So my quilt is one I designed two years ago for Sarah's (Confessions of a Fabric Addict) Hands2Help charity quilt drive. It got quite the love.
Readers: Are you going to write a pattern?
Moi: Yes! Of course!
It didn't happen.
Well I had notes jotted down and my graph paper drawings and figurings... And then I made it again, only bigger, Blue Ribbon Stars, for one of my aunts....and it got more love...
Readers: Are you going to write a pattern?
Moi: Yes! Of course!
Uh, it didn't happen, much as it wanted to be let out.
And then...this.
Well, I was asked to do a small, simple project. But I couldn't decide which fabrics because I adored them all, even the ladybugs, and I do not like bugs. However. Ladybugs I do like, and I will pick them up and save them...
So.
Like a Howler for Ron from Mrs. Weasley, this quilt FLEW into my brain and careened around my head.
Moi: Would it be possible to have a wee bit of them all because I kind of have an excellent pattern to show them all off...
No problem. And here she is, third rendition of that pattern:
Flit (or careen, lol) on over to Sew in Love With Fabric blog where you will find the tutorial (finally!) for making one of your own.
First though, or second, if you're coming here from there, answer this question for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of this fabric for yourself!
Do you prefer all-one-fabric backings or pieced, fun backings on quilts?
Answer in the comments below. Followers (new ones welcome) can have a second entry by simply telling me how you follow me. US addresses only please, as Benartex is trying to keep shipping costs down. Unfortunately I will not be able to answer all the comments because of the volume with a giveaway.
Please please be sure to include your email address if you are a no-reply blogger so I can reach you. Otherwise I will have to draw another name. The giveaway will remain open until Sunday midnight EST, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, September 25.
Mine is not the only stop on the hop to host a giveaway! Be sure to visit these other sites:
Monday: Interview with Amanda Murphy on the blog Sew In Love With Fabric
Tuesday: Alison at Little Bunny Quilts (pocket organizer wall-hanging)
Wednesday: Benartex Blog Design Team (strip pillows)
Thursday: Sandra (that's moi!) at mmm! quilts (baby quilt)
Friday: Chrissie at Made By Chrissie D (cushion cover and table runner)
I did a couple test blocks before cutting into Meadow Dance. This was made using some different Benartex fabrics, from Kanvas, "Fleurish" by Maria Kalinowski which I won last summer when I subscribed to "Modern By the Yard", Benartex's e-zine (link on sidebar--terrific magazine, and no trees are killed in the publishing!) and sent them several emails of my friends who I knew would like to subscribe. Here is a peek at how this one is shaping up:
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| Lots of possibilities for this design! |
I also have a cushion cover on the go, with a completely different vibe from the baby quilt. It's hard to believe this is still the Meadow Dance line! Amazing. Isn't the border fabric, Crochet Lace Aqua, fantastic? Wait until you see it not cut up! I didn't quite get it completely finished, but here is the flimsy. I made the blocks smaller this time and played a bit with the ribbon centre blocks.
Linking up:
Let's Bee Social
Needle and Thread Thursday
You made a gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to make pieced, fun backings on my quilts.
I use both kinds of backings depending on what is in my fabric collection and who the recipient of the quilt is.
ReplyDeleteall in one - but I do enjoy using something of a surprise on the back
ReplyDeleteSometimes I like to put an unexpected backing on, just for fun...or I will piece the back if I have small pieces left from the front..I follow you by email and I am a rather new follower and I really enjoy your blog..
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, love the floral prints of this line. The not-cut-up would make a gorgeous backing. I prefer one piece backings, because by the time I am done with the top, I am so eager to finish it and move on the next. I buy wide-backing just so that I don't have to piece backs for large quilts. Occasionally, I will piece the back and I do have a couple of favorite pieced backs.
ReplyDeleteOoh, when you kept giving those little teasers on IG, I knew you were working on something special. Delightful--both the pattern and the fabric. You are making my list of wanna-makes very long! I'm glad you finally got to that pattern writing. I like fun pieces backings! Even though they take a bit of time, they always seem to lie smoother for me than one-piece backings.
