Rainbow of Pearls: A Mini Quilt

The Lizzy House Mini Quilt Swap (#lizzyhouseminiquiltswap) on Instagram also drew me in this year (see my Cotton and Steel mini quilt). I've always admired Lizzy and I adore her fabrics (I'm Team Pearl Bracelets forever!). She's also visiting the CJMQG this August, which makes me want to sprout wings and fly over a rainbow. But really, I'm excited to meet her, hear her story, and learn from her.

My partner indicated that she loves Pearl Bracelets and rainbows - since I love those things too, it was easy to come up with a fun, unique design. I made the top at Mid-Atlantic Mod retreat and used it as an example in my Orange Peels and Improv classes that weekend. It was so relaxing to make orange peels that day, surrounded by so many of my friends who were also sewing!

It took a lot of willpower *not* to quilt this one to death. For the sake of design, I wanted the quilting to really pop and allow the prints to dominate. I've been really into pebbling lately, and as I pondered that fact, a crazy (but awesome) idea jumped into my head: outline the petals with pebbles. I usually go with my crazy awesome ideas, and I'm almost always pleased. I quilted with my signature light gray Aurifil 2600 (Dove), which makes the quilting show a little bit more than a white thread would have.

And below, hubby wanted to participate, too :D

Bound and backed in more Pearl Bracelets (did you notice that the white background is Pearl Bracelets, too?), I think it's safe to say that this mini quilt has been completely conquered by the PBs.

I also included these cute double-sided coasters as an extra because I love making scrappy things, and double-sided is always better than one sided. Especially when it comes to Oreos (like, just one cookie would be a bummer, right?).

My partner @melissa_mrf1290 received her package yesterday and she loves it - I'm relieved and thrilled!

I'm just waiting for my 3 mini quilts to arrive (!) and then I'm done with Instagram swaps for a while. As much fun as it was, I have other quilts to focus on (and I'd rather do a personal swap with someone I know). :)

Linking up to: Needle and Thread Thursday, Crazy Mom Quilts, TGIFF