Trinkets with Tula Pink fabrics

I made this quilt from Tula Pink fabrics that I've been saving (hoarding) for a few years.  She designs interesting fabrics that usually include some kind of animal.  This line was called "Slow and Steady".  The darker fabric that I used pictures a turtle.  The pink one features a snail.  Tula Pink is so funny and witty!  

The pattern is a relatively new one called "Trinkets" and is made of 16 each 18" x 18" blocks.  One of my favorite modern quilt designers is Vanessa Goertzen and this pattern is on her web page.  She designed the pattern to use fat quarters, but I used yardage.

Using the square in a square calculator that I posted about previously, I made 6" to 9" blocks; then 9" to 12" blocks.  Here's a few tricks if you make square in a square blocks:

1.  Add 1/8" to the size of square used to make the half squares.  It is much easier to trim the edges than it is to end up with blocks that are too small.  For instance on the 6" to 9" block, the calculator calls for cutting 5-1/8" squares.  Size these up to 5-1/4".  The 9" to 12" calls for 6-7/8" squares.  Size these up to 7".

2.  Fold the pieces in half and match up the centers.  

3.  Sew with the bias edge against the feed dogs, and the straight of grain on the top.  This way, the bias edge doesn't stretch.  

4.  Trim up the blocks.  There is very little waste.  Can you see the tiny sliver that was trimmed off?

Follow the same steps for the next round.  Add 3-1/2' x 6-1/2" rectangles of the outer color, 3-1/2" x 6-1/2" rectangles for the background, and 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" squares for the 4 corners out of the background fabric.  

Make 18 blocks and sew them together.  I added borders to use up the rest of the Tula Pink fabric.  The quilt measures 81" x 81".

I ended up giving this quilt to my good friend of 50 years, Judy Mezen.  Here she is with the quilt on her bed, which amazingly fit right in with her decorations.

I hope you like it.