Girl's Best Friend

Right off the bat, just let me say that I wish I had been able to be more creative with my photo shoot for this quilt because the colors are so lovely,  but BRRRR!!!  It is just too darn cold.  Yesterday, our high was only 14 degrees, and today it is a balmy 23 with a wind chill of 13.  Now, I know that there are many of you who are dealing with much colder than this, and do on a regular basis, but I'm still a south Louisiana girl at heart, and I just can't take it.  It's all about perspective, you know!

I decided that Girl's Best Friend was just too perfect a name to pass up for this one.  Every time I look at this quilt, I see a diamond set with prongs.  I didn't really plan it that way; it was just a happy occurrence!

As I mentioned in my last post, I really enjoyed creating this pattern, but the only thing I might have done differently is  to make the blocks smaller.  These are 20 inch blocks, made with 5 inch segments.  I love the crown shape created by the white space between the diamonds, but I think it might look better if it was a little less expansive.  I do love the big chunks of the Vintage Modern fabric though!  I guess I can't have it both ways.

Of course, I used up the scraps in the backing, and added a Riley Blake aqua dot, along with a really beautiful gray fabric I found at Joann's.  I think I like the backing as much as the front!  I de-stressed from all of the holiday mayhem by meander quilting.   

I also found this sketch texture fabric in the perfect shade of red to use as the binding.  Reds are so difficult to match, so I snatched this one right up!

Woohoo!  My first finish of 2014!  (Even though I posted about it just last week, I actually finished Lilacs and Sunshine before Christmas)

Because the weather is so bitter and school is out (Tennessee is just not prepared for weather like this and many students don't own adequate outerwear), I have thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in, hanging out in my thermals and slippers, drinking hot chocolate, and cutting into these-

Oh yes...  I can't wait!  I got these from Fabric Ala Carte, a shop I only recently discovered.  They have a great selection of beautiful fabric bundles (FQ's, half yards, and full yard bundles!), yardage, and a clearance section with fantastic deals. 

I am so happy to welcome them as a new sponsor!  Check out the button below, or on my left sidebar!  

Fabric Ala Carte's 5th anniversary is next week, and Kris is offering free shipping on any US purchase $30 or more.  International buyers can contact Kris for an 18% discount.  To take advantage of these offers, use the coupon code 5thAnniversary!  Happy shopping, and stay warm friends!