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Thursday, March 8, 2012

For the Love of Solids2 - Given

The For the Love of Solids swap last year was so fun and gratifying, there wasn't really any doubt if I would participate again for round two. Obviously yes. And fresh from the Japanese x and + block swap, I was easily influenced  to go rogue and make some solid blocks. Playing with some photo graphics of blocks I'd made for the x and + swap helped me figure out a plan for a variation all my own.
I pretty much grabbed the majority of my solid stash and got to work.
After stitching up the first little 5" block, I was encouraged.
This was one project where my design wall was my friend.
Bit by bit it all came together.
When it came to quilting, I wanted to show off the small center blocks as much as possible. So after detailing each of the small blocks, I echo-quilted around the large '+', moving farther apart with each row. After much deliberation, I had succumbed to the temptation to use variegated thread - the wonderfully colorful King Tut "Joseph's Coat" by Superior Threads - and was really pleased with the results.
As a final touch, I made pieced binding, matching up with each color in the big block.
For my small project, I used solid scraps to make a Lined Drawstring Bag made from Jeni's pattern. (Love the chevron twill tape I found at Amy Dunn's pinked fabrics!)
So there's the saga of FTLOS2 - sure hope my partner is pleased!

Linking up with T.N.T. Thursday and Finish It Up Friday.

34 comments:

  1. Debbie that is just stunning! I love how you matched the binding up.

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  2. Love that design! Your partner is very lucky and will love it I'm sure!

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  3. It looks fab (sorry I guessed so soon what you were up to, I guess I had x and + blocks on my mind too!) Love the wee bag too

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  4. Debbie, this is so cool! I'm sure your partner will love it!

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  5. I absolutely love what you've made here - such a lucky partner!! The bag is super cute too, I love pieced bags!

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  6. I'm in awe!
    This quilt is absolutely amazing! What a creative design. And the pieced binding makes it perfect!

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  7. It looks awesome! It took me a minute to get that it was a giant X+ block, too. Not enough coffee yet. VERY cool idea and VERY well executed.

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  8. OK, can we just talk about the binding again? How on earth did you get all those seams to match up? And at the correct angles, too! Fabulous! You've outdone yourself!

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  9. Yeah, like Tina said- that binging is INCREDIBLE!!! WOWZERS!! I love these projects- your partner will go nuts :) Have a great day and thanks for sharing!

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  10. I am in awe of your binding. It looks fantastic! The bag is super cute also!

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  11. I love this quilt and the bag as well. I do agree about the binding too, but the quilt itself is wonderful. Think about what it would look like in full size on your bed.

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  12. practically perfect in every way!

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  13. Awesome awesome awesome, I love seeing it in all of its quilty and rainbowy glory!

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  14. How could she not be - the package is uber amazing!

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  15. Oh, my goodness, Debbie! It looks stunning, and that binding!! Seriously, amazing. You have one really lucky partner.

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  16. Debbie! This is GENIUS! I can't tell you how much I love it! You took one of my favorite blocks and gave it such a creative, fun twist. : )

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  17. That is so awesome! I haven't seen the x+ block done in solids before but it's brilliant.

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  18. Oh wow! This is gorgeous. I want to do those blocks one of these days

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  19. Deb, you're so innovative! I love this so much, and that binding--how did you manage that?? You're a superstar swapper.

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  20. I haven't made these blocks yet but I love them - how clever of you to match the binding too! Fingers crossed that I am your partner:)

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  21. This is so awesome!! And I absolutely love the way you did the pieced binding to match. Wow!!!!

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  22. Wow Debbie this is incredible!! Love the design and the solids look fab. The bag is too cute!! :)

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  23. Just found you on Crazy Mom Quilts Finish it up Friday link. Love the solids in your quilt. Amy from www.craftyshenanigans.blogspot.com

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  24. Oh wow! Those colors are stunning! :o)

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  25. Love, love those solids! And the little bag is super cute. How can your partner not be please?!?

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  26. Just amazing! Solids are SO much fun! Smiles~Beth

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  27. WOW! That is completely fantastic! Way to go - I'm sure your partner is going to be over the moon!

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  28. I want to make this now---the colors and that thread---oooohweee!!!

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  29. Fantastic!! This so makes me want to do an all-solid quilt. And matching up the binding was above and beyond. It looks amazing. :)

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  30. That is amazing! I can't imagine matching that pieced binding. You did a great job.

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  31. This is such a unique spin on this block and I love the quilting you did! I'm sure your partner will love it.

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  32. This is a great design! So versatile.....definitely on my to-do list!!

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