From there to here

When I was writing this post in my head, I was prepared to say all kind of bad things about the kit I started with.  But, having the extra time to reflect has made me realize that the things I didn’t like about it were just me.  I don’t actually know what the quilt would have turned out like if I’d finished it.  It was a mystery and I didn’t see the finished ones.  The mystery process itself put me off and the instructions were hard for me to read and the fabrics were very dark.  I stopped at one point to wait until I got the focus fabric and could try to replace some fabrics, but I really didn’t like the focus fabric.  In fact, I’m pretty sure that I tossed it in the last sewing room cleanup.  I can’t find it anywhere and I know it didn’t get washed, so it’s not in the stash. 

Anyway, it wasn’t my style and it wasn’t a reflection of me and I wasn’t enjoying it, so with a bunch of pieces cut, I set it aside.  One day, reading blogs, I stumbled up on Bonnie Hunter’s free pattern for Cathedral Stars.  I had a bunch of the dark blue tri-recs pieces cut and that’s what brought the two things together.  Next, it was about how to get that pattern out of my fabrics.  And, adding a white.  This quilt needed a white like rice needs gravy.  And, it was not in the kit.  Or the focus fabric.

And, I started to lay out.  And, take pictures.  Because Sydney says I have the memory of a goldfish and I might like one of these layouts, but if I don’t have a picture, I may never get back to it. 

Limited amounts of fabrics.  How to make the most use?

subtle changes.

And, then I started laying in the alternate block.

Try again.

And, how will the third block fit?

And what alternate patterns can I create across the quilt by using contrast and color??

Until I ended up with this.  I did have to add a bit of another batik from the same color family to finish me out.  And, the green is from stash. 

Next, I’m going to use the green to set those squares into the setting triangles so the blue pattern will trail all the way to the edge of the quilt. 

Be well.  It is the lil’ punkin’s sweet sixteenth birthday.  What I said happy birthday, she slammed the door in my face.  I guess that’s a good sign of normal.  Anyway, it’s a big morning for cards and Rob got her flowers.  God love him.  I woulda never thought to get her flowers.  He’s such a good complement to me.  Tonight, she’ll get her presents.  Two new pair of knee high boots, she got her ears pierced, a second hole in each.  New sunglasses.  And a scarf.  I don’t know what else.  But she scored big.  She always says “it’s good to have two dads.”  Seven years.  Crimmeny!

Be well.  Have a great Sydney’s Sixteenth.  And, happy birthday little syglet. 

Do any girls get to sweet sixteen and never been kissed anymore?

Lane