Basket #9

I've been steadily working on unfinished and half-finished quilt blocks and tops this year.  All old and no new makes for a little dull me and also makes me itchy to begin something new.  But no, I committed to these finishes so I'm keeping at it.  (Of course, I'm also making a list of the next new beginnings, too.)  I have three interim finishes to share from recent weeks but today I'm posting about only one:  Baskets of Plenty.  This is my version of block/basket #9 of Cheri Payne's Baskets of Plenty sew-along.

Cheri's pattern for this block was not the 10" x 13" of most of the other blocks but a smaller sized horizontal layout which had a branch and a bird instead of a basket.  Since I wanted a basket block the same size as the others I made up a basket pattern I thought would look okay with the rest then used flower patterns from some of the other blocks, using them in ways different from previous blocks. 

I was thinking of cone flowers but didn't want the traditional pink/violet ones.  I really wanted dark red-orange-rust but didn't have fabrics that I thought worked.  In the end I chose these colors.  I like them a lot and I think they work with the rest of the baskets.

These are all the Baskets of Plenty, in no particular order or arrangement.   The backgrounds look a little creamier in this photo than they are in real life.

These baskets will finish at 10" x 13".  I'm planning to add a border around each of these blocks -- at last 1½", maybe 2"-- for several reasons.  I think the flowers need more space, a little breathing room, so to speak.  I also like the look of borders on blocks.  The first time I tried them was with the Everyday Patchwork blocks and I think they add a lot.  Borders will also increase the size of the finished quilt.  I want a quilt that is larger than 30" x 39".

I'm imagining pieced blocks for sashing, perhaps hourglasses, but I'm not sure.  I'll have to play a little before I make a decision -- colors, size, etc.

We've been out and about a little more these past few weeks, always with a mask, always avoiding anyone with a cough, and always washing hands before touching eyes, mouth, or nose.  It's good hygiene which I always tried to practice but about which I'm more vigilant than ever.

Please note:  If you've left a comment on posts during the past week please know that I read it but cannot respond via email because Google won't let me access my gmail inbox.  As if 2020 isn't already challenging enough, Google "improves" blogger and won't let me read my emails.  This is a year that often finds me wondering what's coming next.  I know it could be much worse but I hope it gets better!

I hope you and those you love are healthy!

I'm linking this post to
> Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts
> Patchwork and Quilts at Quilting Patchwork Applique
Thanks for hosting, ladies.

--Nancy.
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