The Marrakech Rose Quilt

Wow - it is baking here in Marrakech. For the first time the aircon is on.  Thank God for aircon.

Some of you may remember me showing you  a quarter of a quilt top I was making for our bed.  I called it the Marrakech Rose quilt as Marrakech is known as the pink city. Today I finished the top.  All I had to do was finish the Kaffe Fassett Radiation border.

I had thought of repeating the Matisse style rose fabric in a last border but I`ve gone off big quilts.  For the moment.  Until I upgrade my very loyal machine which was my mum`s in the `80s.  Never say never. So here is an ugly shot of it up on our roof terrace.  Not ironed (it`s too hot) but I still love it.

So now I have to look for fabric for the backing.  I am looking for a fresh green small print.  As this quilt top is a little `in your face`, a calm backing is required. I haven`t found one yet that I`m in love with. I`ll keep looking.

I also washed the blue fabrics for my Storm at Sea quilt. I hope to start piecing it this week although I need to sort out making some templates. I`ve read that many people are put off making this design because of the thin long points of the diamonds. Ooops. So I will probably piece it by hand as I`m far more accurate that way than using a machine!

A Storm at Sea

While I have a few things to complete, I`ve been thinking about my next project. I head back to Marrakech in a week or so and as it`s difficult to find quilting fabrics, threads, needles (you get the drift) there, I have to think ahead. This is a little challenging for me.  I`m not known for my decision making abilities.

Storm at Sea design from The Practical Encyclopedia of Needlecraft Skills and Techniques by Lucinda Ganderton

Perhaps it`s the cooler temperatures here, the different light or being near to the sea but I`ve been drawn to the Storm at Sea design.  Perhaps it`s the fact that the optical illusion caused by the positioning of the blocks makes you see rolling waves reminiscent of the eastern seaboard of the United States (where this deign originated), which I`ve always wanted to visit.  Whatever the reason and with this pattern in mind I have purchased these fabrics and will pick up some Kona white before I leave.

Today, I have to prewash my batting and the silk for Deborah`s quilt here.  So there is not much more I can do other than start knitting my slouchy hat.  Yes yes, I know it`s May...