Water Wheel

Water Wheel

I had such a great time stitching this fun little quilt!  Even though the fabric has flowers, I’m calling it Water Wheel to reflect the motion of the block and the water inspired colors.

I used my Turnstile pattern and changed it a bit by using fewer fabrics and making the centers the same color as the background.  My original plan was to use the same four fabrics in each block, but a quick photo of the layout on my design wall showed me that the motion of the pattern was lost.  I cut a few more squares for the center block and rearranged the ones I had and am much happier with it!

I couldn’t believe how quickly this top came together once the cutting was done and the layout decided.  First stitch to last took only three hours – and I am not a fast sewist.  It is also true that the quilt is only 41″ square 🙂

The quilting took a bit more time.  I was tempted to do spiral quilting like I did on the original version.  It seemed perfect for the water idea, but I wanted to do something different.  You may recall that free motion quilting is not my strong suit, but I’ve become decent enough at doing an abstract leaf pattern.  I tried to make the leaves longer, as opposed to rounder, to reflect the look of actual tulip leaves.  It took me longer to quilt this baby than it did to piece it!

The back of the quilt

The quilting is pretty dense – I have a hard time with less dense free motion.  I think it is because I am focused on the small area around my hands, so my shapes stay fairly small, even when I try not to let them.

The fabric is from the Palm Springs collection by Michele D’Amore for Benartex and Robert Kaufman Kona Solids in White and Astral (binding).

All in all, I’m quite happy with this little quilt and am glad to have another sample for my class in Chattanooga.

I’m
linking up with the fantastic crazymomquilt’s Finish It Up Friday – something I
haven’t done for ages!

1 Comment
  • Leanne
    Posted at 12:32h, 26 June Reply

    I really love this in prints!

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