Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

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Winding Ways

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Winding Ways is really coming along.  I think I will make 14 more blocks so the quilt will be 7 x 7 blocks square.  Most of the blocks turned out really great.  Some are a little poochy in the center where all the seams come together, but those pooches pretty much press out, and once quilted, nobody will be the wiser.  The blocks are 8 1/2 inches square.  Someone asked me the block size and I replied that they were 10 1/2 inches, which was way off!  I used the Marti Michell Winding Ways template, which actually does come in a choice of sizes.  The largest is 11" as I recall.

One of my readers told me the circular pattern makes them dizzy, and I kind of feel that way too.  Whoa Nellie, is the room spinning?  This quilt was made entirely from scraps in my stash, which makes me very happy.  A free, and guiltless quilt!  I don't think I will put a border on this.  There is enough action going on in the center of the quilt in my opinion.  If any of you want to talk me out of this idea, please have at it.  Has anyone seen a Winding Ways quilt with a border?  What did you think?  Did it add something special or is the quilt enough on its own?

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This is the view off my back deck as I write this post on Thursday night.  I stood out there trying to catch a shot of lightening, but didn't have the patience to wait.  Ozzie has been barking his head off at the thunder.  Thunderstorms are a rarity in California, did you know that?  We hardly ever get thunder and lightening.  Rain yes, the lights and sound effects no. 

Grandpa Larry had his surgery Thursday and the report from the doctor was good.  When they got in there to place the pins and the plate, the break wasn't so awful as they thought at first.  He got through the surgery very well, and now has a long recovery ahead of him. 

I am going to take some of your suggestions and plant some flowers on his front and back porches and take pictures of his cottage to bring to him in the hospital.  Along with all of your cards!  You are just the dearest women on the planet to take the time and make the effort to send your good wishes to a sweet 90 year old man you don't know.  He is an absolute doll, a Navy veteran, a fine grandfather, and an accomplished man (he has a PhD in Microbiology!).  He is lonely now, and has never been so on his own like this, and your kind thoughts will mean the world to him.  And to me.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

*Note:  Robin Kirk–I tried to email you, but your email wasn't included in your comment.  Try again and I will be happy to send you an address to mail your card.  Thanks!

70 responses to “Winding Ways”

  1. Good morning!
    Cheers that Grandpa’s surgery went well and that he’s on the mend, slowly but surely. Now to make sure he turns, coughs, and deep breathes every two hours while awake. Can Grandpa move closer to home for rehab? Hope so.
    Love the Winding Ways quilt!!! IMHO, a simple border is needed to tame and to contain its wonderful pattern. I suggest you do a Google image search for “Winding Ways quilt” and feast your eyes on the options. At least one quilt I saw there is also blue and white and it has a simple border of what looked to me to be a dark blue.
    The view from your back deck is amazing!
    Hugs!

  2. Good morning!
    Cheers that Grandpa’s surgery went well and that he’s on the mend, slowly but surely. Now to make sure he turns, coughs, and deep breathes every two hours while awake. Can Grandpa move closer to home for rehab? Hope so.
    Love the Winding Ways quilt!!! IMHO, a simple border is needed to tame and to contain its wonderful pattern. I suggest you do a Google image search for “Winding Ways quilt” and feast your eyes on the options. At least one quilt I saw there is also blue and white and it has a simple border of what looked to me to be a dark blue.
    The view from your back deck is amazing!
    Hugs!

  3. Hi Nicole, do send me the address and I’ll be more than happy to send Grandpa a get well card.
    I think I would put a border on the quilt.

  4. Hi Nicole, do send me the address and I’ll be more than happy to send Grandpa a get well card.
    I think I would put a border on the quilt.

  5. My Winding Ways has a border. My quilt is blue and white like yours, but not scrappy. Just two fabrics. It has no containment border, just a blue border. I like it. If you want, I’ll send you a picture of it just so you can see if you like the idea.

  6. My Winding Ways has a border. My quilt is blue and white like yours, but not scrappy. Just two fabrics. It has no containment border, just a blue border. I like it. If you want, I’ll send you a picture of it just so you can see if you like the idea.

  7. Glad to hear Grandpa’s surgery went well. Please, send me his address and I’ll send a card or two his way. My grandmother lived to be 99 and I know how much she enjoyed receiving cards and letters!!

  8. Glad to hear Grandpa’s surgery went well. Please, send me his address and I’ll send a card or two his way. My grandmother lived to be 99 and I know how much she enjoyed receiving cards and letters!!

