Thimbleanna » Checks

Checks

February 2, 2013 on 6:50 pm | In Quilting | 53 Comments

Sometime before Christmas, my lovely invisible friend Brigette and I were chatting about all the gazillion quilts we want to make before we die. The conversation turned to Pinterest (as they do) and we ended up discussing this quilt. We decided that this quilt would be perfect for gifts that we both needed, so we decided to make versions of it.

I started mine before Christmas but didn’t get very far — too many other things demanding my time. But, it really wasn’t a time consuming quilt and it proved to be a great project for lazy January weekends.

This quilt is big — weighing in at 95″ x 95″. I’m not necessarily a fan of square quilts, but it just worked out this way. I started out to make it 90″ x 95″ (based on the amount of drop and tuck in that I wanted for a queen sized bed), but I didn’t like that one edge had the gray and white block row. The quilt just looks better when it’s “framed” by black and gray rows all around.

Each of my squares is 5″. Now that I’ve made this quilt, when I look back at the original, it looks to me like maybe she used 4″ squares. I probably would have liked the smaller squares, but since this quilt is so big, this is fine. I chose to bind my version in the lime green too, which I really like. I think this quilt would look great bound in most any color. I used Bella Solids White (98), Black (99) and Silver (183). I backed the quilt in the silver, so, between the front and the back, I used almost 9 yards. Well worth buying the bolt!

It was snowy this morning and I had fun traipsing around taking a few pictures. I couldn’t find any place tall enough to hang it. BigDaddy’s old swingset was as close as I could get but it’s about 10″ too short.

This was a fun, quick and easy quilt to make. My version is for a male, but Brigette is going to make one for a female (bound in hot pink — how cute!). Most importantly, making this quilt proves a point: All that time spent on Pinterest hasn’t been completely wasted! ;-D

XOXO,
Anna

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It’s a great quilt Anna…very, very striking! OK, so now when I fall down into the rabbit hole of Pinterest, I’ll think of you and know that it’s time well spent. Thank you!

Comment by Carol — February 2, 2013 #
Hi there!
I’m new to quilting and your blog and am finding both to be interesting and fun. The quilt is fabulous! Have a great weekend!

Comment by Toni — February 2, 2013 #
I wasn’t a fan of black, but since I’ve been putting it in some of the quilts I’ve been making I absolutely love it! This turned out beautiful!

Comment by Judy — February 2, 2013 #
I love how this quilt throws off an optical illusion at least to this old brain. Really really a striking quilt and I love the pop of green on the binding. Yup all those moments on pinterest have paid off lol. Thanks for the inspiration – I always get it when I stop by Thimbleland :)

Hugs – Mrs. Farmhouse

Comment by karen — February 2, 2013 #
That is a gorgeous quilt Anna! And that green bindng really sets it off beautifully!

Comment by Doni — February 2, 2013 #
I LOVE this quilt! Simple yet soooo effective. I need to make a quilt for my son for his new place and this could be just the thing! Love the lime green binding too!

Comment by Jackie — February 2, 2013 #
Oh Anna, I love this quilt and think it will be the perfect quilt for my daughter in law. She has been wanting a black/grey/yellow quilt and I can’t wait to show her…..the yellow for the binding for her (although I love, love the green) Great job!!!

Comment by Cheryl — February 2, 2013 #
Way to go, Anna! Great quilt!

Comment by Connie H — February 2, 2013 #
Very striking, especially with the contrast binding. A great quilt for someone not into “country” or “shabby.”

I spend way too much time on Pinterest! Must make something to prove it is not time wasted!

Comment by Cathy — February 2, 2013 #
What a good looking and clever quilt. I totally love the green binding. We need to talk about bolts. :-)

Comment by Stephanie in MI — February 2, 2013 #
Love it !!!
I hope you “pin” your version!

Comment by Janet — February 2, 2013 #
Very striking quilt! You do beautiful work, Miss Anna! And yeah, I spend/waste far too much time on pinterest.

Comment by Elaine/MuddlingThrough — February 2, 2013 #
So simple and striking! A great quilt that will
make people look twice. I sure did!

Comment by Denice — February 2, 2013 #
I have the same quilt pinned – I love it! Normally solids don’t float my boat but when they’re combined to make gingham – WOW – that’s a whole new ballgame!! Your quilt is gorgeous – I think the design can handle 5″ squares. The lime binding adds the perfect amount of zing!

Comment by Sandra :) — February 2, 2013 #
I love this quilt, Anna. I love the simplicity and I love the pop of lime green! What a great finish!

Pinterest a waste of time? Never! (Although now that I think about it, I haven’t been on for a couple of weeks.)

Comment by Rachel — February 2, 2013 #
I have always been drawn to checks and plaids, this one is a cool finish. Your lime green binding puts a smile on the whole thing!!
:-}pokey

Comment by Pokey — February 2, 2013 #
It’s so cute Anna! I think I have pinned one or two like that. Yay for you ~ for putting Pinterest to good use! It is really fun.

Amber

Comment by amber — February 3, 2013 #
OMG, I want to drop everything and start making this quilt. It’s fantastic, and yes, I’ve also been a fan of this type of quilt for a long time. I’m thinking I could use some charm packs, would make the whole process even faster. Love the lime binding and of course I love the photos of the quilt in the snow.

