Big Step, Little Step

My next project, by request, will be a black-and-white (I guess technically grey scale) king sized quilt (with 14" drop).  I offered the recipient a half dozen or so patterns I was willing to do, and they picked a quilt pattern named Midnight Garden.  The pattern is for a throw quilt - I'm keeping the block size and adding more blocks  and will skip adding the borders.  

I planned out the quilt, crunched the numbers and triple checked the yardage (I'm notorious for not getting quite enough).  I usually linger over that step of planning for a while, coming back several times to review my work with a fresh head.  On Saturday I was ready to take the plunge and buy the fabric... and came home with nine pounds!

Black and grey are funny colors.  I can't tell you how many times I pulled bolts that were too yellow or blue or green.  Then there was too dark, too light, to much pattern or too many solids next to each other.  Eventually I got a combination I liked (a couple of other quilters shopping there concurred).  The giraffe print will be used with the kaleidoscope squares - should make some really interesting patterns!  I was so excited to get the block combo I nearly forgot to buy the backing (the black behind the giraffe print).  I did forget to buy binding - at least that will be easy enough to get and I may have enough in my stash.  

That's my big step!  Now the anxiety of cutting and piecing it together may begin.

Little step - I dropped off buttons at Swanson's.  Of course I didn't leave empty handed.  I managed not to take home more fabric.  (Good girl!)  I did bring home a handful of buttons.  I need blue and green buttons for a small project, but I couldn't pass up those brown and gold ones on the bottom.  The cardstock they're on looks ancient.  How old do you think they are?  I'm not sure what I'll do with them, but they were too pretty to leave.  The thread bins had lots of cool colors, so I snagged a few of those, too. 

This will all keep me busy for a while!