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.     

Project #5 Finished at 5:00 p.m. today

So excited to have finished my Labor Day Madness quilt.  Spent many hours working towards the goal.  I'm pleased with how it turned out.  I plan to challenge myself to try new techniques in 2012 while I complete these long awaited projects.  I wonder what February's project will be?

Blog buttons and Project #5

Finally, I figured out how to create a button link to Patchwork Times.com and it actually works.  I should be working on my Project #5 for the UFO Challenge but I'm taking a little break.  The top is complete and I'm now working on the back.  Since I am trying to use up the fabric I have in stock, I chose not to purchase more fabric.  This means I must piece the back.  Since there is not one square inch of counter space in my sewing room that is clear of fabric, patterns, papers, etc., I have ventured out to the rest of the house.  Thankfully, my DH is very patient or he has just given up after all these years.

Pat Speth's instructions in her book, Nickel Quilts, worked beautifully for the 92 flying geese blocks and the borders.   

Since I work better with deadlines, I still have high hopes of completing this project by midnight on Tuesday, the 31st.

 

UFO Challenge 2012

Greetings from Tennessee

Finally, I figured out how to post a picture with the description, rather than have the pictures shown in a gadget spot and the description shown in a post.  It's exciting when I discover something new about this Blog.  My next Blog challenge will be to figure out how to get the link buttons on my Blog.  

Here it is, the 9th of January and I haven't even started my January UFO project.  I have enjoyed reading every one's Blogs and seeing what challenges they have lined up for this year.

Even though, there is just one more block to make for my Labor Day Madness Quilt, I discovered I need to make 92 flying geese for the borders.  Guess I had better get in gear, quick...

Happy New Year 2012

UFO Challenge begins....
Hooray!  Item #5  Labor Day Madness--Pat Speth came to our guild in March 2011 and taught the class called "Combination Units".  Pat Speth and Charlene Thode co-authored the book called Nickel Quilts.  For years, I avoided any pattern that had partial seams.  What a silly I was!  Once you learn the technique it is really quite simple.  The instructions are listed on page 80 of the book.  15 blocks are completed.  To make the lap size quilt, I need 16 blocks.  I also need to decide on a lay-out by either going with the design in the book or choosing from 2 possible lay-outs that I have found in recent quilt magazines.  Maybe as I am making the 16th blocks, I can decide.