Project Simplify - Day 58
September 8, 2011 Sorry I made you wait for this reveal, but I'm really not wanting to let go of Project Simplify. Guess I'm dragging it out as long as possible. I hate good byes. :(
Here she is ... "Crossroads", as christened by my helper.
Wow. I absolutely love this quilt. (Have I said that before?)
You know, I don't usually go for peachy, coraly, browny, mossy colors. But there is just something about "Buttercup" that tugs at my heartstrings. I think the attraction might be sentimental because my Grandma Irma was a redhead and these were DEFINITELY her colors.
So remember I used a Fat Eighth bundle instead of the required pre-cut strips for this quilt? And I was going to just cut as many blocks as I could with the fabric I had and build the quilt as big as I could - without a border? Well, it ended up being square - the same width as the one in the book, but about 8" shorter. Not bad!
It's perfect for a dash of color on a sofa, cuddling or a little extra warmth folded at the foot of a bed. Cozy, anyway you slice it.
And about going borderless (again) here - I think it makes this quilt look more "old-fashioned" for some reason.
When my helper and I were laying out the quilt, I organized all the "blocks" on the floor and then we'd slide them into place. She came up with the idea of us taking turns like you would playing a game. She placed a block, then I did.
I loved watching her because she's dyslexic and some things are a little tricky for her. I will say, however, that the layout of this quilt required some mental gymnastics for me too! It's not difficult, but it does take a little concentration. I think the exercise of laying out this quilt was a good activity for her. (Ugh, that totally makes me sound like a mom, doesn't it?!!!)
I'm really happy about the backing, too. I had a small stack of leftover Fig Tree "Allspice Tapestry" fat quarters from a few years ago so I pieced them together for the back. The colors work great with "Buttercup".
I'm surprised when I realize I've never made a back entirely out of FQs before. And if it weren't for my mission of using what I have instead of buying more fabric, I prob'ly wouldn't have used them up here.
See, I have this thing ... (here she goes again with a thing!) I've made backings using up "leftovers" in the past, thinking I was being all smart & frugal. But a few times I've regretted it soooo much because later I'd be making something else and I'd NEED THAT SCRAP RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT BACKING for this new quilt. I've even seriously contemplated UNcross-hatching a quilt to get to a scrap! (Am I the only one with this thing?)
So whenever I piece a backing now - which I almost always do - a little part of me is nervous that I'll regret using that last scrap of fabric. And using up 12 perfectly good FQs is really going out on a limb for me.
But in the end, this FQ backing was super easy. And they make the quilt reversible, too ... 'specially with all my fancy schmancy fmqed flowers! tee hee ;)
Stash Redux:
- Yardage - 5.8 yds / 5.3 m
- Weight - 2.8 lbs / 1.2 kg
Alright folks. Give me the weekend to put together a "Project Simplify - Stick a Fork In Me I'm Done" post ... my fabric stash is in desperate need of tidying up (ugh, I could hyperventilate just thinking about it) so I can determine how well I did with my "simplifying".
(I gotta bad feeling I didn't do so good ... )
Project Simplify 
Reader Comments (25)
I love you, you and your 'things'! It was so much fun to be with you through your project simplify, I laughed with you, feel sorry with you when here were mishappens and was happy with you at the end when all turns out well! Can't believe that projhect simplify should be over now (check your emalis).
I love your last quilt! The backing is perfect for it and I'm sure you'll never regret using your FQ for it! And again (even if that mean I repeat myself) give a big hug and a great thank you to your girls, they're both amazing (like you, too;-)
Hildy
Another beauty!
Well now Kristyne if those colours are REALLY not you, I could take the quilt off your hands for you! I mean you wouldn't want ot be saddled with something that isn't your cup of tea, now would you. Strangley those colours are SO me!! ;)
Vivienne x
She's beautiful! Her back's as lovely as her front! Thank you, thank you for taking us along on your Simplify journey!!! I have learned so very much from your posts! *sigh* And now I feel the need for some chocolate. Or at least a cupcake. *sniff*sniff* :)
Wow! I love how that turned out! I need to dig into my stash of leftover Fig Tree fabrics and see what I can come up with.
