Grecian Waters HSTs - Return of a WIP

Does this picture remind you of an old project of mine?

Well, if it does, you sure aren't wrong. In late winter 2012 I started my first (and so far only) all solids quilt with a FQ bundle in my favourite colours that I'd got for Christmas. In a sewing frenzy I managed to finish the HST top just in time to enter it in the Emerald Quilt Challenge at a²(w), top only category, and placed second. Whooo, that was so exciting.

My plans for finishing this beauty included lots of handquilting with blue and aqua threads and, unfortunately, an utter indecisiveness whether I liked the size as it is -  approx. 1,42 m x 1,86 m (56'' x 73'') - or would prefer adding a border to make it bigger, especially wider. So I got sidetracked. For a long long time.

Now, however, is the time to revive this WIP, all due to a lovely project by Molli Sparkles. Back in the day I'd considered adding a border in Kona Sage, thus picking up the "dominant" colour in the top, the one of the hearts. Molli's squares and prepped fabrics have altered my mind, though. I've fallen heavily for the teal/lilac combo and am determined to choose a solid from the purple spectrum to add some spark and unexpected warmth which will contrast with the cooler aquas and greens. Im thinking about 20 to 25 cm each side to bring the quilt to a snuggly 1,80 m x 2,20 m (71'' x 86,6''). I think a purple colour will also make for a great backing to which I could add single leftover HST blocks.

So much for inspiration and excited plans. But which colour will it be? I'm drawn to a darker tone such as Berry, Hibiscus, or Eggplant to play up the contrast but have trouble making up my mind. Haha. Let's hope this doesn't turn into a stashed-away WIP again so soon after its resuscitation.

Happy sewing!

Lots of Loot and a Giveaway

I've not been too well physically this week but the postman and Fiona of Finding Fifth have sure known to cheer me up! Plus, we've finally found *our* wedding bands!

First, on Tuesday I freed some patterns - snapped up at a sale - from Customs.

Only to come home to a delivery from the Fat Quarter Shop.

From left to right: Nursery Basics in Earth; Kona Cottons in Wine & Pepper for my Polaroid blocks; Kona Cottons in Blush Pink, Dusty Blue & Medium Pink for a Kirby pillow like this one; Cotton Couture in Nite and the Cotton Couture Colour card.

I've wanted to have a look at the Cotton Coutures for a while to check them out and ordered blue for the inside of my wedding purse. It looks gorgeous and feels so nice. The weave is a bit finer than the Kona Cottons - no reason to give up the Konas which still offer a multiple in colour options, but certainly a go to for the slightly more special project, I'm sure.

I'm glad to have finally invested in colour cards, did I mention that I got the Kona colour card a few weeks back? No more guessing at the screen - I feel so professional now. Ha! Also, I'm falling more and more in love with solids on their own and not just as complementory to prints.

And then, on Wednesday I wake up to an email by Fiona telling me that I won a layer cake of Sew Stitchy in her blogiversary giveaway. How exciting!

Well, with all that loot and luck on my side, I think it's time to pay it forward. As hinted at before, I'll be giving away one of my Echo sunflower pillowcases (sans insert to make posting easier). Either the brown or the multicoloured one, winner's choice! Measurements are 40cm² or approx. 16''.

For a chance to win simply leave me a comment and make sure that I can contact you by having an email address on your profile or leaving one in your comment. If I can't contact you there'll be a re-draw. Other than that, no hoops. I'd sure love if this went to a regular reader, but I won't make following me an obligation. Of course, you're free to share the giveaway with your friends.

The giveaway is open internationally and ends Saturday July 7 at 8:00pm CET (Central European Time). I'll announce the winner on Sunday July 8.

Good luck and happy sewing!