Saturday, May 09, 2009

Missed the mark?


Courthouse Steps 56.5" X 66". I won't be adding borders and the binding will be hot pink. It is a good size crib quilt or nap quilt for a child as it isn't long enough for an adult. When my son was little I liked to put small quilts on the floor for him to play on when we visited someone - so this is a good size for that too - still small enough to pop into the washing machine often!
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I wasn't sure I liked this one early on, but by the time I decided that - I already had time invested into it so I forged ahead. It isn't BAD - it actually has a bit of charm, but I only feel luke warm about it. Probably because it was ALOT of sewing for such a simple design - all those 1.5" strips. I have learned - when sewing with small strips - pick a pattern that also has bigger pieces of fabric or else you will be sewing and sewing and sewing. I might make this pattern again - but using 2.5" strips instead! NOW I remember why 2.5" strips are my favorite size!

I was trying to see what dark blocks on the outside with all light blocks on the inside would look like. Well - maybe a few lights made it to the outside edge, but we won't talk about them, ok?! I usually like things with lots of contrast, so using all lights in the middle is different for me. Every fabric was from stash - other than a few tiny cuts of yellow from Marden's for just a few more outside edges since I wanted to keep that all yellow.
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Several of the fabrics I ran out of - and improvised. The purple "fix" is the most obvious.

The maroon one - I was just a tiny bit short - so added a very similar fabric to the end. Can you see it?
A flowery sort of panto with hot pink thread over the top should do wonders for this top?? I hope so.

9 comments:

Doodlebug Gail said...

I like this quilt - I really do. Was the photo taken today? Your weather doesn't look so good - all that fog and you have a hat on! Happy Mother's Day - bet GB has a surprise or 2 for you.

Fiona said...

I like it a lot - but I can see what you mean about all that sewing for the size of quilt. I love the way you improvised when you ran out of fabric - can't you just imagine people in years to come saying 'oh look - she must have ran out here and used what she had'.

Cher said...

gosh, it's been too long since I stopped by! lovely to catch up and see the latest quilts, the dress which I remember back when you made it and how smart you were to take LB away for a few days of beach fun.

Lori said...

I also like the quilt, might have to try one. I didn't see the differences till you mentioned them. I'm sure no one else would catch it, don't point it out, I have learned to stop pointing out my "mistakes" If some one does notice, just tell them you wanted to more scrappy. Your quilt is really cute, I'm sure your son's friends would like one to.

Brenda said...

Live and learn - and what is this about 'small pieces'!!??!! You, who have made, how many 'Shakespear in the Parks'??? lol!! ;-)

Now, you can say, the courhouse step is done, it is a good size for the litte ones, and you did use up stash!! All good things. Yes, at 2.5" strips, would make it bigger, and you might like that, but it's still alot of sewing....
I am glad you tried it. Now you know what you are getting into, and you did good on it!! So, onto the next work of art - and we will be here to cheer you on!! (is it cold there still??? We are heading to warm weather this coming up week, and I am so ready for it!!!) have a great week!!

Granny said...

It really is a bright and happy quilt. I see what you mean about it taking a lot of sewing for a simple design. I think a flowery panto with pink thread will be great!

Laurie said...

I made one of these too; I found it difficult to keep track, no mindless sewing, of which fabric goes where. I sewed 2 colors in each side of the block; alternating fabrics. It was a headache. Your's looks great and it's DONE!

Lori in South Dakota said...

my friend did one of these, and although I love it, I thought she was CRAZY to make it! Too much thinking for me!

Elaine Adair said...

This is a GREAT quilt! And small strips are what really makes it great!