Friday, July 16, 2021

For a Special Little Dude / Beauties Pageant 137

If you read my post from yesterday, you’ve heard that I sewed a project from Cheryl Brickey’s new book, Just One Charm Pack Quilts, and really enjoyed the process. I made the Medallion quilt from the book. At about 39 inches square, it was a satisfyingly fast sew.

All the fabric came from my stash. As I mentioned in my previous post, the basis for the fabric pull was Sink or Swim, one of Rae Ritchie’s collections for Dear Stella. I supplemented Sink and Swim’s many blues with some yellow prints from Basic Grey’s Biscuits and Gravy line and used a brown swirly Kimberbell print to tie it all together.

I decided to free-motion quilt this project. FMQ tends to be challenging for me, mainly because I do it so infrequently. I allow just enough time to pass between FMQ projects that I get rusty and make silly mistakes, even with a simple stipple. So this is a note to Future Michelle: Set your presser foot to zero pressure during your next FMQ project, girl! Pressure is only going to undermine your ability to move the quilt smoothly. Also: This is no time to play chicken with a small backing. You need enough overhang so you can maneuver well around the edges.

I countered my FMQ snafus with a binding triumph. I am somewhat obsessed these days with finishing my bindings with chunky stitches. It’s hard to see the white 12-weight thread on the pinstripe binding at the top of the post. The navy anchor print, used on one corner of the quilt binding, shows it off nicely, though ...

I rarely start a project with a recipient in mind; I like making what I want and figuring out who will receive a project as I go. I realized mid-sew that a quilt of this size would be perfect to donate. So this beauty is going to Jack’s Basket, an organization that supports new parents of babies with Down syndrome. This brings me a ridiculous amount of joy. My own kiddo with Down syndrome turned 11 this week. I know there’s a special little dude out there who is already rocking his bonus chromosome and needs a badass sailor-themed baby quilt. : )

Have you any finishes to share this week? Post them to the current Beauties Pageant!

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The pageant rules are simple:
  • Post your finish in the linky tool. (No links to your own giveaway or linky, please!)
  • Point your readers back here with a text link or use the button above.
  • Visit and comment on other participants’ finishes.

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9 comments:

  1. The baby quilt turned out lovely, he will be a fantastic donation quilt for such a good cause. Happy stitching!

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  2. I'm definitely going to have to get that book! What a lovely baby quilt!

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  3. Great quilt, and I love the binding. I love Jack's Basket, too. They do such good work and I'm sure they'll be happy to have such a great donation. Have a good weekend!

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  4. That is a pretty quilt. I really like the backing fabric!

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  5. Such a beautiful quilt, Michele and love the backing. This quilt is going to make someone very happy. Thank you for hosting the link party and have a wonderful weekend.

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  6. I tend to adore all of Rae Ritchie's lines, and this one does not disappoint. Your hand stitching details on the binding look wonderful, and I think you created a beautiful stipple. :)

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  7. Hi Michelle, I love your binding finish! I'm sure that there will be a special little dude who will love it! Take care.

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  8. What a great baby quilt. Sending it to Jack's Basket is perfect. On to the next project! How's the puppy doing?

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  9. That's a lovely quilt and it's going to make someone feels warm and loved. God bless you!

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