  9. Good for Grandpa! Glad to hear that things went as well as could be.
    With all the different shades of blue and white in your quilt I’m wondering if just putting a binding would cause the edges to look “blurry” — especially if it is the same as one of the fabrics it touches?
    But I could be biased. . . I like borders on quilts. It makes them look a little more “finished” to my eye.
    However, it is YOUR quilt. . .and you know what makes you happy. And I haven’t seen any quilt you’ve done that I wouldn’t love to have myself.
    Enjoy your day.

  10. Good for Grandpa! Glad to hear that things went as well as could be.
    With all the different shades of blue and white in your quilt I’m wondering if just putting a binding would cause the edges to look “blurry” — especially if it is the same as one of the fabrics it touches?
    But I could be biased. . . I like borders on quilts. It makes them look a little more “finished” to my eye.
    However, it is YOUR quilt. . .and you know what makes you happy. And I haven’t seen any quilt you’ve done that I wouldn’t love to have myself.
    Enjoy your day.

  11. Hi
    I like the quilt without borders.
    Please send me Grandpa’s address and I will send him a card.

  12. Hi
    I like the quilt without borders.
    Please send me Grandpa’s address and I will send him a card.

  13. So happy your Grandpa is on his way to recovery. Just being able to get past the surgery seemed to be a hurdle on it’s own. So, hopefully, smooth sailing.
    I couldn’t get on yesterday, but if you send me an address I would be happy to send some sunshine his way. I recently lost my 93 year old grandma and know how important it is to make them feel special while you can.
    Your Winding Ways quilt could use a simple border. Maybe a thin cream one and then a wider blue. I feel the border will give your eye a place to rest since the center has so much movement and by using a simple border you keep the focus on the gorgeous center. There you have it. For what it’s worth! Happy Friday Nicole!

  14. So happy your Grandpa is on his way to recovery. Just being able to get past the surgery seemed to be a hurdle on it’s own. So, hopefully, smooth sailing.
    I couldn’t get on yesterday, but if you send me an address I would be happy to send some sunshine his way. I recently lost my 93 year old grandma and know how important it is to make them feel special while you can.
    Your Winding Ways quilt could use a simple border. Maybe a thin cream one and then a wider blue. I feel the border will give your eye a place to rest since the center has so much movement and by using a simple border you keep the focus on the gorgeous center. There you have it. For what it’s worth! Happy Friday Nicole!

  19. A plain (or mottled pattern) dark blue border would frame your Winding Ways quilt. Check out examples in Nancy Elliot MacDonald’s Winding Ways book on Amazon — she uses borders on most of her quilts.
    Hope Grandpa is doing better.

  20. A plain (or mottled pattern) dark blue border would frame your Winding Ways quilt. Check out examples in Nancy Elliot MacDonald’s Winding Ways book on Amazon — she uses borders on most of her quilts.
    Hope Grandpa is doing better.

  21. Hi Nicole,
    I finished my winding ways quilt with half blocks on all sides for a scalloped look, which I love. The half block shape makes a gentle scallop which was easy to bind.
    You might want to consider it as a “border” option.
    Glad to hear your FIL came through surgery well.
    Laurel

  22. Hi Nicole,
    I finished my winding ways quilt with half blocks on all sides for a scalloped look, which I love. The half block shape makes a gentle scallop which was easy to bind.
    You might want to consider it as a “border” option.
    Glad to hear your FIL came through surgery well.
    Laurel

  23. Hi Nicole. Glad to hear Grandpa is doing so well. It’s always a little iffy when a 90-year-old has any kind of surgery. At first, I thought, no border, but after seeing Sweet P’s Winding Ways with borders, I think I’ve changed my mind and would go with a single border to rest the eye. Great photo of the storm clouds, we seldom get thunder or lightning here on Vancouver Island either. Guess it’s a west coast thing.

  24. Hi Nicole. Glad to hear Grandpa is doing so well. It’s always a little iffy when a 90-year-old has any kind of surgery. At first, I thought, no border, but after seeing Sweet P’s Winding Ways with borders, I think I’ve changed my mind and would go with a single border to rest the eye. Great photo of the storm clouds, we seldom get thunder or lightning here on Vancouver Island either. Guess it’s a west coast thing.

