Maureen Cracknell Handmade: A New Diamond Strings Quilt : :

Yesterday we took my newest Diamond Strings QAYG quilt out for pictures, choosing this cute, old building nearby that's always made me think of the Little House on the Prairie Walnut Grove Schoolhouse. Since this quilt was made for a local quilt raffle to benefit the 6th grade class trip it just seemed to fit. I don't know the history of the building, these days it looks to be used for just storage by the local Consistory. I've always loved it, especially the brick red color and old double doors!

Last week I shared that this quilt came together quick! It's actually the fastest quilt I've made yet, coming together from that first cut of fabric to the last binding stitch all in just a little more than one day. I credit that to my super speedy quilt-as-you-go method and some surprise snowy weather that allowed a few extra hours at my sewing machine!

This quilt is made up of twenty-four Diamond Strings QAYG rectangle blocks and measures a nice 56" x 68" once finished. For the fabrics I used my Wild & Free collection paired with my two favorites, Indie and Wanderer. I love this fabric combo! The colors and prints create such a warm, bohemian vibe and I love that little touch of sparkle from my Midnight Roof metallic stars print!

Ever since I finished my recent Wanderlust Quilt using my Woven Path print for half of the binding, I've been wanting to finish another quilt using this denim blue stripe print. It makes such a cool finish and I love the contrast against my Luminous Field wildflower print. It helps keep the style of this quilt more gender neutral, which I was trying for and is challenging for this flower fabric loving girl! I think the colors, the stars, many of the prints, and the binding finish really helps with that, along with this denim blue plaid flannel backing! It made such a soft and cozy back, I need more!