Christmas Addition: A Finished Quilt

I didn't think I would have much to blog about this month, but I already finished another quilt.  Then I couldn't resist blogging about it.  ;)

I won a layer cake from one of Jennie's giveaways, and I selected Solstice by Kate Spain.  Jennie ordered it from the Red Chair Quilting etsy shop, and Tiffany sent a few extra goodies.  I was happily surprised (once Jennie told me it wasn't a mistake).  It came in the mail on Monday. 

My first thought was to make a plus quilt, then I spent couple days looking at layer cake and charm pack patterns.  I nearly made a four patch quilt with sashing, but decided to make a plus quilt at the last minute.  I'm so glad that I did.  It was an excellent use of the layer cake and matching charm pack.  I used all but two charms and made my favorite size lap quilt.  It is about 59 x 72 inches. 

Here it is up on my design wall on Wednesday night. 

The top went together very quickly Thursday morning. 

And I was able to get it basted that afternoon before we took the older boys to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform with the Sesame Street Muppets.  (Totally awesome, by the way.)

Friday morning I got it quilted and worked on the binding that afternoon during nap time.  I ran out of bobbin with less than a half inch to go when top stitching the binding. 

I finished it up and did the handwork on the label.   

I said, "It's finished!"  15 seconds later it was swiped out of my hands to be tested by Cheetah. 

The minky thief has tried to convince me that this should be out year round.  But I think it really is a Christmas Quilt. 

We had to strike a deal so that I could use the quilt for a little bit just to take pictures.  We really love minky here! 

I quilted it simply with a meandering design.  And it was the first time I could see little bits of minky from the top.  It doesn't bother me, because you don't notice it from farther back. 

All in all, I am so pleased with how it turned out.  Thank you Jennie and Tiffany!

I was thinking of calling it "Positively Christmas," but when I discussed it with my husband he suggested, "Christmas Addition."  He really liked the play on words, and that is the name which stuck. 

Quilt Stats #121
Name:  Christmas Addition
Pattern: Plus blocks made from charm squares
Fabric:  Solstice by Kate Spain
Amount Used: 6.5 yards
Batting: Hobbs 80/20
Size: About 59 x 72 inches
Date Finished: December 2014
What I learned:

• The pinked edges on pre-cuts make it a little harder to be exact.
• You can make an awesome plus quilt with a layer cake and matching charm pack or five matching charm packs with very little waste. 
• Minky backings do sometimes peek through the top. 

I also spent five hours adding the cuffs to these darling minky Christmas Stockings for my mother.  She and her friends embroidered them (Anita Goodesign pattern) for the residents in the assisted living center in their neighborhood.  They will fill them before delivering them sometime next week. 

XX,
Jasmine

P.S.  I will be linking up with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop, Finish it up Friday, and Let's Bee Social.