Friday, November 11, 2011

Mini quilt challenge



Amy over at amylouwho offered up a mini quilt challenge and I knew I wanted to join in.  Though I'm generally a bed size quilt maker I often make mini quilts.  It's usually wayward blocks from a larger quilt.  Like this one.


Which is actually double sided because I had two wayward blocks.



This particular mini will probably end up being a Christmas gift at an annual dinner at my daughters' school.  I'll pair it with a jar candle in a coordinating color.  But it really doesn't matter what I end up doing with it because the fun of mini quilts for me isn't the ultimate purpose but rather the satisfaction of making them.  Making large quilts takes time but mini's can come together in a matter of hours.

And some days I just want  need the satisfaction of a completed project. 




Here's a little tip that helps with the whole needing-to-complete-something-creative-today-so-that-I-feel-sane thing, whenever I make binding for a large quilt, I always make extra.  Always.  On purpose.  Then I keep the extra binding handy for littler projects as they come up. 

Alrighty.

Go check out the mini quilt challenge and link up for changes to win some great prizes.  That's what I'm off to do now.

-dana

25 comments:

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

I've got a box filled with lots of leftover binding too -- it does come in handy! You will make someone happy with this little mini-gift.

Debbie said...

Wow - how darling for you to use USE blocks for the front & back - so cute. And love your idea about binding. Looks yummy!

Bree said...

Oh, I really love the idea of adding a mini to a jar candle as a gift - I've always wondered what on earth to do with minis. Love the churn dash block!

trish said...

Fabulous mini Dana!
And what a great tip!
All that binding looks so
pretty in the basket. :o)
Have a nice weekend.
hugs. Trish

Pamela said...

Love your quilt and love the idea of using left over blocks to make minis. I all about instant gratification!! I see many minis in my future. Thanks for the tip. Happy Weekend.

Elizabeth Dackson said...

Love the idea with the binding! I, too, usually wind up with leftovers...but not on purpose, usually by accident, but I love the idea of doing it on purpose for minis and potholders and such! I love your mini, and your big churn dash quilt that it came from, too!

Kim said...

Uh oh Dana your link isn't working over at the mini quilt show.
I have a basket just like yours filled with binding leftovers, but mine is because I suck at math and just make more than enough to get the job done!

Happy sewing

Kar said...

Love the mini quilt! So many possibilities can be created with something little like that. Premade binding is such a great idea for fast projects. Thanks for the tip. :)

Twinfibers said...

Fun! And all that binding in the basket is so pretty! :)

Valerie said...

Dana - this looks awesome! And I love the tip about making extra binding - that is so useful!

Megan said...

Super cute! Instant gratification projects are the best! :)

Jeannette said...

Love the binding tip! I always have some left over, but it's not always enough to do anything with. :)

twelfthzodiac said...

That is the best (& only) basket of binding I have ever seen! Awesome!
I like the muted tones of your mini...the one I came *this close* to finishing is so bright, it's nice to change speeds.

Dayna said...

The color scheme of this is refreshing and calming. I really love your idea of pairing it with a jar candle, and also your idea of making extra binding.

Kristin said...

Wow, look at you with all that extra binding! What a great idea. I'm going to start doing that (I'm a newbie, so great ideas like this are SO helpful!) I also love the mini & its colors.

Meg said...

That is a great idea about the binding! Definitely going to be using that idea! Love your mini! Great colors!

Heather said...

Beautiful use of those orphaned blocks! Your quilting looks so nice, too. That will be a great gift!

tara said...

Very nice. I have put this block on my inspiration list

Rene' said...

Great mini Dana! Love the neutrals and double sided feature. I also try and make extra binding to have on hand. Thanks for generously donating to Amy's party prizes ;-)

amylouwhosews said...

You are a genius with the binding!!!! Love your mini. And thanks for being one of the first to offer up a prize!

Kirsten said...

Love your mini quilt!!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to always have some binding strips on hand! Love it!

Wendy P said...

I'm glad I am not the only one with a stash of pre-made/leftover binding! I just need to learn to make small quilts so I can use them up!

**nicke... said...

that basket full of binding is a glorious sight. if i lived next door to you i would be constantly borrowing from your binding basket. i would give you fabric to make more though... ;)

rc cars said...

Well, that is a gorgeous, quilt, Attractive thing of your quilt is that border, which is beautiful and the perfect compliment! I sure you enjoyed your weekend full of joy.