Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Blue Embroidered Flimsy & Purple Embroidered Flimsy

I'm home from retreat but before I left, I completed two flimsies from my 'to do list' that I posted about in January. Blue embroidered blocks was #11 on that list.

I've pulled the blue embroidered blocks that I posted about in July. I purchased these embroidered blocks from the resale table at the Jane Stickle retreat several years ago. There were 21 blocks in the bag, I appliqued 4 blocks to make a square quilt.

The blocks finish at 12" and I used the sashing design that was used in the feathered star wall quilt aka known as Radiant Blues. The pattern for Radiant Blues is found in the January/February 2007 issue of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine and was designed by Marsha McCloskey. I had to modify the pattern to fit the size of the blocks.

The next picture is take from the side.



The flimsy size is 96" by 97".

There is a slight color difference between the blocks and the white sashing. 

After the blue flimsy was finished, it was time for the purple embroidered blocks (number 12 on the list). I used the same sashing design for these blocks as I did for the blue blocks. It's just an unusual setting and I think it brings the blocks to life. I also added applique blocks to the embroidered blocks so I could make the quilt square. All the blocks finish at 16.5".

I took some pictures to show you the progress as I worked. The first picture is with the sashing added between the blocks.


Now the sashing rows have been added. What a difference the sashing makes!


This is a closeup of a bottom section.


After the 3" wide sashing is added, a 1" finished sashing with a square finishes the design. That is boring sewing but so necessary. I didn't take a separate picture. Next a 2" finished background border was added then the 1" finished checkerboard border.


The embroidered blocks look rather blah in this picture. The outside border is a darker purple that will finish at 4.5".

Here is a close-up picture of the various borders. The fabrics look more blue than purple in the pictures.

This flimsy measures 98" by 99".

I'm glad to have these flimsies completed and they've been delivered to Calico Point to be machine completed. I'll be displaying the finished quilts to you sometime in February.

These are the last of the projects to be completed this year on the long long list of projects for 2025.

There will be a 2025 wrap-up in December. In January I will share the 2026 list with you. It won't be quite as intensive as this year's list.

Linking to To Do Tuesday, Wednesday Wait Loss, Needle & Thread Thursday, Put Your Foot Down, Free Motion Mavericks, TGIFF!, Finished or Not Friday, Off the Wall Friday, Beauty Pageant, Patchwork & Quilts

14 comments:

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

Your quilts are just gorgeous, and the sashing is incredible. Those tiny pieces would curl up and never lie flat for me! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Kathy S. said...

Your design choices to make these blocks sparkle are beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

JCH said...

Just beautiful Gretchen and very interesting borders. 😊

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

Those are both just beautiful, Gretchen! That sashing is the perfect finish for the beautiful embroidered blocks.

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

Wow way to get your list done! Both tops are so pretty--the embroidery is amazing--and your applique blocks perfectly compliment them. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/11/26/wednesday-wait-loss-460

Kat Scribner said...

Amazing and Gorgeous !!

Rebecca Grace said...

Gretchen, I'm so impressed by what you've done with these embroidered blocks. If there was a prize for the Best Use of UFOs from the Resale Table, you'd be the winner for sure. That sashing design has a pixellated effect that complements the cross stitched embroidery so effectively, and both quilt tops are so harmonious with your additions of sashing and appliqué that, if you entered them into a show, everyone would be clamoring for the patterns.

PaintedThread said...

It's stunning. I love the sashing.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

These are amazing, Gretchen! I love the sashing and borders for these quilts. Beautiful job. Happy Thanksgiving.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Amazing borders on these amazing quilts. Always enjoy seeing your posts.

Lin said...

Two gorgeous flimsies - that sashing really does set off the embroidery beautifully. And I love your applique additions. xx

Lisa in Port Hope said...

It's wonderful that you could take those blocks to a finished quilt.

Michele McLaughlin said...

Fantastic work Gretchen! You have accomplished so much this year! I love how you used these blocks, really fantastic pieces! Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Gwyned Trefethen said...

This could be called the Mrs. Murphy's Chowder quilt. I love how you took found blocks, a sashing setting, a layout, etc. and came out with something delicious and uniquely yours.