Some of my favorite bloggers are doing a sew along project, starting now, using the Midwinter Reds collection by Minick & Simpson.  The pattern they are all doing is Nantucket (also by M&S).  I had already decided that I loved, loved, loved this fabric and had also purchased this pattern.  Hence – I am inviting myself to sew along with them and see how well I can keep up!  Click on my link to visit Nicole over at Sister’s Choice Quilts to read more about the sew along.  Or click on this link to go over to Thelma at Cupcakes ‘n Daisies blog to read her post on it.  Sinta, at Pink Pincushion hasn’t blogged yet on the sew along, look for it this week.  And finally, there is Lisa over at Stashmaster and you can read her blog post too!  Lots of girls doing the same quilt.  Wonder how different they will all look when they are done?

The pattern calls for 12 red fat quarters, 9 of which are featured as stars in the center.  Here are my 9 choices for the stars:

The lightest one will be in the center, similar to the pattern design.

Here is my FQ bundle, all spread out.  Once I take off that Moda Ribbon – it is a good sign I’ll actually get started on the quilt project..

I had also thought of doing this pattern, that I got free as an insert to a quilting magazine subscription solicitation… I put it to a vote and Nantucket won out.  When I asked why my husband voted for Nantucket – he said because “it looks more difficult”.  Thanks Sweetie.  I like the size of Nantucket more anyway though – I want to be able to use this as a lap quilt when I’m done.

BUT FIRST!

I had to finish up my Clover quilt top.  I completed the basic pattern for the parade on Nov 1st … but I already had intentions on adding borders to make it larger.  The pattern triangles seemed to call out for something similar in the borders – so I decided to try prairie points for the first time.  I think it echos the design elements pretty well.  I have them just on the top and bottom right now and still deciding if I’m going to do the sides.  I think it looks good like this.  What do you think?

I need to do the borders on the sides – don’t I?  I know the answer. … I’m just ready to move on to my new projects…  I love this result though.

So – are you doing a Midwinter Red quilt project now?  Perfect for Christmas, you know!

Thanks for visiting today.  And THANK YOU to all the sweet readers who left me a comment on the Clover quilt.  I appreciate it very much!

Jennifer