Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Windmills

I found Sujata's blog two years ago by following links from her gorgeous Baskets for Meera to Basket Full of Scraps and then to The Root Connection. When she wrote about her upcoming book, I immediately pre-ordered it. Lucky me (and you, too.) The instructions are well-written, tested, and her color sense is fabulous. Her design degree shines in her work and her teaching skills are evidenced in both her book and blog.

I read it cover to cover the first weekend then set it aside because of the long list of quilts-to-make-for-family-and-friends. Sorting fabrics from a previous quilt, I discovered a small pile of delightfully wild things that seemed to go together. That reminded me of Cultural Fusion Quilts. Looking through it again, Windmills seemed like the perfect plan.

A few other pieces were pulled from my stash; nothing was purchased for this quilt. Some of the pieces were less than WOF so they appear in only one or two blocks.

It went flawlessly and quickly. The top came together in a day or two. Wanting to use as much as possible, my blocks are a little bit larger than Sujata's suggested size. It finished 61" by 61".

Strongly patterned fabrics are cut free-form into windmill blade shapes to make the block.

I marked one quarter circle twenty-four inches from the top left corner by using my rotary ruler and a piece of chalk. The other circles are echoed off that first line using my walking foot as a guide.

Binding detail.
Leftovers were cut 2.25" wide to make the double fold binding. Scrap binding is the perfect touch for this quilt.

People were very curious at guild show and tell. One of them said, "I just bought that book, too." She went home and made one herself! Very different fabrics, different feel but the same instructions.

Thanks, Sujata, for allowing me to post here and for an exciting book.

Ann

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9 comments:

  1. Mystic QuilterMay 20, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    Oh I love how vibrant this quilt is Ann! So rich looking and the pattern is also on my to do list, in fact I think I may hunt out fabrics later today!!

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    1. AnnMay 21, 2015 at 1:36 AM

      I'm amazed at the many different looks from this one block depending on the fabrics used. Can't wait to see yours.

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  2. Sujata ShahMay 20, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    Ann, thank you so much for this wonderful post. Your quilt looks stunning! The quilting and scrappy binding is perfect for it. The circular quilting very much represents the motion of the windmills. One of the things I love about this block is that it's full of possibilities. Amazing job!

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    Replies
    1. AnnMay 21, 2015 at 1:37 AM

      Thanks, Sujata. This book re energized quilting for me. I'm so enjoying improvisational work.

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  3. QuiltdivajulieMay 20, 2015 at 9:50 PM

    This quilt is absolutely wonderful - in every single way. I have the book and have already made two of the quilts. I have fabrics pulled for a third and Windmills is high on the list for my fourth. NEVER have I made so many quilts from one book . . . clearly, I love Cultural Fusion Quilts!

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    Replies
    1. Sujata ShahMay 20, 2015 at 10:03 PM

      Julie,
      That is the highest compliment I can possibly get for the book. Thank you!

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    2. AnnMay 21, 2015 at 1:38 AM

      I agree with you, Julie. I rarely use patterns or instructions but I'm on my third quilt from this book. They have so much energy and joy. Hooray!

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  4. MargaretMay 21, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    Love your quilt & the way you quilted it! This design is on my "to do" list, too.

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    Replies
    1. AnnMay 21, 2015 at 1:25 PM

      Thanks, Margaret. I'm intrigued by the variation of the windmill blades from one person to the next. Like handwriting, we each have a unique way to cut curves. I hope to see yours soon!

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