This may not seem like a huge step to experienced stash quilters but it was a big step for me. This is the backing I used for the quilt I made for my niece's third daughter. See that cat print in the middle? I've had that piece of fabric for at least four years and I like it a lot. Don't ask me why . . I don't really like cats but it just seemed like the perfect fabric to have in my stash. I only had about 1-1/4 yards of it but I never could use it. Last night as I was looking to the stash to provide a backing for Payton's quilt, this cat print kept jumping out at me. NO! I couldn't use that because if I ever need it, it wouldn't be there. I was almost to the point of using muslin for her backing and then I reasoned with myself. The cat print makes a perfect backing for a q
uilt for a 3 year old and it was a great match with the leftover border fabric from the front of the quilt, which is also going to be binding, which I'd like to get the rest of this out of my stash. So, before I could talk myself out of it, I framed that cat print with the turquoise fabric and used it! I'm so glad I did.
When I started out
making the quilts for the girls, I made Taylor's first and she likes hot pink. I thought her quilt was so pretty. Then I made Katlin's. Her favorite color is purple and I really love her quilt. Payton's is actually an extra that was made from a pattern I was testing, the colors are just a bit . . bright? weird? I don't know but I like it. Anyway, it's only 48" x 60" but I figured I'd give it to her and when she decides what her favorite color will be, I'll make her another quilt.
My favorite flower has finally decided to bloom. When I was at mom's, I think it was about July 20 that I noticed her ginger lilies were were just about to bloom. The bloom never opened up before I had to leave. I am surprised that we are 1-1/2 months behind them in our blooming season but at least I'll get a few blooms before frost. These smell so good and are so very white. I just love them! They multiply like crazy but I have to keep mine in pots. They wouldn't make it through winter here. Can't wait to live somewhere so they will grow in the ground. When they're in full bloom, mom's 
entire back yard smells like ginger lilies!
While I was trying to decide about a quilt to make for one of Chad's teachers (there are three teachers from his senior year in HS who didn't get quilts last year because I was too busy to get them made), I remembered several tops that are almost ready except for borders. This is a Stack & Whack® that was finished except for the outer border. Added that and got it quilted. The binding was already made so I'll try to get that on today. One down/two to go!
Judy L.
19 comments:
Those cats are super cute!
Purr-fect fabric for a 3 year old. Glad you decided to use it.
I love the backing on Payton's quilt...I'm thrilled to see you do that. I love to do fun things with the backs of my quilts. The star setting for the stack and whack is wonderful! You've been a very busy girl!
Bravo, Judy! There's a line from an Indigo Girls song...something like "the simplest things are the hardest to learn." Yay for making that leap! Also: you think the quilt's "bright"?!? LOL It has my ten-year-old friend's current favorite color turquoise. I think Payton will like it.
It is hard to type with my mouth hanging open.......You are simply amazing............Your quilts are stupendous............
All right, Judy!! Way to let go of that fabric and put it into something that will be loved for years and years!
Great quilts, all of them!
(Hugs)
I understand exactly what you are saying about that cat fabric; but, my new motto is "Use it up and get it out of here!" so I am using fabric I thought I would never use. If I am debating between 2 pieces of fabric, the oldest one goes first. It has been liberating to see some of these fabrics made into Quilts of Valor. I think it also adds to the quilt's story!
since I can't leave comments as usual, I'll try being anonymous!LOL
anyway, I'm proud of you using that cat fabric--I know it was hard--I have the SAME exact arguments with myself all the time--but it was purrr-fect for that quilt! Good girl. I love that quilt--not a color combination I would have thought of using, but I like it!
Good job using that fabric to piece your back. I find myself taking fabric off the shelf for backs and then having a mental tug of war about whether to use or save it for something else. I've gotten to the point that I make myself use it if it works no matter what.
I love the pinwheels in the border of Payon's quilt. What a neat idea/pattern.
Lizzy
Thanks for the link to Bethany's site. What amazing colours.
As usual, the speed with which you work has left me speechless and your marvellous quilts make my offerings look like crumpled up hankies!
Glad you used the cat fabric. Congratulations on your resolve. All of your quilts are just so adorable. I like the pinwheels in the sashing.
CONGRATS! On both of those finishes! (O heck, it is almost October & I need to border my quilt...) I have that cat fabric, are you suprised?
What is the maximum size quilt hat you can accomodate? (I have a quilt top on steroids...)
blogger ate my last two comments-the cat fabric is perfect for that back and I love those colors. you are now getting into that active groove of being a stash busting quilter-good for you! Cher
Love that quilt and find that I've been struggling with the same "I can't use it, what if I need it" problem. BRAVO! You made one giantleap.
Great quilts - both of them! And great use of your stash to put it on the back of a 3 year old's quilt - she will truly LOVE it so much more on her quilt than you ever could - honestly! These are the things that bring such delight to kids!!! So - good for you to use that fabric.
Cheers!
Evelyn
The cat print is perfect on the back of your quilt, and I love the stack and whack too. Someday I'm going to try one of those.
Beth
http://bethknits.blogspot.com/
Good job using that cat fabric for backing- very proud of you! It looks perfect with the colors, and perfect for a little girl! (FYI, I remember that bolt being for sale when I first worked at the LQS in 2000!)
Judy, Good decision to use the cat fabric. She will love it and it is a perfect match. It's funny that you use muslin for backings. I have never done that. Probably because all the quilting mistakes would show!LOL A busy backing is very forgiving!!
The Stack and Whack is great too! you are a prolific quilter and always inspiring
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