Coral "Heavenly Hollyhock" fabric by Northcott in an original quilt. |
At the time, I was a relatively new quilter, and did almost everything in 12 1/12" blocks, thinking it would be easier to find help if I messed up on a standard size!
To create this quilt, I basically knew just 3 things: I wanted a lattice effect, it was very important to show off the flowers, and I didn't want to spend any more money! I must have looked at that fabric for 2 dozen hours before I decided to cut up the panel as you would for a kaleidoscope quilt. If I recall correctly, I did have to go back and buy about a third of a yard more of fabric, as the floral print on the butterscotch fabric had about 3 repeats to the yard, and I needed 4. After stacking up the short lengths of fabric, I cut half-square triangles from the most interesting spots on the fabric. I was able to cut enough stacks of triangles to make 9 blocks, and decided to use the coordinating hollyhock print for the additional 4 blocks. They were easy, at least! I think that's when my love affair with larger prints began...they could be used for a whole 12 1/2" block if they were pretty enough! As I think back, I only had 1/2 yard of the plain hollyhock fabric, and had to cut the squares on the diagonal to make them fit. Once the blocks were done, it was easy to use 2 1/2" strips of the wood fabric to make the sashing, and luckily, there were enough fabric scraps to make the cornerstones.
The setting triangles were a challenge. I didn't have large pieces of the floral print, and I did have that glorious butterscotch fabric leftover from the background, as well as some small pieces of the hollyhock print. Happily enjoying a "make do" connection with quilters of the past, I pieced 8 triangles together to complete the quilt top. What do you think? It always makes me happy when I look at it.
I think it's fabulous! I love lattice style quilts. I, like many quilters, am a gardener, cook, crocheter, anything else creative indulger as well. I think we just have artsy blood. I'm a new Follower by the way and I'm really enjoying your work. The only problem is I'm taking so much time I need to get back to what I need to do!
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