  25. Hi Nicole, I’m so glad to hear that Grandpa is doing well. I know the road to recovery will be slow, but I’m keeping him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Now, on to Winding Ways…I think the quilt is absolutely beautiful and I love the secondary pattern. As for a border, I was just thinking that for those that say the circles make them dizzy, maybe a small solid border would frame the blocks in a way that would both highlight the wonderful patterns in the quilt yet at same time, calm them just a bit. Kind of like looking at the beautiful rolling ocean…if you can see the shoreline, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the waves, it helps you to appreciate them more. (Does that make sense, LOL) Hugs…

  26. Hi Nicole, I’m so glad to hear that Grandpa is doing well. I know the road to recovery will be slow, but I’m keeping him and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Now, on to Winding Ways…I think the quilt is absolutely beautiful and I love the secondary pattern. As for a border, I was just thinking that for those that say the circles make them dizzy, maybe a small solid border would frame the blocks in a way that would both highlight the wonderful patterns in the quilt yet at same time, calm them just a bit. Kind of like looking at the beautiful rolling ocean…if you can see the shoreline, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the waves, it helps you to appreciate them more. (Does that make sense, LOL) Hugs…

  27. We’ve been out of town, Nicole, so I’m just now hearing your update on Grandpa. Mr. Squash and I would love to send him a card if we can get the mailing address. I would not put a border on Winding Ways – she’s gorgeous just the way she is! Take care and we’re sending the best to you, Grandpa and your family!
    Cheers!

  28. We’ve been out of town, Nicole, so I’m just now hearing your update on Grandpa. Mr. Squash and I would love to send him a card if we can get the mailing address. I would not put a border on Winding Ways – she’s gorgeous just the way she is! Take care and we’re sending the best to you, Grandpa and your family!
    Cheers!

  29. I am new to blogs and just found yours. I really enjoy it. I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. My father is 91 and I know how lost he would be without mom.
    Please send me his address as I would love to send him a card from the Canadian Arctic.
    Carol

  30. I am new to blogs and just found yours. I really enjoy it. I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. My father is 91 and I know how lost he would be without mom.
    Please send me his address as I would love to send him a card from the Canadian Arctic.
    Carol

  33. I like the quilt without a border, but after seeing Sweet P ‘s border, I absolutely love her border. I would like to send Grandpa a card.

  34. I like the quilt without a border, but after seeing Sweet P ‘s border, I absolutely love her border. I would like to send Grandpa a card.

  35. I’d love to send Grandpa a card, so send me his address. I have a soft spot for old men for some reason & hate to think of them alone & sad. My husband thinks that’s a good thing since we’ll be there before we know it.

  36. I’d love to send Grandpa a card, so send me his address. I have a soft spot for old men for some reason & hate to think of them alone & sad. My husband thinks that’s a good thing since we’ll be there before we know it.

  39. I made a kaleidoscope quilt (it has a similar circular effect, but not quite so much as the Winding Ways) and I did not use a border. It was completely scrappy and I thought a border would be more confusing. When I first glanced at your photo today, I thought you have finished and added a cream border (it was your design wall that I was interpreting as the border.) I thought it looked great with a cream border. Please email me Grandpa’s address as I would love to send a card as well.

  40. I made a kaleidoscope quilt (it has a similar circular effect, but not quite so much as the Winding Ways) and I did not use a border. It was completely scrappy and I thought a border would be more confusing. When I first glanced at your photo today, I thought you have finished and added a cream border (it was your design wall that I was interpreting as the border.) I thought it looked great with a cream border. Please email me Grandpa’s address as I would love to send a card as well.

  41. I love this quilt. If it makes you woozy, send it to me. I’ll take GOOD care of it!
    So glad the surgery went well. 🙂

  42. I love this quilt. If it makes you woozy, send it to me. I’ll take GOOD care of it!
    So glad the surgery went well. 🙂

  45. Hi there. I would be so happy if you would share an address for my family and I to send Grandpa a note. We just returned from a holiday in the San Diego area and my son fell in love with the USS Midway. He is an aspiring pilot (he’s 9 so there’s a way to go) but was smitten with all the retired Navy volunteers that led our tours. I know he would love to write a note of good wishes to such a Navy man, too! Take care!

  46. Hi there. I would be so happy if you would share an address for my family and I to send Grandpa a note. We just returned from a holiday in the San Diego area and my son fell in love with the USS Midway. He is an aspiring pilot (he’s 9 so there’s a way to go) but was smitten with all the retired Navy volunteers that led our tours. I know he would love to write a note of good wishes to such a Navy man, too! Take care!

