Saturday, June 16, 2007

A Quilty Day

I've spent the day working on a couple of different quilt projects. This morning, I set my tables up on the patio and got busy pinning this quilt. I thought I'd get an early start before it got too warm outside, but despite my best efforts, it took quite awhile to pin and it was starting to get pretty warm before I finished. Can you believe I used up that whole box of pins you see sitting on top of the quilt? Getting this quilted is my next project, and I'll start on that tomorrow.



This quilt is a monster--king sized and a little more really. I wasn't sure the extra wide backing I bought was going to be large enough, but it was just perfect. I purchased a batting a few years ago at Connecting Threads on a trip to Oregon and have been saving it for the right project. It's a light weight cotton, and since this looks to me like a summer quilt, I thought it would be perfect.

As you know, I've been working on getting this other top pieced and thought I had finished the border strips last night. When I thought about it, though, I decided the plain squares I had cut for the corners of the border weren't right for the quilt, so I spent much of the afternoon today making four corner blocks similar to the center blocks. I think they look much better than what I originally planned. I laid it out on my daughter's double bed and it's plenty large enough; in fact, it would probably fit a queen. I think this is destined to be another summer quilt, because the greens, blues, and golds remind me of the beach.



Well, I think my fun's just about over for the day--now I need to head back into the Sweat Shop and get everything put away and retire the Bernina for a little vacation and set up the Juki for some heavy duty quilting. I'm not looking forward to the aching shoulders and arms in the next couple of weeks from quilting my monster quilt, but I really love this quilt, and I'll be happy to turn it from a quilt top into a "real" quilt!

13 comments:

Darlene said...

WOWZER - I love both quilts! Is one for me? Have fun quilting them!

Anonymous said...

I say WOW also, The wide piano keys border looks great. Can't really see the corner block. As usual it turned out perfect. You're going to have a long time quilting these two quilts. Great job.
Eileen

Knot Garden said...

They are both amazing! I really like the border on that second one. Both such big projects - you are a fearless machine quilter:)

Carole said...

Wow, that's quite the beast! That's huge and you'll be quilting it yourself! I'm tired already just from thinking about it! You're brave! It's gorgeous! Hey you beat me on the safety pins. I have enough pins for three queen size and left over for a lap. Ask me how I know? lol Well, I can't wait to say that beauty quilted. Thanks for sharing!

Tazzie said...

Wow! You have been busy! I love both quilts, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you go with the quilting!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Paula, the quilter said...

Both quilts are beautiful. After my first glimpse of the one you just pin basted I realized why I liked the Village Quilt in my (before) last post! It reminded me subconsciously of yours -- which I really like. I sent my really big quilts out to a long-arm quilter

tami said...

Both quilts are gorgeous. You have been busy. Great job.

QuiltingFitzy said...

WOW! I bet your back was screaming after that pinning job! That quilt is terrific tho!

Kim West said...

Both quilts are gorgeous!!

Anonymous said...

I have to say like everyone else... WOW! WOW! WOW!!! Both are jaw dropping quilts and I especially love your king one that you're about to quilt.

Leigh said...

Both your quilts are beautiful. Really stunning. Good job!!

Feeling Simply Quilty said...

I like the idea of doing something with quilts outside. You were wise to start out early.

Beautiful quilts!

Anonymous said...

That freakin quilt is HUGE!!! Are you quilting that yourself???? I love the quilt. Both are very nice. Who knew you had it in ya.:-)