The Red White and Blue

I don't appliqué. I think, though, by hand quilting this smaller quilt at the soccer games, it sparked my interest in doing more hand sewing.

I wanted to make a quilt design that used only fat quarters. I've been brewing up the idea since this summer. I know I drafted up some of the first sketches over the summer, during our big move. The design changed a bit, as they usually do.

I'm excited to report, the quilt does use 14 fat quarters (9 red and 5 blue), + about 1/2 yard of white fabric for the border. I am also glad to report that I purchased all fat quarters from from Joann's when they had their big sale for Columbus Day... or maybe it was Labor Day...

Click on it, and I think you'll see it larger. I love how it turned out. I'd like to author the pattern for it. Of course, if I want to sell that pattern to Quilt Shops, I'll have to remake the whole thing using Quilt $hop fabrics. (Funny how that works, right?)

The size is about 46" x 72". Its a good lap size, but not quite a twin. I'm going to be binding it in dark blue.

So I don't hand appliqué circles... but I went ahead an did it. It definitely turned out better than if I would have tried to make smooth circle stitching lines with my sewing machine. OH- and I used a variation of Anna Maria Horner's Circle pressing technique, too. I didn't use foil, though. I used a gathered piece of broadcloth... which I should have grabbed a photo of-

The quilt is Red White and Blue, but its just a coincidence that I finished up the top on Election Day. I suppose its still significant, though. Here's to America! Cheers. ~jen~

ps- This quilt doesn't have a good name. If you think of something, please let me know in the comments section. =)

The Red White and Blue