The Very Series Quilt

I purchased this kit featuring fabrics from Andover Fabrics with prints from The Very Series by Eric Carle.  I purchased it last year to make for my niece's new baby, but somehow it got put on the back burner and became a UFO.  I thought I had done most of it way back when. 

I took it along with me last week thinking that if i finished piecing the big quilt project, I would whip this up so I could finish it this month.  However, when I took it out to finish it so I can get it quilted before I pack up my machine, I discovered that I had only cut parts out.  I like making half square triangles, so that part when quickly.  The borders were a new experience for me.  I have done exactly 3 single border mitered cornered quilts.  This one has several borders, so I had a new experience.  I watched a video online because I did not completely understand the written directions.  The first corner was difficult to do, but once I figured it out the others went smoothly. 

I have finished the piecing of the king size quilt and quilted and bound several Quilts of Valor.  Now I need to quilt and bind the large quilt and a customer quilt.  Then I have 10 Quilts of Valor to quilt and bind for the Returning Warrior Weekend.  After that I will get this quilt and a "cousin quilt" quilted.  All of these needs to be finished by mid-June, so I will be spending a great deal of time in the studio.

My Big Quilt Project and More

I have all the blocks made and have pieced 5 of the 10 rows.  It is looking great.  Thought I would get it on the fame this week and have it bound next week, but life has gotten in the way.  I am hanging out with my grandchildren and being moral support for my daughter-in-law and son.  My DIL's grandma passed away this morning.  I packed up my stuff and headed to Iowa.  What most of you don't know is that in the past I would never have considered making the 3 1/2 hour drive by myself, but for them and this situation I felt confident that I could do this.  I need to make a couple of potty/stretch breaks but it only took me about 10 minutes longer than when I travel with my husband, so I am bragging.  Of course, I ask God to send me an angel or 10 to keep me safe, but I am still proud of my efforts.

I do know my priorities!

Thank You

 

I requested Quilts of Valor from my HeartStrings group.  We need quite a few for the upcoming Returning Warrior Weekend.  The first 4 wonderful quilts arrived today.  Thank you for your assistance Alycia.

Way Off Line for a Few Days - or Was it A Week or Two????

I had a horrible cold that really took a toll on my quilting, thinking sleeping, and moving time.  Then my asthma kicked in to major overtime.  Wheezing, coughing, and dripping don't lend themselves to cutting, trimming, sewing, ironing, moving or much of anything else.  Even so, I did find one thing I could do that maybe was not really the best choice (dust factor) - sorting and ripping apart 10 years of quilting magazines. 

Looking through all of these magazines has been an terrific experience, as well. The real goal was to pair down some of the "stuff" in my studio space.   I was not specifically looking for quilt patterns or designs, as much as different trends, blocks, and possible quilts idea starters.  It was something of an eye opener to see all the changes and the new techniques.  I found ideas for using the rulers that I purchased but never actually used.  Guess that I will have lots of things to experiment with during my year in Vermont.  (Wonder exactly how much space I will have in the truck for taking my tools and ideas.)

Today I got back into the studio and sewed all day.  I had such a great day even with the wheezing.  Now I have a few non-sewing things to do so I can go back in to sew again tomorrow.