I like my curves...

Meet Kennedy. She is my second finish of 2016 and it is one WIP less.

Kennedy

Kennedy has been a long time in the making. Let's start from the beginning. Shall we?

I like my Curves. I really do. If I didn't, I would be pretty depressed because I have so many curves. In fact, I am composed entirely of curves - some small curves and some not so small curves!!!
And therefore it was only a matter of time before I embraced (or succumbed to) the magic of curves in quilting.

One day, sometime in 2014, someone at the M* quilting forum asked a question about a pattern involving curves. I answered, based on not my knowledge (I had never made a quilt with curves) but my (inadequate) visualization of the problem. An experienced quilter pointed out the error in my visualization. Darn right, I had no practical idea!!!

Time to set the record straight. How hard can this be? It is not rocket science. What is the worse that I can happen? I might ruin some fabric. I can deal with that :-)

Two fabric squares - about 8" each

Placed one on top of another

Traced Curve

I started with two squares of scrap fabric about 8 inches and started playing. I also used a large mixing bowl.  I placed the inverted mixing bowl on the two squares to draw a large arc.

Cut both along the arc

And I cut along that arc. So far - going according to plan!

Then, I switched the two pieces - the convex (fat) red with the concave (skinny) green and the fat green with the skinny red. Doing well so far!

Going in opposite directions. AARGH!!!

What? How am I suppose to sew these two pieces together if one wants to be in Seattle and the other lives in Miami?

But they do have a common meeting point, in the center of the arc. Aha, that is where I start.
Starting from the middle, I pinned the two together.

Pinned

Very gently and carefully I stitched them together.  The seamy have been a generous 1/4".

Slow Stitching

It is slow but not difficult at all.

Yay, done!!!

Yes, it will need major trimming and squaring.

The experiment was complete!!!

I like these curves. Scratch that - I fell in love with these curves. Time to make few more.  I chose pinks/purples, floral and dots - yes it is girly :-)

Fabric Audition

The blocks came together slowly but surely. It was the piecing of the top that took the longest time.  I could not decide on the layout. When I first started laying out the blocks on my design wall, I had two guiding principles
1. Do not form a complete circle.
2. Match the solids with the prints.

Layout 1

I showed it to Paul and he said  - "Your curves are all over the place. It makes my head hurt."
I replied, yes, it creates more interest this way and then I shooed him away from my design wall. What do you think? Does your head hurt too?

Then I tried another layout.

Layout 2

Although this was interesting, it somehow looked like a very hungry mushroom trying to eat a stand-up mixer.  Once again, I put away the blocks.

Come 2016, I decided that Finished is better than Perfect. Just do it, Preeti. I went with the simplest layout. Circles!!!  I figured the fabric will create the interest and the pattern can be simple. What do you think?

Pieced

Here is the best part of the story. As soon as I started quilting, I also started thinking - What shall I name this one?

Finished

That is when Joyce saw it.

Joyce: Ooh can I have that one?
Me: Sure, you can have anything. But you already have a quilt.
Joyce: Not for me, silly. I have the best quilt in the whole world.
Me: (Blush)
Joyce: It is for Caroline's new baby. She is due soon.
Me: What is the baby's name?
Joyce: Kennedy.

Full Circles

At an angle

Kennedy is Keeley's younger sister. Remember Keeley?
Since the quilt is for Kennedy, may be I should just call it Kennedy. They both took a long time to come together.

Chocolate & Strawberry Dots

Focusing on quilting with curves, I may have neglected my fitness routine. I am going to get a phone call from my Curves (the 30-minute fitness place for women) instructor - Molly. "Preeti, we have missed you. We look forward to seeing you tonight."

Pink Polka Dot Binding

Labelled!

Molly is a sweetheart. I should haul my curves to Curves lest they turn into bulges!!!
Are curves a challenge for you too?  I look forward to your thoughts - both naughty and nice :-)

And I will be linking with my favorite linky parties.  See you in the blogland :-)
Just linked up with Cooking Up Quilts' Main Crush Monday.