Mini Churn Dash
I have a mini churn dash quilt to show you today. I thought I had posted a work-in-progress photo of this quilt a year ago, but apparently I did not. Yes, this little mini has been waiting almost a full year to be finished. Good grief. All because I could not decide how to quilt it, and then it got buried in the stack of quilts waiting to be finished.
This mini churn dash quilt was a kit I bought from One Sister Designs. The pattern is called Happy Dash, and you can see the kit here (no affiliation). This little quilt finishes at 24 inches square. It is made using the foundation paper “stack and cut” method unique to One Sister (formerly Buggy Barn) Designs.
Because there is so much movement in the quilt, I couldn’t decide how to quilt it. I considered hand quilting it. I thought about an overall design. I set it aside and waited for inspiration, and then forgot all about it! I came across it the other day, and during the night, I thought “why not just use a simple serpentine stitch”? Why it took me a year to figure that out – who knows?!
Because this is a wall quilt, I kept the quilting very simple, spacing the serpentine stitches about 3 inches apart. I used a cream 50 wt thread on the top, and a dark navy in the bobbin. The backing and binding fabrics were included in the kit.
The navy blended in so well, it is difficult to see in the photo. I may add a rod pocket for hanging, but this mini churn dash is small enough and light enough that I can just use pins. It was so much fun to make, I’m considering other fabric combinations for another version.
I do like churn dash quilt blocks. Another churn dash quilt on my bucket list is Mad Dash from Prairie Moon Quilts. Isn’t that a cool quilt?
How about you – love churn dash blocks or ??
Wendy
Minnesota State Seal Quilt Finish
21 Comments
Barbara
Super cute. The quilting is just right.
marissthequilter
It’s a very charming mini quilt. Gorgeous fabrics and you have done them proud with your careful stitching.
I had a peak at the Mad Dash and can see why it’s called that. Those tiny churn dashes within the bigger one will be a challenge. But it is a clever design and very effective. Look forward to seeing your version!
Cocoa Quilts
Love this little quilt. Glad she made it out after a year. Good choice on the quilting, I’ve never thought to go 3″ apart, I like it. Perfect backing fabric!
texasquiltgal
What a cute quilt! The serpentine is perfect. Love the blues. I did a double take when I peeked at Mad Dash – what an amazing quilt!
laura bruno lilly
Happy Dash is really cute! After looking at both sites on this plus Mad Dash, I’d say your experience with HD (mini dash blocks) will greatly aid in your putting together of MD. I think for someone like yourself who loves Churn Dash blocks, MD is the culmination of that love and devotion!
Cindy Berry
A lovely finish as usual, Wendy. I love churn dash blocks – I think they are my favorite. Have a great week and weekend.
TerryK
What a wonderful finish, Wendy! I love the wonky in this pattern. How fun to have a mini to display!!!
aquilterstable
Looks great. And I do love a churn dash…especially a wonky one!
Laura
This little cutie deserved to be finished!
I have been to the Buggy Barn quilt shop several times…it isn’t too far from where I live. It is a unique experience since it is located ‘in the middle of nowhere’…beautiful farmland! The sisters came to our quilt guild meetings a few times as well. I remember when they opened the business…so fun! The designs are primitive and I really like them! 🙂
tierneycreates: a fusion of textiles and smiles
That is an adorable mini churn dash and great color palette 🙂
Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts
I can see how Happy Dash got it’s name! That is a really fun design, and I love the colors, too. I have a love-hate relationship with the churn dash block. One year, quite a while back, my local quilt group decided to have a churn dash swap. The pattern we were all using called for a scant quarter inch seam allowance, and I never could get that to work. Needless to say, I didn’t make many blocks for the swap (and have hardly made any since)! I think one member ended up taking all of the blocks, and did make a pretty quilt out of them. Sounds like your construction method was completely different for these!
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Love churn dash!! Love your churn dash, Wendy!
vickiwelsh9b9e540c9c
Isn’t it always the case that you agonize over something for ages and then realize that simplest is best! It’s very cute and didn’t need quilting to take away from the graphic design.
Tracie
I love the wonky churn dash blocks — and what a great kit! I’m glad this happy quilt is ready for display in your home. Churn dash is one of my favorite blocks and I’m working on a lap quilt — started it in the spring and it’s time to get back at it.
Kate
Very cute finish! The simple quilting works so well with the movement in the blocks. Congrats on another finish.
Kate
A very fun finish. The simple quilting works well with all the movement in the blocks. Congrats on another finish.
Vicki in MN
Those churn dashes look very happy dancing all around your quilt. I do love churn dash blocks.
Helen
Nice one. It’s interesting to look at it for a few seconds. Eyes aren’t sure where to land. Kind of fun.
J Mur
What fun, Wendy!
Cheree Hull
Well this is a cute one! (I have one of those blue fabrics!) I’ve never seen wonky cd’s but how fun! Look at you go on the finishes!!
Kathleen McCormick
What a fun mini! It is odd how we let little things hold us up from finishing. The wavy lines are perfect and it will be fun to see it hanging. What color would your next version be?