Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Ta-Da!


I finished the borders last night!! All that piecing, geez, no wonder it took me so long! LOL I looked at some antique two color Irish chains and liked this simple border treatment the best.
Now,  you may or may not notice that there is a mistake. I saw it as I was getting ready to take a photo.   I'm just letting you know that I know it's there.

The two fabrics I used were red Moda bella solid Christmas red and Kona natural. The strips I used to make the blocks were cut at 1 1/2" . The border strips were cut at 2 1/2". The quilt measures about 85"x89".

The open "white" spaces are only about 4" so I don't think I'll be doing any wreaths or fancy work in there. At this point I plan on quilting it myself- probably with crosshatching.

My first thought is to put muslin on the back but I may find a nice red and white print, possibly some type of toile. Sometimes the quilting looks better with a busy print on the back. If I do decide to send it out a print on the back is a sure thing. Any thoughts on that?
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96 comments:

  1. *karendianne.July 20, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    Lori, I love it. Looks great and I love the charm created by your work here. Personally, I'm no help. I like a muslin backing and I love the idea of a toile. No help. No help at all.

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  2. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    Absolutely wonderful, fresh, clean and crisp!!!

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  3. BrendaJuly 20, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    looks great. I was inspired by all the pix I saw of those red and white quilts earlier this year, but now I am inspired by you!

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  4. JanetJuly 20, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Oh Lori - it looks wonderful!! Such a classic look! That's a large quilt to make out of such small squares - you've been doing a LOT of sewing. I really like the border treatment. I vote for a toile background :0)

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  5. Needled MomJuly 20, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    I have always loved that pattern. It looks wonderful and I think a toile would be spectacular on the back.

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  6. YvetteJuly 20, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Oh wow! I love it. You did a great job.

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  7. Appalachian MercantileJuly 20, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    Love it! It's a beauty!

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  8. sosarahsewJuly 20, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    The way my luck goes is if I have toile pictured in my mind, I'll NEVER be able to find any, let alone one I love. I try to be flexible about things like that and then more often find something truly great. Sarah

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  9. CarolJuly 20, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    It's beautiful...simple and wonderful! I'm voting for the toille.

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  10. WoolenSailsJuly 20, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    It came out beautifully, that is a lot of piecing, and you did a beautiful job on it. I like printed backs, just looks nicer when you are using them and can see the back, but it depends on the front, I wouldn't want to compete too much with the design, so something simple. Maybe a red and white with a tiny space floral?

    Debbie

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  11. CherylJuly 20, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    You stuck with it and it is gorgeous! Congratulations! I vote for the toile!

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  12. CilleJuly 20, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Beautiful quilt... Really like it. I agree on the simple red border - it's perfect. I did sot the little error, but that's just a charming addition.

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  13. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    A delight for the eyes! Beautiful quilt. I have heard tell that only god is perfect and there are some that actually make a mistake on each quilt on purpose. Mine are usually just there and I say honor them and move forward! Great Quilt! Lizzie

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  14. MonicaJuly 20, 2011 at 7:10 AM

    Very pretty Lori!

    While I love the idea of a toile, I go with solid for this quilt. Don't ask me why 'cause I'm not sure why. Maybe its the idea of keeping it "vintag-y" looking.

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  15. Janet O.July 20, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    That isn't a mistake, it is a cute little dimple!
    What a gorgeous, clean, crisp quilt.
    I think a toile would be beautiful for a backing if you can find it in white, not cream, and red. Seems like they are always creamy.

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  16. DarleneJuly 20, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Oh, Lori, I love it! I vote for the toile backing. :-)

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  17. Elizabeth AnnJuly 20, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    Ohhhh its so pretty, I vote for white on the back so the quilting does show. Is it Friday yet - I'm holding my breath for lucky 28!

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  18. EllenJuly 20, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    It looks lovely - really fresh and clean looking.

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  19. KathrynJuly 20, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    It's hard not to see the block that was twisted. Are you going to fix it? I'm afraid I would. I'm working on a red and white quilt too, with winning from a block lotto.

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  20. libbyquilterJuly 20, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    beautiful~!!~
    love the idea of a toile as a backing too.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  21. Betty LouJuly 20, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Red and white quilts never go out of style, yours is wonderful. I have to make a red and white, even if it is a doll quilt. July/August cover of Country Living has a beautiful red and white quilt on the cover. Your is prettier.

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  22. LeKaQuiltJuly 20, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    What a wounderful quilt! Love it !
    This quilt have to go on my "have to make" list.