  47. I’ve sat here reading and catching up on your blog. So sorry about Grandpa..talk about some bad luck and timing! Bless his heart and yours….loving hugs/prayers sent for quick recovery time and get him to his cottage!
    Your Winding Ways is delightful..better yet made from stash! Doesn’t it nearly seem free that way? LOL

  48. I’ve sat here reading and catching up on your blog. So sorry about Grandpa..talk about some bad luck and timing! Bless his heart and yours….loving hugs/prayers sent for quick recovery time and get him to his cottage!
    Your Winding Ways is delightful..better yet made from stash! Doesn’t it nearly seem free that way? LOL

  49. So happy to hear Grandpa’s surgery went as well as it did! I hope that means he’s going to continue to surprise you with a speedy recovery! He does sound like such a nice man and he’s lucky to have a loving family surrounding him!
    Love the quilt blocks! Borders or no borders probably boils down to personal preference! You could audition some to see how you feel about them.

  50. So happy to hear Grandpa’s surgery went as well as it did! I hope that means he’s going to continue to surprise you with a speedy recovery! He does sound like such a nice man and he’s lucky to have a loving family surrounding him!
    Love the quilt blocks! Borders or no borders probably boils down to personal preference! You could audition some to see how you feel about them.

  51. Nicole, I’ll send a card to Grandpa, too. Just send the address.
    We had masses of thunder and lightening here in the bay area, too, last night. I found the cat under the bed hiding at one point — in 14 years he’s never heard anything like it!
    Winding Ways looks great — I tried a few of those blocks some years back but didn’t like the results…

  52. Nicole, I’ll send a card to Grandpa, too. Just send the address.
    We had masses of thunder and lightening here in the bay area, too, last night. I found the cat under the bed hiding at one point — in 14 years he’s never heard anything like it!
    Winding Ways looks great — I tried a few of those blocks some years back but didn’t like the results…

  53. Please send addrss for Grandpa as I would love to send a card. Love your blog.
    cab

  54. Please send addrss for Grandpa as I would love to send a card. Love your blog.
    cab

  55. I’m so glad to hear that Grandpa is doing better! Too bad he was soooo close to moving into his cottage. He’ll be there soon I’m sure. It sounds like he has lots going for him right now with all of the love and support from you and your family. I like your winding ways quilt with no border. It looks great like it is to me 🙂

  56. I’m so glad to hear that Grandpa is doing better! Too bad he was soooo close to moving into his cottage. He’ll be there soon I’m sure. It sounds like he has lots going for him right now with all of the love and support from you and your family. I like your winding ways quilt with no border. It looks great like it is to me 🙂

  57. Hi Nicole – So glad to hear that Grandpa Larry’s surgery went well and he is on the mend. My heart goes out to all of you during this challenging time. Loved seeing the stormy California sky. I am from the Bay area of California, and now live in Albuquerque where thunderstorms are “normal”. Keep going on your Winding Ways quilt. It’s terrific!

  58. Hi Nicole – So glad to hear that Grandpa Larry’s surgery went well and he is on the mend. My heart goes out to all of you during this challenging time. Loved seeing the stormy California sky. I am from the Bay area of California, and now live in Albuquerque where thunderstorms are “normal”. Keep going on your Winding Ways quilt. It’s terrific!

  61. Hi Nicole,
    Please do send me his address. I am also a Microbiologist and would love to correspond with him about about that.
    Gloria

  62. Hi Nicole,
    Please do send me his address. I am also a Microbiologist and would love to correspond with him about about that.
    Gloria

  63. Hi Nicole,
    Love the quilt. It is a favorite pattern of mine. Please send Grandpa’s address to me – [email protected]. I feel so bad for him but it sounds like he is on the road to recovery.
    Best Wishes,
    Mary

  64. Hi Nicole,
    Love the quilt. It is a favorite pattern of mine. Please send Grandpa’s address to me – [email protected]. I feel so bad for him but it sounds like he is on the road to recovery.
    Best Wishes,
    Mary

  65. I love the patterns (and I mean that with a capital S)…wow, this is really cool and looks very complex. I like it without a border… but you should do what you want to do!
    Sorry to read about Grandpa – definately send me the address so I can send him a card.
    Be sure to take care of yourself too – so much stress taking care of family, isn’t it!

  66. I love the patterns (and I mean that with a capital S)…wow, this is really cool and looks very complex. I like it without a border… but you should do what you want to do!
    Sorry to read about Grandpa – definately send me the address so I can send him a card.
    Be sure to take care of yourself too – so much stress taking care of family, isn’t it!

  67. Nicole –
    Count me in on sending grandpa a card….just need the address.
    Carolyn

  68. Nicole –
    Count me in on sending grandpa a card….just need the address.
    Carolyn