a rule and I also think it is in the Constitution.

Spool

I wanted some more pastels (see above) and I think this will blend it nicely.  

Okay!  Off to play on the layout again!  

Done with the re-dos.

Well, that was fun.  I redid 11 blocks and made them full of awesome.  I tore through these because I really want to get to the layout.  OMG.  I get to play with the layout now!  Yes, please. Until then, admire the pretty and the oh so necessary cat pictures. 

Contrary Wife

Single Wedding Star

Economy

End of Day

Completely necessary cat photo

Flower Garden Path

Basket Weave

Rainbow Flowers

Flower Pot

Railroad

Cups and Saucers

Hill and Valley

Sorry for the brief blog post, but it is layout time!