Murray the Whale

I started this quilt as a test run pattern testing Oh, Fransson!'s new Preppy the Whale.  Since it was obviously inspired by the Vineyard Vines logo I was hoping for a trip to Martha's Vineyard for the photo shoot but had to settle for a day in Gloucester:-)  

I thought I might hand quilt this but then we had a rainy day in Maine and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to try machine quilting with Aurifil 12wt.  Based on Angela at Cut to Pieces' tips I used coordinating 50wt thread in the bobbin, increased my stitch length to 4, and used a 90/14 quilting needle.  It took a little adjusting to get the tension correct but once I had it right it looked fabulous.  I love the extra definition it adds!

I was planning to use pink for the binding but my peanut gallery insisted on kelly green which of course I already had in my stash.  It was definitely the right call, it perfectly frames the quilt and looks fabulous with the Riley Blake large gingham backing I picked up at Marden's.

The pattern will be available Monday, August 4th and Elizabeth is hosting a giveaway this weekend so hop over here to enter to win a copy of the pattern and her new Kona charm packs.  Thanks again Elizabeth for letting my test this pattern!!!

Linking up to the fabulous Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.

Quilt Stats:
Finished quilt is 42" x 52"
Pattern: Based on Preppy the Whale by the fabulous Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson!
Fabrics: Kona Nautical and Carnation, Bella Solids White.  Binding: Bella Solids Kelly.  Backing: Riley Blake large gingham in Navy
Batting: Quilter's Dream Wool
Thread: Aurifil  50wt and 12wt in White (2024) and Very Dark Navy (2785)