Monday, 23 September 2013

A Happy Finish

 So this quilt top was finished a few weeks ago. I put it together in a burst of energy and inspiration in a matter of days. Then the quilt top lay draped over a chair by my dining table cutting table, gently guilt-tripping me every time I worked on another project. I decided to get stuck in and finish it – because then I can start on a new project, and boy do I have a good list of want-to-dos.

And here it is! Happy Go Lucky fabrics with a Briar Rose/Arkansas Traveller pattern. (I used this pattern as a guide). Plus some daisies. Because they look happy too.

Happy Go Lucky amidst the daisies

I was inspired by the quilt Traceyjay has been making. Though mine is a simpler and much smaller version. Instead of making teeny 16 patches, I used charm squares and just did simple 4 patches. This is also a baby quilt – haven’t measured it precisely but I do know it’s less than 50” x 60”.

Happy Go Lucky on the line

I know it’s less than that because I used a polar fleece blanket to back it and its measurements are 50” x 60”. Using fleece or flannel for the backing is one of my fave ways to finish a quilt lately. I don’t use batting. It makes for a lovely lightweight and snuggly quilt.

Happy Go Lucky backing

I have pretty much given up on FMQ. I don’t think it’s a technique that suits me. So I am embracing the straight line quilting! I just followed the middle seams in the negative space then quilted 3/4” either side. Makes for a nice lattice look on the back.

Happy Go Lucky straight line quilting

So now this little beauty is finished, I have given myself permission to start a new project. Although perhaps I ought to get a couple other WiPs finished first…

Happy Go Lucky prettiness
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33 comments:

  1. Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation23 September 2013 at 10:38

    This is such a cute quilt! The HGL fabrics look great in this pattern!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  2. Joanie's Trendy Quilts23 September 2013 at 10:54

    Congrats on finishing your sweet quilt!

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  3. Cynthia Brunz Designs23 September 2013 at 11:46

    Great quilt! The Happy Go Lucky fabrics were perfect.

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  4. Michelle@factotum-of-arts.com23 September 2013 at 11:47

    I love this line but I haven't picked any up yet....I might have to :-)

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  5. nicole23 September 2013 at 12:52

    Looks fantastic Kristy! Love the quilting!! Did you use a regular foot or walking foot? I usually just use my regular foot but i've never quilted with fleece and i have one that needs to get finished up and it's backed in fleece. Wondering if i should bust out the walking foot!

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  6. BillieBee (billiemick)23 September 2013 at 12:55

    What a fun quilt. Congratulations on the finish!

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  7. Gina23 September 2013 at 14:11

    Perfect baby quilt and would be that pattern would be great Ina larger quilt too!! Great job!!

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  8. Carla23 September 2013 at 15:13

    Free motion is hard to do. I love straight lines myself! Beautiful quilt

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  9. Teje Karjalainen23 September 2013 at 15:32

    Hi! You new quilt is beautiful and what a lovely pattern! x Teje

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  10. Sheila23 September 2013 at 16:24

    Lovely quilt pattern. I like the way the big white crosses emerge, so much to look at.

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  11. Serena @ Sewgiving23 September 2013 at 16:38

    Oooh I really like the idea of using polar fleece and no batting, especially for baby quilts :)

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  12. Jeneta23 September 2013 at 17:59

    Beautiful! I love the straight line quilting - the lattice effect on the back is superb! I'm really liking pops of navy in quilt tops at the moment.

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  13. Anonymous23 September 2013 at 19:49

    Beautiful quilt....and I love the bigger squares. Fabulous

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  14. Megan23 September 2013 at 20:02

    What a pretty happy quilt and those daisies look great too. Looks like summer is on its way!

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  15. Leanne Parsons23 September 2013 at 21:25

    It looks great! I love the lattice effect on the back too.

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  16. Elsa23 September 2013 at 22:26

    Lovely quilt ~ it always feels so good to get something done!
    I'm with you and straight lines ~ sometimes it's just the thing to do. FMQ is hard for me too and always want to take it out. I'm not giving up tho ~ still practicing.

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  17. Unknown23 September 2013 at 22:53

    dining table/cutting table - sounds familiar ;)

    Very nice quilt :)

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  18. Amy, a redeemed sheep23 September 2013 at 23:43

    I am a huge fan of straight line quilting. It works perfectly for your quilt!!

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  19. Yvonne Campbell24 September 2013 at 00:00

    It looks wonderful and comfy!

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  20. Vicki24 September 2013 at 00:55

    So comfy soft looking! Really a striking choice of fabrics.

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  21. Unknown24 September 2013 at 02:15

    So glad you mentioned that you didn't use a batting! I was wondering about not using it for soft cuddly quilts. Did you have a hard time quilting with the fleece/milky? Walking foot or regular foot? Thanks for all the info. Anna

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    Replies
    1. Kristy @ Quiet Play24 September 2013 at 09:57

      Hi Anna - you came up as a no reply blogger so hopefully you will check back here for answers to your questions!

      I actually rarely use my walking foot - my machine doesn't play well with it. I use the applique foot and have no problems. Minky is a bit different to fleece and I've tried both. Minky is a lot more slippery! The fleece though is kind of like batting in that it it kind of sticks to the cotton quilt top - though I still baste it well and haven't had any hassles quilting it all :)

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    2. Unknown24 September 2013 at 21:33

      Thanks for answering. And I'll have to fix that no reply blogger! So with your guidance, I know what to do. So fleece is what I will try. I have two new grandbabies with their quilt tops done, just need to pick a fleece and quilt them. I'm assuming that you use a good quality fleece, not one from JoAnn's?

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    3. Kristy @ Quiet Play25 September 2013 at 08:55

      Actually I just use fleece blankets that are sold at Kmart (I live in Australia - no JoAnn's). They measure around 50" x 60" which makes for a nice sized lap quilt or baby quilt. I can't attest to how they hold up longterm as I only did my first one a few months ago.

      Another option though is quilting flannel which you can get for a great price at fabric.com. It's a bit thinner than the fleece though. Or minky - though you definitely need a lot of pinning and patience to quilt minky I think!

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    4. Unknown26 September 2013 at 08:56

      OK, just one more question....you use a ready made blanket, then just cut it to size?

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    5. Kristy @ Quiet Play26 September 2013 at 09:31

      Yep! I baste it as a complete blanket, then quilt it, then trim off the edges. :)

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  22. RobotMomSews24 September 2013 at 03:38

    So pretty!!! Love it! I will have to try that too - fleece w/no batting. Nice!!

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  23. Sarah Lou24 September 2013 at 05:33

    Beautiful quilt, I bet it's really snuggly!

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  24. Kelly24 September 2013 at 07:03

    Fab quilt!

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  25. SIMPLESEW24 September 2013 at 07:03

    yea,, cute and I dont think I am a FMQ's either.. But I would love for you to finish that mermaid pattern...winking

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  26. Paula@TheSassyQuilter24 September 2013 at 08:43

    Love it! A lot of times I think straight lines are best anyway:) Lets the quilt design shine. Great fabrics for this pattern.

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  27. Ajka24 September 2013 at 10:19

    A beautiful quilt! You are very smart .... I like to watch :-)
    Ajka

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  28. Vera24 September 2013 at 17:49

    Congrats on your finish. Looks great. The first pic with flowers is so pretty.

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