It’s about time, right? I love this quilt, but it has been hanging over my head for what seems like forever. I think it’s my love of it that is the reason behind the length of time it’s taken me to create it. First I wasn’t sure of the layout. I wanted it to be perfect. Then I wasn’t sure what to do for the backing. Then I wasn’t sure the thread color and quilting design. And already I’m not sure of the binding. Does this ever happen to you?

Well I have quilt a few quilts in progress, so I decided I needed to make a decision and act. Here’s to one step closer to finishing this quilt!

I will save the story behind this quilt for when it is actually finished, but I wanted to share the quilt top because I’m so excited to have finished it last night! I think the bright colors will be what saves me during the long winter ahead. It is, of course, inspired by one of my quilting idols, Rita of Red Pepper Quilts. I hope everyone else in US is staying warm out there!

Off to sew Christmas presents! Nothing like a deadline!

I’m checking something off of my list! Today I finished the string block pillows. As I mentioned in my last post, I saw these on Ashley from Film in the Fridge’s blog and *needed* them for my couch. I just love how they turned out! They are 18″ squares. I made the string blocks 7.5″ squares and then added the white sashing around the finished block. For the back, I just added a stripe from my Arcadia jelly roll. I’m hoping my husband likes these when he sees them tonight. (He can be a bit picky!)

Back:

Just in time to see the last leaves turn and fall from the trees, I’ve finished my fall quilt! I started to feel the pressure this week as the wind and rain came and blew so many of the beautiful red leaves away. I considered waiting for a day with blue skies to take my pictures….but hey, this is Chicago and that could be awhile!

I used fabric from my stash for the blocks of this quilt – lots of Amy Butler, with a sprinkling of Lizzy House and Heather Bailey. I originally planned on making this quilt twice as big, but life got in the way so I used the spare squares on the back for a really cool effect. The sashing is Stone by Bella Solids. I love how it has the look of linen without being linen.

I quilted it free motion style but further apart than I usually do because I wanted it to be a it looser. My husband says this is his favorite quilt so far, which surprised me because he wasn’t all about it when I was making it. It measures 62″ x 44″.