Fabric Friday - Choosing fabric for Game Board Quilt

23 comments
Whew what a stressful few weeks we've had. I hate to get negative on my blog but life happens. I won't go into details but I'm certainly ready for a change of luck and praying for blessings.

On to Fabric Friday. I am almost done with my checkerboard for the Game Board Quilt. If you want to sew along or follow, see Syd's blog at Alpine Quilt Retreats. It is going to be a fun and unusual quilt to make. (I swiped some of my photos from Syd's blog, go see her quilt for more pics.)
I was auditioning sashing for my block. And I decided on the green scallop inside with the stripe outside. If you notice I solved the mitered corners problem by using a stop blocks in the corners. It worked out great and I love the look and will probably take that into all my blocks.
I used some interesting striped fabric and fussy cut it for the shashing. I made a mistake when I sewed the outside strip but I'm not fixing it. I didn't notice it until days later so I figure it is okay. At least I did the same thing on opposite sides. Oh well. Mistakes happen and sometimes add character. I like how the stripe makes it look like I stitched several fabrics together for multiple sashings.
I'm trying to decide now on the very last border for the block. I wanted a kind of bias twist to the very edge cut very narrow so it kind of looks like that outside tape they put on the edges of a game board. I like this fabric above for the edge.
I also like this fabric from Sandy Klop. I've had this waiting for the perfect project. I love the tickets too. Maybe I'll incorporate them somehow into the quilt as well. This fabric is on the bias but it might be too wide for the very edge.
The nice thing about this Sandy Klop fabric is that in this 1 yard cut there are 4 different fabrics to choose from. I love bonanza fabric like that with several prints in one. I'll make a decision today on what to put on the very outside of the checkers block but I'm leaning towards the first one.
I'm starting to plan my other blocks as well. I have the same bird fabric Syd used in her Hi-Ho Cherry-O block background. I might use that. I have another fabric I've ordered that hasn't arrived yet. So I'm kind of undecided about the background still. But this is the next block we are making so I'd better decide.
I am going to use this cherry print above for the trees. Syd used wool for her trees. And I understand why - so she could punch holes in so the cherries would stay. I'm not sure yet how I'll do mine but I really want to use this cherry fabric since I already have it. I think that check on point/bias will make a nice sashing for this block. I guess if I just laid the cherries on top of the trees that wouldn't be so horrible (with no holes). Any other suggestions?
I'm thinking ahead to Chutes and Ladders. I'm going to use wool for the chutes and ladders like Syd did for sure. That looks like the easiest path.
I want to really make the game board choppy and piecey (not a word) so I'm going to use several fabrics. I had this fabric above for another project I'm working on (will post eventually about that). It is a Riley Blake fabric and the colors are perfect for fitting the baby quilts I'm making. So I think it will look okay if I fussy cut the numbers and use them with.....
these number fabrics. I'm going to fussy cut the one on the left. I'm not really into sandal and swim suit fabric but I love the fact that the numbers will be easily fussy cut. The smaller number fabric I'll have to see how it works into the project. It may really very very piecey.
I haven't thought about the Parcheesi block yet. We've never been big game players so I have to tell you I've never played Parcheesi, even as a kid. I wonder if I could make a Candy Land block? Hmm. What do you think? That was a game I loved. It would be typical of me to just add my own thing. I'm going to just make a bag for the game board pieces and put them all into one bag. I think that will be easier than attaching them to the quilt.

Have a nice weekend everyone. Shelbie and I have Allison today. So it will be a fun day for us. I hope to get some sewing done this weekend. And hopefully things will turn around and life will be more sunny.

-nanette
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23 comments

jenny said...

There's a Candyland game panel if you want the easy way out.

http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=6aa99cca-4ab0-4b24-a0ef-19f18a1dbe8a

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Ah, yes, real life has a way of happening! There's been a lot of it going on at our house and evidence is of it is that I have barely done any blogging. I had considered taking the month of January as a vacation from my blog and maybe I should have as it sort of happened anyway. :-( This game quilt is going to be so fun! I love seeing all the projects you make and also all the creative things that come from the Alpine Quilters. I love that little cherry print and the plaid that you have with it. Really gorgeous!

