Saturday, September 1, 2018

All Spruced Up

I have a new quilt finish to share. It is the modern Christmas tree quilt block tutorial from Diary of a Quilter.

All Spruced Up

I first came across this block when Molli Sparkles included it in the Honey Pot Bee.
It was such a fun block. It has the tiniest bit of improv, because how you make the two cuts are up to you. That is liberating. At the same time, since the overall block has a fixed dimension, the craziness (of improv) is completely controlled.

Honey Pot Bee blocks

Also, it is a simple block that is perfect for beginners. Therefore, I chose this quilt block as a Block of the Month for my Guild last year and it was met with enthusiasm.

More blocks = More fun

But I was still not done with it. So I decided to make a few more blocks and turn it into a quilt.
As I arranged the blocks on the design wall to make sure that there was contrast between adjacent trees, Paul stepped into the area.

On the Design Wall

Paul: These trees are crooked.
Me: That is what a nasty person will say
Paul: Well, what do YOU say?
Me: I'd say that they are gently swaying in the breeze
Paul: Aren't you trying to hide your incompetence with clever words?
Me: Aren't you missing the forest for the trees?
Paul: A whole forest? 
Me: Uh Huh!
Paul: What are you calling this one?
Me (flashing a big smile): All Spruced Up.
Paul: Gosh, you are so full of it.
Me: And you are so out it. Go away.

Speaking of the breeze, it was a challenge to get a good still shot of the flimsy due to the said breeze. Even a gentle breeze is detrimental to photo shoots. Sandra took the next three pictures as I battled the breeze, the flimsy all over me.

Hugged by the Flimsy

The struggle is real

On the banks of Lake Ontario, Canada

I did heed Paul's advice when it came to the backing. Instead of half and half, I made an additional cut and turned it into a quartered layout.
Quartered Layout for Pieced Backing

Even tried quilting it a little differently. Still using a walking foot, I echoed the tree outlines. I think it gives it a modern vibe to the quilt. What do you think?

Echo Quilting

I chose a purple binding to contrast with the reds and greens. The quilt finished at about 49" by 54". I am sure the right recipient will get it at the right time.

Purple Binding

I know that it is late for the "Christmas in July" shindig.
And it is too early for the actual Christmas this year.


Labelled

Which makes it just perfect for me.  After all I dance to my own beat.
I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties, see full list on the sidebar.


Before I leave to enjoy my long weekend, I have two more things to share

1. Connecting Threads is having a site-wide sale, ending on 9/3/18.


 I just bought wide backing fabrics because they were less than $9/yard. Expected next week.


2. Quilters Meet and Greet begins on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. Miss it at your own risk.

Hope you have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

51 comments:

  1. Love your quilt, great pattern (love improv!) and your quilting is perfect. See you September 4th for Quilters Meet & Greet ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a fun block for anyone but your colors and combos really make it sing. Another one to add to my "must-make" list.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Doesn't Paul understand the concept of wonky? Hee! Hee!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Preeti! I think spruce trees are in season all the time. They are evergreen for a reason. This is a really fun quilt and boy howdy did it challenge you for a picture! How fun that you get to spend time with Sandra!! Fabulous finish and thanks for the links. I need some extra-wide backing, and I'll check out the quilt tutorial as well. ~smile~ Roseanne

    ReplyDelete
  5. So many cute trees! I must say, with all the flimsy photo foibles, that you wear it well! Haha! Your timing of your finish is, of course, right on schedule - not too late, not too early, eh? Congrats on a great finish, Preeti! This will bring someone much joy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love it! Your photo shoot comments are so funny! And that purple binding so bold! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cute, Cute, Cute! Great job, Preeti.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fun, fun, fun! Looks as though the photo shoot was, too! Glad you didn’t sail away, like Mary Poppins!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love these Christmas trees and wonky is so cute. I'm with you on trees sway in the breeze. Lol great answers. I've put this quilt on my list.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Just love it! So funky and fun. Love the asymmetry.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Absolutely love your Christmas trees! I think I'm going to have to make some for me! BTW, men just don't get it when it comes to design!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great quilt (poor Paul who doesn't "get it"). I want to make one of these -- debating whether to go with the Christmas approach or make one for the rest of the year (perhaps rainbow colors for RSC next year).

