I finished my Birdseye quilt top, that's what's going on! I haven't trimmed it yet, and I want to examine all the little block intersections to make sure they line up right, but all in all, FINI!
This quilt is way big. I was going to add the perfect border fabric from the Sturbridge Harvest collection, and I still might, but this quilt is big enough as it stands. I really like the way the pieced setting triangles make it impossible to see right off the bat just how this quilt is put together. There is a star block, and there is a double nine patch block, and then there are 16 pieced setting triangles. The quilt is set on the diagonal. It looks so complex to me, and I just love it. To give credit where credit is due, the pattern was designed by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Company. She calls it Birdseye, and that's what I am calling it too. It was a very fun quilt to make, due to the scrappy fabric combinations.
Not once, but twice, did I manage to put two identical nine patch blocks right next to each other. I am trying not to let it bother me. I am DONE with this quilt and am not fussing about rotating blocks at this juncture. It is what it is.
I am way behind on Cindy Lou Who, the Schnibbles project for October. I pieced the nine patch blocks, and now need to lay out the blocks and piece the snowball blocks appropriately. My border fabric has not come, and I do not know when it will turn up, so even if I do get the top together by Saturday night, it won't have its borders. Sad face here. Can't wait for the show and tell on this one! You all are so imaginative and creative it blows my mind.
I am very ready to move on to the Red and White Snowball challenge! I have my three different lights all cut and set to send out to my seven swap partners. I can't wait to see what I get from my swap mates! On my side bar, I have listed all the participants who have blog sites, where we can link to see pictures of their progress. There are a number of folks who are playing along who don't have blogs. If any of you non-bloggers want to send me pictures of your progress, I will be happy to post them on my blog. If I have left anyone out, let me know and I will add you in.
Thanks to all of you who gave such great suggestions yesterday to my question of what Andrea should do with the old quilt top she was given. You all are super, and I know she really appreciated all your comments and advice.
Have a marvelous weekend everyone!
I absolutely 100% totally no holds barred love this quilt and I just might make it because if you look at the pattern you'll see where it says: *karendianne. on it. I know its hard to find but you out of anyone would agree!
Posted by: *karendianne. | October 30, 2009 at 04:47 AM
Yay! I'm in your swap group, Nicole, and I'm so excited to get those beautiful lights! I love the birdseye queilt, and if it were me, I'd bind it without a border; it's so pretty just like that.
Posted by: Lesly | October 30, 2009 at 04:55 AM
This is a gorgeous quilt, and I am inspired to get busy on one for myself! Well done! Carrie Nelson patterns are fabulous. Have you tried 'Tag Sale?' I made it a couple of years ago - magnifique!
Posted by: Jayne Honnold | October 30, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Just watch out for that old Grinch. He tends to steal pieces of Cindy Lou Who's blocks. Ask me how I know??
Posted by: Jocelyn | October 30, 2009 at 05:49 AM
Your Birdseye quilt is fabulous! I think it would look wonderful without the border. I love the way the triangles surround the quilt top.
Posted by: Magnolia Bay Quilts | October 30, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Your Birdseye looks fantastic! I bought the pattern a few weeks ago, intending to make it with some Fig Tree fabrics I was holding "in reserve" but have decided they are too light. I need to work in a darker color where you used brown. I'll have to go looking for something suitable because after seeing your version, I want to make it even more than before.
Posted by: Cathy McMann | October 30, 2009 at 06:11 AM
Your Birdseye quilt is absolutely wonderful! I'm always amazed at how simple blocks can be used to make such intricate looking quilt designs.
Keep the eye candy coming. . . makes me feel better about not getting anything done! he he
Posted by: Sherry V. | October 30, 2009 at 06:17 AM
Another gorgeous top and so perfect for the fall season! I'm in your swap and have been pulling reds to make my quilt.
Posted by: Rose Marie | October 30, 2009 at 06:25 AM
I picked up this pattern on my fall shop hop! I love it! Because I am such a border girl, I think you should put the border on it. But, it does look great without it.
I have to get my oil changed today, so I think a trip to the quilt store in search of my reds for the snowball challenge is in order! :~)
Posted by: Julia | October 30, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Love your Birdseye top. I got the pattern recently and I think it just moved up the list.
Thank you for showing the fabrics for the swap. I am in your group and can't wait to see what all we end up with. I am going to a quilt show this weekend and hope to find my lights to trade and some reds.
Posted by: Melissa C | October 30, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Your Birdseye quilt is a good one. Good colors and good design. I have to study this one a bit.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | October 30, 2009 at 07:38 AM
The Birdseye looks great! It's funny - I'm sure that you can pick out the squares that are the same that are next to each other, but I couldn't find them! We are such critics of our own work.
Posted by: MichelleB | October 30, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Beautiful, Nicole. I picked up the pattern last Saturday and then set it down to look at some fabric. Sigh! Need to get my hands on this one. :-)
Posted by: Darlene | October 30, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Beautiful, I love your color choices and don't worry about the 9 patches that match, only you notice it! Don't be hard on yourself, this is a fantastic quilt top! Job well done.
Posted by: Sharon | October 30, 2009 at 08:15 AM
It turned out beautifully, Nicole. It doesn't even need borders. Just stunning.
Posted by: Lisa D. | October 30, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I love the Birdseye quilt! It's just stunning, and you are right...it doesn't even need borders. Oh, and I just looked up at the comment ahead of mine and noticed we used some of the same descriptions! I've got to get this pattern!
Posted by: Sherri | October 30, 2009 at 09:12 AM
It looks great and that borders aren't really needed on it. I just love it.
Posted by: Judith | October 30, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Wow! That is stunning! great work!
Posted by: Laura B. | October 30, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Dang! It's gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! How do you get so much done so quickly? Can I be a fly on the wall in your sewing room?
Posted by: Janice | October 30, 2009 at 09:44 AM
Stunning! the Birdseye is amazing!
Natderueil
Posted by: natderueil | October 30, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Your Birdseye quilt is fabulous! I'm impressed with how you stuck with such a massive piecing project and got it done in no time. I have half my blocks done, but still need to make more 9 patches. Bravo!
Posted by: Cindy | October 30, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Your Birdeye quilt is fabulous! I'm so impressed with how well you stuck with all that piecing and got it done in no time! Bravo!
Posted by: Cindy | October 30, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Congratulations on your finished top, it looks great!
Posted by: Mrs Moen | October 30, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Oh wow, Nicole. You always take my breath away with your gorgeous quilts! And I always want to make evry single one of them. This is why I have a UFO list as long as the Empire State Building is high. Your Birdseye is absolutely stunning. I vote for adding the border. A quilt can never be too big.
Posted by: Allyson in Alaska | October 30, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Wow- Just Wow! It's so pretty and rich looking.
Posted by: Betty | October 30, 2009 at 12:14 PM