Let the Quilting Begin

On Friday, Feb. 25, 2019, I got the quilt sandwich layered - backing, batting, and quilt top.  That process is my least favorite part of the whole process, so I was glad to get that behind me.

This is my backing fabric.  It had been chosen for another quilt and then I found something better.  I really like it for this one.

I am doing free-motion quilting, with no marking, using my sit-down mid-arm machine, a Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen.  I'm using an Aurufil gray thread, 50 wt. and so far I am very pleased with the results.  Unfortunately, Lizzy is determined to supervise carefully and she really slows me down!

I made a label which I sewed to the backing before I began quilting, so that the quilting would help hold the label in place.  At the same time, I made my binding so that it will be ready to go when I am finished with my quilting.

You might be able to see my free motion quilting design which threads through the center of a diagonal line of red, white, and orange quilt blocks.  I will do some other designs as well before I'm done.

This page doesn't link back to Bonnie Hunter's page as there won't be another link up for a week or so, but in my earlier posts you can find links to other quilters' work on this quilt.   #goodfortunequilt    #quiltvillemystery

Good Fortune - Assembling the quilt

Putting the Pieces Together

For whatever reason, it seemed to take me an inordinate amount of time to assemble the two different types of blocks for the center of the quilt.  I finally finished and laid them out on my design wall (actually, the design carpet!) to decide on block placement.

My Sunday afternoon was devoted to sewing all these blocks together.  Then there will be four different borders to assemble and put into place.

By Wednesday, in spite of more help from the cats, I had the borders on.

After a few days, I realized I wanted to make the quilt large enough to work well on my bed.  I added two narrow borders and one larger one, adding about 10.5" in length and width to the original design.  I kept the new borders simple so as to not detract from Bonnie's design.  I am sure the quilt will get a lot more use now that it will fit my bed.

#goodfortunequilt    #quiltvillemystery

To view the progress of other quilters,

Click Here

Carole D's Clue 7 and the Big Reveal!

Although I got a small start on Clue 7 after it was released in the middle of the week, I still have a lot of it to do.  Also, even though the finished layout has been revealed and the borders explained, it will be a good while before I get around to that part of this quilt.

Two of my three kitties have had to go to the vet, and one has to go back for 4 teeth to be extracted.  I have a card-making workshop to attend, a check-up with my allergist, and lots of Christmas decorations to finish packing away and storing in the garage.  These things are going to have to take priority over quilting this week.

Here are my two practice blocks for Clue 7, and my stacks of finished blocks and arranged-for-sewing blocks which await my attention.

To view the progress of other quilters and to see some of the mystery quilt tops that have already been finished,

CLICK HERE