Red Skies Finish

It's been in the works for 19 days... It felt as though it was slow going as I cut the many, many 2-1/2" squares that make up the various units of this quilt.  I admit that I was whining in the beginning...

Was it totally worth it?  I answer that with a resounding YES!  

Amanda's Golden Afternoon pattern was well written and worth every cent that I paid for it as I made a donation for the hurricane Helene relief to Samaritan's Purse.  This scrappy Red Skies version of it is attention grabbing and has received comments ranging from beautiful, stunning and gorgeous.

The backing, as you can see from the flipped over corner, is red gingham... I've had it in my stash for years and have looked at it for years wondering if I would ever use it... or should I give it away to someone?  I'm sure glad I didn't give it away!  It seemed befitting that the small checks reflect the assorted, scrappy 2-inch blocks that are used throughout the quilt.  In fact, this entire quilt was made from stash!  

The serpentine chains that pass through the Irish chain units felt natural to me... and then the chain around the stars added interest.  But then there was the star.  I was stumped as to how I needed to quilt it.  As I slept, I dreamt of the solution (it came to me around 3 a.m.).  I thought once I had the plan I would get back to sleep quickly.  Not so... Ok, I fell asleep, but all I did was dream that I was quilting it.  I woke up at 6 a.m. exhausted! 

No rest for me though... I got to quilting those stars lickedy split! Those pointy loops within the star points did exactly what I had hoped.  They fill the star and reflect the shape of the chains surrounding it.  

I'm not generally a big fan of red... but it happens to be the team color of my granddaughter's softball team, the Pueblo Heat. I have stitched this quilt up as an opportunity for her team to use it as a fundraiser.  You see... they have big plans.  They were given free entry to participate in the Triple Crown Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK.

The coach is especially excited because it takes place at the same time as the Women's NCAA softball championship.  

However, this also means additional fundraising events for the team to get there.  It is my hope that the girls see what it takes to grow as an athlete... not just physically, but financially as well.  I hope, too, that they have a little bit of fun along the way.

Here are a few more "glamor shots"... 

Dave and I plan to travel to OKC to watch her play and cheer the team on.  We'll be taking our camper, of course. ;)

We are slowly coming out the polar vortex that has gripped most of the US this week and look forward to camping season coming soon!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

Free-Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Favorite Finish Monthly Linkup at Quilting Jetgirl

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