While I had the temporary design wall up, I decided to throw the snow crystal blocks up and see how they looked. This is a very preliminary arrangement as there’s some definite moving around that needs to be done. I’m contemplating adding a 1″ sashing around the blocks and have an idea for a border that would involve half stars although no final decision is made on that yet. If I use the 1″ sashing, I think I’ll use 1″ pink or perhaps green squares at the corners.
I was working on a Stormy Seas block on Tuesday night and realized I was constantly struggling with the thread as it was tangling frequently. I usually use either Mettler 60/2 or DMC thread when piecing but for this block needed a blue that I had only in Aurifil. The difference between those threads is quite striking. Do you have a favourite thread for piecing? If so, why is it your favourite?
All that’s left now before I can start quilting the Ferris Wheel quilt is choosing the fabric I use for backing. As the machine quilting is going to involve a bit of fabric wrestling, I want to use a silk batt. I had a package of it but was a bit concerned as the package said it was 45 x 60, the exact size of my quilt, and I thought I might not have enough. Thankfully, it is an extremely generous 45 x 60 and is the perfect size for the quilt. The silk batt makes it so easy to manipulate the quilt sandwich and requires a lot less strength in the hands. For me, that is an enormous bonus!
Smudge had been curled up having a snooze on the couch when Lester decided to wander over and join him. By the look on Smudge’s face, I’m not sure he was thrilled about having company.
Quilt Obsession 
I have to tell you, you do the most amazing work. There are a few of you out there that just take my breath away…and you are one of them.
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Love how the pink ice blocks look! All the hard work has paid off. Sashing would look fantastic. What about setting them on point? I like Superior’s Masterpiece thread for piecing. It is a 50 weight so it is light enough so that the seams lay really flat.
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Oooooo! Beautiful, Cathi! Can’t wait to see a better photo of this! I don’t think you need sashing, but if you want the sashing to make the top bigger, use white. You don’t want to detract from the stars and they’ll be floating, too.
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How lovely to see the Pink Ice blocks all together! For my long term hand-piecing project I am using Aurifil cotton 50 wt, in cream – it is lovely to use. Perhaps the blue dye on the thread you used changed the feel of the thread? Hello to the kitties!
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Oooo the blocks are so pretty all together :0) I use Mettler 50/3 and Aurifil equally. It’s been so long since I hand pieced I can’t remember which twisted the more (though it’s never really been an issue for me). I have always found that which end you thread onto your needle changes as you progress through a spool. The “official” rule about threading doesn’t really apply IMHO :0)
Crispy
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Oh I forgot to say that I wouldn’t be all that happy having that big ol’ tail in my face if I was trying to sleep either LOL.
Crispy
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Ok, today this is my favorite! Well, whichever one you post on a particular day is my favorite. The color variations are so interesting. Can’t wait to see how you decide to place them. I like your preliminary idea for the border.
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What a fun picture of the boys! You know I love this layout. It really speaks to me. And gosh you already know this but I use YLI Quilting thread in tan for every single thing always. Now, I do have a black YLI Quilting thread that takes on a life of it’s own and I have no idea what the dang thread does that. I just never use it. It’s spooky!
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Wow! That is one fine quilt! How large will it be when you sash it? I can really tell you love pinks!
Your boys are just being friends, or at least it looks that way, unless one starts something….
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Love the blog makeover…was it hard to do?
I also love the pink crystal blocks!
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Love the blocks Cathi. Stunning!
I think you could do without sashings and cornerstones, unless you need a bigger sized quilt!
I love to work with Aurifil cotton 50 and YLI thread is another favourite. The last one has some kind of wax added to the thread.
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Oh you will have to show us blocks every day up on the design wall. I forgot you had made so many block of this one.
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I love to use Aurifil 50/2 thread. It does matter what end of the thread you knot. Knot the cut end of the thread, otherwise you get twists and knots. Try Thread Heaven if it persists. 🙂
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Keep up the magnificent work! Yours is the first blog I read every morning!
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Wonderful quilt! I don’t think Smudge appreciates Lester’s fluffy tail in his face lol.
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Pink Ice, the perfect blocks to show on this snowy spring day! Just lovely!
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Hello Cathi! What a lovely quilt is coming again from your talented hads! Wonderful moment with your sweet cats! xxx Teje
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The pinks all look great together.
Cats are funny, they all want to have the best spot.
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Love your new quilt… Very pretty!!!!…:0)
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Hi Cathi, these stars are beautiful and I look forward to seeing how you arrange them finally.
I love Auriful too but I haven’t tried Mettler for hand piecing. I like to use Thread Heaven on the thread it makes a huge difference.
I’ve never tried a silk batt but having read your post I think I will next time I get that far with a project, LOL.
The look on Smudge’s face is so funny it made me giggle. Smooches to them both, Ellyx
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