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  23. LeKaQuiltJuly 20, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    What a wounderful quilt! Love it !
    This quilt have to go on my "have to make" list.

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  24. UnknownJuly 20, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    accomplishing this quilt says a lot about you; determined, diligent and delightful. What a wonderful and beautiful quilt...can i have it? ha ha.
    your little mistake is actually just a kiss.
    :)
    karen

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  25. AnnetteJuly 20, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    It's beautiful Lori. I love it. I didn't even notice your mistake until you mentioned it.

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  26. BetsyJuly 20, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Lori, it is spectacular. Congratulations!

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  27. JuliannJuly 20, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    What a beautiful quilt! A huge accomplishment in such a short time.

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  28. Library Gal QuiltsJuly 20, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    I think Toile is perfect! Look up the French General red and beige it is super beautiful! I spy the little square..personally I think it's pretty cute and proud of it's self! Xo Pam

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  29. JeanetteJuly 20, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Lori, I LOVE your quilt! I love red and white quilts, but have a hard time sticking with two fabrics. :-) I think a toile would be so pretty on the back!

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  30. Ann ChampionJuly 20, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I love two color quilts! Yours is gorgeous. I vote for a toile too, if you can find one not too creamy.
    It seems like this quilt top went together pretty fast to me! :)

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  31. Barbara SindlingerJuly 20, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Wonderful! And yes, splurge and do a pretty red and white print for the back - it's worthy of that extra touch.

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  32. marieJuly 20, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    I'd put a print on the back. I've always wanted a red/white quilt--it's going to be my next project. Thanks for sharing.

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  33. Me and My StitchesJuly 20, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Love it! I can't believe there is a mistake...burst my bubble - I thought you were perfect! I really love the idea of a red and white toile on the back. It's just wonderful - what a great finish.

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  34. JanJuly 20, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Beautiful top; so crisp & clean feeling. You know, I think each quilt has it's own personality, and some require a plain backing, and sometimes it's fun to see a surprise on the back. I love your idea of a toile for the backing. You'll choose just the right thing, I know!

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  35. AnnieOJuly 20, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Beautiful, Lori! Love the red and white. Those are tiny squares indeed. Me, I love a print backing and have hardly ever used plain. I think it would be wonderful to use a toile.

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  36. MaryJuly 20, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I love your quilt! Since you asked - unless you use a really opaque batting, with that much white on the front, I'd use a muslin on the back. I don't like to see the backing print showing through.

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  37. MaureenJuly 20, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Wow! You completed that top very quickly! - beautiful!

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  38. SharonJuly 20, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    FABULOUS!

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  39. NickyJuly 20, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    This is one stunning quilt and what an awesome challenge with all those tiny pieces. Well done for finishing. Great border it really sets it off. I'm sitting on the fence as regards toile/muslin! Sorry!

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  40. DonieneJuly 20, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Absolutely lovely!!! A print for the backing is always one of my favorites!! It's always nice to finish a top.

    Blessings

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  41. DebJuly 20, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I just love this quilt. There is nothing cheerier than a read and white quilt!!

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  42. ChristieJuly 20, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    I'm glad I am not the only one who makes a mistake! - I have a completely done table topper and had been using it for several weeks on the middle of the table - while talking on the phone one day, I blurted out: "Oh no!!! I have a block tuned around on my table topper!!!!" Too late, it even had a label on it, so it was REALLY done! I say: Go with the toile. HUGS... and stitches

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  43. SusieJuly 20, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Oh, it turned out very, very nice!

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  44. Nancy EJuly 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I love it! A nice red and white print would be nice for the back.

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  45. MaryJuly 20, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    I saw the bad block that didn't get in line. Thank heavens for the camera to show you the boo boo before it's quilted. I vote for a printed backing.

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  46. BrowndirtcottageJuly 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    Well for sure it's a TA DA!!!! For a minute there I was a little jealous of your new little red/white and then I remembered...I have one...somewhere! It's an old vintage top from my Munner's.....I must go see if I can find it and see if it's a double or a triple!!
    So now I feel better 'cause I kind of sorta have one too! HA!! But I must admit I LOVE yours best for yours has those marvelous miss-placed pieces. You lucky duck, now yours is soooooo unique!!!

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  47. merrily rowJuly 20, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Lori, my grandmother would have said it was not a mistake, it was a "Humble Block". Very appropriate for you.

    Have you already provided how much yardage one would need to make this quilt?

