I sorted through my 9-Patches and set aside those larger or a lot smaller than 3.5". Not that I was all that strict - I still had a bunch that were 1/8" short here and there. Usually what I do in this situation is cut all the blocks down by that 1/8" to make them all the same size, but figured that would be too prissy for this particular quilt.I divided the blocks into two groups according to value in the corner fabric of each block and then was pretty good about putting them up on the design board randomly.
I sewed horizontal rows of seven blocks and then joined 10 of those rows together to make a rectangle. I then sewed vertical rows of 10 blocks, two of which were longer than the rest. I could have just sewed them together and whacked off the extra, but these are just 1" blocks - it's not like there's much of the block to lose. So I added some extra to the bottom of the big rectangle and one of the vertical rows and then joined them together. That will be a little sliver when it's all joined up and I think it will make the whole work more interesting. Right now this piece measures 29.75" x 30.5"
I've decided to call this The Margarita Quilt. It's happy (a well-made margarita definitely makes me happy), has lime, and looks like I was tipsy while I was piecing it.I can't decide if I want to border it or not. I love the idea of using this center "square" in the middle of a huge border. I played around with a border when this quilt was only 7 x 7 blocks but didn't actually like it.
So The Margarita Quilt will get aside while I play some more with the remaining 9-Patches.
The light has definitely improved - spring at last. Pokey:
And Lily: 
Yesterday, I met Marie of Luxor One Day at a Time. She is an absolute blast. She has a fascinating job -- librarian at Chicago House in Luxor, Egypt -- and is a quilter and cat lover. We had so much to talk about, it was just wonderful. She's visiting Paris before heading back to California where she lives in the off-season. She came over to my apartment and I showed her some of my quilts and Egypt treasures and of course the cats hid from her the entire time.Have you seen Finn's great tutorial for working with Orphan Blocks? How about Sarah's tutorial for a free-pieced flower?
This quilt just keeps looking more and more beautiful. I am in love with the colors and think the contrast is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI am out of town at the moment but hope we'll get a chance to quilt again sometime in May or June!
I love your margarita quilt. It is sooo happy.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you and Marie had a blast. Knew you would. Bet you didn't stop talking Egypt the whole time. What did she think of the quilts, especially the Tentmaker one?
ReplyDeleteOh shame she didn't get to see the cats.
Definitely huge border.
It looks great on your design wall so maybe a neutral brown border? Or is that too tame? Lol.
ReplyDeleteThis one really pulsates! I really like your fabric choices--the occasional strong print just adds more even interest.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fabulous with the huge smacking-bright border. What an interesting visitor!! Too bad she missed the cats, though.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Those tiny little nine-patches really invite close inspection. Love the mix of colors.
ReplyDeleteWe put Margaritaville on the CD player and busted out the tequila Saturdy to celebrate our first warm weekend. All we needed was your quilt!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I've been picturing it much bigger, like a throw. I love that blue but not so sure about the huge solid border. Have you thought of a free-pieced border? with margarita glasses and lime green cactus? Or is that too obvious?
I like your margarita quilt. I vote no border, but I almost always vote no border.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention and link!
I vote big border! I love how it look with the big splash of one color.
ReplyDeleteLike I said before: great quilt!
ReplyDeleteThe colours make you happy and cheerfull :)
I don't think I'd add a big border.
I check back later to see what you've decided.
The weather here is great too: wore my summercoat for the first time this year. Yéééé!
WOW, love those colors!
ReplyDeleteLove the blocks. I like the blue border. What about a piano key border around that with the fabrics from the 9 patches? I am sure whatever you decide will be spectacular!
ReplyDeleteThat is one stunning quilt! I love it. So energetic!
ReplyDeleteLove this and the name, too! About the borders, I think it would look cool with two different narrow borders like you have in yellow and orange in the photo!
ReplyDeleteI love those colours-it just says holiday to me...and holiday certainly says margarita-great title!
ReplyDeleteI like the 2 tone border you auditioned, Tracey
It's a dandy quilt
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to go with a wide border you could quilt in pink elephants!
ReplyDeletewow! beautiful quilt so far....wow! love how cheery this quilt is and of course nine patches, my personal favorite blocks!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to see how you decide to finish it and quilt it.
Just my two cents but I love, love, love, the wide border. The comment about pink elephants in the border is a great idea. What a happy quilt!
ReplyDeleteYour border should look salty, like the edge of a margarita glass.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt