Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Playground Days - Done!

So once I got the center blocks pieced and connected I was ready to add the border.  The pattern has some sunburst blocks made from Marti Michelle templates in each outer corner.  I decided to skip the optional sunshine corner blocks and just go with the border pattern all the way around.



But once I got the border most of the way around, I decided the top looked better with the sunshine blocks as opposed to without them, and really, doesn't every Playground Day need some sunshine.

I didn't have the Marti Michell template set called for in the pattern so I just selected a sunshine block from my EQ7 software.




I figured it would take me a couple of hours to paper piece the 4 corner blocks, it took two days!

But I love how they turned out.




And now Playground Days is done.  I started this project at this time for a couple of reasons, first, I'm wanting to make a few more modern quilts and I thought this was a good start, not over the top modern but definitely a change of pace for me. Also, I'm wanting to piece a modern Gypsy Kisses top and I think getting used to working with more modern fabric before I start would be good for me,  so I went with some Denyse Schmidt fabric from several different lines.  At first I was out of my comfort zone, but by the time I was piecing those sunshine corner blocks, I loved all the fabric and how it went together.



This is Lifetime Quilt Number 127
The pattern is Playground Days from the Material Obsession 2 book by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke.
My quilt finished at 78" x 78".
The fabric is by Denyse Schmidt, several different lines.
It has approximately 1,208 pieces.

I've really warmed up to this quilt now that it's finished, and feel good about broadening my horizons.  Next up, Spiced Chai from the Vintage Quilt Revival book, another modern project.


24 comments:

  1. What a cool quilt Thelma!
    Love the sunshine blocks... they do look challenging to make!

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  2. Those sunshine blocks also remind me of merry-go-rounds! Perfect for a playground!

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  3. So pretty! Good call on the sunshine blocks. They really add a lot. Worth two days of sewing!

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  4. It turned out absolutely gorgeous. Your right every playground needs some sunshine! Hope your day stays sunny. Anne D.

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  5. It's like walking on sunshine!!! So pretty, Thelma!!!

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  6. Love how these turned out! I'm impressed you got your sunshine blocks done in 2 days - they would probably take me 2 years Love these fabrics mixed together. Great start to modern quilting!

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  7. I've said it before--YOURS is my very favorite blog! You inspire this "get it done" quilter to really look at the pattern and the colors and make each quilt extra special. Thank you for sharing your home and your projects with us!

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  8. I absolutely LOVE your quilt! The fabrics are great and I love that patchy border! I think the corner blocks help to make this quilt. It's fabulous!

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  9. WOW...this is so different from your other quilts and have to say I do love it. Guess we all have times when something different just calls to us and you really struck gold with this one.
    Can't wait to see your next one......

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  10. Just GORGEOUS Thelma ! Those corner blocks really make this quilt !

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  11. Love those sunbursts......worth your time. I recently stepped out of my comfort zone and made a quilt with no pattern.......it is a tree quilt that you simply cut sew and piece together. I usually prefer control...but I thoroughly enjoyed this process and I am over the top with the finished quilt. It is basically done with the technique by Gwen Marston. If you are ever ready for a new challenge, let me know, and I will share the information. soardkg@fuse.net

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  12. This is one zingy project! My eyes are going crazy looking at it - what a fun quilt!

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  13. Good call Thelma. The sunburst blocks did it. LOVE. It's a beauty for sure.

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  14. Beautiful quilt Thelma. I love the sunshine blocks and think it was a great decision to add them. Wow, there are a lot of pieces just in those blocks alone!

    Great colors...just a happy sunshiny quilt :)

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  15. Playground Days is so beautiful! I love how you spend time out of your comfort zone and still create such stunning quilts. Well done!

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  16. I love those corner sunshine blocks. They do look like a lot of work, very impressive!

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  17. Yes! All playgrounds need sunshine. And you made an amazing job with those corner blocks. Beautiful sunshine!! I especially love the pink one. It radiates!! Gorgeous work. Congrats Thelma.
    Chantal

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  18. It is a gorgeous quilt! You make the sunshine blocks look so easy!

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  19. Thelma, I love this quilt !!! Your 'Sunshine' blocks are the perfect finishing touch and they are absolutely beautiful. I have also been trying to add some bright, cheerful and modern fabrics to my collection. After all, they do say "Variety is the Spice of Life" ! :o)
    *I can't wait to see your Playground Days all quilted and bound, it really is lovely

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  20. This is a fantastic quilt, and well done for stretching your comfort zone :-)

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  21. Thank you so much for visiting my blog :)
    I LOVED that Bungalow pattern. Everything went together so nicely! The fabric I picked for the backing was the same line as the front. I'm TRYING very hard to use up all of my older fabrics since I'm not collecting any income right now :) My pension kicks in Jan 1st when I turn 60 so it's not too bad....

    I printed off the HOOK pattern last night and I have to honestly say I'm a little nervous! It looks a little daunting! I'm taking this week to clean up some projects that are in the works right now and then I'll sit and go over Hook's instructions a little better and see how I do.

    I love your blog and projects...and I love how you have your "lifetime # " for you quilts. I wish I'd kept better track of mine :)

    Peggy

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