ReplyDeleteSo Nice! I love the Colors in your Quilt! I like pieced backings or fun prints on the backs of quilts, it gives me a reason to turn the bed down and enjoy the opposite side too!
ReplyDeleteAnd I follow you via bloglovin'. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteI like doing reversible quilts. Use 2 tops and make a quilt. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh boy that is a hard question. As a long arm-quilter, I prefer one piece backs on quilts. As just a quilter, I love what can be done with multiple fabrics!!! I just found you via Benartex and Love your quilt pattern. Congrats! Brenda Livingston institches2014@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun quilt. Sometimes I piece backs and sometimes I use wideback fabric. It just depends.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love the name of your MMM quilts! BL institches2014@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteFollowing on Bloglovin'. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAccording to mom only a solid back will do! But, I would love to try a scrappy one sometime!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing all the fun pieced backings and have started to make my own that way! Love this pattern and looking forward to making it, and a pieced backing to go with it! đ
ReplyDeleteOnce I have finished a top, I'm ready to move on to something else. I prefer a one piece backing. Lover your pattern.
ReplyDeleteanndunn24(at)gmail.com
I follow you posts via e-mail.
ReplyDeleteanndunn24(at)gmail.com
Following on facebook, bloglovin, email.
ReplyDeletethese are so pretty. and I have been looking for a baby quilt to make. I have found it. thank you for the tutorial
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
I follow by email
ReplyDeletequilting dash lady at Comcast dot net
For quilting, I like a solid back. For visual, a pieced back is creative, as well a visually stimulating.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun design! I have been a solid back quilter; however, I'm learning more about piecing and I do really like the look. I just need to be a bit more creative when it comes to piecing them!
ReplyDeleteI follow you by email and on Insta.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how much time, and fabric, I have. If the quilt front is very busy, I usually go with a one-of-a-kind fabric backing. If I have leftovers, and the front is a simple design, I love to incorporate some fun pattern for the backing. Take it as it comes!
ReplyDeleteThis is a super pattern, Sandra! Thanks for making it happen :-) (and congrats for being asked to be on the blog hop!)
ReplyDeleteI prefer the look of a pieced back (a strip of some element from the front thrown in, not so much a back pieced entirely from leftovers...) but I also prefer the ease of a wholecloth back ;-) What I actually USE usually depends on the quilt and its intended purpose.
Happy making ~ Tracy
I follow you along with email notices. That's the only way I can keep up with people :)
ReplyDeleteSandra, It's all about the fun.....i love a scrappy pieced backing. It kinda tells another story or depicts more of what's on the flip side.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Meadow Dance "Yoga Mat." That's a great treat and soothing and meditative too.
schimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com
So glad you wrote up a tutorial for this design! I love star blocks and all of the color in this one is just so pretty! I am one of those who have never used a whole cloth backing. I guess it's cuz I'm cheap and prefer to use up what I have with smaller pieces left over from the front. I usually try to make it fun with some applique or a chevron or some cool blocks.
ReplyDeleteI usually prefer all-in-one fabric backing- but I have used pieced backings if I have a small remnant I just have to include! Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteI follow you via email.
ReplyDeleteI follow you by email! Thank you, Susan
ReplyDeleteI love to piece fun backings. But if I have enough yardage I will use 1 fabric for the entire backing.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely FUN pieced backings...it lets me color outside the lines with no rules! lutzcats (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI follow on Bloglovin. lutzcats (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI prefer solid backings - it finishes faster! LOL!
ReplyDeleteSince I always do scrappy quilts I prefer solid backings. I follow you by email.
ReplyDeleteidahoknits at yahoo dot com
I love pieced fun backings on my quilts! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI like big scrappy backings.
ReplyDeleteI'm following you on instagram as mumbird3
ReplyDeletemumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
Such a lovely design & the fabrics are wonderful! I especially love the crochet overlay fabric. I've only done one fabric for backings, but I'd love to try a pieced one soon. I follow you by newsletter & Instagram. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite backing is one large piece of fabric with an accent piece I really love. The width of the accent depends on how much I need to fudge.
ReplyDeleteI prefer solid backings in flannel!
