Farmhouse Kitchen Basket Quilt finish!

I have finished the Farmhouse Kitchen Baskets Quilt!  
There is considerable deviation from the original pattern, but that is no reflection on the original designer Ann Horton. I found this pattern in magazines that a friend was clearing out of her sewing room, it was published in USA magazine Quilters Newsletter over three editions in 2008.  
The original design included a nine patch border and the basket blocks were off set, but while I loved both of these design elements in the end the quilt was big enough  and I didn't have enough of the fabrics to make the border - I started making the nine patches, but it just was not working - I didn't have enough of the right colours.  
I started this quilt back in 2012 when I was the mother of a 4 and 6 year old, trying to work part time and we lived in Adelaide.  So much as changed since then!  This quilt has been on more quilt retreats then I care to mention!  I unpicked numerous blocks (more then I care to admit) when I realized that some were way too small.  Unpicking triangles results in stretched pieces, so I ended up remaking some blocks.  
 I enjoyed piecing the baskets.  But loved appliqueing the fruit.  I have a thing about fruit themed patchwork, so making a full size quilt with fruit on it makes my heart sing!
 I cannot remember ever using black in a full size quilt, or orange! So it was a joy to enjoy using both colours in this quilt.
  I really love the bright clear fabrics  and adore the patterned background prints.  Don't get me wrong, I am still a reproduction girl at heart, but there will be more fun in the future, using the leftover backgrounds in another quilt!
And rick rack...who doesn't love rick rack for a basket handle?!  But once again this is the first time I have used it in a quilt.
First time I have also used a pale backing - but so perfect for this quilt.  Plus it enabled me to use a red binding, which looked perfect on the front and back.  

Lots of firsts in this quilt.  Lots I love.
My local long-arm quilter and friend Vicki Jenkin has quilted an overall design (sorry forgot the pattern name) and used cotton wadding - which I really love. She did a great job and was spot on picking out the pattern for me - its more involved then a stipple, but just melts into the background so the blocks can shine. 
The only thing left to do is wash this quilt.  I will wait until the weather is warmer, but I will not be giving it away, until I have washed it with multiple Colour Catchers and hope that the red is not going to run....fingers crossed!
Happy quilting Sue.

8 comments:

  1. What a gorgeous quilt! And a lovely tale to go with it!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  2. and a great finish it is too............

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  3. Wow Sue......I LOVE this quilt! Well done....it is such a "happy" quilt too! x

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  4. I think I may have seen you do some unpicking on that quilt sometime ago?? Well done for another finish. Good to catch up with you last week.

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  5. This is a lovely, fresh looking quilt. I think it looks just great without any border!

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  6. What a fabulous finish! The colors are bright and fresh like clean laundry hung on the line to dry. It's good to try new ideas and techniques with different projects. I think you were very successful. I agree with Janet, I like it without anymore borders.

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  7. Wonderful to see my original design playfully turned into your own! Love your colors and appliques - you know, quilts that take a few years are some of the best. Thanks for letting me know you finished -
    Ann Horton

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