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Mini Mix Tapes (A {lovely} finish)

This evening I completed my mini quilt for the IG Mini Swap!



And an interesting bit of fussy cutting!

It started as a single half-sized mix tape block I made on a whim. I made this lonely block eight friends in loads of different scraps of fabric, then wrapped them all in a huge amount of white fabric.
I even pressed it before I basted it!

That huge amount of white open space required quilting. It's a like a garden after fresh snowfall - I couldn't wait to make loads of footprints in it.

I spent most of yesterday quilting this up, and I will confess that by the time I had finished I had a few doubts. I wasn't sure about the curve in the quilting - straight diagonal lines may have been better.... but thanks to the lovely people of Instagram, I think I'm happy with it again.

I picked some of my favourite tried and tested free motion motifs - matchsticks, circles and figure eights - I also added in some fans which I've only done once before, and a brand new pattern of circles and semi circles.

Binding was a challenge. I really wasn't sure what fabric to use. After a bit of help from Instagram and family members I went for Domino Dot in black. I cut it 2.25" wide (narrower than normal for me) and I stitched it by hand to back to make it as narrow as possible.

I'm pleased this is finished - I just need a few extras before the posting deadline of early December, but I'm also pleased how it is finished. I love the mix tape block (obviously) and I'm getting more and more confidence in my free motion quilting, so that I now really enjoy making those first footprints in the snow.


The finished quilt is 24" x 24". It's pieced and quilted in Aurifil 50w.
Fabrics included: the background is Kona white; the backing (not shown) is Ikea Nummer Britten (not very original); the binding is Domino Dot in black; other selected fabrics include:Cotton and Steel basics; Pearl Bracelets; Dreamin Vintage from Art Gallery; Nature Elements from Art Gallery; Tula Pink; Color Me Happy from Moda; Kona solids; a little bit of Bonnie and Camille from Moda; Carnaby Street from Art Gallery....

Just a quick footnote: you may have seen my original mix tape quilt a few weeks ago. I made it for a thirteen-year-old who needs a heart transplant. Over the last few days she has deteriorated. If prayer is what you do, then please include her in your thoughts. If prayer isn't your thing, please cross you fingers that a heart can be found for her in the next few days.


The mini mix tapes quilt is my goal for November in A Lovely Year of Finishes

A Lovely Year of Finishes 
And was also on my Q4 Finish Along list.

Finish Along 2014

Comments

Ellyn said…
this is so wonderful! I loved watching it come together on instagram & I think the curved quilting adds some wonderful movement to the quilt. Whoever gets it will be very lucky (which group are you in?). Also, praying for a heart...
pennydog said…
Brilliant quilting. Crossing my fingers...
Wendy said…
The quilting is just beautiful! I love that it curves, it adds so much interest. So sad to hear about the little girl.
Anita said…
Lovely modern quilt, and the quilting is very appropriate!
jednoiglec said…
Oh, you've pieced so many wonderful mix tapes! Quilt looks wonderful and the quilting is great!

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