I Spy A Rainbow. My first quilt since surgery.
 

This is the first quilt I have made since my knee replacement surgery. It is going to be a playing outside quilt for a neighbor's little girl who will be one soon. Rather than give up or repurpose the fabric, I decided to go with it and just make the best of each error.
First, I graphed the pattern, and cut all my fabrics from those measurements, rather than sewing my 9 patches and measuring their finished size.
Second, In the pattern, I planned for 5" squares in the I spy 9P, forgetting that, in fact, I had cut them at 5.5" to finish at 5" rather than to finish at 4.5".
Third, so of course, all my solid strips were in fact too short. I didn't have enough to recut them, so I decided to make them fit. LOL... this left the 9P's very puckery. I still ended up having to add small pieces to some of the outer solid strips to make them come out the right length.
Forth, so I decided to add extra batting to the 9P's to make them into little pillow areas for extra comfy napping on. You can see these in the 3rd photo....... and
Fifth, I mis-measured the backing center and ended up having to add a narrow purple strip to each side to make it wide enough.
All in all, I would say this quilt has taken me several weeks. I hope you all like the rainbow lemonade I finished up with after I made so many lemons, LOL. PS: I have NOT trimmed the backing yet nor added the binding.

I can see the child playing happily on this bright quilt. I am scheduled for knee replacement surgery on the 12th of August. Have been trying to visualize how I will operate after and how long before I can sit at the Computer and sewing machine.

Think that turned out really cute. Nice and colorful. She'll love it. Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery.

She will love it. Mom will love it. It is adorable.

I love your quilt!! I certainly understand how difficult it can be to get back to quilting after knee surgery. I had both knees done April 11 and looked at books (and sewed binding on) during the early weeks. I wanted to start something new and not work on my UFO's, but I've forced myself to work on finishing some. (I also started one new "scrappy" quilt, which is in progress.) Hope your recovery goes well -- just do what they say and don't be in a hurry to be "good as new" !!!

Linda in Missouri

Creative fixes for a cute quilt! Your one yr old will love it and never realize how you adapted it. Good work!

It's bright and beautiful and will be well loved by a one-year old! It will be perfect for her!

I love your rainbow lemonade and its bright colors. Great work.

Great job!

I really like it! I'm glad you posted each step. I think I've done everyone of them too. It's a fun quilt!

I don't think little ones care how "PERFECT" you make a quilt. I am sure they will love the bright colors and the thoughts put behind it. It's great.

so nice and colorful - since its for use outdoors, nobody will every notice any mistakes. A wonderful I-spy!

Wonderful work!

Now that is a colorful quilt!!! Nice work and hope you are fully recovered!!!!

Wonderful rainbow lemonade! I am so proud that you didn't give up and kept on chugging. Good lesson for all of us to repurpose our thoughts when we make a mistake. I have made a lot of lemonade myself (ha ha) Have a wonderful day.

I really like all the bright colors and the fabrics that almost make it an I Spy quilt. Very nice.

I don't have my surgery date yet, because I'm drawing it out as long as I can...so far the cortisone shot and the meloxican seem to be keeping me rather comfortable....I am hoping they will allow me to take my sewing machine with to the rehab facility I have to be in for 10-11 days after surgery so I can work on my Edita Sytar BOM applique that is my this years project!! Your quilt is a beautiful "happy accident" and will be cherished by that little one!!

Wow...she will certainly love those colors, and your thoughtfulness making those squares pouf for added cushioning. Great job!

It turned out fine! It will be loved for the bright colors and the cuddle factor, only you will see the problems you encountered during construction.

Happy, cheery colors....

1 y/o have very forgiving eyes & very open hearts. She's gonna LOVE it!! You did a great job & I'm sure she'll have many happy hours with it.

What a lovely and bright quilt. Just looking at it makes one happy.

It's a lovely quilt and the little girl will have hours of pleasure with it - playing and sleeping.

I hope your surgery goes well, and you recover quickly, my machine has a feature that lets you sew without the foot pedal, perhaps yours does too. That would certainly help

very cute!!!!!!

What a bright fun quilt, I'll bet she loves it.

Turned out great!

My goodness!! Sew many people with knee replacements!! I had both knees replaced on May 12, 2010. Best thing ever!!! To both Lindas - take it easy and before long you will wonder why you waited so long to have it done! Jetyre - pretty soon you will be on the other side and it will be wonderful!!! Good luck too all of you!!

Great to see you posting again WildYard. It's a great quilt & I agree with KarenG. Only you will see any errors so Mums the word-lol

DebbieG, I understand your thought processes in wanting your sewing machine in rehab, but I honestly can say I don't think you will be wanting/able to use it during that short time post op. I certainly wished I could sew, but there was no way I was up to it for at least 6 weeks. Maybe some hand sewing, but definitely not machine work. I was always so tired after the daily therapy sessions, all I wanted was a nap. LOL

Great recovery for both you and your quilting challanges. I am sure it will get lots of use.