ReplyDeleteit depends on the quilt - I have done both many times. A favorite trick of mine is to enlarge the quilt block used on the front for the backing - sometimes it is a full 1/4 or more of the entire back. I try to make the back as interesting as the front, and sometimes that includes a wide back because there are some really nice wide back prints out now.
ReplyDeleteI follow you via bloglovin
ReplyDeleteI've done both, but I prefer one-fabric type backings. Doesn't mean tho that I use boring fabric. =)
ReplyDeleteI follow by email
ReplyDeleteFollow you via bloglovin'.Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeletemsstitcher1214@gmail.com
I really love interesting pieced backs! It's fun to use scraps!
ReplyDeleteSusie
Hi,like solid backings for most quilts.But for many of my Baby Charity backs,I do a scrappy back.Thanks for sharing on your Blog+Giveaway!
ReplyDeletemsstitcher1214@gmail.com
I have only done whole piece backings, but have a few baby quilts I plan to back with leftover pieces from top :) LOVE your Quilt too!!This fabric collection is Gorgeous!! thanks for chance to win your give-a-way too :)
ReplyDeleteAlready a Follower,,thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest too! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful quilt! So pretty! Thank you for sharing! Have a great day!! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
ReplyDeleteI follow by email! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
ReplyDeleteI don't give much thought to my backings. Whatever I have gets used, so sometimes it's pieced and sometimes it isn't, and I don't care if it matches the front, because ... well, it's the back, isn't it? Thanks for making this into a tutoral. It looks like a great scrappy, leader-ender kind of quilt. Thanks for the giveaway, too!
ReplyDeletemostly one but i have run a line of blocks up it
ReplyDeleteI like pieced, fun
ReplyDeletebackings on quilts.
All your work is
so pretty!
Carla from Utah
I prefer to have fun with the backs and piece them; quite often, I have made two sided quilts for the fun and joy of being able to give the person extra love from me! Your tutorial is fabulous and I will definitely be making this quilt so thank you for sharing it! I would love to win these spectacular fabrics!!! Have a great day! brend_ack@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI usually have pieced backings so that I can use up fabric and save some money. Also they do look really sweet, especially when I use blocks from the quilt that didn't make the cut.
ReplyDeleteI realy don't have a preference. One piece backs are easy but pieced backs can be fun.
ReplyDeleteFellow Canadian here. I love your Star ribbon, that smaller is definitely yummy.
ReplyDeleteI have used both all-one-fabric backings or pieced, fun backings on quilts but I usually end of using whatever I have because the back of the quilt will not be appreciated if I spend a lot of time on it.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your quilt is so awesome! I am a hugh fan of Star Quilts and I just love this one. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI use either one on my quilts for the back. It really depends on the quilt and how much fabric I have on hand to use for the back.
Love your quilt! I really like the look of pieced, fun backings on quilts, but I normally use the same fabric. Mostly, that is probably out of laziness. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower on Bloglovin.
ReplyDeleteReally cute! I prefer one piece backings, but rarely have that much fabric, so I tend to use the 'fun pieced backings' on most of my quilts. (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI follow you by email. (lynnstck[at]yahoo.com)
ReplyDeleteI follow you via e-mail & Instagram.
ReplyDeleteLove your quilt! I actually like both methods for backing. I like the extra wide backing fabric because it's easier to line up. But then I like using up my fabrics in a pieced backing too. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDeletekakingsbury at verizon dot net
Your blocks are pieced meticulously. I loved the star block, it looks great. I use bot layouts for my quilt backs. Thank you for all of the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteBright is beautiful, blue is lovely, your quilt dreamy, and I can see you have been so extra busy. The bright blocks, a super way to show off those gorgeous fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI like pieced backs so I can use up leftover fabrics and add a little interest. Thanks for your tutorial, I think I've found a project for an upcoming retreat!
ReplyDeleteI've been following by email.
ReplyDeleteI love the different looks the quilts get when the different fabric palettes are chosen. I use both one piece and pieced for my quilt backs. It just depends on the design of the quilt and what is hitting my fancy at the moment. Happy sewing! Andrea
ReplyDeleteMy favorite in this line is also the Wikdflower - white/multi. It's so cheerful. I have been piecing more of my backs, both to try to use up the too big stash and for quilts that are just a little bit too wide for a single length of fabric. Cute design. Thanks for finally getting around to writing it up. I especially light the rainbow version you are working on.
