MY RETREAT ORIENTAL STYLE QUILT PROJECT

The Professional Textile Artists (PTA), a group of 14 quilters, just celebrated our 10th annual 3 day retreat.  It's a time we all eagerly look forward to each year. With all the chatting, ogling everyone's projects, eating, and beverage consumption....it's a wonder we get anything done!

I learned early on to come with my project planned out AND cut out....with copious notes.

 Given that I still have a huge stash of Japanese style fabrics I dug some out and selected 25 prints and cut 8" squares.  They were arranged and rows labeled on my home design wall.

 All the setting patches were cut at home as well.  This made for fairly carefree sewing at retreat....I'm NOT a fast sewer so this view on a member's portable design walls was after day 2!!

Despite ALL my planning.....somehow I was short on the red strips, so I came home with it pieced with the exception of the top and bottom outside rows.  I had brought extra fabric.....but given how poor my math was....it wasn't enough.

So, now at home it's all pieced and ready to be sandwiched.  It's 60" sq....and due to the size, not one I'm looking forward to quilting.  I've now made quite a few similar quilts....each time trying out a new setting designs.  It's become apparent that simple straight line quilting (vertical/horizontal/or diagonal) provides enough texture and interest without detracting from the beautiful feature blocks.

Do check back to see how that works out for this quilt!

In the meantime, visit these links to see what other quilters have been working on this week:  Nina-Marie's Off The Wall Friday, Sarah's Whoop Whoop Friday, and Crazy Mom Quilts.