Sunday, April 2, 2017

A Life of Plenty Topped


This dark row of blocks was the one I still needed to replace on this quilt before it could be put together. I just thought it was too dark for this quilt and doesn't look like it belongs.


I made lighter blocks but this still looks like too much. Maybe it is too bright. I was trying to figure out what to put instead - something simple like nine patches would help use a variety of fabric and keep it light.  Maybe an applique block or two. Four patch would be nice and easy. An Ohio star would be good.


Zeus popped by to remind us that it is not 2015 anymore. I thought putting the date on it would motivate me to finish it quicker. Hah! Although ... if I wait until next year to finish, the 5 would be easy to change into an 8.


Then I realized that I had a spare row of flying geese!  Why do I have a spare row?  I don't know. My guess is that one of my rows were a bad quality and I made another one.  I didn't realize I had a spare row and have already put the other row into the quilt, chopped off points and all. Which means this one is available to put right here. I like it. It doesn't look like there are too many flying geese in there at all.

Circle Block 179



I also added a block of circles.  This will be a nice addition to the circle quilt. That is some serious rule breaking - to make a circle block that doesn't wind up in the circle quilt at all. I've been thinking about this idea for a while, so I might have already used it in some other quilt, but I like the idea, so I am using it (again?). These circles are deliberately wonky to fit the prim mood.

I don't expect you to go back to my posts from 2015, but will tell you that I varied some of the blocks from the original pattern. The rabbit, the turtle, the friendship star, and the circle are not in the original pattern. Jeni didn't have hearts in her quilt either. I copied that from another quilter who added a lot of hearts to her blocks.  I also changed the layout a bit, because I didn't like the long row on the right hand side, and I moved around the same size blocks to balance the colors a bit. The pattern is still available on Jeni's website and Facebook page for free.

I am really happy with the way it turned out, and really happy that I was able to finish it this weekend.  I start work again tomorrow so it is good timing.  There are some little things I still need to do, like adding a handle to the basket at the top. And since my spool block on the bottom isn't centered, I figure I could applique a needle there and make it look like it was planned.  Maybe outline the turtle so it is easier to see.

The borders for this quilt are plain with cornerstones.  One of the quilters who did this quilt-along appliqued the title of the quilt on the top border, which I think is a fabulous idea. I really like the name of the quilt, and it is a good way to show gratitude without telling people what to do or think.

Linked to:
Slow Sunday Stitching

14 comments:

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I agree, the flying geese was a better choice. I like the circle block in there too.

Pam said...

Your life of plenty is so pretty. The colors are so cheerful and I love how the design is all "wonky".

Marle said...

I love this quilt and your way to tell the story! Zeus have a nice smile!

The Cozy Quilter said...

I love your liberated, wonky sampler! The colours are bright and bold. i could spend a long time looking at it. Congrats!

Kaja said...

The extra geese fit perfectly and I like your circle block a lot too. It's all looking delightful.

gayle said...

The geese were an excellent choice. I love all these happy blocks dancing together!

Denise :) said...

This is a very fun sampler quilt -- just love how you've personalized it and made it your own!! :)

CathieJ said...

I like those flying geese. What a great quilt.

Kathy S. said...

Such a fun quilt. Love the primitive vibe!

Karen said...

Good stuff on your post today. I have most of the blocks done for that quilt but they are put away....somewhere. I need to figure out what is left to stitch but that won't happen any time soon.

AnnieO said...

Wonderful adaptation of a whimsical quilt. I liked the change in the square blocks but agree that the flying geese work best. Have fun.

Quilter Kathy said...

It's fabulous! Your adaptations are wonderful!
I laughed about changing the 5 to an 8!!
Been there, thought about doing that!

Allie-oops Designs said...

The flying geese are perfect - love this quilt SO MUCH!!!

June D said...

Beautiful quilt top. Great choices. Thank you for sharing your behind the scenes thinking.

Had to laugh when you said you were going to change the date from 2015 to 2018. I finished a Quilts for Kids quilt in 2013 but didn't finish the two more that I want to mail back at the same time. I'm looking at that 2013 and thinking I'll change to 2018 - so that is my new deadline! At least now I know how to quilt so it shouldn't take too much time/effort to make.

; )