Proof of Concept

I've been obsessed with the Snake Trail quilt from Denyse Schmidt's Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration ever since I saw Little and Lots' Cerise Beast.  As soon as I offered to make Audrey's friend a quilt for her college dorm room I had this pattern in mind and then I actually read the pattern...  paper templates for 4 unique pieces, cutting and sewing curves - not gonna happen!  I love Denyse but I'm not a fan of her construction techniques.  So I thought about other ways of doing it, maybe not better but definitely more in my comfort zone.

Before I dove in to a whole quilt I decided to make a small wall hanging as a proof of concept.  I measured the templates in the book and realized this would be a great way to use up my leftover Pure jelly roll.  For the arcs I tried using the Easy Dresden ruler from my (still unfinished) Blue Plate Special.

Once I had them sewn together I tried a variation on my favorite circle applique technique and sewed the long edges of the arcs to fusible (Pellon SF 101).  It took some math to get the placement right but eventually I figured out the appropriate size block so the edges would align correctly.

With the arcs fused to the squares I sewed the blocks together and then layered the top together with batting and a backing.

From there I quilted down the arcs using the edge of my walking foot as a guide.

In a fit of insanity I also copied Denyse's diagonal quilting but chose not to quilt thru the arcs.  I love the effect but will NOT be doing that again...  all those starts and stops drove my crazy!

And now I have a fabulous companion wall hanging to decorate my foyer and I've worked out all the kinks in the process.  Here we go!!!

Sharing with this week's Finish it Up Friday by Crazy Mom Quilts.

Quilt Stats:
Finished quilt is 22" x 22"
Fabrics: Pure by Sweetwater for Moda, Kona Snow.
Batting: Quilter's Dream Orient Bamboo
Thread: 50 wt. Aurifil in Ermine (2312)