Carolina Crossroads Piece Count

Maybe I shouldn't have done it, but I just tallied up the pieces in my CC quilt. How many pieces do you think there are? Scroll down for the final answer...









































2,781

Could that be a mathematical error? I don't think so. Now I'll have to add in border pieces, binding, and backing for a truly accurate count. Don't be looking for that answer tomorrow, LOL!

Here's the breakdown. Correct me if I'm wrong...

~160 for sashings and cornerstones
~300 for split rail blocks
~900 for first 9-patches
~720 for second 9-patches
~240 for half 9-patch blocks
~400 for hourglass blocks
~41 for squares
~16 for triangles to make side triangle units
~4 for triangles for corner units

~Joan

Center of Carolina Crossroads Finished!

First, a clarification. My DH thinks I may have offended Bonnie because I like this layout of HER pattern better than her original. Since I know Bonnie, it never occurred to me that she would be offended. I think if someone took their CC blocks and made a jacket from them or a bed canopy or made 2 separate quilts from the 2 sets of blocks, she would think it was great. The truth is that we all like what WE like. While I like the block units, when they were put edge to edge, I found myself not liking it a whole lot. I needed the definition of the sashing for my greater enjoyment. I think Bonnie would be happy for me. I am quite sure she wouldn't like ALL of my quilts.

That leads me to a question...

I have (miraculously enough) added a poll to my page. What makes a quilt catch your eye? When does a quilt grab your attention? I think color is the primary thing for me. If it doesn't have "my" colors, I don't look much. I have seen some quilts made from the same patterns as mine in non-Joan colors, and I didn't like them much. But make that puppy in dark country colors, and I'll like it a lot more. Such is life.

Secondly it is the overall quilt pattern. I don't like large pieces, but they do have their place. After piecing the inside of the CC quilt, anything over 1-1/2" square constitutes LARGE, LOL!!

Lastly for me is the actual quilting. Don't get me wrong...it is important and must be done well, whether machine- or hand-quilted. But when I initially spot a quilt or see a photo, the quilting is mostly hidden.

I'm curious as to what you think.

This center measures 71" square. I'm debating about borders now. I'm taking a break from the machine since I've been on here all my free time yesterday and today. I'm thinking of a thin inner border of cream or creams depending on how many scraps I can round up, and a wider border of ONE black.

~Joan

One of These Halves Is Not Like The Other

Here is a pic of my Carolina Crossroads so far this AM. The top half is my design, adding in the sashing strips of the accent color, black. The bottom right "half" is the original pattern. I like the top left better, so I'm not necessarily asking for advice. Just curious as to the different opinions out there. Do you like the original (bottom right) or the detour (top left)? Let me know!

~Joan

String Quilt Picture Update

Here is a rather close-up picture showing the sashing stitching. I have started on the row on the left and am working my way to the right. I'm quilting block 12 out of 30. I'm using a ruler and hera marker to mark the X's. If you hand quilt and mark straight lines, that is the way to go. No actual marking on the quilt, just a crease that is so easy to follow!

For the photo shoot, I even took the basting out of the first row of blocks and sashing! I like the way it's coming along, and I LOVE to hand quilt. It lets you see and admire each and every fabric as you go. Having the chatelaine with all my supplies together makes it so enjoyable.

Making great progress on my Carolina Crossroads. Picture later tonight. I'll have to take a few hours off to go pick up my son at the construction site, then the whole bunch to the library and violin lessons.

Back to the CC!

~Joan

Carolina Crossroads Progress...Not Much to See

All I got sewn on the Carolina Crossroads today was getting the split rail fence blocks sewn together from the rail, 9-patch and cream square units. The quilt is set on point, so you have to use your imagination to see them.

Here are some of my blocks on the design wall. If you find the large cream squares on point, there should be 5 of those across and 5 down. After getting these up on the wall, I wondered if my husband would like it. My suspicion that he would think it's too busy was confirmed when DD2 walked in and said, "Is there a pattern there?" The stars with the black points don't show up as much as I'd like. I have a creative idea that I will show tomorrow.

DS2 took a year-end math test today that included material from his whole book. I told him that if he got a perfect paper, or only missed ONE, I would take him out for supper. Well, the rascal did! We had such a great visit while we ate at one of our favorite restaurants. We shared a steak and fried baby shrimp dinner. That was quite possibly the best meal I've ever eaten out. Everything was cooked to perfection. I'm so proud of him. He started working with a family friend who is a contractor this week. He will be learning all kinds of skills and hopefully saving some money as well.

I watched 3 movies last night. Remember, DH is away! The children and I all watched The Pacifier. They thought that was hilarious. I sent them to bed and watched most of two more. I hand quilted the whole time, so I'm making great progress on my string quilt. I have decided to quilt the sashings as I go so I won't have to go back and do them all last. I'm really liking it. I like the navy I picked for the sashing and border, and I love the blocks themselves.

Better get to sewing this mystery quilt that is no longer a mystery! I've added a bit more sewing with my unchartered changes, so I best get to it. I'll post a picture of my progress later today.

~Joan

More Double Pinwheels + Carolina Crossroads Finale

You're probably tired of seeing these. Half of my completed double pinwheel blocks. I took this picture because I'm taking these cuties off the design wall. I figure I need 63 blocks of each directional spin to make a quilt about 69" x 83". 38 more sets to go!

Time to finish my Carolina Crossroads quilt! I was so happy to see the finale of clues posted this morning. I plan to sew, sew, sew until my center is finished anyway.

In spite of the snow, I need to drive my son to work and then DD1 to piano lessons. My son usually rides his bike, but see the last post to see why that won't be possible today!

~Joan

Snowy Update in Pictures

I took the picture below from my sewing room window this AM. I had the flood lights on, but you know snow lights up well. It has been raining since about 4 AM, and I was afraid it would all be gone before my children got up to see it!

Not to worry, I guess. The picture below was taken 3 hours later, and you can see...it's still there!

The picture below is taken from the front door towards the street. Where did the natural areas go? Below!! The lumps that are beside the sidewalk and then go to the right beyond the trees are monkey grass that outlines our natural area on the right. Our house sits partway down a hill from the road. That's our big ole 15-passenger van up top, near the road.

Enjoy your day, no matter the weather...

~Joan