I can now say I have my first fabric challenge under my belt. This was a fun, though somewhat intimidating project and it feels good to have finished it. Overall, I am very pleased with the result. Remember I used a portion of a pattern I purchased from Oh Fransson (ElizaTbeth Hartman) called Tokyo Subway Map. You can read more about this project here. What do you think? I love the red with the Michael Miller Glitz fabric. It makes for a bold and festive quilt.
The spiral quilting was a breeze. I practiced once on some scraps and then I went for it. Using a walking foot and Aurifil thread, only the first spirals in the center were challenging. After that, I just followed along the previous spiral with the edge of the walking foot. It was quilted in no time at all. I went in concentric circles as far out as I could. When I hit the edge, I echoed out through the corners.
Basic black made a great binding. I thought about using my leftover Glitz fabric and creating a scrappy binding but this quilt is busy enough as it is. Black toned things down a bit. Joining the ends of the binding strips tends to make me a tiny bit crazed so I looked at a tutorial from Rita over at Red Pepper Quilts. Ta Da! It worked and my binding lay flat and fit perfectly. Thank you Rita!
I used just about every last scrap creating the backing. I really like the back side and consider this mini to be reversible. All finished, the quilt measures at 24″ x 24″.
I will submit this to QuiltCon as part ofparticipating in the Michael Miller Fabric Challenge is the stipulation that each of us enter our project for consideration for QuiltCon. I took some time and listened to some webinars hosted by the Modern Quilt Guild for tips on entering quilts. I don’t have huge expectations about this being accepted. I have seen some pretty amazing projects on Instagram and there are more that are not yet being shared. But it feels good to get this project under my belt as a way of testing the waters.
There are a few spots that are less than perfect and I don’t think that the quilts that are accepted have corners that don’t match up. Like the one below. Sigh. I am ok with it. Overall, it looks good and I really like it.
This has been a great learning experience. I will certainly do it again, if the opportunity presented itself! Now, what to work on next….. Probably the blocks for the last row of my RSC15 project. November is quickly coming to a close!!
Linking to Crazy Mom Quilts. Links are at the top of the page, under Link Ups.
It’s stunning! I love those colors and the way you put it all together is just gorgeous. I am so jealous of your quilting! 🙂
Linda,
You could absolutely quilt the spirals. Try it on some old fabric. I love it – very easy and a great result.
Thanks for your sweet words. And if I don’t get the chance next week, Happy Thanksgiving!!!
B.
The red works so well with the glitz fabric, and it always feels good to me to finish something, especially when it is “new” to me; so congratulations! Being proud and happy with your work is the best place to start when submitting to quilt shows. 🙂
You are so right. This finish feels especially good because I started out feeling intimidated and it ended with me loving the project. It’s been a great learning process.
Take care Yvonne!
I love how you used the challenge fabrics with the red.
Thank you Wanda. The red works great with the shimmery fabrics. I am so pleased with it.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
B.
Nice red background! I can’t decide which side I like best–they both look great! You should definitely submit this to the show. I can barely see the mismatch, and I have seen some things with *much* worse hanging in shows. This definitely deserves a spot on the wall. Looks like the fabric challenge really suited you! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Mari: Thanks a bunch! How is life on the other side of the country?We are having a quiet weekend. Julia is down with a nasty cold so we will be home…. more time for sewing. Darn it.
Happy Thanksgiving – are you cooking?
B.
This came out great. I love the red fabric with the glitz. Great job!!! And yes, enter into Quilt Con.
Hi Kate: Thanks so much! The red really adds something with the Glitz fabric. Makes me happy anyway! I am going to enter it and then see what happens. So glad you stopped by.
B.
Congratulations on a beautiful finish Bernie. I’ve never submitted anything to a quilt show so kudos to you. And I agree with Yvonne, that being pleased with your own work is what is important.
I really like how the circle quilting contrasts with the quilt design on both sides of the quilt and how striking your choice of red fabric is with the Glitz. When they show it at QuiltCon (Do you see what I did there, Bernie?) they should hang it so both sides can be seen. In fact, I think that’s how quilts should always be displayed at shows, especially now that quilters often intentionally piece both sides or choose fabrics that show off the quilting.
Haha!! Yes, I noted your very subtle hints regarding QultCon! You are so funny. But thank you for your kind words. That is a good idea about hanging quilts so the backs can be seen but it would probably take up a lot more space.
Take care,
B.
Great design ! And I love the red background and spirals. Good luck for your entry !
Thank you Sophie! I appreciate your good wishes. Be sure to come by again sometime. 🙂
Take care,
Bernie
Love the red with the MM Glitz!
Even at major traditional shows the corners don’t always all match up. Doesn’t take away from the beauty one bit.
Hope to see both sides of your quilt at QuiltCon!
Thank you Laura! I was not at all surprised when my quilt was not accepted at QuiltCon. With thousands of quilts to choose from, the competition is fierce. I am fairly new at this compared to many. All in all, it was a good project and I am happy with the quilt I made.
So nice to hear from you!
Bernie