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!