At the Summer Social meeting of Sprat & Winkle Quilters we completed the final draw for the block raffle.
An explanation: Each member was given a pack containing full instructions for a particular 12½ inch block together with a fair-sized piece of ‘accent’ fabric. To complete the block construction the members added fabric from their own stash. For each completed block a ticket was placed in the raffle. There were 39 completed blocks which meant that four lucky ladies won nine blocks each plus a fifth member won three blocks. It was entirely up to the individual what they made using their blocks. I was one of the lucky winners.
Virtually the next day I laid out the blocks and decided that I would use a contrast sashing in Dark Lavender (fabric from my stash) plus cornerstones in some of the scraps of the accent fabric that came with my winning selection.
original block placement
Once I had settled on the arrangement of blocks I cut sashing 2½ inches wide with cornerstones also 2½ inches square. I joined each section in rows of three blocks and finally joined the rows together to form the entire quilt top. I used some 2oz polyester wadding from my stash plus some pretty Sage Green print from Lewis & Irene (also loitering in my stash!) for the backing.
I quilted the ‘sandwich’ together with 5-point stars in the centre of each block plus some outline quilting of the block design, it was only then that I noticed a ‘not-deliberate’ mistake – oops!
Oops – spot the error!
Having completed all the quilting I declined to unpick the work, the error will remain with a note to self to be more attentive when stitching blocks together.
I needed to decide on the binding so hot-footed it to New Threads Quilt Shop at Weyhill Fairground, Andover. I was fortunate that I found the bolt of the accent fabric was still available and purchased ½ metre which would be combined with some more of the backing fabric to make a co-ordinated binding.
Sometime ago, the flange method for quilt binding was demonstrated at our meetings and after a quick review on Missouri Star Quilt you tube, I made the binding by using the backing fabric as the flange and the accent fabric for the binding.
close up of the flange binding
This technique is very quick and easy. It also means that no hand-sewing was involved in the making of this quilt, other than a little hem stitching for the labels on the reverse! My kind of patchwork and quilting!
Label of original block makers
My personal label
The finished size of the quilt is approximately 44 inches square so a good size lap-quilt or table topper for our dining table.
The completed quilt
I have enjoyed making this quilt – now it is back to dressmaking as I have some pretty fabric gifted for my birthday that is calling to be made up into a Kitty blouse.