Monday, October 27, 2014

Patriotic X and Plus Quilt


Ages ago, the blogosphere exploded with quilts made out of “x and + blocks.” I think there was even a sewalong at one point. The small blocks are ideal for scrap busting. I always liked the pattern, but knew that controlled scrappy was more my style.



The lines of the block reminded me of the stars and stripes of the American flag, so I thought it would make a perfect Fourth of July quilt. It wasn’t until the May/June issue of Quilty that I was inspired to get started on it. Instead of the original 7.5” blocks, the Floral Breeze pattern features 20” blocks. You only need twelve of them for a 60” by 80” quilt!



The original patterns uses the same fabrics for each block, but I wanted my quilt to have more character. I raided my stash, but didn’t come up with very many red and white fabrics, so I stocked up on Hawthorne Threads. I was so enthusiastic about getting started that I neglected to make note of what fabrics I bought. I do know I bought a bunch of fabrics in multiple colors, so there’s lots of Lizzy House Pearl Bracelets, Dear Stella Zig Zags and Confetti Dots, and Riley Blake white on white basics.



In a perfect world, this quilt would be super quick to whip up. I found that I could easily knock out a block or two in an evening. However, I had several sewing distractions, so it took longer than anticipated. I started this quilt in May and finished in October. At least it will be ready for next Fourth of July!



It has been awhile since the timing has been right for me to share a quilt in the Blogger's Quilt Festival, so I’m happy to link up this time.


8 comments:

  1. This has been a favorite since the first block you made. What a fun finish - so nicely done in your 'controlled scrappy' style!

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  2. This is a real beauty!!! You've been on a roll with your awesome tops and now this quilt!! (and I love how I 'have' to shop in order to see a dream through into a new quilt ;) ) XX!

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  3. I love the boldness that the 3 colours give this quilt!!

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  4. Such a great use of your stash even if you had to supplement😊

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  5. Lovely! I love this scaled up version! I did think it would grow quickly, but I know what you mean about sewing distractions! Great use of colour.

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  6. I really like the clean lines to this quilt. The fabrics are perfect and make it very patriotic. Large blocks are fun to work with.

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  7. Just beautiful, the blocks and your colors are striking.

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  8. The large blocks, bold colors, yet calm look of this quilt is very patriotic and touching. Displaying it during the 4th of July or any patriotic holiday will evoke much emotion for the country we live in.

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