Comment by Vreni — February 3, 2013 #
love how you have dragged it about in the snow. I would have worried about it getting dirty……
ah pinterest. if I ate all the recipes I have pinned I would be the size of a wooly mammoth…..

Comment by driftwood — February 3, 2013 #
Oh Anna, it’s so effective, I really like it, well done. Well done on completing something on the ‘one day’ list too! As always, the extreme temperature differences we experiences does my head in- both my kids have been in the pool today!

Comment by Tanya — February 3, 2013 #
It looks amazing and I love the lime green edging. I must come by for some quilting classes one day!

Comment by Di — February 3, 2013 #
I think it’s gorgeous especially with the green binding, sometimes it’s nice to make something ‘plain’ as they can turn out to be the most striking. I’ve finally finished my first one ha ha .

Comment by peri — February 3, 2013 #
Big and beautiful Anna, I love it and pinterest too!!

Comment by Shawn — February 3, 2013 #
Yes you better pin that …lol

Comment by Shawn — February 3, 2013 #
Love it!! :))

Comment by Jennifer Henson — February 3, 2013 #
Oooh, I love the “gingham” quilt, Anna. :o)

Comment by Anne — February 3, 2013 #
Hey, love that quilt! :-) So simple and so fresh! Well done!

Comment by May Kristin — February 3, 2013 #
So one month in, one quilt done—showoff!
Very simple and dramatic! Love your colour and fabric choices….

Comment by molly — February 3, 2013 #
It looks brilliant!

Comment by Gina — February 3, 2013 #
I love working with simple squares and the lime green is perfect!

Comment by Marsha — February 3, 2013 #
The green binding was a perfect choice for this quilt. Well done!

Comment by Jean — February 3, 2013 #
I’m in love and lust for this cool cool quilt!
I love your lime binding, so zingy and fun.
great photography with the snow.

Comment by barbvedder — February 3, 2013 #
What a good reminder that simple is beautiful. I so often forget that not every project in my life has to be complicated. The green binding is the bomb! Love it. I really want to see Ms. B’s too. :-) Come on, B. Blog it!

Comment by Cassie — February 3, 2013 #
Beautiful Anna. I am always amazed how perfect your work is. Clarice

Comment by clarice — February 3, 2013 #
I love love love this!!! I think my husband needs one too.

Comment by Jen — February 3, 2013 #
oooo!!! Auntia and i BOTH love this quilt!!!

and your header is lovely!

Comment by dianne — February 3, 2013 #
You can justify anything!! Love it, especially the lime green binding.

Comment by Meredithe — February 4, 2013 #
Sam will love this quilt! Thank you so much!

Comment by MyDadLovesMeBestSister — February 4, 2013 #
You’re too clever Anna – that is so neat! Lucy x

Comment by lucylocket — February 4, 2013 #
Love your new quilt. And I do love the green binding.
How much snow did you guys get? We got maybe 2 inches on Saturday night. It was very pretty, but you know I want more!!! :)

Comment by Sharon Yeager — February 4, 2013 #
This quilt is awesome. I love it so much I got some fabric to make one too.

Comment by Carol Lewis — February 4, 2013 #
Love this quilt. And it is so nice to get such great progress quickly. It is on my board now…lol.

Comment by Mary ann — February 4, 2013 #
I love how your snow backdrop. It makes your quilt look all the more cozy. I would have never thought of black and whilte being something I’d like in a quilt, but I love the look of yours.

Comment by Caroline — February 5, 2013 #
Love the quilt, but I’m still avoiding pinterest …. I don’t have enough time as it is, without spending hours pinning things!

Comment by frayedattheedge — February 5, 2013 #
it’s beautiful and the snow back drop is perfect! makes me want to snuggle under a quilt. ;p

Comment by ina — February 5, 2013 #
I will admit that I’m not much of a quilt girl. I mean, I have one on my bed now and my sister made me a beautiful one for my wedding which is now worn threadbare, but I don’t try to make these monsters because I usually find the patterns to be so fussy and, let’s face it, I’m a lazy crafter.

But this one – HOLD THE PHONE – I love it. I do. I love the bright green edging. I love the woven look accomplished with the subtle color work. The simplicity. The obvious craftsmanship.

Well done, Anna. Well done.

Comment by finny — February 5, 2013 #
Its a great quilt and great pictures – very professional. Oh for a just one snowfall but doesn’t seem likely around here.

Comment by Teresa — February 6, 2013 #
I really like the quilt. The colors you picked would be perfect for my husband.

Comment by Meredith — February 6, 2013 #
ack!!! Quilt-CRACK! And not even COMPLICATED… is it addictive to think about it… I’m even looking at fabrics as we speak.. evil…

Comment by Pat Sloan — February 6, 2013 #
Love the gingham.

Comment by Cindy — February 7, 2013 #
WOW…I’m amazed at the size of it and that you didn’t go mad making it. Being a scrappy girl myself just working in 3 colours (on my Sew into Solids challenge) just about drove me to madness.

Congrats on a great finish!!

Comment by Sew Create It - Jane — February 7, 2013 #
Oh you. Now I want to make one! This is really very beautiful. Striking. And the green binding is perfect. I have to look at it again.

Comment by nanette — February 7, 2013 #
you put me to shame. mine is still in strips!! i’m doing the edge in tiffany blue now instead of hot pink. i’ll blog it in six years when i finish it!!!

Comment by brigette — February 8, 2013 #