The Postcard Quilt

This wasn't planned. I mean it wasn't on the To Do list or anything like that, and it wasn't even an idea a few days ago. It just so happened that sometime between when I left the house for work Tuesday and when I got home, it came to me. It's The Postcard Quilt.

Made with two different blocks - you know, the front of the postcard "A" and the back "B" - each block measuring 4"x6" finished. Holly said it best, "So these are fronts and backs of postcards with the line being the divide between the text and the address?" Exactly.

Block "A" is simple - cut 4 1/2" x 6 1/2". I thought larger scale prints gave that picturesque feel of a real postcard.

Here's how to make block "B".
Cut piece #1: 4" wide x 4 1/2" tall.
Cut piece #2: 1" wide x 4 1/2" tall.
Cut piece #3: 2 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" tall.
Stitch piece #1 to piece #2 and press. Add piece #3 and press.
Chain-piecing is a great method for these blocks. I'd just recommend pressing seam #1/#2 before adding piece #3. It really seemed to make a difference. Also, I chose to use 2 different text prints for each "B" block, giving it just enough differentiation between the message and address sides of the postcard.

As far as the nitty gritty goes for this quilt, fabric was Anna Maria Horner for the "A" blocks. I'm kind of embarrassed I forgot I had this little bundle after making my mini Swoon. But I came across it and thought it was perfect for this little quilt. For block "B", I obviously used a variety of text prints + a mix of gray solids. Quilting was a random organic straight stitch with a variegated Aurifil 50wt #4060 ("Silver Moon").

1. The variegation in the thread didn't really show up much in the finished quilt, but it made me happy just the same.
2. In this instance, by "random organic straight stitch," I mean I stitched along seam lines vertically with my walking foot, then matchstick quilted down the solid grays, and in the other areas, stitched in 1/4"-3/8" intervals. Not scientific but it worked for me.

Binding was a red herringbone, Apple of My Eye by Riley Blake Designs, which  I had just used, but didn't remember until I was sewing it on. But that's fine. It's a great little print.

 This mini finished at 24" square, and I confess I am quite fond of it.

It immediately goes back on my list of "things to do again", next time, larger. But for now, I love the concept of the postcard blocks, and I'm pleased as can be with this first execution. I hope you like it too.

If you happen to make your own project with the postcard blocks, I'd love to have you share it in my flickr group, Quilting with A Quilter's Table.

Linking up with Finish It Up Friday and Fabric Tuesday.