UFO Project #1 is finished

I'm still in shock that I finished my king-size sampler quilt, which was started in 1982.  The binding was finished by 7:00 p.m.  A label is still needed and possibly a little fabric journal to tell it's story about the different blocks.

UFO for February 2012

Today was a beautiful sunny day in Tennessee.   It lifted my spirits and my energy level.
Since I have 10 working days until the end of February, I decided today was the day to get going on my king-size quilt.  The first week of Feb., I did begin the quilting, which I determined should be free motion stitching.  The walking foot would be too slow and more of a trial to maneuver through my machine.  Since I am most comfortable with stippling, that is what I choose for all of the sashes. 

Project #1--UFO turns 30 yrs old in 2012

King Size Sampler started in 1982--This afternoon, I got it out of the Quilt Cabinet to figure out how to begin.  First, I decided it was best to look for a picture and post the picture along with the quilt's story.  When a UFO is about to turn 30 years old, this year, there must be a story to go along with it.

In 1982, I began taking Beginner Quilt classes through the Continuing Education Program at our local university.  My quilt teacher was extremely patient.  I took numerous classes from her, craving the fellowship of other quilters.  By the 3rd class, I realized I needed a king-size quilt for our bed.  My teacher tried to deter me from tackling such a large project, but as a beginner, the size what not an issue.  Anyway, the blocks were only 14" square and I decided I needed 25 blocks, with sashes and 2 large borders, I had a king size quilt.

Thankfully, I commemorated the Quilt Pinning event with a small signature wall-hanging and dated that wall-hanging May 1985.  For two years, I hand quilted on my quilt and then in April 1987, I took a 7-month break from working outside the home and helped my husband build a workshop and in the evenings, I hand quilted.  By the time, I went back to work in Oct. 1987, I had all the blocks quilted and one of the sashes.

Since it is a Sampler, I plan to machine quilt with the walking foot, the remaining unfinished sashes and borders.  I bet I will need a week to sew on the binding, which will be exhilarating, since I'll be coming down the home stretch.