So happy with the way my 2nd quilt top has turned out! It needs to be layered, quilted and then the binding will be the darker lavender color that's in the sashing.

Now to the quilting...since it's going to be used on a daily basis I was thinking of SID along the 9 inch blocks (this might make it more durable is what I was thinking...is this right?) and then hand stitching something in the 9 patch blocks...probably in the white blocks. Never having done hand quilting but wanting to learn...any one have any ideas what might be a good way to start?

I have just enough floral fabric left to make a pair of pillow cases to match. I made this quilt in honor of my Grandma, Elinor, and my Mother, Virginia. They were both remarkable women. They would have both been so pleased (and surprised!) to see this! ;-)

I only know how to SID, so no helpful ideas. But I love the quilt. Purple is my favorite color.

I immediately thought of doing hearts since it is in memory of your mother and grandmother.

I also thought about roses because of the flowers in the print, but those might be more challenging.

That is just beautiful. Great color. I would do a small flower in each white square.

What does it say on the batting package, as to how far apart the stitching can be? If it is to be used daily as you said, you may want to SID the whole thing and them decorate with the heart quilting, as you suggested.

That is very beautiful.

Hearts?

What was the ladies who you are honoring favorite symbol?

Good point! This is Dream Cotton...100% cotton...and it says the stitching may be up to 8 inches apart...and these are nine inch blocks. Probably would be better to SID the whole thing as you suggested. Then do something else in the white blocks. BTW, what's the best method of drawing a design on the blocks that will wash out?

Pansies were their favorite flowers. Hearts or pansies might be nice. I wonder if I could quilt a pansy that would actually look like one when it was all said and done?! ;-)

Well, I would heartily encourage you to try. Then post a tutorial for us all:)

I'd use one of the blue/purple markers that disappear when you spray with water.

On darker fabrics, I use a Fons & Porter white (chalk) mechanical pencil.

What a gorgeous quilt, beautiful choice of fabrics. I would go with the hearts in the blocks, simple but they look nice. Can't wait to see the finished quilt. Well done.

Congratulations! Your quilt is BEE-UTIFUL! The colors are SO soothing, and it goes without saying you take pride in your work.

VERY nice . . .

Beautiful, I like the hearts!

It's beautiful I like the Stitch in Ditch idea but maybe with a wandering stitch. Then add some pansy's or something

Beautiful quilt I think I would SID around the outside of the 9 patch and around the squares in your sashing then do a heart that would almost cover the 9 patch. I love your colors and fabric choice! Thanks for sharing.

I love this quilt

Thank you!... and everyone else for your kind and encouraging comments. I have a lot of ideas now for the quilting...thanks again!

this quilt is so crisp and clean looking. I really like it. Maybe on three of the squares you could hand-quilt their initials and your own?

Oh, another great idea! I like this! Thanks so much!

No advice from this beginner but wanted to say how beautiful your quilt is! I love purple too. What pattern is this? I know I know it but just cant' think of it right now.

Thank you! This is called Hopscotch from Starlight Studios. It's basically a 9 patch but the 3 strip sashing really enhances the blocks I think. Since I'm new to quilting I chose this because it's well suited for a beginner and helped me to learn to keep my 1/4 inch seam allowance more consistent. I think I'll be trying something with triangles on my next one. Good luck...I think you'll get tons of support and encouragement on this board.

Stunning!

I think since your quilt is very traditional looking that "Cross Hatching would be awesome and then for the borders I would write your loved ones names on that. Please post pix of it as you go or when you finish it. Truly a beautiful and memorable quilt! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Oh I like that idea also! It is a traditional type quilt...I did that intentionally to reflect my grandmother and the era in which she lived. This would certainly keep to that theme. Thanks for your input!

I like to stitch 1/4" away from the ditch. That way if I waiver just a little it is not obvious. I use the edge of my presser foot for a gage. You might think of doing something like that on part of your beautiful quilt. Then the stitching becomes part of the design of the quilt also.

I want that headboard.

Very pretty and very nice work.

What a lovely tribute to the special women in your life. I would, like some of the other women suggested, use SID and then add a special flower both women liked. Whatever you decide,the quilt is beautiful!

lovely quilt.. nice colors

sorry,I couldn't stop looking at your bed headboard!! jeesh, that's gorgeous. The quilt is too. i'd do straight lines through the colored sqs and a design in the white ones.

Thanks for the comments on the headboard! Got it and the rest of the bedroom set back in 1988. I think the style is called Lexington. I still love it after all these years!

Oh, that is just lovely! Beautiful fabrics and your piecing is perfect....great job!!!

I have a hard time deciding on quilting designs, too, but for this one, I think you're on the right track with SID around the 9-patches. I would look at the flowers in your fabric and replicate one of those for your quilting in the white blocks, with cream thread to give a tone-on-tone look. Then probably just echo quilting in the floral blocks.

Keep up the great work...you're a natural!! Happy quilting! Karen

Karen,

I've already responded to your beautiful quilt, but I'd like your pattern dimensions. I know it is a 9-patch, but how big are the squares the the three strips combined for the sashing? I would like to make one with earth tone fabrics.

Thanks in advance.

Janet

Hi Janet, I used a pattern for this called Hopscotch by Starlight Studios. The pattern gives the instructions and dimensions for Twin, Double and Queen size quilts.

Mine is a queen. These are 9 inch blocks (36 in all...6x6). With the borders the finished size is 89 1/2 by 89 1/2.

The sashing is made of 1 1/2 inch wide strips that are cut into 9 1/2 inch lengths...same as the block size. All the squares for the
blocks and sashing posts are 3 1/2 inch.

The inner border is made of 1 1/2 inch wide strips and the outer border is made of 6 1/2 inch wide strips.

Cut 2 1/2 inch strips for the binding.

Hope that gives you enough info. Sure would love to see yours when it's done!

Karen

Oh, my! You responded so quickly! Thank you! As far as posting a picture, I'm new to this site, and I have no clue how you ladies do all the fancy things. I'll be poking around to make my additions a little more interesting!

It's beautiful. If you're going to machine stitch it, why not wait a bit and practise some free motion quilting. You can do your own patterns on any domestic machine. It's reaally not that hard to pick up. There is a lot of help on the internet, YouTube videos, this board etc.

Very Nice!! You did a wonderful job on this :D:D:D

I really like this!!!!! Good Job for second quil!!!!! I may have to try this pattern.

Beautiful.

Nice job!