One of the charities that I support, Quilts Beyond Borders, has a fun challenge. It is sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop, who have been generous with prizes. In a nutshell, the challenge is to make a quilt using at least one fat quarter, and send it in to the challenge coordinator. That's it! Easy peasy.
I submitted my quilt at the end of November, while we were still in the Metal Shark boatyard. Taking photos in that filthy environment was a bit of a challenge! The pattern is an old one called Five Yard. It doesn't really use full yards so it was easy to modify to the size needed.
I made my piece using some fun Australian-inspired fabrics. There are kangaroos and Aboriginal art motifs. These were pre-cut 6.5" squares that I had in the stash.
I pulled more fabrics in purple, turquoise and royal blue to complement the Aussie themed ones. The actual "challenge" fat quarter is this bold zigzag, which I think is from the Kaffe Fasset collective.
Of course, the quilt needs to meet QBB's size and labeling requirements, which can be found here. I pieced together the backing with some more aquas and blues, added the sewn-in label, and quilted an easy stipple.
Isn't this royal blue stained glass fabric neat? I had enough for a bit on the back after I made the binding with it.
This piece of the backing is metallic stars to represent the Southern Cross constellation and that's the name of this quilt. True story: I visited a friend in Australia for a few weeks in 1985. We stayed at a goat farm in the outback, far from the city lights. One night, I stepped outside my room and was completely overwhelmed by the unfamiliar night sky. So many stars! All in the "wrong" places! It was like being on an alien planet. Suddenly a kookaburra cried out its weird laugh right next to me and scared the bejabbers out of me. I scrambled back into my room and ducked under the covers!
If you have a FQ lying around (Ha ha! Who doesn't?) consider making a quilt and donating it to the Fat Quarter Challenge for Quilts Beyond Borders. Once your quilt is received, it is eligible each month for a $25 gift certificate AND the end of year $100 prize. How many contests put your name back into the hat month after month? It's a win-win!
Lordy I have soooooo many fat quarters!!! Thanks for the info...I'm off to check it out. Yours came out great!
ReplyDeleteHi Louise, great quilt. Thanks for the reminder about the 5 yard pattern. Currently working on one from my stash. In awe of your organizational skills for 2020 too!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty quilt, Louise! It will be well received! I am just getting my sewing station set up down here in Tx after almost a month of not sewing while traveling. Your quilt inspires me to get to work! Hope you have a very merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteFun quilt, Louise! Great job! Funny story! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteThe Australian fabric is very interesting. I hav some of that blue stained glass fabric, too. It's been used in lots of scrappy kids quilts. When will you set sail (so to speak) again? Merry Christmas
ReplyDeletePat
So many stars - that's the way I felt when visiting the Boundary Waters Wilderness for the first time. However, there were only the calming call of the loons, no kookaburra! I think I'd have scrambled back in bed too! Great finish on the quilt, Louise. I have plenty of fat quarters, but won't be able to do this one over the holidays.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fun looking quilt pattern. Super special that they put your name back into the drawing! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeletePretty quilt! I love the Aussie fabrics. Thanks for the links to info on QBB's requirements and the FQ shop challenge.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this challenge, and kudos for FQS. They do a ton of good works don't they. I love your quilt, andI laughed out loud at your Aussie experience tale! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the resource. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fun challenge and you used a great design for it, Louise! I definitely could join in with that! Thanks for sharing the links for all the info. Have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThats an awesome quilt Louise and a fun challenge with prizes yet. Will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is going on the 2020 Goals list! What a great way to use some fun large print fabrics.
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely gorgeous. I fondly remember all of the beautiful quilts in my grandmother's cedar chest. How I wish that I had one of them now.
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