Thursday, May 5, 2011

April UFO finish--Cheddar and Cinnamon

Yes, I know it's a few days into May, but my April UFO is as finished as it's getting for now.  It was a bit ambitious of me to think I could complete a whole quilt from blocks to binding during a month in which I was going to be out of the state for a whole week and then play catch up at my two jobs!


After assembling the quilt by section...

...I laid out some border options.  Originally I thought I might just do top and bottom borders because I felt the quilt might be too narrow at 63" finished.   
I believe I've mentioned before that I am not a MATH girl. Upon refiguring, it turned out I had not counted borders for all four sides, so the quilt would actually finish at 72", based on the pattern's two borders of 2" and 7" finished, which is plenty big for a couch quilt.  Yeah, I am a WORD girl, not MATH.
 
Ultimately I went with a 6" finished outer border so I could include some corner blocks.

The top is finished!  This is from a Thimbleberries book, the pattern is called Nine Patch Criss-Cross.  I emphasized the stars using Cheddar and Cinnamon fabrics, hence my version's name.

I love this quilt and am so thankful for all the swappers who made these wonderful 9 patches.  I'm pondering whether I should have made the corner blocks with cheddar triangles only.  Also, that very low contrast 9 patch is bothering me a bit and I may decide to change it out. It is especially noticeable in photos.  Opinions?

May's UFO Challenge pick is #9, which on my list is this yummy pile of blocks I won awhile ago in a giveaway from Nicole of Sister's Choice Quilts She did not include the pattern but gave the name and I found a photo online that I can work from to assemble it.  The fabric is Moda's Yuletide Blessings, though it doesn't look especially Christmasy.  I'll enjoy putting this together!  See other April UFO finishes on Judy's Patchwork Times

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your nine patch crisscross! Love the colors! Simple, yet makes a great quilt top!

Katie said...

I would leave it as it is. It's great! And 72" is a good couch size - I have couch quilts that are just a few inches bigger and they're awesome - plenty of room to share with the hubby! I'm curious to see what's in store for May with those blocks.

Elaine Adair said...

Leave in the pale 9-patch. This is a scrappy, use-it-up, yet absolutely STUNNING quilt! the "odd" block adds interest and will elicit conversation in the future. That quilt is a perfect example of beautiful symplicity. Can't wait to see it quilted!

Abby and Stephanie said...

Cheddar and Cinnamon is delicious!

Shay said...

I officially love Cheddar and Cinammon. The borders look wonderful!

I'd leave that block because honestly nobody will notice it and I kind of like the low contrast .It adds a teeny bit of quirk to this quilt.

Way to go Annie on a fabulous finish.

Marg said...

It looks great and I would leave that block in too. Can't wait to see it quilted.

Kate said...

The quilt is looking great. Like you borders fabrics, they work well.

I'm the opposite, I'm better with math then with words!

Quilter Kathy said...

I only noticed that block when you pointed it out, but I know that if it bothered me, I'd have to take it out. I love what you did with the borders!

Janet O. said...

I love Cheddar and Cinnamon, too! The low contrast block gives visual interest to the quilt, but if it is always going to bother you (if you are keeping the quilt as opposed to gifting it) then by all means, switch it out. But before doing any unpicking ask yourself, "When you cuddle up under it on the couch who is going to focus on that one block?"

Will be watching for the progress of your other blocks--love those colors as well.

Browndirtcottage said...

Wow girl....this is a GREAT top!! I happen to like the white corner blocks with the touch of cheddar!
Now hurry....we want to see it quilted!!!! HA!

Barb said...

No worries, I am not a math gal either...looking good!!

Michele said...

It looks great. I see what you mean about tne low contrast block, but I think since it's a scrappy quilt it works well. Sometimes I find that the block I thought didn't fit in is the one that makes the quilt pop when it's done. It adds more interest when one doesn't quite fit in. I'm sure you will need to remind me that I made this comment down the road when I ask the same sort of question. It's not easy! LOL!

BetsyE said...

I really like the quilt top you finished! I love how the stars appear, even though you aren't making "star blocks." Congrats on getting that much done in such a busy month!

~Niki~ said...

tons of work in this one~great job!

antique quilter said...

love the name of the quilt! I have such a hard time giving my quilts names.
its a great quilt
if the block is bothering you now it will always bother you swap it out.
Great job!
and great size in mho!
Kathie

JudyCinNC said...

I do agree with you on that one block - it draws the eye immediately. Love the name and colors - wonderful quilt. Judy C

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