Dahlia HST Wall Hanging

This was one of those projects that I loved while designing and making, but that didn't quite stick once finished. I expected the pinks to pop more against the grays, but the shades aren't quite right together.

With this quilt, I experimented with a new marking technique using plastic canvas.  This was my first time trying it, using a 7-per-inch grid. My lines and stitch length are usually fairly consistent when I quilt on a solid line, but I really liked how the marks using the plastic grid tightened everything up. The stitches went quickly with this size of grid, but I have since found that a 10-per-inch grid results in a stitch length closer to my freehand stitching. I prefer the smaller stitch, through it takes more time and is a bit tricker to mark because of the smaller holes.

I initially considered framing this quilt, but it was a little too large. In addition to preferring the smaller stitch length, I have also found that I like the look of a smaller half-square triangles, around 1.5 inches finished, when I make a wall hanging. 

I really like the dahlia shape, however, and with a smaller HST size and some adjusted colors, I am looking forward to trying this design again.