Pieced baskets will be the border on three sides of this quilt. Karen has lovely baskets with handles on her quilt but that means applique. I don't want to be distracted from appliqueing Star Dance by starting another applique project.
I googled foundation paper pieced baskets and found this link for the Cake Basket block. Karen's baskets finish at 5 1/2" while this pattern is 6" finished. I'm reducing the size to 5" and going with the paper pieced pattern. I can piece faster than I can applique. By using a 5" block I can add a narrow border on the outside of the quilt. I think that gives a nice finish to a pieced border.
Right now the center measures 93" x 103". I may need to add some spacers between the basket blocks but I'll worry about that when they're finished.
I'm going to try to have the baskets completed in May and hopefully finish the top this month. I used to help with the spring field work, getting the crops planted but not anymore. I won't be on farming duty until the hay fields have grown enough to make hay which will be several weeks. I'm still in the barn twice daily though with dairy cow chores.
Linking to Whatever Wednesday, Needle & Thread Thursday, Finished Or Not Friday, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, TGIFF!, Finish It Up Friday, Show Off Saturday
I like this top just as it is. Sometimes so many think if you have open spaces you need to applique something or quilt something fancy in it - I like it empty like that and knowing me I would want the quilting to not be real slow and would quilt a grid on the whole quilt.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a plan and it will work for you.
ReplyDeletewonderful project with so many possibilities
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteWow, this really turned out lovely! Don't you think?! The 9-patch is one of my favorite blocks, and all the different fabrics you chose are just fab. This really makes me smile with all the colors! Baskets do not have to have handles, I don't think. Do what makes your heart sing - it is already beyond beautiful. ~smile~ Roseanne
Thanks Roseanne, I like it too., I love 9-patches! I already have a double 9-patch quilt for our bed. If I didn't, I'd be tempted to just make this center larger and go with it that way. I think I'm going to like the baskets though and hope to get started on them today. Happy stitching!
DeleteThis looks amazing as is! So much great color, and the white spaces set it all off. The basket is a nice pattern and will make a lovely border. Hve fun!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning! I can't wait to see your finished border!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I’m randomly sewing nine patches, and this is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a bright, fun quilt -- that took lots and lots of time to make! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be another stunner Gretchen! You do so well with scrappy! ME-has to be a controlled scrappy!
ReplyDelete