Rainbow French Briad batik

I originally started this quilt back in Dec 2013 or Jan 2014.  I purchased the package of 2 1/2 strips ($40) and two 3 yard pieces of cream batik ($33 each) at PIQF at the Desert Stichin booth (www.desertstichin.com).  Using the Creative Grids 2 1/2 Trapezoid ruler made getting the braids perfect but it made the piecing a bit boring so after about half way through the first set of 4 braids it became a UFO.

March 2016

I pulled the UFO out in March and took to the Walker Creek retreat.  I finished 4 braids and started work on the second 4 braids.  While there Karen M said she might be interested in purchasing just the quilt top when finished.  She would then be able to quilt it how she wanted.

April 4, 2016

I completed the second four braids.  I also purchased 2 yards ($26) of the batik Pinata Butterflies from Timeless Treasures to use as the middle strip.  It really pulls all the colors together.

May 3, 2016

Adding 2 inch cream batik strip to each side of the braids.  Then added the butterfly batik between the braids.  On the very first one I discovered not all braids are the same length even though I measure them.  I added the butterfly batik to one braid, no problem but when I attached the other braid the difference at the end of 100 inch braid was almost an inch.  Okay, another learning experience and why should I be surprised after all this happen on most borders.  Unsew the second braid and then pinned and eased it to the first braid.  For each braid there after the butterfly middle fabric was measured and pinned evenly to each braid. Only had two braids that were a longer then the others so problem went away quickly.  Note to self, when adding sashings measure all and go with the average.

May 8, 2016

Finished quilt top!  100" x 104".  Going to see if Karen M is interested in buying it for the materials I have invested $175.  If not then I'll put into the Quilt Show Boutique for sale as just a quilt top. 

June 1, 2016
Karen M from MQSC purchased the quilt top.