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such fun blocks and they make for a super colorful quilt! I may have to make one too!! Bravo!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really like your fabric collection in this one and the quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great quilt! Glad neither one of you was lost in the wind, and that the flimsy came home to be quilted. I took note that it's an excellent block to introduce beginners to improv. Thanks for the tip.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Love the trees, they have a whimsy feel.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A very fun Christmas quilt-it's great to be ready early:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This looks great! I have a few of these kicking around that need to be made into a quilt sometime as well.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Trees are one of my favorite quilting blocks!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Gosh this is a beautiful finish--and of course the wind is blowing through the fir trees ! I mean, anyone can see that ;)) lol
    All you need is a little imagination, right? Hugs, Julierose

    ReplyDelete
  21. I've made one of these quilts, on a smaller scale. It was a lot of fun to make. Mine was finished on my own schedule too.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Preeti. What a lovely quilt! I always prefer Christmas quilts that are Christmas colors, but not all Christmas prints. I think it makes them more classic looking. If the trees were perfectly straight, the quilt would have a totally different, and more static mood. It is so much more fun the way you did it. Bout I do agree that the way you did the back was more interesting than just halves. Love the unexpected choice of purple for the binding. I always enjoy your blog posts so much! Can't wait to see what you get up to next!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such a fun quilt! The are definitely gently swaying trees (though you could tell Paul that all the trees are from Oklahoma, where the strong winds often have all the trees leaning towards the north). Have a great holiday weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I like this block! And turning into a forest was a great idea.
    Thanks for the reminder of the Meet and Greet. Since your reminder is just in time, I may make it. FYI your dance and beat are perfect for Preeti! It's part of why we all love you!.

    ReplyDelete
  25. As soon as I read that Paul was entering the room, I knew it was going to be a fun read. And, you did not disappoint. Heehee. I have been wanting to make that forest as well. Just need to make the time. Stitching around the trees is a great idea and it makes them 3 D. I would never have thought of purple binding-great idea. Such a fun quilt. mary

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a great pattern and I love your fabric choices. Nothing better than getting hugged by a quilt flimsy;-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Aah, those trees. I love the way they gently sway in the wind and look all funky and fun. Your forest is adorable! It looks like you had fun taking the pics. Isn't it a treat to get a hug from a flimsy?? :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. It looks great. I love that you share your conversations with Paul -- it always makes me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This is such a happy quilt. I love the pattern. The quilting is perfect and how great that you have a quilt ready for the holidays which will be here before you know it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Love this! You did a great job coordinating fabrics and having good contrast. Take away Paul's badge and put him in jail for quilt police:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Awesome forest. The quilting looks so cool on the back.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Haha....love the conversation with your Paul! This is such a fun quilt oozing with cheery pattern and colour! Fabulous backing and the quilting is perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've always loved these trees and your quilt is wonderful! They may be simple blocks, but so effective! Love the photos too!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Those trees are so much fun! They are definitely both modern and whimsical. All kinds of scraps and different prints work well together in this one!

    ReplyDelete
  35. cute trees ... looks easy and relaxing to make

    ReplyDelete
  36. I totally agree, this is such a fun and fast block to sew! And I love your striped trees :)

    Your quilting idea echoing the trees is lovely. If one didn't need to bury so many threads that way...

    ReplyDelete
  37. Very cute quilt! I've been meaning to make one of these for awhile now.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love that Christmas tree block, and your version is one of my favorites of all the ones I've seen. Diary of a Quilter -- that's an Amy Smart pattern, right? And I always enjoy the Preeti & Paul dialogues. "That is what a nasty person would say" -- Hah! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wonderful Christmas quilt, done in plenty of time. Love the liberated trees, even if Paul doesn’t!

    ReplyDelete
  40. The right quilt finish for this time of the year, prepared well ahead for the festive season! Great quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love this pattern. The tops of the trees makes a cool wonky triangle pattern. I may try it with brights and white. I love the way you put together different fabric for this planned scrappy look.

    ReplyDelete
  42. It's so fun reading the conversations between you and Paul! The quilt looks great, and I agree with you, the trees are bowing in the wind, and the quilting works wonderfully!

    ReplyDelete
  43. loved your link and love All Spruced Up Thanks for the laughter too. Cheers Glenda

    ReplyDelete
  44. a new follower here! love your quilt-this has been on my list for a while but think i need to do one now!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a beautiful quilt with a great back, too. I know your guild had fun with this block. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Love everything about your quilt, it's modern and just great. I like how you're made the backing splitting the two larger pieces of fabric to make those four sections.

    ReplyDelete
  47. It is a beautiful quilt, and yes, the quilting is perfect for it!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I've made two of these quilts myself, and I love your color palette. Your use of bold geometrics is especially brilliant! : )

    ReplyDelete