ReplyDeletePat
I almost always end up piecing my back and what better way to use up stray pieces of fabric!!
ReplyDeleteLove the multi colored stars and that aqua cushion cover. This pattern seems so easy, I can see using it over and over again. Thank you.
I follow you through email. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love fun pieced backings. I often include orphan blocks that were made to test patterns or leftovers from the quilt front or whatever I dream up. Usually I only make single fabric backings if I'm in a big hurry or if I have some awesome fabric that really completes the quilt.
ReplyDeleteOh I love the fun pieced backings, but I also like the plain. I just love quilts!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on my blogger dashboard/GFC.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pattern and fabric. Thanks for the chance to win. I prefer one piece backings but really like seeing a well-pieced backing, too.
ReplyDeleteI follow by email.
ReplyDeleteI love quick and easy. Thank you for sharing!! I prefer one piece backing đ
ReplyDeleteI am a new email follower. I prefer to make one-piece backings. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI like pieced backings as I am always trying to use up what I have, as long as it "goes" with the top. That said, my dh hates them and so I just went out yesterday to find complete yardage for a quilt I am quickly making for a friend of ours that was in a bad accident! He wouldn't let me put a pieced backing on her comfort quilt!
ReplyDeleteI like both styles of backing and my choice depends on the design of the quilt and what is in my stash. mfhagopian@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI follow you via email. mfhagopian@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI do both, but love the challenge of making a pieced back. Sometimes I do it to use up all the scraps from the front and sometimes I piece something related to the front or possibly piece the recipient's name. My granddaughters love it when their name is on the back of their quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love pieced backings! Sometimes though I buy wide backing fabric for the king size quilts. Cute quilt, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower on Instagram as ceciliaquilts.
ReplyDeleteI prefer fun pieced backings using the scraps from the front of the quilt. It's like getting two quilts in one. I love your quilt because it shows off all of the prints in the collection. Nice and colorful.
ReplyDeleteI prefer one piece backings but if I don't have a big piece (per usual) I will get creative and throw extra blocks or coordinating fabric on my backing.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is so pretty! I used to love to have one large piece for my backing but these days, I need to use up fabric so I do piece the backing with what's in my stash or use up the scraps that I used for the quilt top.
ReplyDeleteI like pieced backings as it makes it interesting! Love your quilt
ReplyDeleteLately I use the leftover fabrics from the front to piece the back. It makes a fun and coordinated quilt.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower with email.
ReplyDeleteI really like pieced backs--I think they're worth the extra effort!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great quilt! thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new email follower. Your quilts are beautiful! I'm always amazed at how different a pattern looks just by changing up the colors!
ReplyDeleteLove the way you can slash your stash with a fun, cute quilt like this. I can see it as very scrappy and still look great!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the beginning of your quilt done in rainbow (and I absolutely LOVE a coordinating large-scale print for quilt backs - preferably all one piece, easy to load on the longarm!!) Thanks for offering a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI always do something special on the back of all my quilts. I think it deserves it after all. These new fabrics are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your quilt today. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI follow on IG. Thanks again, grinnie1961 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteNormally one fabric but I have been know to use more or pieced blocks. My goal is to try to put from fabrics I already have. Can be a challenge to tell yourself that it is ok.
ReplyDeleteI prefer one piece for the backing and add a leftover block for the label.
ReplyDeleteI love single fabric backings, or ones with no more than two fabrics. I don't like a lot of fabric pieces on the back because it makes it too busy to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Sandy A
I just started following your blog through blog lovin!
ReplyDeleteSandy A
I have always used full pieces or sewn two pieces of the same fabric to equal the backing size. But this year I actually have pieced 2 backs with a design gall their own! What fun.
ReplyDeleteFor ease of quilting, I prefer a solid backing. But as you have shown, the pieces ones are so much fun.
ReplyDeleteI love making a pieced backing, it extends the art of the creation!! Thank you!
