Black Red & White Quilt

I have been in Quilting Block Swaps Australia since January this year and I started by collecting black, red and white blocks in any design.  I wasn't really sure what I would do with the blocks when I chose that theme but as time went on I decided I would give the quilt to my husband's eldest daughter, Angela and her husband, Erik as a Christmas gift this year.  That made me decide I really needed to add a few blocks and get it finished soonest or I would never get it quilted in time, particularly seeing as I have planned to give my Craftsy BOM quilt to her daughter Serena for Christmas as well.  Well at least I can't worry too much about that one until October so I decided I needed to get this one completely finished by then.

So far it has made it as far as a completed quilt top:

It was a bit difficult to get a great photo of it as the weather outside wasn't conducive to my usual patented clothesline method so first I tried on my bed above. Only problem is I couldn't get square on to it! So then I tried my son's bed which is only a double so the edges hang over but at least you can see the blocks a bit better:

I was so lucky finding the somewhat eye-popping border fabric.  It does look a little less psychedelic in real life!

I would like to mention the lovely quilters who contributed their blocks. Assuming the blocks are numbered from left to right starting in the top row:

• Block 2 - Leena L from NSW
• Block 7 & 14 - Elaine from NSW 
• Block 9 -  Beth H in Qld
• Block 10 - Cathy C from SA
• Block 12 - Sue B from SA- our group co-ordinator

The two blocks made by Elaine have become very special to me as sadly both she and her husband were killed in an accident in the month after sending me her blocks. I think of her every time I look at the blocks.  You just never know what is around the corner do you?  Rest in peace Elaine.

I have made the back for the quilt. In the sales at Spotlight I found some great black, red and white striped fabric for the back which has an almost flannel feel to it.  Only problem it wasn't quite enough so I went for an off centre contrast section to bring it up to size:

Again, I have to say the camera does this fabric no favours!  Do you like the little appliqued block in the corner?  I was busily searching on Quilters Cache for block patterns and inadvertently printed out (and made) a 9" one - doh! So I thought I would use it on the back.

Now I just need to wait for some nice weather so I can get it sandwiched together as I do my quilts outside on my picnic table!  Then get stuck in and quilt it before October when the next quilt will need doing! That and finish off several other projects for Christmas too - not sure this was a good idea!