Quilt of Valor, Pinwheels and 4-Patches

Most of the blocks are sewn together - I LOVE how the simplest of designs can turn into something so interesting!  I had too many green pinwheels and the quilt was looking a bit Christmas-y, so they were removed and a few more blues were added.  The white you see is the back of a flannel tablecloth.  Wow, what a nifty gadget!  I don't know why I resisted using one for so many years!"

This is from Quiltville.com originally, and Bonnie calls is Pinwheels and 4-Patches.  The rows of pinwheels must alternate, as do the 4-patches alternate, in order to get this particular "look".  This is my 4th or 5th version I've made. 

If you choose to make this one - you might want to consider what I learned.   Originally I had some pinwheel blocks that were much darker and some much lighter and the graphic effect was not as pronounced as I had hoped.  Finally, I realized this graphic effect worked best when all the darker fabrics were a closer value, including the reds.

The dark blue shown is a choice for border but it's too dark - I have another lighter blue somewhere.    The border will be a band of white, then a wider band of blue, mitered at the corners.  Finished will be about 60" x 72".

Oh good, I might get this off my Design Floor this weekend!

Simple is good -- Checkers

This project was posted unquilted a while ago, but it's now beautifully quilted by Anita of Prairie Creations, a friend and fellow guild member. Isn't it gorgeous? There is a simple grid in the center and various leaves, vines, dragonflies, butterflies quilted around the border. This is a large quilt, approx. 90 x 105 inches. It's now bound and only lacks a label.

A while ago, ONE OF YOU asked on YOUR blog, "What's on YOUR bed?", I kinda cringed when I looked at how sad my current quilt looked after 10 years of use, and abuse. When cool days return, this new "Checkers" will be on my bed.

If you look closely, you will see it is simply 4-patches and pinwheels - how easy is that? But the pinwheels DO have a determined direction, so if you choose to make this one, look closely. I believe any colors would work, as long as they are lights and darks. My palette is the same as I usually love, I call them 'foresty colors' - muted greens, browns, deep eggplant, melon, etc.

There are 4 bright blue pinwheels that at first, didn't 'go', but in fact, are now playing an important role in the quilt.

The inspiration for this quilt came from one of my books, and a Better Homes and Gardens photo, and Bonnie at www.quiltville.com.

This was such an easy yet effective project, I might just make another smaller one for Project Linus, using some of my leftover kids prints!