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  48. Marilyn RobertsonJuly 20, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    What a wonderful quilt! I love red and white quilts, and this one is a beauty!

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  49. BrandieJuly 20, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Gorgeous, even with that tiny mistake. I love it!

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  50. DawnJuly 20, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Very striking - and I bet evokes some fun memories of your NYC trip. I'd do a fun print - I love surprise backings that are as interesting as the front. You'll know it whne you see it!

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  51. Marsha BJuly 20, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    It's gorgeous! I would definately put a beautiful red and white toile or some type of red flowers on a white background print on the back. It would pair so well with the geometrics of the front.

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  52. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Your quilt is wonderful.I love Irish chain and red and white quilts !

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  53. TarynJuly 20, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    If you hand quilt yourself then most definitely go with a plain backing. You don't want to do all that work and not be able to see it. If you go with machine quilting - either yourself or one of the pros - I would choose a busier backing but not something that will shadow through. Now, my question is, Is the mistake a mistake or a deliberate mistake??? Will you offer an explanation on the label or will you leave future generations pondering whether you actually meant to do it?

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  54. TarynJuly 20, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    P.S. It looks great!!!! It takes so much patience to complete a quilt like that but, boy is it ever worth it.

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  55. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Mistake? what mistake? It's gorgeous and it's yours that's all there is to it. I vote plain back if you hand quilt it; fancy if you have it machine quilted. All in all an exercise in restraint and I am in awe! Well done.

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  56. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    LORI,THIS QUILT IS JUST BEAUTIFUL!
    ISN'T THERE SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT A 2-COLOR QUILT! EVERYONE WANTS ONE-THANKS SO FOR SHARING YOUR PHOTOS+IDEAS! HAPPY SUMMER,LINDA

    jldouglas@wispwest.net

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  57. CardygirlJuly 20, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    They look so simple...but an amazing amount of work...love it!

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  58. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Lori,I wanted to add that your white blocks certainly don't require any other stitching,in my humble opinion!

    jldouglas@wispwest.net

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  59. RachaeldaisyJuly 20, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Oh bestill my beating heart!! It's absolutely wonderful!!

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  60. Randy D.July 20, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Lori, it's wonderful! You should be really proud that you stuck with it. I would have given up long ago...just red and white? EGAD. You're fabulous!!!

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  61. VickiJuly 20, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    It looks wonderful! You've done a spectacular job....congratulations!!! How about a red and white print from French General's Fa La La La La Christmas collection at the Fat Quarter Christmas Shop? (Well, it's more of an oyster white, not pure white, but it might be a subtle contrast to the front of the quilt.) Fabulous quilt, though! Very inspiring!!

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  62. SheilaJuly 20, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    The Amish always leave a mistake...only God is perfect. :) I just had a quilt cross hatched....love it....plan on having it done again soon......well....as soon as I finish assembling this next quilt top. :)
    I have a red and white quilt planned....it is paper pieced and much smaller though. :)

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  63. Pinkadot QuiltsJuly 20, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I love the crispness of it, beautiful! I didn't see the mistake until you pointed it out! Don't you always think "how could I have missed that"? I do it all the time...

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  64. Ann-MariJuly 20, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    What a stunning quilt. I absolutly love red and white quilts. Congratulation to you.

    keep up the goog work, Ann-Mari

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  65. JaneJuly 20, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    I love it! A print backing would be lovely, but I vote muslin. You can't lose either way.

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  66. SueBJuly 20, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    Lori, I love it. If I could find a red toile it would just make that quilt. But the front is awesome.

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  67. BethJuly 20, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Oh My. So beautiful. I think a toile would be fantastic on the back. Love the borders.
    ( I found the little oopppss but I don't think I would have if you hadn't mentioned it).

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  68. antique quilterJuly 20, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    beautiful and I love that your going to hand quilt it with cross hatching, it will look great on this quilt
    congrats on a wonderful finish, I just love it
    Kathie

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  69. Barbara JJuly 20, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Absolutely stunning! Look at what some red & white fabrics can become! Love it!

    I'd say go with a muslin backing. To keep to the authenticity of the tradition? On the other hand a toile gives it a flavour of luxury.

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  70. Dixie HowardJuly 20, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Oh goodness - this quilt is so wonderful! Just love it. Every single one of my quilts has at least one of what I call a "renegade" block but it just makes me love them more. One time I didn't notice until I was hanging a quilt on my daughter's wall and she laughed and pointed to it. Its one of our favorite quilts ever - just adds to the whimsy.

