Looking Glass Blog Hop & Giveaway

I was given the privilege of testing Looking Glass for Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs.  When I saw her call for testers, I rushed to put in my name, because this is my type of pattern.  I am always drawn to squares and rectangles, don't know why but I am.  When she selected me to test the quilt I was so exited.  Then I got the pattern, and just couldn't make up my mind what fabric to use.  The pattern is charm pack/layer cake friendly, but when you get into the bigger sizes, that can be scary (well for me it was).  So after waffling forever I finally decided that instead of using charms or layer cakes I would used fat quarters.  I ordered a couple of different bundles, thinking I would go with black/white/red or black/white pink. I decided to go with the pink. And I love that Cheryl added fat quarter usage to the pattern for the larger sizes.

Now the bundle was a mix of pinks and corals, and I really loved how they looked with the blacks and whites.  Then the next big challenge for me was to pick the background color.  Now in the photo above it looks white, but I decided to used a low volume print that I thought was super cute. You can see it a little better in this photo.

I really struggled to get this quilt finished, it was the first quilt I finished in what feels like forever. But once I started quilting, I just couldn't stop until it was finished. It felt so good to be quilting again.

The blocks went together very quickly, and because she explains everything very clearly and even gives pressing instructions which always help me.  If I was able to make the blocks and piece the top in one weekend.  Then I had to decide on the backing.  Luckily I found a sale of Ansonia Mushroom Medallion by Denyse Schmidt, so that became my backing.

After it was quilted, I was trimming it yesterday (yes I know that is last minute) and I did something totally stupid.  I sliced a one corner, yes I did a nice gash.  I was so upset with myself I thought about just showing the completed flimsy.  I put it aside and just was going to leave it.

But I couldn't sleep with it in that state.  Fixing the front would be fairly easy since it was in one of the sashing strips.  I simply unpicked the quilting and the seam and added a new end piece.  But the back was a whole different story.  I couldn't figure out how to replace the cut section easily.  Then the light bulb when on in my head.I fused another piece on top of it and then did some very simple quilting to make sure it was good and attached.  Then I did this.

I always use a corner label anyway, so I just picked that to be the corner with the label on it. Problem solved...ok if you look below the label you will see the patch, but if you get that close I'm going to hurt you.  Don't you like my dotty binding???

This pattern is fun and fast to make, and it is sized for baby, lap, twin and queen, so it covers a broad range. But the thing I think I loved the most was the ironing diagram, I struggle to figure out which way to iron. Now the wonderful Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs is offering one copy as a giveaway.
To enter the giveaway:

1. Simply leave a comment, if you need a idea of what to write, how about telling me what you are working on these days.  If you are no-reply blogger make sure you include your email.

2. If you want to have a second chance, my followers (new or old) get a second entry, just leave me a comment and tell me how you follow.

The giveaway will run until December 3, 2014, but if you just can't wait to see if you win, then you can pick up the pattern on Etsy or Craftsy and it is on sale through the 6th for $5.50.

And if you want additional chances to win check out the other stops on the hop.

Friday Nov. 21st: Cheryl @ Meadow Mist Designs
Saturday Nov. 22nd: Lin @ Lin's Quilts
Sunday Nov. 23rd: Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts
Monday Nov. 24th: Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty
Monday Nov. 24th: Anna @ Fresh Dew Drops
Tuesday Nov. 25th: Chelsea @ Patch the Giraffe
Wednesday Nov. 26th: Shauna @ Shauna's World (you are here)
Friday Nov. 28th: Shelley @ The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you pick up Looking Glass, it is a great pattern.