I can't express how happy I am that this is quilt top done. It has hung over me for months and I was afraid that it would take more months to get it to a flimsy stage. I took advantage of being closed-in because we recently had some very cold weather. So much was cancelled because of the risk of frostbite. Looking out the window was as close as I wanted to be in it. Brr.
I drove myself to work on nothing else for several days. Lots of non-stop cutting and sewing, and a large pot of vegetable beef soup simmering on the stove to satisfy empty stomachs. Isn't it great to have dinner plans covered? Now I feel like a kid after finals week having this quilt top done! Yay!
It is so big I had to picture it in landscape mode. It measures 77" x 111" so it will lay over the foot of the bed for sure!
I learned a few things along the way. Besides the obvious - to interface everything!
- Cut all blocks larger than you expect you might need. I cut most everything at 14.5" and trimmed as I arranged the blocks.
- I sashed most blocks as spacers. It helped joining different size blocks together.
- Press with a pressing cloth. I had a couple of oops! when my iron touched a few decals. Hopefully, no one will notice.
- I had a few partial seams so it took some forethought while assembling.
Oh what a mess this project made in my sewing room! I intend to give it a good cleaning once this quilt is out of the house. Then I can get back to my goals for this first quarter in 2025.
I was playing a bit of "fabric chicken" too - praying I would have enough navy fabric to finish. This is all I have leftover.
I ordered another yard for the binding. If it is not a perfect match it will be fine. My main concern was all the sashing would be from the same dye lot.
A few more pictures of the process. Just a few blocks cut.
And more as I placed them according to DGD's plan. I had a photograph of the placement to constantly check with.
So we are headed to the quilt shop for the big finish! I will likely be a week sewing the binding on which is something I love to do.
It looks like I can check off this big goal for the quarter. If I get the binding on before the end of March it will be a complete finish. Done done!
And my Hidden Log Cabin should be back from the quilter soon so that will be done.
Then on to the Strip It Earth. I hope to at least get that top done before March. I am debating how I will have it quilted.
And then there are all those squirrels. Merry Mayhem is having another "one day mystery" on February 8th. While the men are watching The Game, we can be putting a top together. Sounds like a win to me.
I also have my challenge piece I must have done and ready by May. I have not even started it, but I am brainstorming! I am so excited to be part of a thriving quilt group. Everyone is so friendly and sharing! And the talent of these ladies are amazing. I love the show and tell segment of our meetings. I hope my challenge piece does not embarrass me. :-)
I hope you are staying warm. And healthy, as there is so much flu and sickness spreading about. Another good reason to say home and sew. Thank you for visiting me today. May your stitches be even and straight!
Happy stitching!
