Finally a Finish!

I have spent quite some time finishing this amazing quilt called "The Best of Friends" by Linda Bear.  Linda's quilt is a reverse applique quilt with 32 different twelve inch blocks and a large centre block resulting in this traditional style quilt.  Linda has designed and pieced this quilt which is going to be available as a pattern. 

In reverse applique applique two layers of fabric are used and the top layer is cut away showing the fabric underneath. The raw edges are turned under and handstitched down.  Linda's quilt is an amazing example of this complex style of applique.

Each of the blocks in this quilt have been quilted with a circle around the applique extending to the sashing.  This circle has then been finely cross-hatched and feathers quilted in the corners.  The sashing and borders have been quilted with the same style of feather.

The large centre square has been quilted in a similar manner.
 

 
Here is a close-up of the feathers quilted in the corners of the blocks and sashing.
 

And finally, a single block, showing the intricacy of Linda's applique and detail of the quilting.

 
For more photos of this quilt, have a look at my flickr page.
 
Good luck with this quilt Linda - I am sure there will be many quilters inspired to make this fabulous design.