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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Louisiana Courtyard

I had a wonderful visit with my Mom and Dad this weekend, and I finished up my latest quilt on Thursday night, just in time to give it to my Mom when she arrived.


The brick layout of this quilt, along with the colors and prints remind me of the secluded courtyards and patios that you find tucked away in some homes in Louisiana.  Here are a couple of pictures (courtesy of tripadvisor.com) that give you an idea of what I mean-



Red bricks, scrolled wrought iron, and lush plants create a gorgeous space where I think this quilt would look right at home.


Somehow, the wooden deck, iron chair, and brick on my house don't create quite the same ambiance, but hopefully you get the idea!


I used every bit of the layer cake in the front of the quilt, so there wasn't any left for the backing, or even the label.  I used a tan tonal paisley for the backing, and as a bonus, it came in an extra-wide bolt, so no seams necessary!  I also had to find a fabric for the label that would blend well with the French General for the label, and decided to go with a red and tan gingham to keep the French-country feel.  The binding is Kona Espresso, and I just love that rich brown with the reds and shades of beige and tan.


My mom absolutely loves her quilt, and I am so glad.  I just know it will look perfect in their home in Louisiana.


32 comments:

  1. It turned out very pretty. I have also used that tan paisley from JoAnn a few times for quilt backs. It seems to blend with everything and I love not having to piece a backing for a change.

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  2. Inspiration is all around us! French General ideal for your design. Luck mom!

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  3. Super job. The binding just pulls it together doesn't it ?~! I love the large cuts, I hate to cut my best pieces into unrecognizable smidgens of their former selves and your quilt shows me how big pieces can look really good when used in this simple and effective pattern. Thank you so much, Kelly. And the label is perfect. I MUST label my quilts. I haven't yet begun to do that and I must I know if not for me then for the people to whom I give them. Thanks for showing how cute a label can be, thus "inspiring" others to emulate and document their work.

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  4. Love it to bits/bricks,
    It is just so perfect for a Lousiana Home!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo com
    ipatchandquilt dot wordpress dot com

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  5. very nice!! Love all those reds together too!!

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  6. That's gorgeous, Kelly, and love the label too! :D

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  7. Very nice quilt! Your mom is lucky. :-)

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  8. What a great quilt! And I love your inspiration :) My in-laws live in New Orleans, and the architecture there is simply gorgeous!

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  9. Just beautiful. Love your style ...

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  10. I just knew she'd love it! It is so beautiful, and the back and binding are perfect.

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  11. I know your mom is thrilled with her quilt - not only because her daughter made it for her but also because it is a jewel. You do superb work and it is an awesome quilt. It will be meaningful that there are three quilts from the same fabric in the family. Don't you love wide backing? I just had a quilt long armed that is a king quilt. It was much easier to prep not having to seam the backing. Your quilt is a memory for your mom and perfect for her LA home.

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  12. You have the best names for your quilts!!! Love it and the pics are great:)

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  13. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful ! You have a lucky mom!

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  14. Great finish Kelly! I bet your mom loved this. You did a beautiful job and I love the name you picked, So fitting!

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  15. Hi Kelly,
    Beautiful quilt~! I bet your mom just LOVED it. I have two layer cakes of Chateau Rouge in my stash, I may just have to make that quilt :). Do you mind telling me what size you cut your "bricks"?

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  16. This turned out great! The express brown binding is perfect.

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  17. What a beautiful quilt and I can see why your mom loved it! Wouldn't it be neat to have a secluded courtyard like that! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  18. Love the quilt. Great fabric! I have a quilt kit with that fabric. Definitely will be making that soon after seeing your gorgeous quilt!

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  19. Great quilt, I love the peachy fabric in with the reds & grey, it works v. well! Linda

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  20. Beautiful finish, Kelly! Love that binding - really pulls the look together! It is always interesting to read about your inspiration for your projects. Bet you mom sure does love and appreciate this gem!

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  21. turned out great. It does remind me of old bricks. Love to be sitting in that garden - we still have snow in Minnesota.

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  22. I can totally see the quilt fitting in with those inspiration photos. Just beautiful!

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  23. Love this quilt, I love anything with red, so pretty!

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  24. Beautiful quilt! It certainly looks like it belongs in a courtyard garden.

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  25. Kelly:

    I love this quilt. Is there a published pattern that you could post the name of? If not, can you say what size the blocks are finished?

    It is a really pretty quilt and would love to make one too.

    Thank you,
    Peggy

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  26. Lovely quilt Kelly! You always come up with the greatest names for your quilts! :) I do see the resemblance in the pictures! I am sure your mom will love this quilt for years to come.

    Thank you for linking up to Fabric Frenzy Friday!
    -Lindsey
    Fabric Frenzy Friday

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  27. Those courtyards are in the back of people's houses? It looks more like a hotel or a restaurant patio! I totally want one, now. Very snazzy. And your quilt does look like it would be right at home there. Love your colors and layout. Congrats on a great finish & thanks for linking up.

    xo -E

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  28. Love the colors in this quilt! And yes, I am behind on reading your blog - and everyone else I follow. (Did I miss a results post about that teaching exam you took??)

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  29. Beautiful! The color and shape of the blocks really do resemble bricks. Are the blocks made up of layer cake pieces cut in half (5x10)? Is there a pattern somewhere for this? I'm a beginner and could use some directions. Thank you.

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    1. There isn't really a pattern for it. I just sort of put it together without one. Yes, I did use a layer cake, cut in half for this quilt. Of course, once you do that, you'll have to square up the long side to 9.5 inches, because the seam will mean the block won't be square any longer. The block finishes at 9 inches in the quilt. Layer cakes have 42 squares, which is perfect, because you can layout the blocks 6x7, for a quilt measuring 54" x 63." Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help!

      :) Kelly

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