Spring Paws Finish
Spring Paws – if I’m going to call this little quilt that, I’d better get it done while it’s still spring, right? It sure feels like summer lately in Minnesota, with our temps being higher than normal. Schools are getting out, which means summer is almost here, so I’d better get this quilt done!
In one of my Sew Sampler boxes, I received a bundle of fabric called Dixie by Cluck Cluck Sew. Last May I started making bear paw blocks. You can read about that here and here, where I show the finished flimsy. And there it sat, a hidden little UFO, until now.
When I pulled it out this weekend, before I did anything else, I had to fix one block that positioned the wrong way. It was a quick fix.
Then I got to work quilting it, keeping the quilting simple.
I simply stitched across the quilt diagonally, then echoed those angles. I chose a light pink 50 wt. thread from Aurifil (#2423) for the quilting.
Let’s Cut it, Shall We??
Yes, you read that right.
I took this coaster to use, because of the dots. I could place the center dot over the center of the quilt. The coaster is about 4″ in diameter.
I traced around that with a white chalk pencil, and cut.
I’ll admit I took a deep breath before I began cutting.
When that it was done, it was time to plan the binding. I knew the center circle would need binding cut on the bias. Rather than make the entire binding on the bias, I just did a piece long enough to go around the circle. I wasn’t sure I’d have enough material to do a full bias binding.
Testing, Testing
Before I attached all the binding strips together, I did a little test run to be sure I had enough bias binding to get around the circle.
Isn’t that binding fabric fun? A quilty friend sent me that fabric along with enough of another fabric from the line for the backing. (You know who you are — and thank you from the bottom of my little quilty heart!)
So – phew – it works. Now I can attach the rest of the strips.
I started just below the circle and got the circle stitched on first. Then I could relax and sew the rest of the binding onto the quilt. While we watched a show, I stitched the binding to the back.
My plan for this quilt all along was to have a quilt I could put on our patio table when we’re enjoying a meal together. Here’s how it turned out.
Bonus! It’s reversible! Isn’t that fabric fun?!
The quilt is 32 inches square. I used a low loft Hobbs batting. At this point I haven’t added ties to the split. If I do, I’ll likely add some snaps. I’m going to see how this works for now.
Now, if the high temps would give us a break, we could have dinner here.
I’m very happy with this little quilt. I can’t wait to enjoy it on a cool, summer evening!
What’s your favorite summer dinner on the patio? Let me know. I’m always looking for new ideas!
I’m linking up today with
- Susan at Quilt Fabrication
- Jennifer at The Inquiring Quilter
- Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts
- Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation
- Tish at Tish’s Adventures in Wonderland
Happy Stitching, friends!
Wendy
47 Comments
RicefordStreams
What a great idea! The quiltbis pretty on both sides, too. Hopefully you can enjoy supper on the deck soon. I prefer finger food outside: brats or burgers.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Yracie!
rl2b2017
Hi Wendy,
I actually gasped when you said you were going to cut this! I’m thinking are you making a tree skirt for Spring?? No, I told myself – it has to be for a patio table with an umbrella. Still – she’s cutting this beautiful quilt?!! OMG! And boy howdy, did it turn out great!!! What a fabulous idea. I am about to give away my patio table to a friend who really needs it as we never use it. Now I’m thinking I should keep it (not really), or better yet, make her a patio table quilt too! LOVE THIS IDEA!! I’m going to PIN this right now. Can I talk about it on my blog, please?? With proper credit, of course. Happy Wednesday! ~smile~ Roseanne
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Roseanne! Will send you an email, but yes, you can talk about it. 😊
Liz Horgan
That is a great idea!! I love how it came out, and it’s reversible!
I’d like to see how the snaps turn out if you do them. In my mind, it would overlap the edges. I was thinking maybe tabs using velcro so it still lies flat.
Enjoy the summer!
piecefulwendy
Thank you, Liz! I’ll update if I add snaps.
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Aww, nice! I thought it was going to be a Christmas tree skirt, so it was a surprise to see it fits your patio table! I should’ve known better, with “Spring” in there! Great job, Wendy!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Nancy!
