here is my latest "creation". It is 71" x 71". There are 9 blocks. The blocks are 18" square, the sashing are 2", the border is 5". I laid it out the bed while I try to figure out how to quilt it. This is for hubby so I want it special. He asked for FMQ, which is his favorite.

I thought about fmq on the 5" border, a cable in the 2"- or reverse that- and totally unsure of how to accent the blocks. I thought of taking the 2" blocks, which have a brown fabric that looks kind of like wood and embroidering a coal bucket, shovel, etc. Items that were used in their work.

Any/all comments are greatly appreciated!

P.S. no pattern to this- I made it up. The coal miner I got from someplace online, the lady gave me permission to use it. Hubby and I designed the coal car from pics he had.

Last- if this turns out nice (I'm not exactly crazy about it right now) how do I convince him it's a one of a kind and he shouldn't use it?

I was wondering........what color of thread do you plan to use? I made one a year ago with dog themed fabric and quilted bones, foot prints, hydrants, and dog houses on it, all over the doggies and everything. With yours though, I would not want to mess up the lovely work you have done, so I would go around the neat miner, and car. Maybe more lanterns, canaries?

I'm so not a good quilter...but I'm popping in to say I love your quilt!!

The first thing that popped into my head was to echo quilt your blocks, they are so neatly done, I think it would enhance them.

Does this mean great minds think alike? You typed in first.

just looked again- what about some pebbles around the base of the car and guy? Would that be enough for in the block?

I am so lost on this! I want the result to be great. It was a UFO from last Jan. so I really want to finish it. I wish it would call to me what it wants.

and- I don't know what color thread to use! ARGHHH! Help please!

Actually, I'd send it to GreenFairy and tell her to go to town! She's pretty darn talented, and her rates are quite reasonable!

I think echo quilting the blocks would be very nice.

Love the quilt.