Determined to work with my Fat Quarter bundle of City Weekend fabrics, and having new found enthusiasm for all things "cross quilt" I have started a new project inspired by the pictured pillow (left) by Zum-Zum on Flickr.
There are countless variations of cross quilts but this particular layout really appealed. Featuring straight lines and simple piecing it truly reflects my favorite kind of repetitive piecing and overall design.
I was happy to find some free time on the weekend to sew, and wasted none of it:
I was happy to find some free time on the weekend to sew, and wasted none of it:
I have enjoyed making these simple blocks and although my initial thought was to piece a nine-patch block, this method was soon replaced by using a single strip of fabric for the center of each block. The blocks were orientated according to the center strip; alternating a vertical strip block with a horizontal strip block. This also meant that the seams all nicely locked together when the blocks were pieced together.
For the background fabric I have used a Handkerchief Linen (55% cotton, 45% linen) in a neutral color. The linen blend is a little more difficult to work with, but does add a nice texture to the quilt. I have also pre-washed the linen blend fabric to remove shrinkage (I don't otherwise pre-wash cotton fabrics).
Today, I am piecing some borders. I think the quilt top calls for a burst of color.
What are you working on today?
Loving this one! That linen IS adding lovely texture ;)
ReplyDeleteLove that. I wasn't so sure about the City Weekend line, but the more I see of it, the more it's starting to grow on me.
ReplyDeleteI ♥ crosses, too! This one is sweet!
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt! I'm getting ready to teach that block to my sewing class and will be sure to show them this as something they could make with the block!
ReplyDeleteToday I have been working on moving my sewing studio from a little room (plus the dining room, the top of the piano, beside my bed, and on the guest room bed) into a bigger room! Whew!!!
this is so pretty!!!
ReplyDeleteWorking on reorganizing my sewing room. Again. Oh, and gazing longingly at City Weekend. Oh, how I love the turquoise/orange combination...
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. Can't wait to see this one finished!
ReplyDeleteThese are just great so bright and cheerful and from the looks of it so easy.
ReplyDeletehugs
Nan
These are just lovely! I, too, am big on the cross blocks and am glad to hear your tips! City Weekend is such a cheery collection, good choice :)
ReplyDeleteLove the method of piecing! I like simple :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm working on making loads of stroller quilts, baby burp cloths, zipper pouches, lap quilts, sewing machine covers (etc) for a craft fair I'm a part of in December.... sorta scared, but I think it will be a blast! ;-)
I love you City Weekend cross quilt. I am working on a City Weekend project using my favourite Bella solid - robins egg, as the background.
ReplyDeleteToo too cute! I just finished two quilt tops with Jodi at Pleasant Home's "Sew Scraps Along" and I've got two other scrap quilts in progess but I think this will be next. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThat is a darling quilt. I haven't seen that fabric line before and I agree with life a colorful life about the colors. Love them!
ReplyDeleteAnother LOVELY!!!! This is stunning and look forward to seeing it complete with borders!
ReplyDeleteI think the strip in the center makes the ctoss lay better, looking like an actual cross. Very pretty as always.
ReplyDeleteoops, cross not ctoss. Let's blame that on small keyboard fat fingers.
ReplyDeleteFun and fresh! You always choose great blocks to showcase pretty fabrics. Can't wait to see what the border is!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteAhhh...so sweet! I love that you show the process.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, Rita! I love how the City Weekend prints look on those long center strips. Very eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteTonight, my plan is to do a little pressing and cutting of scraps for a patchwork pillow for my grandmother--working on Christmas presents, as it's nearly November already! *panic!*