It sounds like a horse race doesn't it? My thoroughbred Posh Baskets is performing well now that I resolved the problem of the triangle pieces that are below the base of each basket. For some reason, when I was constructing the blocks, the seam allowance kept getting cut off and the basket bases had blunted corners instead of sharp ones. I fiddled and fiddled and they came out mostly ok. I experimented with making the bottom triangles bigger and then trimming the block down, but it didn't seem to matter. I just had to fudge with tugging the bias edge to fit and allow a quarter inch seam allowance. Not very scientific is it? Sometimes you just have to fudge. (I can see my more anal fussy friends out there, cringing. You know who you are). At any rate, the blocks all came out to be a perfect 10 1/2 inches.
Since I am not really using a pattrern, I am winging it with this setting. I like the idea that the baskets "float" a bit. I didn't want to have a large open space that an alternate square would make, so this little extra bit of the white is something that works for me. Speaking of white: Do you have a favorite white fabric that you buy over and over? My favorite white is Kona Snow. I just discovered it on sale for $3.97 a yard at my local Beverly's and bought six more yards.
I also am having fun with the tiny multi-colored corner posts. I am out of aqua though, and ordered some on the internet, so things may be put on hold until the fabric comes. I just could not bring myself to leave the aqua out.
To finish things, I will add some setting triangles in a lacy/swirly mocha and white paisley, then a narrow containment border. I am feeling the pink at the moment. The border will be the large brown multicolored print. The quilt should be large enough to cover a queen size bed. You see it above spread out on my "design bed". For some reason, I can't seem to fit a design wall into my sewing room. I am doomed if my kids phone to say they are coming home any time in the next week!
You kind of get the idea I am going with below. I had to order more of the brown and white lacy/swirly fabric for the setting squares. It might be too much once I get the setting triangles cut out, but if so, I have plenty more Kona Snow I could use instead!
Love love love this border fabric!
I love your Posh Baskets!!! The sashing is perfect and makes the baskets really shine. I love the idea for the border, too. And your brown paisley border is just the prettiest fabric ever! *Ahem* - I wouldn't be one of those "fussy" friends, now would I? ROFLOL!
Posted by: Lisa D. | May 28, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I really like this quilt! You seem to be getting a lot done. I think I have to have some of that brown, swirly fabric. Nancy in WI
Posted by: Nancy | May 28, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Very pretty!
My favorite white fabric is Kona White and Kona Snow and I buy both by the bolt.
Posted by: Darlene | May 28, 2008 at 07:07 AM
These are gorgeous! I love your border choices. I think the brown swirly fabric will be great for your setting triangles.
I remember a several posts back you were saying that you had to many projects going and not getting anything done, well that is no the case any more. You are on a sewing frenzy of late. You GO Girl!!!
Posted by: Julia | May 28, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Cute, adorable quilt and I love that border fabric.
Posted by: Lorre | May 28, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Woooow!! That is one spectacular quilt! The colors are so soothing and cheerful.
Posted by: Molly | May 28, 2008 at 07:39 AM
ah fudging. this is the very reason i hate sewing things on point, because no matter how hard you try, you will have to fudge something. ;)
this is stunning by the way and i cannot wait to see the finished project. send it to me and i'll bind it for you... ;) that way i can play with it too!
Posted by: jeorg | May 28, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Absolutely beautiful! Love the fabrics but I especially love your setting.
Posted by: elizabeth | May 28, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Can you share what pattern you are using for "Posh Baskets"? Nancy in WI
Posted by: Nancy | May 28, 2008 at 08:39 AM
PRETTY, PRETTY, PRETTY!
Posted by: Carol | May 28, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Love your baskets. I will be gorgeous finished quilt.
Posted by: Donna | May 28, 2008 at 08:43 AM
This one's going to be gorgeous. Oh, and I'm all for fudging. Every quilt I have ever made has liberal amounts of fudge worked into it.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | May 28, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Congratulations on the progress you're making! I have been stalled of late.
What a beautiful quilt this is going to be!!
Posted by: quiltdivajulie | May 28, 2008 at 10:05 AM
YUM! How sweet of you to make me this wonderful quilt...LOL..... You do such beautiful work Nicole!
Posted by: MsJan | May 28, 2008 at 10:17 AM
That is one gorgeous quilt. I would love to be able to sit and 'study' every piece of fabric you have put into this incredible work of art. Thanks for sharing it with us. Hope we get to see it when it's finished. You're on a roll and making tracks to being caught up with your UFO's. ~Adrienne~
Posted by: Adrienne | May 28, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Wow! I've never loved baskets like I love your Posh baskets! And I, too, love Kona Snow. I'll have to check out my mom's Beverly's when I visit this summer - maybe I can score like you did.
Posted by: MichelleB | May 28, 2008 at 10:52 AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE this quilt! I can't wait to see the finished product!
Posted by: Blondie | May 28, 2008 at 10:58 AM
This is a really beautiful quilt. Congratulations on nearing the finish line!
Posted by: John | May 28, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful--the colors work so well with the basket pattern you used. Kona snow is the best!
Posted by: Diana | May 28, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Love how this is turning out. I don't know why that bottom triangle gets wonky, but I definately have the same problem.
Posted by: pam | May 28, 2008 at 01:18 PM
That's gorgeous. I loved the colours but hadn't been particularly keen on the fabric in this range until now. Your quilt has changed that. :)
Posted by: Kate | May 28, 2008 at 01:57 PM
I'm glad you got the pattern to work out. It's a awesome quilt with the baskets....Love it.
Posted by: Wendy | May 28, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Oh that Posh fabric is so yummy... love the baskets and yes that border is perfect.
Posted by: Carey - Blueberrylane Designs | May 28, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I LOVE your Posh Baskets - it's such a bright happy quilt with all of those beautiful colors. It's going to be a stunner :)
Hugs - Karen
Posted by: Karen | May 28, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Wow Nicole -- those baskets are beautiful. That quilt is going to be stunning!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 28, 2008 at 07:11 PM