The map

Okie dokie! Based on my extensive research---thank you, Google---a standard size for a twin bed quilt is about 68 inches x 88 inches. And since I'm a big fan of simplifying things, I've decided to round up and go with 70 inches x 90 inches for Kira's quilt. Not only will this make it easier to determine the block sizes, but this will also allow for a little extra overhang once the quilt is done. Here's the rough map:
As you can see, this quilt map isn't really that proportional, but it's close enough to give you the gist. Using this as guide, I can map out the whole game plan.

• I'm going to have to make sixty-three 10.5 inches x 10.5 inches quilt blocks (omg!)

• Those quilt blocks will be made up of five strips of fabric that are 2.5 inches wide x 10.5 inches long

• This means that I'm going to have to cut out 315 strips of fabric
  

**I'm budgeting for a 1/4 inch seam allowance on these strips of fabric, as well as the resulting quilt blocks.

Looks like I have my work cut out for me (badumCHI)!

We might have a winner!

I found another pattern option, and I think I just might have to go with this one! Rita of Red Pepper Quilts recently finished a red and white Coin Quilt that is gorgeous! And the simplicity of the pattern really fits well with:

A) the time frame I'm working with for this project
B) the eclectic fabric choices that I have so far (let's face it, they're pretty random!)
C) the striped chair!

Another thing I've considered is that the straight line quilting technique will ensure that the quilt will be extremely durable---I don't want to give my niece something that won't stand the test of time!

After looking around for other photos of coin quilts, I discovered that the majority have a white or cream background fabric that is prominent throughout the quilt. Check out this coin quilt that Orange Flower made last summer. I think this is to help separate the colorful fabrics and add some consistency to the quilt. Not sure if I'll do that or go with Rita's unconventional pattern.

Thoughts?

Close-ups!

Here are the close-ups that I promised earlier this week---they're as good as it gets, as far as color matching goes. I can't even imagine trying another photo shoot with these guys. It's just too dang hot outside and natural light seems to be the only way to go when it comes to photographing fabric.

Anywho... here we go:

(I was so excited when I found this striped fat quarter---looks just like the chair!)






(Liked this fabric so much that I got it in green, too!)

So those are the main options I found this past weekend---once I decide on a quilt pattern, I'll know if I'm going to need more fabric or not.

success

After sorting through my stash of fabric and a not-so-quick stop at Jo-Ann’s Fabrics—that place can really suck you in if you’re not careful—I think I have a pretty good selection to pick and choose from for Kira’s quilt. I still need to photograph each piece, but here’s the group shot:

The lighting is definitely proving to be an issue, so I hope to have better close-ups soon.

As far as patterns go—here are a couple that I’m considering:

Around the block

Log cabin

A simple nine patch

Hour glass

or just a crazy hodge podge of squares

...decisions, decisions!