Monday, October 14, 2013

Pretty Pinwheels

 
Once upon a time, there was a quilter named Annie...  I love pinwheels.  They are my all time favorite block.  Every fabric collection is considered for a pinwheel quilt.  But none has ever been right.
Until one day in February, Carol and I decided to purchase and split a Fat Eighth bundle called 2wenty Thr3e.
When my now Fat Sixteenth arrived, I knew it would be my long awaited pinwheel quilt.  BUT would there be enough fabric for enough pinwheels to make a quilt?
It was March when I finally decided on a design plan.  I actually NEVER have a total design plan...only a start.  I then dive in and fly the rest of the way by the seat of my pants.  I decided to make both 6.5" and 4" pinwheels.  The 4" pinwheels would be sashed with two different widths and then turned and placed at random between the 6.5" pinwheels.
Then a border of all the 4" pinwheels again.  It turned out to be the perfect sized throw quilt for me.  As I prefer quilts as accessories to beds and chairs and such rather than as a bedspread, I couldn't be happier.
I still had small scraps of all the fabrics and decided on a pillow.  But not with tiny pinwheels!  Just some small squares placed in a fractured arrangement.
I wasn't sure about not using pinwheels in the pillow, but it turns out that I love the design contrast.
 
 
I am SO happy to have my pinwheel quilt!  And even happier that I'm completely happy with my end result...even seven months after it's start.  **sheesh!**
 
 
 
It doesn't bother me at all that this looks more like summer than fall.  I prefer summer and I'm happy enough to hang on to it as long as possible.
xxx
Annie


27 comments:

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Annie I love your pinwheel quilt! I like pinwheels too and like you I usually only have a start in mind and I tend to design-as-I-go.

ellen gets crafty said...

WOW!! I love your pinwheels, the colors are perfect - what a treasure you created!!!

Lesley said...

Oh my goodness...this is so beautiful! You have designed a stunning little quilt and your fabric choice is wonderful. Yes, the pillow is terrific with it...the contrast design lets the pillow shine and not blend in with the quilt. Congrats on a wonderful finish!

Karen said...

I have used so much of that line and want to buy more! It is such a sweet and wonderful line of fabrics. Pinwheels are a favorite of mine too and this quilt is awesome! When you get tired of it and it's matching pillow, send to me :) Love it!!

carol said...

E-gads, now I'm thinking maybe we should buy some more! This is stupendous! Who would have thought you could make a whole amazing quilt plus a pillow with only a fat 16th of a line? Wow! I''m not surprised that you love it. I LOVE it too!

Marei said...

GORGEOUS!!

sheila 77 said...

This is the best pinwheel quilt ever, no question, I won't hear anything otherwise. It's so clever and such a clean design with the larger pinwheels and the smaller ones surrounded by the plain fabric.
The cushion is a bit miffed because it deserved a blogpost all of its own, as it is quite an outstanding design, minimalist but full of interest. I see it has a little badge, is that a "Best of Cushions" badge?
Top marks and go to the top of the Pinwheel Class (and Cushion Class).
Very well done, Annie.

Judy D in WA said...

FAB U LOUS!!! Such a happy quilt.

Miss Iowa said...

Your pinwheel quilt is gorgeous. Love the bright, fun colors.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I have three charm packs of that lovely fabric that just might know now what it wants to become!! It's awesome Annie!

Createology said...

Annie your quilt and pillow are divine. I never would have thought that such a little amount of fabric could be sewn so far. I think this color scheme fits quite nicely into Autumn from Summer. Creative Stitching Bliss Dear...

Anonymous said...

Totally perfect! my favorite block and my favorite size.
I love the pillow!

Valspierssews said...

What a fabulous look. You have really put the design together well. All that planning was worth it.
valspierssews@gmail.com

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Once there was a girl named Annie who made an amazing pinwheel quilt! I love it and you pillow looks perfect with it. Great job!

Ramona said...

WHEEEE! That was my first thought with the fun and bright colors of pinwheels dancing across your quilt. Great job Annie!

TiramiSue said...

I love both the quilt and the cushion and think they go together perfectly. The colours are so lovely and fresh too!
Sue xxx

Renee said...

Great quilt, beautiful colors!

Cindy Sharp said...

We'll done!

legato1958 said...

Your pinwheel quilt is gorgeous!! I love it! What a pleasure to make something that you do love so much!!
Love your pillow, too.

Susie

Ruth said...

I love your pinwheel quilt with the different size pinwheels and the way you set the smaller one. The pillow is perfect with it.

Ruth said...

I love your pinwheel quilt and the way you set the smaller blocks. your pillow is just perfect with the quilt.

Katherine said...

Oh, wow! Your quilt is just gorgeous, Annie. You're absolutely right, this fabric is perfect for pinwheels! I love it.

Carol said...

I love it! I have 6 fat quarters from this line I have been sitting on trying to figure out what to do with them. I love what you did! I am afraid that pinwheels are just a little above my ability, so don't worry, I won't copy you.

Sandy said...

Gorgeous art work Annie - now I know why your post cards are so wonderful. They are miniature quilt squares. Do you hand stitch or sew on a machine. You would be right at home here - back up in the mountains of North Carolina!
Sandy

TinaW said...

You are a very versatile artist, Annie! I love the quilt and the pillow.

pinsandneedles said...

Love your pinwheel quilt! Beautifully done! I'm really enjoying looking back on all your posts that I missed in my busyness!

waggonswest said...

Whoa.... I am behind the times. I LOVE this quilt. I love pinwheels too.