New and Old...

Why is it so impossible to not start a new project?!  I just can't resist.

These are the fabrics from the first quilt I started for my niece. They're already cut into triangles and they aren't cut incredibly accurate so it's a bit difficult to get things to line up, but I'm not terribly worried about it.  I'm just glad to find a way to use up all this fabric I've had packed away.  This is the tutorial I used for this block.

I also thought I would share attempt #2 of my niece's quilt.  Keep in mind that she is 16 years old, LOVES bright colors (her favorite being orange) and she almost equally loves zebra print.  So be warned, it's a bit bright and wild!

So without further ado...

The back is solid orange with the exception of the strip of zebra print and I am thinking I am going to bind it in the same print.  I really like the contrast between the bright colors and the black and white.

She loved the look of a rag quilt, but I didn't want to do a true rag quilt so I put my own twist on it.  The further I get into it the clearer it became that I was doing things backwards.  I pieced each block wrong sides together and attached the blocks right sides together, which was my intention.  The entire time I was trying to figure out how I would quilt it.  I now realise that it would have been much easier to piece the blocks right sides together and then attach the blocks blocks rag style.  Live and learn right?  Regardless, I think it is turning out just fine. 

I think the quilting works and I like the look of it.  I decided to do circles to compliment all of the dots and circles in he fabrics.

Another sign I might be crazy...deciding to free motion quilt my very first quilt, which measures 54 x 72!  I had originally planned on making it twin size!  Talk about diving in head first.

Oh well...  It's been worth it.  I've learned so much since starting this whole process and my sewing skills have improved immensely!  I have about three rows left to quilt...and I keep putting it off.  It's a pain in the butt and takes forever.  Not to mention since I nicked my strike plate the thread has broke a few times.  That alone makes me want to pull my hair out!  I just need to suck it up and finish...

Christine

P.S.  I found it amusing that as soon as I threw this quilt up on my cutting table in front of our giant living room window a humming bird was right there and hovered for a few seconds before flying away.  It sure got it's attention!