Trying to Finish Off the Ocean Wave Triangles

There are two ways to be fooled. 

One is to believe what isn't true. The other is to refuse to believe what is true.

~Soren Kirkengaard

Quilting

When will they end? There are still a bunch of Ocean Wave triangles: both individual and in sets of four.  I thought there were just enough for a five-block baby quilt but, no. Silly me. While I love the finished quilts, I'm sick of making the same pattern. 

Here's my plan to avoid counting and continual cutting of new triangles.  As I finish a "round", I'll move the outer half and quarter blocks out, add a new "round" and fill it with waves. As soon as there aren't enough to finish one more round, this quilt will be done. 

In the photo above, I've moved the outer blocks, added a new round of center squares and then filled the waves in around them. These are leftover triangles from all my previous Ocean Wave quilts, ignoring all colors and values. The Use Them Up philosophy.

 

There seems to be enough triangles for one or two more rounds. Perhaps one and a half. Then it would be a rectangle. 

Reading

Since I enjoyed Steven's previous book, The Guncle, tremendously, The Celebrants was on my list. It reminds me of The Big Chill although the friends meet for multiple "living funerals." The two Jordans (Jordan and Jordy), Marielly, Naomi, and Craig made a pact in college that each could call a meeting once - when they desperately need to be reminded that they matter and that their lives mean something. 

Steven's writing highlights the joys of connection and friendship despite the unexpected twists of life. 

Enjoy the day, Ann

HUGS is a Baby Word

Remember that art is about being interested, not about being interesting.

~Julia Cameron

Quilting

Apple pie without some cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze. Although that saying was in my grandmother's Betty Crocker cookbook, I never put cheese on apple pie. However, my family never gives a kiss without a hug. How could I make a kiss quilt without a hugs one, too?

HUGS baby quilt

With my excellent analytical skills I chose to make quilts with difficult words first. Haha. The letters in this one are all vertical/horizontal. So much easier to sew than V, A, R, and K. Why didn't I think of that earlier? OTOH, I have less time these days so perhaps it's better to sew easier letters right now. 

Partially completed spiral quilting

This one went together like a piece of cake. I used the same spiral quilting because... why not? It's a natural plan for me now, looks good, and required no decisions or marking.

Detail of letter G on HUGS baby quilt

If you read my posts regularly, you may recall the backing. It's some of the leftovers from a skirt I made last summer out of some old Kaffe Fassett yardage. 

The binding is a beautiful coral with arrows. Not that you can see them. I liked it so much I purchased the fabric twice. Shesh! And it's sat in my stash ever since. 

Binding, back and spiral quilting on HUGS baby quilt

Now it has a home where it will wrap a baby in hugs. 

Quilt Specifics

Size: 45" x 45"

Design: Coin or String quilt

Batting: Hobbs Heirloom Premium Natural Cotton

Thread: Metler cotton thread in pink

Quilting: Spiral with walking foot

Approximate yardage: 5.5 yds

Reading

How have I missed this author until now? The Guncle by Steven Rowley is well-written and engaging. Actor Patrick lives/hides in Palm Springs. When a series of tragedies strike his family, he becomes the temporary guardian of his young niece and nephew. In helping them cope with their losses, Patrick begins to face his own. An insightful story that is both warm and funny.  

And... he's written other books that I'm adding to my list.

Gee’s Bend Quilts

Improvisational quilts are stylish these days and few are more recognized than the Gee’s Bend quilts made by many generations of Black women in Alabama. Most of the makers still live in poverty. The proceeds of their quilts usually go to the purchasers and almost everyone feels free to evoke the name for their personal use. Now Gee’s Bend quilters have an Etsy shop. Read the article here.

 

Enjoy the day, Ann