March UFO Goal: Organic Chemistry Quilt

For March's "A Lovely Year of Finishes" over at Fiber of All Sorts, I've not only chosen my hardest and oldest, UFO, but also the one I most want finished.  It got "stuck" almost 2 years ago, when I failed to finish it in time for the Modern Quilt Guild's "Organic challenge".

Another reason it got "stuck" is because I have no idea how to quilt it.  I worked so hard on the embroidery that I really don't want to quilt over it, but it takes up so much space that I can't leave it all open.

I'm open to any and all ideas on this one! I've thought about an all over hexagon / chicken wire patter, or some FMQ-ed hexagons in both the organic rings, and in the open space (maybe in different colored thread), or maybe even just tying or tacking it evenly instead of quilting it. I just really don't want the embroidery to get distorted, and have never done a quilt like this.

I'm also thinking about adding some random fabric hexagons and pentagons here and there to add more color to the quilt.  There is just something not quite right with it, but I can't put a finger on it. It's one of those quilts that seemed better on paper than in practice...

The back is done, and borders all cut out, so all that's left is sewing the borders on, and pinning it and quilting it.

I know that once Spring gets going full tilt I'll be slowing down in the sewing room and spending much more time outside, so I really GOT to get this done!!

Speaking of my sewing room, here are the shelves that my husband made and just installed about an hour ago!  The stain on them is still a bit tacky and needs some time to dry, but otherwise I'm finally able to put all of my sewing things in one room, for the first time in over 3 years!! Yipee!!

Off Topic: Dog, Swap, Storage and Vote

Yeah, I'd like to put my dog in storage now, or swap him, but this will help for now.

There's a reason you don't see tons of pretty throw pillows (or lots of white, for that matter) on my blog ;-). He hasn't been on quite this kind of rampage in a long time, and only does it while we are out of the house.  Out lives have been busier as my kids have been getting older.  >>>shrug<<<  Any ideas on how to salvage the pillow would be welcome!

I have to share some shelves that my husband has been working on building for me.  They're going to go on the wall next to my sewing machine.  They're just waiting for some better weather and free time for him to sand and finish!!

I also just love the new configuration of my tables.  They make quilting a quilt much easier (they hold the bulk nicely!).

I also was able to bring out my old sewing machine to work on some swap blocks that are due this week, so I didn't have to reset my 6600.  Even better, almost all of the feet are interchangeable, although the machines have different shank lengths, so not all of them interchange.  The bobbins are now totally interchangeable too, which is fantastic!!! I'll be keeping my old machine handy from now on!!

I turned these in at my LQS today, and picked up the most perfect Kaffe Fasset fabric for the binding for the Mark Lipinski quilt that I'm working on! 

I hope to finish it up in the next day or two.

FINALLY, Kim of Project Quilting has decided to bring back a public vote for the quilts in each weeks' challenge.  The winner gets a nice charm pack, so if you'd vote for my quilt (and 3 others) I'd appreciate it.  Thanks!