Kris M. COX
I really like that outside table quilt Wendy, very nice! Great idea!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Kris!
My Sewful Retirement
What a great idea! I usually just make placemats for eating outside but your idea is fantastic! I love the fabrics you used! We try to eat outside daily all food tastes great outside 🙂
piecefulwendy
Thank you, Karla! We enjoy dinners on our deck too!
Gray Barn Designs
This is just so charming! I was also thinking tree skirt…nice surprise that it is an umbrella table topper! Yay! Summer is finally here!
piecefulwendy
Thank you, and yes, yay for summer!
catpatches
Great idea with the coaster. I have all sorts of “tools” like that in my sewing room…bottle caps, old CD’s…you never know what size circle you’re going to want, and so I’m starting my own recycling depot just in case.
piecefulwendy
Those everyday things are handy. Keeping a depot is a great idea!
Sandra Walker
Reading this as I enjoy a coffee at our patio table on the deck on a lovely morning. WHAT a terrific idea Wendy! I will definitely do that. My mum had a plant pot that was meant for around the umbrella pole, always loved it, but this is just as great too!
piecefulwendy
Thank you! It was a fun project!
Sherry @ PoweredByQuilting
That is such a great idea for a mini to make it a patio table center! <3
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Sherry!
Kathleen McCormick
What a sweet tablecloth. I, too, would hesitate a little to cut that quilt, but you knew what you were doing and that it would work. Bravo!
piecefulwendy
Thank you! I did know what I planned to do, and was delighted it worked!
Vicki in MN
It just screams Summer!! So pretty, love the prints. What a great idea to cut a hole and use on your patio table.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Vicki! I thought the same about the fabrics!
Louise Hornor
I’ll echo all the other comments and say, what a darling, summery, clever idea!! Makes me wish we had an umbrella table just so I can try it 🙂 I love the fabrics and the bear paw pattern…so classic!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Louise!
Susan
That is such a great idea for an outdoor table – well done!! And yes, that binding fabric is awesome – I would definitely place that in my stash!
piecefulwendy
Thank you, Susan! Thanks for continuing to host the kinky party! I was excited to have something to post!
thedarlingdogwood
How cute! When I saw the hole I thought “tree skirt” but this is even better! I hope you enjoy during many wonderful meals!
piecefulwendy
Thank you!
Lisa
This is so cute Wendy. it looks great on your table. It’s boiling hot here as well. Hoping it will get a little cooler.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Lisa! Yes, hoping for cooler temps soon!
JanineMarie
I love this idea. When I saw your photos the other day, I thought “picnic quilt.” Not quite right, but it still has to do with eating outside. I never thought of doing that for a patio table. We actually don’t enjoy dinner on our deck—it’s too hot out there at dinner time, especially since our neighbors cut down some trees. But I do love to sew on the deck earlier in the day with a cool iced drink at hand.
piecefulwendy
Thank you. It would make a pretty addition to your morning stitching though!
inquiringquilter
Brave quilter! I wasn’t sure what was going on when you said you were going to cut that quilt; in fact I reread that paragraph twice to make sure I hadn’t misread it. But I needn’t have worried–the result is wonderful! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Jennifer! Glad you like it. Thanks for hosting the linky!
Paige @Quilted Blooms
Whew, that worked out lovely! I’m sure the cutting was scarey! Great job on the binding too!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Paige! My thoughts exactly – whew!
handwroughtquilts
I totally thought it was a Christmas tree skirt! Isn’t making that cut so scary?
piecefulwendy
Several of you thought it was going to be a tree skirt. Cutting it was a little scary, but once done it was fine.
Kay Holm
Wendy, when you said let’s cut it, I thought you were crazy, but what a great idea. Love it!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Kay! Glad you like it!
Sandra Healy
Beautiful fabric and a beautiful quilt! I’m not sure I would have had the courage to cut into the centre but it looks fab. Great idea!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Sandra!
Tish
This is beautiful! I love Dixie fabric and it was a perfect choice for this little quilt/mat. When you said “Let’s cut it, shall we?” I had to read that twice 🙂 It turned out perfect!
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Tish!
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