Rae Ann said...

Nanette ~ Life does happen... my prayers are with you girl!
I just barely got back into blogging this week because of challenges in my life.
I am loving every bit of what you are doing and I adore your choice of fabrics for this project. You are the best when it comes to matching fabric to a project.
Thanks for the link to Syd's blog... I will head over and check it out!
Hugs <3

Vicki said...

What a fun quilt!
Sorry you're having a hard time.... things here could be better too. Maybe better weather will help. Please.

Jan Marie said...

I hope you are getting a handle on the stress. It is a good thing we don't know what is ahead on any given day.

Lynn said...

Oh, I'm sorry and I'll keep you in my prayers. You give us so much brightness and happiness, inspiration too with your blog, wish I could send some happy feelings back your way! Enjoy your day with your granddaughter!

Sarah Vanderburgh said...

Sending you sunny thoughts for a sunnier future.

Is using buttons 'cheating' for those cherries?

I love the Riley Blake number fabric. And your stripe border!

Lily Boot said...

Sorry to hear things have been a bit down for you lately Nanette - I'll add cheery thoughts for you to my prayers too :-) The game board quilt looks sure to provide hours of good sewing therapy - what beautiful blocks - the trees are so glorious! I know your interpretation will be marvellous - looking forward to seeing it!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I am loving what you're doing with your game board quilt. It is really interesting to me to see your thought processes on this. You have so much creativity, and your quilts are always so cheerful. I like that a LOT! Believing with you for things to work out just right!

*karendianne. said...

I love this game board quilt. How fun. It doesn't only reflect your creativity and skill but I sense it must be healing and a bit of a respite from the stress of life. Just reading this post and getting into the work & process with the fabric takes me down a road of thought and I'm really into it... then suddenly there's a pot-of-gold as it's all coming together. You really amaze me with your talent. How God has blessed you. Whew. I'm filled with compassion for you and yet I find you're in the exact space for healing and I feel better for just sharing. Thank you!

pratima said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the tough time you've been having lately, Nanette... warm wishes and hugs... my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your choices for the game quilt are beautiful and playful as always, Nanette. The corner stones are a cute addition.

Julie said...

It made my day to read your post. Not because I wish bad weeks on anyone, but it was nice to read that because I can relate. I am with you on the need for change of luck or whatever. This has not been our best week either. It can only get better from here, right? Let's hope and PRAY!! Love your fabrics for your quilts!! You have amazing talent. Hope your weekend is THE BEST!! Julie

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Things to make the day better, your little sweetheart. I like the idea of buttons, no small parts for little ones to put in their mouth.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Hoping and praying for your sunny days to come Nanette and with little Allison, you'll be distracted for sure.

Thimbleanna said...

I think a CandyLand block would be fantastic! I hope things get a little easier for you Nanette!

Micki said...

I love your choices and it is going to be such a unique quilt.
Micki

Momoo said...

Like your gameboard quilt...can just see Allison playing on it on the floor in a few years.
(Interested to see how this post shows up)

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

So CUTE! Maybe little wool dots on the trees, and little wool "cherries" that will stick to the dots? Hmm. This quilt looks so fun! Can't wait to see it finished!

Mimi Sue said...

You girls always come up with the cutest ideas. Adorable! Mimi

Cheryl said...

What a wonderful idea this game board quilt is!!! Life does seem to send us bumps. Keeping you in my prayers.

Sherri said...

Oh, Nanette...I hope things do get sunny for you...and soon! Life does seem to have a way of putting roadblocks in our path every once in a while. I will keep you in my prayers! Let me know if there is anything I can do!

Janet said...

You always have such fun things to see on your blog, Love the idea of the gameboard. Sending you my best wishes.

Amy said...

We wouldn't know how good life can be if we didn't have some trials :)
I hope things start looking up, I know it can be hard sometimes.

That quilt is so fun! I am going to have to remember this idea, I love it!