The construction of this quilt has a nautical theme. The Mariner's Compass Center was surrounded by Storm at Sea blocks with a Wave block variation of the Snail's Trail for the border. I quilted pairs of captital G's (for Georgia Grace Sheppard) in the waves. I marked and quilted feathers in the white space. The upper triangular white space I used a Westalee Spin ruler for the circles of feathers. I used a circle ruler to quilt all the circles that were printed in the fabric from the Horizons collection by Kathy Doughty. The quilt pattern is a derivative of the one published in issue 127 of Quiltmania by Robin Long. I did use the Robin Ruth Designs Fat Robin rulers to create the the compass center. Although I personally like paper piecing there was none needed to make this block. I did have a little trouble following the directions. I have a learning disability which causes me to struggle with all things left right and directional. I made a practice section as advised in in the magazine which clarified everything for me. I love these rulers and plan on using them for the center of this year's thequiltshow.com BOM. I was attempting to make a modern quilt on the backside. I had done something similar on another quilt. I do not think I achieved my vision. This looks more like hunks of fabric sewn together to make a back rather than a backside quilt. The previous one that I had done had pieced blocks in the stripes and was light grey on white print. I wonder whether the position of the stripes or the monochromatic feel made the difference in the outcome. As you see I have a label on the top of the short strip. I more often than not forget to add a label. As my quilts get launched out into the world I do think of the joy i get from the histories of the quilts from other centuries. Next project Dogs in Sweaters for a nephew expected in May.
