January 7, 2015

Drunkard's Path Quilt Along 2015, Intro

How many of you thought you'd get a Christmas quilt done only to once again set the idea aside because all the other holiday things got in the way?  Me too!

I started. I really did. Here's a peak.



Actually I haven't made a Christmas quilt in years. And as long as I'm confessing that, I might as well fess up and tell you I have more Christmas tops than I have Christmas quilts done. But guess what?  I hang the tops up anyway raw edges and all. Yep. Unfinished quilts hang on my walls during the holidays. But hey, they add a lot of holiday color and cheer even in their unfinished state and most people don't even notice. Each year I think I'll finish them and each year they get folded back into storage. This is what one of the unfinished tops looks like . . . border test strip along the side and all.



After all these years, I'm embarrassed to still have the same unfinished top hanging in the family room, not to mention my tastes and style have certainly changed. I've decided it's definitely time for a new Christmas quilt. Of course I didn't remotely start it in time for this past Christmas. But I did start. And in order to actually get it done for Christmas 2015, I have a plan and I'm inviting you to join me.

I plan to make a block a month. Then possibly add some borders and get it finished in time for Christmas 2015. Really. Finished. Want to join me?

I love poinsettias so I designed a block with the feel of this lovely Christmas flower. Here's the first one. I'm using those great red and green Kaffe fabrics I posted about here.



This block design will look just as good with modern prints or even solids in lots of different shades of red and green. It would also look great with bright pastels for a springtime look. I might even sew one up from some older floral/leafy prints just for fun. I'd really like to put those older fabrics to use in fresh new ways.

Here's the general layout. Nine blocks total. I may add borders as things move along. We'll see. Doesn't it look like a bunch of blooming poinsettias?



I'll be back later in the month with more details. Optional layouts. Templates. Instructions. Maybe even some alternative fabric samples. This won't be anything formal. Just a monthly goal to sew one block and finish in time for Christmas 2015. I hope you'll consider sewing along with me.   : )

Linking up with WIP Wednesday for what will be a year long WIP.
I'm also linking up with Needle and Thread Thursday.

16 comments:

  1. I love this design, and its such a clever use of the Kaffe Fabrics. I don't think I'll be joining in, but it will be fun to watch it come together.

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  2. Beautiful design! Not in position to join you just now, but drunkard's path is a favorite of mine and this is so clever and attractive. Add in Kaffe and it's almost irresistible. I bet you finish this one because you fall in love with it!

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  3. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I am very tempted to join!!!
    Esther

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    1. I was so lucky last weekend! I found a quilter's Christmas stash in a flea market. Now I surely have enough fabrics to join you in the Quilt Along!
      Esther

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  4. I love this design, and your fabrics! I just made a quilt with similar blocks. https://eveninginthegarden.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/friday-finish-spring-violets/ Wish I had known to add the "leaves"!

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  5. I never thought of hanging a finished top, what a great idea. I am guilty of not finishing (yet another year) my Christmas table runner. This year I did manage to get the border on so now it really just needs quilting and it will be truly done.

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  6. What a clever design! Your mind is always whirling with new ideas, I think, and this one is lovely! I'm tempted!

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  7. I adore the palette you chose for your new Christmas quilt

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  8. What a fantastic design! So much movement and of course your fabrics are awesome

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  9. Love the swirly, tropical feel of this. I've never made a Christmas quilt, but am anxious to make this one. Found you via WIP Wednesday and have enjoyed looking at many of your posts. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. It looks lovely!!
    Love, Mrs Patch

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  11. Love your design (of course!) and you almost tempt me. Good for you for getting started early! And of course, love the Kaffes!

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  12. What a neat design, Anne! It's simply, yet refreshing. Perhaps because of your great fabric choices. I bet this would be easy to cut out with an Accuquilt and a Drunkard's Path die.... neither of which I have. :-)

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  13. Count me in, I've always wanted to make this block

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WaHoo!!! You're leaving me a comment. Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. Quilt on, Anne.