Unnamed but Not Unloved

I made a quilt with no name...

Yes, it is unlike me.

The focus fabric - pink and brown floral - was in random pieces, left abandoned at the free table on the guild meeting.
I knew it had potential.

I picked them up and brought them home.

Trying to make the best of the random pieces, I cut them into 6.5" squares.  Some squares had to be pieced.

Found some pinks, yellows and browns to match.

Decided on  large Disappearing Nine Patch.

Felt unsure about the green border but admonished myself - Do not overthink. Finish it.

But I did not have to think too hard about the backing.  This lovely pink fabric just jumped out at me.

Quilted simply with a decorative stitch, using my walking foot, this was a quick and a gratifying finish.

This will go to charity.  I won't put my formal label on it.  I will put a simple handmade label.

I hope that the recipient will choose a name.

At this time, I am busy working on a quilt for my Mom.  Cannot share it with you. Not yet.

But I can share with you this fabulous sale from Craftsy.

Craftsy is continuing its birthday festivities with 50% off member-favorite classes. Grab a class before the deal expires on Saturday!

There are over one hundred classes on sale right now.  It is difficult to pick one.

Here are my recommendations

Debbie Caffrey's class is a must for all quilters.  Learn her efficient techniques for using a rotary cutter and streamlining your cutting process.  And it is half off right now!!!

There are two reasons that I recommend this class.

1. Jacquie is an excellent teacher.  2. There are very few good classes that teach you Modern Quilting. That it is one sale is just an added benefit.

Elizabeth Hartmann is a an accomplished quilter and designer.  I like her because she is very methodical.  Her techniques are precise. That is very valuable to me because it simplifies Modern Quilt Making.  

If you are unsure of this class, I HIGHLY recommend you try her free class - Creative Quilt Backs.

What is your favorite class on Craftsy? And why?  As usual, your comments brighten my day.

I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties.

This blogpost contains affiliate links.

American Hustle?

What can I make with a few remnants?

I can make mistakes...
...And may be learn from them.

Whenever I go to Joann's I  make it a point to visit the remnants bin. Remnants are the end of the bolt pieces that are less than a yard and are marked down to 50% off. Over a period of time, those remnants can lead to a sizeable stash. This stash comes in handy when I want to try out a new pattern or practice a block.

One afternoon, I watched Maggie Ball make Kaleidoscope Blocks without a template. Needless to say, I wanted to try her technique. It seemed easy and I could definitely use some remnants from my stash to practice the kaleidoscope blocks.

I chose two matching remnants - pale green and green/brown stripes

Following Maggie's very simple instructions, I cut the two fabrics into 10" squares. Placed the two squares one on top of other and marked the 3" point from all the corners. Cut both layers of fabric across the square, matching the points.  The result was four kites and four wedges. The next part was pretty simple. Mix and match them till you are satisfied.

Place the wedge over the kite and sew. Chain piece, separate, iron and then chain piece some more.

I love how the play of the striped fabric provides movement (or an illusion of movement) to the blocks.

Also, did you notice that each kaleidoscope block is unique due to the use of the striped fabric.
Once I completed 16 blocks, I placed them on the design wall and stepped away to admire my handiwork.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....$%#$*&*&^&@!

What happened?
I made a mistake. No, I made two mistakes.

Mistake # 1 - Not enough contrast (I sure can match fabric)
Mistake # 2 - Not looking at the block from a distance

What could I do now?
Option # 1 - Forget about these blocks - they were practice blocks anyway. Not like you spent serious $$$ on them.
Option # 2 - Make the best of a rather unpleasant situation.

I found this cornflower blue solid (from Connecting Threads) in my stash and decided to use it to bring some zing to the rather lifeless kaleidoscope blocks.

It helps but just a little bit.

What else can I do? Get creative with the border? I did. Completed the top.

When Paul came home and saw the quilt top on the design wall, he remarked, "Very 70s look"
What does that mean, I asked.

Paul: It has that retro vibe to it.
Me: Retro? How?
Paul: Well, we used to have that green colored wall paper and even that brown seems familiar.
Me: I see. So what shall I call this quilt - That 70s Quilt?
Paul: What was that 70s con movie that we just saw?
Me: The American Hustle?
Paul: Yes, that is the one.

American Hustle, it is.
It is the perfect embodiment of mistakes made, lessons learnt and life goes on in a quilt...

May be I can do some creative (for me) quilting so that these kites and wedges stand out better. That way, I will get some quilting "practice" out of it too.

But in the end, I do not care for it and there are too may enticing things out there, too much yummy fabric, so many new patterns to try...that I have decided to let it go.

If you want it, you can have it. Please let me know in a comment what would you do with it and please also include your email address, so that I can reach you.
I will choose one person, at random, and ship it to you anywhere in the US or Canada.  You have until March 31, 2016 to respond.
_____________________________________________________________________________
I am also giving away a mini wacky web template.  It came in a box with other supplies. I don't need it . You can have it.  Send me a separate comment, please. I will choose one person, at random, and ship it to you anywhere in the US or Canada.

You have until March 31, 2016 to respond. _____________________________________________________________________________

Once upon a time, I used Pigma Micron pens to label my quilts. I have since moved on to Pentel Archival pens. Therefore, I have this set of pens you can have.  Please send me a comment with your email and I will get in touch with you.  I will choose one person, at random, and ship it to you anywhere in the US or Canada.

You have until March 31, 2016 to respond. _____________________________________________________________________________

All items will be shipped in the first week of April.  I am linking with Quilting is More Fun than Housework's Orphan Adoption Event.
Thank you, Cynthia, for this opportunity.