Wow! It wasn't what I expected! I was thinking leaves and instead it's propellers! I've never seen the pattern either, and think it is great fun. Way to go!

Great first quilt!!! Look on your batting wrapping and it will give suggestions as to how close (or far apart) the quilting should be. The one I am using now suggests 2". I am just learning to machine quilt (about 5 years now lol) and I love anything that doesn't have to be marked. With SITD it is sometimes not easy to stay in the 'ditch', but when the quilt is washed it doesn't show as much. The scrappy Irish Chain I am making for my sister is going to be mostly quilted on the diagonal. You can always mix it up and do different quilting designs. Have Fun! Rosa

It's a very personal decision, but I can tell you from my own experience, it is possible to finish old tops into usable quilts. I do this VERY often, and my whole family use quilts that I've made using old tops I've bought. However, you have to be realistic about the shape the fabric is in...REALLY look at it and if you decide it looks in good shape, and you want to make a quilt from it, then 'have at it'. I use all cotton batting, and 100% cotton backing fabric, and hand quilt it. I make a label and apply it to the back of the quilt, that says where I bought the top, my name and when I made it into a quilt. I wash mine in the machine, but NEVER let it agitate...that's where the problem comes in. Fill your washer with warm water, soap [not detergent] (and I always add synthrapol, to prevent fading...you can order it online but I've found it several times, lately, in quilt shops and even a sewing machine store.) Lay the quilt on top of the water and let it sink to the bottom....swish it around with your hand, let it soak for a while, and spin out the water...rinse and spin, being sure to look at the water. You may have to repeat the whole process process a couple times. Just don't agitate, and you'll be okay. When dealing with old tops, there are often yellowed spots, and it's best to just 'live' with them...don't scrub at them. I use a product called Nanny's Vintage Soak, which is a whitener for antique linens...but, I'm not sure it is available any more...get it if you can....it works. After the quilt is washed, place it OVER several clothes lines ....do NOT use pins to hold it up, but drape it over the lines...ins put too much stress on the fabric. I place mine over 3 lines I have in the basement, and that works will. I also place mine outside, over a big hedge I have. I've done this many times and one of the things I enjoy most is finishing the work started by another woman, many years ago.....I like to think they'd be pleased.

calverttx, unfortunately, HoopSisters doesn't make their patterns available for sale except to authorized dealers for the first 2 years. After that, you will be able to purchase it. They have some older patterns you can purchase if you see one you like. I did the Feathered Star quilt about 2 years ago.