I knew that!

Strawberry Rhubarb Πr2

That’s what I’ve named this quilt, which I just completed for our little Doll Quilt Swap. The colors reminded me of the fillings in my husband’s favorite pie.

I’ve quilted grids between the circles that look a little like a lattice crust. And of course the formula for the area of a circle is πr². Guess I’ve been teaching too many math classes at the ol’ children’s museum :o)

The design is based on the Mod quilt in Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr’s book The Quilter’s Color Workshop. They’re the fine folks at Funquilts who also authored the popular book The Modern Quilt Workshop. I thought a lot about color when choosing the fabric for this quilt. The middle section of the quilt is supposed to look as though a translucent white square lies lays sits atop the “original” darker colors, seen along the edge.

I love, love, love the binding. It’s a couple of taupes and a salmony-rosy color woven together.

This is my first time making a doll quilt. I was really amazed at how much more quickly and easily it seemed each step was completed, compared to making a larger quilt. It also took so little fabric and very little space to work on it (marking, layering, pinning).

That being said, I did hit a couple of speed bumps. Since both of the circle fabrics had directional prints, I had to be super careful when cutting and piecing them. And I challenged myself to try out curved piecing, thinking it would be easier on a small project. It was hard for me! I drafted the templates for the circles, which was a little tricky, but they worked out. The curved quilting gave me fits, too. Luckily the majority of the quilting is straight-line grid and channel quilting, which is easy-peasy with a walking (even-feed) foot.

I’m a little sad to pack it up, but I guess I have to: the deadline to send quilts for the swap is Monday! Hint, hint, Swap Dolls!!

Doll Quilt Swap signups are now closed

Thanks to all of you who signed up! We have 27 swappers representing 4 countries, new and experienced quilters, and something like 3 or 4 Sarahs, all with an “h!”

I’m working on the matchups now and then tomorrow I will e-mail your partner’s contact information and preferences, if she indicated any. If she didn’t, then we’ll assume it’s Quilter’s Choice!

NEW QUILTERS: On Tuesday, I’ll post some links to help you along with constructing, quilting, and finishing.

More doll quilt ideas

I’ve been scouring the the Web for ideas for our Doll Quilt Swap. I do love the simple charm of the square-patches-and-borders approach that many quilters  take, but in case you’re looking for something a little more complex…

The little quilt above was made by the talented golly g. You can click on it for a larger view of the calico, gingham, and rickrack: oh, the cuteness! And how about that tiny dolly bed?!

Better Homes and Gardens has this pretty pattern available on their site. I love the vintage colors.

I also love the colors and construction Maritza (soto softies) chose for her doll quilts.

Thanks, if you’ve already signed up. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s works-in-progress. I’ve started a Doll Quilt Swap group on flickr if y’all would like to post pictures once the sewing, swapping, and sending starts in earnest.

There’s still time if you’d like to join us. Signups are open until April 6th (next Friday). All the participants thus far are Stateside, east of the Mississippi (that was fun to type) River.