Tuesday, September 21, 2010

I Spy Quilt -- Another UFO Bites the Dust!

I am determined to have less UFO's at the end of this year than I had at the beginning.  I started out with ten on January 1st and so far have finished four of them.  I realize I have way less unfinished projects than some quilters (just ask my friend Darlene!) but I have a few more than other quilters (just ask my friend Jan!) but I want to make some progress.  


Last week I was challenged (by my friend Shirley) to "work on something that was nagging me to be finished," so I pulled out an I-Spy quilt I started in 2008.  The top was completed and it had even been basted for a while.  It was just waiting to be quilted.  I have been collecting I-Spy fabrics for a long time.  It's not hard to collect a lot because there are so many fun novelty prints out there.



















Aren't these cute?
Love the platform shoes!










The pattern I used is called "Do You See What I See?" and is from the 2003 issue of Quilt it For Kids by QNM

























I didn't want anything too busy for the back so I used a heavyweight muslin and machine quilted around blocks using lime green thread and a serpentine stitch.  If Diane Gaudynski thinks lime green is a neutral then so do I!


Now, here's the fun idea!  The quilting delineates spaces on the back for the grandkids and great-nieces and nephews to create beautiful works of art with fabric markers.  Won't that be fun!?!?!? 


















Since I'm talking about I-Spy quilts I thought I should show you the I-Spy I made for Aidan last year.  I did a sashing with cornerstones for this one.....














...and I incorporated some family photos on it. Then I found a really fun backing fabric.













Here is Aidan all wrapped up in his quilt when he was going through his "DON'T take my picture!!" phase. 























And here he is being his usual sweet self.























Now, I need to figure out how many quilts I have to make in order to use up all those novelty prints.  Does anyone need some I-Spy squares??

9 comments:

Doodlebug Gail said...

OK - now I see it - LOL! The one you did for Aiden is gorgeous Sandy, that red and yellow is eye popping. And the one you've just finished will make someone very happy.

Unknown said...

That picture of him is HILARIOUS! you should frame it and put it in your sewing room. It is the reason we all quilt! LOVE it!

Queen of the Unfinished Project said...

Well, if you really want to get rid of some, I'm always up for an I spy quilt. In fact, I have two that I really need to start gearing up for in the very near future- one boy and one girl. (As soon as I can get a few of these WIP's off on my wall and sewing table!)So, if you're serious... yes please, and thank you!

Cherie in St Louis said...

I love, love, love the backing on Aiden's quilt and what a great idea to include pictures in the I-Spy quilt! If you've only made two I-Spy quilts and even it you only bought a fat quarter, I'm thinking you have A LOT of novelty fabric left over, lol.

Sandy Panagos said...

Thanks, Gail. I am glad you like them.

KyTriplets, he's a pistol!

"Queen" I just sent you an email.

Sandy Panagos said...

Cherie, I really love that backing fabric. Got it at "In Stitches."

And, yes, I think I could make enough I-Spy quilts for an entire orphanage with what I bought! LOL

Anonymous said...

Sandy, Aiden's quilt is wonderful. He really looks like he "LOVES" it too. You are right about too many UFO's. I started out with 50 for 2010 and have finished 4 -- but there is still 3 months to go!!! One day I WILL be down to 10 UFO's. Just wait and see!! Darlene

Sandy Panagos said...

Thanks, Dar!

And about your UFO's -- I have every confidence in you!!!

Mimi said...

Glad to see a post. As always, your quilts are great and it really does look like Aiden is loving his quilt. Love the picture idea, too. How fun to look for family members! Wish I could say I was finishing up all my UFOs. ;/