This week I finished up Square Dance. It was well over a year ago that I started this quilt. For some reason, it was put aside and ignored for a long while. Now that it is done, I am really pleased with the cheerful colors. The pattern is a simple one based on squares of two different sizes and simple borders on each, bringing the blocks to 9″ when finished.
Putting the quilt together was a breeze. Quilting it, on the other hand, was not. Back in March, I was reading Cynthia’s posts over at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework. She showed some quilts that she had finished up using some oversized daisy flowers. I loved it and thought it would be great for this quilt. I planned to put a flower in the center of each block. Additionally, I placed one on the intersection of each set of blocks.
My machine was most uncooperative and I stitched about 1/4 of the quilt before I realized that my bobbin tension was way off and I had to unpick all of that quilting. Ugh. Not my favorite task. There really wasn’t a choice though. On the bright side, the tension was so far off that the stitches were totally loose on the back side and came out easily. These frustrations were resolved when I found the Magic Bobbin Genies that I recently posted about. The small washers helped a great deal. I have had these issues sporadically and I am hoping this resolution works out over the long haul.
I requilted (is that a word?) the first section and finished up the rest. I think it is very cute – though it looks much better on the front than the back. I pieced the backing as I was determined to used some stash up. I love the way the backing came together but backing a quilt in solids means that every FMQ wiggle is accentuated. That’s ok. I am making progress with each project. For now, I am just going to look at the front side!
The colors are great, as is the motif I chose for quilting Square Dance. Finally, look at the binding. It is adorable. I found this red and yellow print on a sale table at Ben Franklin and it was a steal.
Tomorrow I will wash it and enjoy that cozy crinkle that the quilt will have once it is out of the dryer. Earlier this year, I signed up to participate in Hands 2 Help Charity Quilt Challenge organized by Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict. When I signed up, I wasn’t entirely sure what I would donate but I think this quilt will bring comfort to it’s recipient.
Update: I shipped this quilt off to Kat for her Covered in Love program and she let me know it had arrived. I hope it will be used by someone in the near future.
The timing of this finish is good as I am now in the process of piecing my black and white Stepping Stones quilt. There is black and white flying all over in my sewing room these days. The blocks are looking really good though. I am pretty excited about this one!
Linking to all sorts of sites. Check them out at the top of the page, under Link Ups!
Square Dance is a beautiful quilt, Bernie! I love the cheddary yellows with the reds and blues. I’m so impressed with your FMQ’d daisies, too! I’m still trying to find time to learn how to FMQ.
Cheddary yellow! That is exactly the color. When I was writing the post, I was trying to think of the best description for the shade of yellow and I couldn’t come up with it. School bus yellow? Sunshine, buttery? But you nailed it – the shade is a gorgeous cheddary yellow. Thank you! I love the daisies and appreciate the compliment Diann.
Have a great Friday!
Such a cheery color scheme! The colors and patterns speak to that little girl in me that remembers the 70’s well. I think my mom made me a sleeping back with the same yellow, and it was covered in daisies, too! I’m so glad to hear you discovered the Magic Bobbin Washers. I purchased them in my LQS one day knowing how good they were, and the person checking me out had never used one. I opened my pack and shared a few right there. They rarely wear out or get lost, and I made some good friends that day.
Thanks Julie – It is a very cheerful quilt.
The Magic Bobbins have made such a difference for me. I am thrilled to have found them. So smart of you to share them – I am sure the dozen that come in the package are more than a lifetime supply.
I have been enjoying reading the Brave Quilter link ups that you have had going on. It is a nice way to encourage quilters to “safely” share and work on techniques that intimidate them.
Congratulations on conquering that UFO, Bernie. Bright happy quilt and love the daisy flower quilting idea.
Framed Squares – looks like you and I are on the same wavelength 😀
Love the Lego blocks binding too.
Hi Preeti,
This leaves me with only one more quilt top to finish up! That makes me happy. Of course I have three quilts in process. A neverending process. I love the binding as well. Take care and have a great weekend.
I am in no position to judge a person for having a UFO; that’s for sure. It’s such a hassle when your machine fights you. I should try out the Magic Genie Bobbin thingies I bought. I don’t suppose they help if they just hang out in their package. Nice finish!
Haha… Yes, the bobbin genies will probably be a bit more useful if you let them out of the package!
My machine is kind of finicky. I bought it used and it is mostly a good machine but the tension gives me fits now and then. Take care Afton.
I love how your quilting shows on the back, Bernie. It just adds more to the cheerfulness. I’m sorry you had to pick out all those stitches, but I must say when they are super loose, it’s kind of fun to pull that thread and see them all unravel, isn’t it? I had a stab of jealousy when you mentioned Ben Franklin. We have to drive quite a ways to get to one these days. In fact, until I came across one by accident a few years ago, I thought they were all gone from our state. This will be such a wonderful quilt for Hands 2 Help! I can’t wait to see your black and white quilt.
Yep, it is kind of fun to pull the stitches out. Sort of like when I would tear out my knitting (I am pretty sure I tore more out than actually stayed together!)… I used to love to pull that yarn. Simple pleasures!
I love our Ben Franklin!! I should have some pictures of the black and white quilt pretty soon. It is going to be a good one!
Oh, how disappointing to realize so much quilting needed to be ripped out. I am so glad you have found a solution that is working for you. The flowers look great, and I really think is is a wonderful (and patriotic feeling) quilt. The binding really could not be more perfect.
I was kicking myself for not checking the back side sooner! My tension is so finicky and I should know better than to cruise along without making sure the back side is as it should be.
I think this quilt has a patriotic/Americana feel to it as well. It is so cheerful and bright.
Have a great weekend Yvonne!
I think your quilting looks great! The big daisies fit perfectly in those squares. Sorry you had such problems with the tension. Thanks for linking up with TGIFF
Your quilt is gorgeous! I love the fabric and the pattern both!
I love the pops of yellow in this quilt. Great job!!
Thanks Erica. It is a great shade of yellow, really deep. So glad you stopped in!
Very pretty quilt. A perfect choice for an H2H quilt.
I love this quilt; it’s so cuddly. I also love your quilting (thanks for persevering) and the great binding! Next weekend I’m going to a town that has a Ben Franklin. I hope I get a chance to stop in.. one can find some great deals there sometimes!
Thank you Carol! Have fun at Ben Franklin’s! I always find a few treasures there. 🙂
What a fantastic finish. Love your fabric and what a great fabric for the binding.
Such a gorgeous quilt, Bernie! The colors are just fabulous and it’s sure to bring comfort to whoever it goes to! Thanks for participating in H2H this year!
Sarah thank you for coordinating all of this and making the opportunity to help others. I appreciate it and look forward to doing this again. ❤️