NO, NO, NO Vivienne!!! Those are MY colors! So I get to take this quilt off Kristyne's hands because it's not her colors!
Just ditto on the compliments..................!
Seeing that backing makes me want to make a quilt just like it on purpose... for the front. :) Maybe I'll do it front and back for the reversible aspect. I love it! Sounds like it would be quick and easy too. :)
And those flowers... I love them!
And I just love the front. I'm not sure I have it in me to tackle that one... but someday maybe... cause I really like it.
One of these days I'm going to get working on my FMQ again. Just gotta muster up the energy. Did I mention I'm now pregnant??? Pregnant = low energy! :)
Beautiful quilt!
Do your tally and debrief on Project Simplify and revel in it. So many great quilts, and so many wonderful posts. And then full steam ahead on to your next Project ... limited only by your imagination (but certainly not by your stash)!
Beautiful as always and the quilt looks perfect on the iron bed. Very vintage and very pretty! ;0
two of my favorites...Simplify with Fig Tree fabrics. Deeeelish! ps I've been out exploring some of the quilt stores you told me about waaaay back. I haven't made it to them all yet, but went to Out of Hand. It was lovely. Pretty sure when I left, my credit card was smoking =)
I am sad that you are done going through the book :( I have enjoyed watching you make your projects. Your quilt is beautiful, and way to use your stash!! I recently bought some Fig tree fabrics the Strawberry Fields line and it's not my usual color pallette either, but I fell in LOVE with it, it spoke to me, I swear!
TaDa! It's beeeeaaauuuutiful Kristyne! I love that you went all mom on us and I'll bet your little helper does too. And {sniff, sniff} I can't believe the project is all over!
Was planning to do a halloween pillow (smaller scale) on this pattern. Great work!
Things. Thingys. Its all good and so is Crossroads. I love the backing with the fat quarters. I never thought of that.
It has been a joy watching and reading your "Project Simplify". Your honesty in showing the good with the not so good has been refreshing.
blessings,
jilly
The quilt is gorgeous!! In all the years I have been quilting (18) I have never pieced a back - perhaps it is time to start!!
Kristyne,
I enjoyed your blog on your quilt! It is beautiful, front and back! I like that your quilt is reversible and interesting both sides with your lovely flower fmq. What a great helper you have at your side!
Your quilt is utterly yummy!!!
Love your "flowers", fabric... and the backing out of fat quarters is genius!!!
If you need to "hide" some stash ... send it my way... just sayin!
So sad it's "over"... Can't wait to see what you do next - it will of course be BEAUTIFUL!
Beautiful! I am going to email Camille and ask her to quick write another book:) Then, could you pretty please quilt through another one? I have throughly enjoyed your progress:) Thank you for the enjoyable posts and photos.
absolutely beautiful quilt! I so want to make one of these quilts but as I don't have a design wall or floor it could get ugly. Well done on all your projects. you did a stunning job and top marks for effort.
I totally understand what you mean about pieced backings. I love the way they look, but always struggle to let go of the fabrics they'll use up. Haven't seriously thought of taking a quilt apart to get at the fabric, but I've definitely regretted using it a time or two!
Oh Kristyne, this is a lovely quilt. You and your helper did an outstanding job and I love the pieced back. It used to be, I would never in a million years make a backing out of different fabrics, it would have been all the same fabric. Now, I rarely use just one fabric on the back and when I do, I kind of regret it.
I am looking forward to your next project, be it small or a whole book again!!
I've totally enjoyed your Project Simplify journey! Whatever will be next?
oh wow! I love love love these colours
Hi Kristyne,
Greetings from far far away Singapore! I came to your blog from Camille's post today. Its really a WOW! The quilts you made are so gorgeous, from the colours to the design. I'm starting from the back, currently stopping at page 4 to leave you this message. Seeing your lovely works and hard work inspires me to start on quilting soon! I'm also a quilt and fabric lover/hoarder lol. But i'm new to quilting, thus i'm starting on a small baby quilt first, all 5inch squares. Hope to see more of your works :)