String Basket Quilt

Sometimes you don't know. And then when you know, you know.

You know what I mean?  No? Let me explain.

I didn't know where this quilt would go, or what purpose it would serve, when I first started piecing it.  Initially it was just about using up scraps and playing along with a block swap. 

Fast-forward a few years and I was talking to my fairy quilt mother (aka my local longarmer who did the lovely quilting on Made in Color and Sassafras Leaves) and she told me about a fantastic organization that her guild was sewing for, called Positive Tomorrows. The non-profit provides school and education for homeless children in the OKC metro.  As someone who is married to a public school educator, I can only imagine what challenges home students and their teachers face.

When Diane told me what a need there was these children, and her guild's ongoing commitment to wrap those kids in a homemade quilt, I knew I had a top that meant to go to this cause.  I called my local quilt store and rented a few hours on their longarm, and BAM. Finally, this scrap basket quilt is quilted and has a purpose!

I absolutely loved quilting this, it was like a treasure hunt! With each block I re-discovered pops of patterns and hidden gems as I traveled over the blocks. 

I wanted to contrast the geometric lines with some movement in the quilting, so it has pebbles in the white lattice and swirly curves in the striped sections.

If there wasn't already a caucophony of color, the finishing touches were a bright purple backing and swirly rainbow binding.  

Last week this quilt joined a tall pile of beauties that the OKMQA members have been making for the special students of Positive Tomorrows. No matter where I go, or what guild I visit, the quilters I meet always inspire me, great job, OKMQA!

Cause: Positive Tomorrows
Size: 36 x 48"

Fabrics:  Assorted (block swap)

Binding: Circle Play by Henry Glass

Pattern: 6.5" String Blocks 

Quilting: Longarm (HandiQuilter Avante) - Pebbles and Curves 

Completed: July 2017