Thursday, March 29, 2007

Two Down, One to Go!

I had three goals for spring break: finish the four patch, get something sandwiched and basted, and get a border on this quilt. Well, the four patch is to the flimsy stage and I finally got the border on this quilt.

It may not be my oldest UFO, but it's darn close. I started this way back when my daughter was in high school, in the fall (can't you tell?). I don't even remember what year it was. I just remember driving through the country to get to one of my daughter's cross country meets and seeing the wonderful fall colors on the trees in the hills and carrying that picture in my mind as I hunted for fat quarters in the quilt shop.

Like one of my typical projects it started out without much of a plan. I liked the two blocks. I liked them together, despite the quilt police edict that different blocks in a quilt should have the same grid, or some such nonsense. I happened to have just enough of the lattice material to get all the squares together; I even had the border material bought, washed, and ironed. And then...I put it away! With the border it is double-bed sized. I think when I saw how big it had gotten I knew I probably would never find the time to hand-quilt it.

But, at our last quilt retreat I met a long-arm quilter who said she would put me on her list. I'm going to get this thing quilted and ON A BED! (My husband often comments that with all the quilting I do, I never have anything large enough to put on a bed.)

This block is called "Toad in a Puddle." Don't you love that name?

And, I went out today and bought enough batting to sandwich the mystery quilt. The living room floor is cleared and ready. Sandwiching is going to happen tonight!

I saw a tip (I think on the Fons and Porter website) about putting a marble under the backing after it is taped to the floor so that you don't keep stabbing the floor with your needle while you are basting the layers together. I'm going to try this--our hardwood floors don't need any more scratches!

16 comments:

molly said...

I can almost hear those dry leaves whispering against each other....Great job. Also, nifty hint about the marble...

Meredith said...

Way to go on the goals. It will be nice to have a quilt on your bed for fall. I really like the blocks and the border fabric. Isn't it nice to see quilts moving along.

Libby said...

Isn't it funny that the only ones that follow the 'quilt police rules' are the actual members. The rest of us merrily go on our way making wonderful quilts *s*

Pam said...

It is nice to get something finished. What does that mean "the same grid?" I had no idea there were rules about that sort of thing - LOL

Let us know what you think of the marble trick. I also have hardwood floors and no where to baste a quilt.

Melanie said...

I love your quilt-- I look at it and can just picture it folded in a big wicker basket....

QuiltNut Creations said...

love the fall colors

Anne Ida said...

How wonderful! I just love the autumn, and your colours reflect a dry and grey fall season :o) This is a quilt that deserves to be finished and on a bed!

And... eh... quilt police...? I was hoping they where a myth... but if they do excist, please don't anyone let them in on Blogland - or we'll all be caged for braking "the rules" *LOL*

Congratulations on reaching your goals as well, keep up the great work! Take care!

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

I just the movement that this quilt has, it's almost alive and will keep that husband wonderfully warm! Cheers, tracey ps, that marble idea sounds like a good way to stop putting big cuts in my lino!

atet said...

Quilt police? Umm...if they show up make sure NOT to pass on my name please. I'm sure I deserve arrest and incarceration for the rest of my life.

As for the quilt -- umm...police disapproval or not, it's lovely! Wonderful fall colors (I swear I AM going to do a quilt for myself someday that echoes the feeling of fall) and a great pattern. Congrats on finishing that UFO.

Rose Marie said...

Wonderful top! Never noticed the grids were not the same until you mentioned it.
When I baste on our rug, I've used my cutting mats underneath and just pushed them along as I basted. After raiding my husband's work room, I now use two melamine kitchen counter top sheets (really thin ones) 24" x 48" and they work really well. Am interested to hear about the marble.

meggie said...

Now my knees have given up, I have to baste on a table.
I love that quilt, & ...what police? Arent they just a myth, like the great Yeti??
Luckily I just go my merry way!

Darlene said...

That is a beautiful quilt! Good for you - setting and accomplishing your goals!

Unknown said...

A wonderful quilt to remind us of the nice Automn season. I am sure your quilt will look even nicer when it it quilted and DONE! Thank you for the tip with the marble. I have got hardwood floor as well and one can see where I baste! Take care.

Marla said...

I really like this quilt.

LuĂ­sa Silva said...

It's the Columbus egg isn't it? Fantastic tip. Thanks for sharing with us.

Pam said...

Oh so many lovely pictures! I don't quilt but I have ambitions to do so. My excuse for now is that I don't have time because I'm a teacher. How on earth do you manage??