Big Blocks Sample Finish

 I know I've mentioned it before, but I've found that I can either Finish Quilts OR Blog Regularly (but not both).  Last week I finished two quilts and published my first newsletter for my Quilt Guild.  Throw in a couple rounds of the flu for family members over the weekend, and therefore, no blogging. 
Today I can start sharing my finishes.

 This was one of two patterns I was sent to make for a sample.  Big blocks.  I only had to make 9 blocks, though.

 I don't always love the fabric I'm sent for samples, but this is really pretty. I like it a lot.  Mr. Riley even commented on it, so this will probably be a keeper, whenever I get it back....

 I did swirl quilting on it, which in hindsight was probably way too much effort for the quilt, but it reflected the swirls in the fabric, and I like it.  It just took a long time.  That's something to consider in quilt designs.  If you have to trace your quilting, you aren't actually adding quilting to the overall quilt...

 The back.  You can see the lines where I had to piece it to make it work. 
The finished quilt is approximately 53" square.
The batting is a mystery cotton (maybe even a blend?)
Thread was some Coats and Clark cotton quilting thread.  A little thicker than the Aurifil I usually use, but the color was spot on.