Underwater, a Bargello Quilt

This little gem was completed last weekend during the cold rainy weather.  There's nothing like a cloudy, rainy day to make me sew and drink coffee all day.

Bargello quilt, "Underwater"

I used a batik jelly roll by "Blank Quilting" and a pattern at Craftsy, My LiL' Bargello by Becky Botello to inspire this 35" x 54" baby quilt.  Because I used 2 1/2 inch strips and added more rows, it's not exactly the same as the pattern.  I call this one, UNDERWATER.  The colors and texture are like a beautiful sea.

I used the extra pieces to make a stripe on the backing.  In fact, I like the back as much as the front because of the great batik fabric I purchased at Prairie Flower Quilt Co.

I've been playing with free motion quilting, but haven't done a full quilt until now.  We'll just call it very whimsical.  Some day I'll look at this first project and say, "you've certainly come a long way!", or maybe I'll still think this is good.  lol

free motion waves

I stitched fish on the outside border and waves all over the rest.

fish and waves stitching

I used a new technique for binding which I love.  A good friend told me it is "old school", but it makes the mitered corners in front and when it's turned, the back corners are already mitered.  Binding is now my favorite thing to do!!!  I'll do a tutorial on this binding technique soon.

Finished with a label

The name is kind of political for me.  I listen to Dave Ramsey on my commute home from work everyday and hear about people who are underwater on their houses and cars.  Quilts record history and I just want to do my part...... ha

I am supposed to be working on mini quilts and quilts for nieces and nephews, but it was nice to finish one for me to hang in the sewing room.

May you be inspired and record a little history,

Linking up with:

Sew Many Ways

Crazy Mom Quilts

      Richard and Tanya Quilts