One of my non-negotiables for 2022 is to donate at least one quilt to a children’s charity each quarter. Quilts for Kids is my charity of choice for 1st Qtr 2022. I participated in an online QAL hosted by Cozy Color Quilts. Over the past six weeks, each participant was invited to piece a quilt top using a modified version of Beth Ann’s Homebody Quilt pattern. At the conclusion of the QAL, participants were instructed to complete the quilt using the Quilts for Kids’ specifications and mail the laundered quilt to the group’s national headquarters.
I added two parameters for this endeavor: (1) all fabrics, batting and thread had to come from my stash and (2) machine quilting would be done by me.
I don’t keep a lot of yardage on hand, so the scrappy version became my choice. Blocks were constructed using leftover 10″ squares from various Lori Holt collections with Shabby Cloud (Beehive) as the background fabric. Backing fabric choices in my stash are rather limited. I decided to “borrow” some gray-brown polka dot yardage earmarked for another project. It coordinates very nicely with the colors in the quilt top and any machine quilting in an off white/yellow thread color will blend with the backing fabric. Combined with a yellow print binding, this makes a quilt that’s suitable for a boy or girl.
Next time I make this quilt: (Psst: it will be a surprise for a super special somebody who’s about to retire!)
Use only 3 colors for the quilt: (a) a patterned focus fabric, (b) dark contrast for the Flying Geese blocks and (c) a light to medium tone on tone for the background (light blue, turquoise, gray, green or beige).
Backing should be a light to medium all over print that coordinates with the front.
Consider a muted plaid, check or stripe for the binding.
Press all seams open – make seams as flat as possible (spray, tailor’s clapper, mallet)
Use the same sewing machine and 1/4″ foot for the entire project.
Use a scant 1/4″ seam.
Machine quilt using using crosshatching or an allover E2E design.
Come Stitch With Me, LLC 