Sometimes you come across a fabric that asks you to make more than one quilt. You look at it and see so many possibilities - and Sunburst (designed by Kaffe Fassett for Rowan) was just one of those. Here is my latest:
Off Center Log Cabin.
I shared about the first quilt made using these little squares.
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Sunburst squares combined with some blenders |
I updated a traditional
Trip Around the World using those little squares. As with all panel type fabrics, the cuts are not usually in whole numbers. As they were printed, they measured 3-7/8" x 4". I had to recut ALL of my squares to 3-7/8". Quite a tedious task, but I love the result.
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Sunburst Fabrics before cutting |
And here's my first quilt. I have since had it beautifully quilted. Just need a sunny day for a photograph.
Now, let's see my approach to the Off Center Log Cabin. I cut a bunch of strips from a variety of shot cotton fat quarters. I added 6 rows of strips (the logs) to each motif. They are sewn to only two sides of the center.
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Adding 1-1/4" strips of shot cottons to two sides of a Sunburst square. |
Then I decided to set these in an offbeat arrangement. I was able to piece 16 blocks before I pooped out. Because the centers begin as 3-7/8", the blocks themselves will finish to slightly smaller than 8" (7-7/8"). It really doesn't matter because the entire quilt is made from uniform size blocks!
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Strips cut from shot cottons, pulling colors from the Sunburst motifs |
I added some awesome bright circles and dots fabric to the top and bottom and used the Sunburst fabrics to the sides (with more shot cottons to increase the size). I love this little quilt! I quilted it during our "House Arrest" this past week. Here she is on my kitchen floor before quilting.
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16 Block Off Center Log Cabin |
Finally (but probably not my last quilt), I took an old sample from the mid 2000s where I centered a LakeHouse flower motif with a black background and surrounded it with 12 raw edge batik melon shapes (taken from my
EZ Double Wedding Ring pattern and template set). I like to share this center with guilds when I share tips and tricks.
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Sunshine and Flowers teaching sample |
My LakeHouse flower motif was only 10" square. I needed to add more black fabric around all sides so I could use those batik melons. I chose a black and white batik, though you can't really see it from the front. But, now that I told you, I bet you can!
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Center square with added borders to allow me room to place those batik melons |
I did some careful measuring and with a 1/2" finished inner border (which took it out to 19" finished). I was able to add those Sunburst motifs without chopping any up.
The reason I will not quilt this any time soon is that I enjoy showing other quilters how they can make the most of what may seem like an impossible situation. This comes with me sometimes when I speak to quilt guilds. When you can see something from the back - something that is somewhat unorthodox - it takes the need for perfection down quite a few notches, doesn't it?
I still have about 2 yards of this Sunburst fabric left. It mixes so well with a lot of prints and blenders. Don't be surprised if I come back with a few more examples!
I love those quilts! They are happy quilts when we all need a "pick me up"!!
ReplyDeleteOK, getting me inspired now!!! Thanks Debby!
Love, love your bright and happy quilts.
ReplyDeleteLove every one of these - bright and cheerful - just what we need .
ReplyDeleteHi Debby! Oh, I love this finished project especially the sunbursts around the border. ~smile~ Roseanne
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