Stitched in Color

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half a trip in England Swings

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When I shared this work-in-progress last month, you all looked at it with fresh eyes and showed me that half a trip around the world was more interesting than a full revolution.  I'd actually planned to do a traditional trip around the world layout. Even had all the pieces cut out!  But, you're right.  I love how the quilt looked just as I photographed it by that barn.  Thanks for showing me!  Too bad it was too small to stay that way.

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At home I played around with my remaining 5.5" squares and settled on this layout to bring the quilt up to size.  To keep a sense of unexpected, the largest trip around the world is incomplete.  And I created a few more echos on the right side of the quilt.  What makes the quilt work for me are the scattered solid red squares.  That, and the fun, bright fabrics!

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Most of these prints are England Swings by Rebekah Merle for Timeless Treasures.  It's such a bright, true collection that reminded me of a good friend who grew up Massachussets.  Do you feel the New England vibe?

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I made this quilt for her family just to say "I love you", cause I do.   Adding in the green Chinese Lantern Amy Butler fabric and aqua dandelion from Central Park made the color scheme feel fresh to me.  Straight-line, diagonal quilting was oh-so-satisfying and lent a great texture to the back,

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where I lined an Ikea 60" wide print with two rows of England Swings squares to bring things up to size.

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I love that over-sized print.  So dramatic!  This side is truly my favorite.

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And props to the red door too.  I've always loved the looks of this church. Someday, I'll paint my door red.

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So, this is my first Half a Trip Around the World quilt.  Eventually I'll do it again, and make a true half like you smarties showed me. 

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This little stack of goodness is done, bound in Kona Red, washed and off to it's new home hopefully this week.

And, did you have a fun weekend?  My time at the sewing machine was mostly relegated to hemming Brandon's work pants, so the real fun was celebrating Easter with friends and family.

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We host an Easter egg hunt every year - this time for our small group.  I did't miss an opportunity to put Beach Riot to use.

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Check out Liam eating his favorite candy.  Ok???  Let's pretend that I don't know there are more of those chocolates lonely in the cabinet this morning.