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  71. Lynn KoeppenJuly 20, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Lovely! I really want to do a red and green quilt.

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  72. AnonymousJuly 20, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Lori, did NOT read the 70 comments so this may have been covered.... Jo Morton with Andover has a red toile coming in Aug.... Andover web site has pic... line is called Jo's Variety.... But I get the first 8 yards off the bolt...

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  73. Barb in MiJuly 20, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Wow, just beautiful!

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  74. Bonnie K. HunterJuly 20, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    It's fabuloso! And I love how you encased the red border between the white ones..NICE NICE NICE NICE!!

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  75. WendyJuly 20, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    I love it! the oops is so cute.

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  76. RuthJuly 20, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I think you did it really fast!! It's fabulous!!

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  77. GeeGeeJuly 20, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Lori, Your quilt is fabulous and the first thing I saw was the "LITTLE HEART" with the dangling charm and thought, oh my, how clever to include a heart to show how much she loves this quilt. How would it work if you wrote with a pigma pen very tiny your initials on the heart and the year on the dangling charm? Whatever you decide for the back cannot take away the charm of this quilt. Congratulations!

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  78. reganJuly 20, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    It's fabulous, and toile sounds perfect for the back! And boy are you fast.....that didn't take you long at all!

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  79. MerilynJuly 20, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    You have done a wonderful job on this Lori!!! and so fast.....
    I also like the finished size, around what I like for my quilts too!!! I like the idea of using a toile for the backing as it would gently compliment the quilt overall!!! Great work!!!

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  80. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Of course I would also vote for a kind of French toile in red & white ! It would enhance the beauty of your quilt.
    Humble quilt, humble block, that is called Charm !
    Katell, France

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  81. Phebe and JaneJuly 21, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    I love this quilt. It is so simple and I mean that as a compliment.
    Regards from the Netherlands.
    Marian

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  82. Sew Create It - JaneJuly 21, 2011 at 3:12 AM

    It is absolutely stunning! Well Done!

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  83. Cornfield QuilterJuly 21, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I love the red and white! I am one of those people that always puts a co-ordinating printed fabric on the back. I want to look at the pretty fabric when I turn my quilt over, not the stitches. Have a quilty day!

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  84. MichelleJuly 21, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    That's a beautiful quilt!

    Things tend to happen to the quilts I've backed with muslin, so now I'm using prints unless it's something that's definitely going to hang on the wall.

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  85. LibbyJuly 21, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Oh gosh, I just love it! Now I need (yes, need) to add a red/white quilt to my list *s*

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  86. sherryberrybimJuly 21, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    The Irish Chain is one of my favorites. It's definitely on my list of have to do's. Yours is terrific!

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  87. CathyJuly 21, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    Lori It is beautiful. I found the spot you were talking about but it is not a mistake. It adds to the quilt. A red print would be great. So unexpected. Hugs

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  88. The Civil War QuilterJuly 21, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Beautiful even with a little mistake! I'd go with a toile backing.

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  89. julieQJuly 21, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Beautiful!!! How very pretty...I am so glad you got it done, and in a hurry too!!

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  90. pauletteJuly 21, 2011 at 10:54 PM

    Absolutely stunning!! Gorgeous job and FAST!!
    P

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  91. Linda in NCJuly 22, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    In a word: Wow! I have a blue and white Irish Chain planned, but may have to add a red and white one to my list after seeing this.

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  92. Donna KeatingJuly 22, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Wonderful Irish Chain quilt with lots of space for nice quilting. A red and white toile on the back would be an added bonus in my opinion.

    Donna K. from N. TX

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  93. KarenJuly 24, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Lori, it's fabulous. I love the idea of a toile, the perfect updated touch to a classic.

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  94. LisaJuly 27, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    My first thought when I saw this blog was, "Oh, look at the beautiful antique quilt!" It is gorgeous! Regarding the backing, my only suggestion is to make sure if you choose a print that it doesn't show through the batting to the front of the quilt. Some do ya know.

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  95. AnonymousJuly 30, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    LOVE the red and white and your "mistake" makes it all the more charming :)
    Kat

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  96. The Mayo FamilyAugust 6, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Hello Lori~
    I came over for a visit...
    leaving as a follower! :)
    I love this quilt & am sending my sis over as she is in love with....
    "Red & White" quilts, it is her dream! (For me to make her one) :)
    I came over as my name is Lori as well!
    I'll be back~
    Blessings~
    Lori
    My sis is Meme of our shared blog...
    www.twosisterscottage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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