ReplyDeletekcummings71@gmail.com
I love the font and back of your quilt! I love fun pieced backings. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Instagram. Thanks for all the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSew, this is what you've been up to. I do love this fabric bundle and can see why you love the buttons. I love a fabric line with a good mix of focus and complementary prints and colors. I love to back my quilts with just one fabric because I tend to make a lot of scrappy prints and sometimes the backing is the only quiet part of my quilt. Plus it takes me a long time to decide, you know the story, I can't imagine having to pick more than one fabric for my backing.
ReplyDeleteIf I am honest I like a one piece backing because it is so much easier to line up and quilt through. That said sometimes the pieced ones are cute.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of piece backs.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog via email.
ReplyDeleteI like pieced backs if it is for myself, if its a gift I like to do a solid backing. Love the aqua version of this!
ReplyDeleteI like pieced, fun backings on quilts. Your quilt is lovely!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Follow you on Instagram: @minibea123 & am an e-mail subscriber.
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
Lots of excitement going on in your house these past weeks! Oh, my! My backing almost always depends on the front. Lots of scrappy goodness on the front might be a simple backing, but sometimes it's a matter of what's on hand. So I would have to say I like both. I am a faithful email follower.
ReplyDeleteI love to use leftover fabric from the quilt to piece the back, even if it is only a small strip. Feels like it ties the front and back together.
ReplyDeleteI really prefer the one piece backing. I have pieced backings before, but now when I look at them, they don't look as good as a single backing. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteSmaller scarp pier quilts often call for abpieced back. If it's a queen I love a single fabric.
ReplyDeleteFollowing on bloglovin!
ReplyDeleteI usually make one fabric backing but lately I've been seeing such wonderful backings that could be a quilt in it self.
ReplyDeleteI follow on bloglovin
ReplyDeleteWhat fun for you Sandra! I love seeing pieced backings, but I hate taking time to make them, LOL However when I do take the time I love the end result!
ReplyDeleteI like a pieced back one that could be used as a simpler front
ReplyDeletesharongalli@gmail.com
I follow via bloglovin
ReplyDeletesharongalli@gmail.com
I love this fabric collection especially anything turquoise.
ReplyDeletei follow on blog lovin'.
ReplyDeletei love using scrappy backings using scraps from the quilt top.
ReplyDeleteI love pieced backings the most, but sometimes I'm in a hurry & just want to get done, so I get wide backing & call it good!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on IG
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute quilt! I do both pieced and plain quilt backs, so it depends on the quilt.
ReplyDeleteI follow with Bloglovin. And I love the interlocking stars in the last photo.
ReplyDeleteFun quilt and cushion cover! I really like pieced backs and do them on most of my quilts.
ReplyDeleteI like pieced backings but I tend to use all in one. Great pattern and fabrics Sandra!
ReplyDeleteI prefer pieced backings and usually include 1 or 2 blocks from the quilt top in my backing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. (C_dragon at earthlink.net)
I prefer pieced backing because I am usually trying to use up left over blocks or fabric that matches that needed be in the quilt but didn't quite make the cut. (brenda90159 at yahoo . com)
ReplyDeleteMy preference for quilt backs is completely dependent on mood! If I'm feeling lazy, a single piece calls me. If I'm annoyed by Deadly Unfolded Stash Buildup (DUSB), I piece it all up for a backing. Other moods may vary with time of day, hormones, and percentage blood alcohol. YMMV.
ReplyDeleteThe bigger the quilt, the more often I use one piece backings. It just seems to quilt straighter for me.
ReplyDeleteI follow by email.
ReplyDeleteI prefer all one fabric for backings!
ReplyDeleteI usually use a single fabric for backing but am considering more fun pieced ones.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog on Bloglovin'.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to reduce my stash so pieced backings are the way I generally choose.
ReplyDeleteI love pieced backs to use beloved fabric scraps.
ReplyDeleteI follow you
ldlaing@gmai
I do both for backs, but often piece something together because I underestimate.
ReplyDeleteI prefer a pieced back for myself, but my next two quilts will have a one fabric backing . Funnily enough i adore bug fabric and most bugs in real life, hate anything furry that scurries, in life, in fabric in anything
ReplyDeleteGood luck all
ReplyDelete