Improvising a Quit Top Finish

I don't typically make New Year's Resolutions but if I did, this year's may be to plan in advance.  At least when it comes to quilting projects.

I posted about this quilt top once before, it's for a friend of mine who lives in Phoenix who was part of the running team I was on when Shelly passed away.  I had only met her the day before but she showed herself to be one of the strongest, most positive, supportive people I have ever known and she will be a forever friend.

When she found out I sewed, she asked for a quilt.  She was kidding -- sort of -- but I knew right away she would get one.  She recently bought a new house and hasn't decided what colors she wants to use, but she told me black and white are her favorites.

I started with 2 charm packs purchased online and came up with this:

I liked it enough (even though HSTs are *not* my strong suit)... but it was too small.  Only 50" wide x 57" long.  That wasn't going to work.  I can't tell you how many nights I fell asleep trying to figure out how to make it bigger without looking like I just slapped on some extra fabric... but on Christmas Eve night, it was a vision of this quilt (and not sugar plums) dancing in my head.  

First, I turned the quilt sideways, so 57" became the width instead of the length.  Then I took off the (now) top and bottom borders.  If there's anything that ranks as low as pinning in my "things I like to do" book, it's ripping stitches!

Next, I created a few rows of checkerboards for the top and bottom, to add between the HST section and the borders I'd just taken off.  I would have done more, but I was out of charms.

Here's how it looks with one side (the bottom) sewn back together.  Of course, I had to extend the side borders to go the (new) full length.  I was lucky to have *just* enough fabric left to do this.

Here's how it looks with the side (near the top) borders lengthened, before I sewed it all back together:

And finally, the completed (I hope!) quilt top, now big enough to cover a full grown person:

I've started piecing a back, which will be more colorful.  I haven't a clue how I'll quilt this once it's done.  The middle (HST) section is bulky and doesn't lie completely flat.  I want to do something relatively simple (read: won't take forever) but I haven't decided what yet.  Suggestions are appreciated!

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Linking up with Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Whoop Whoop Friday

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~*~ May your day be full of Love and Ladybug Hugs ~*~

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kat ~