She's gonna shine!
She's gonna shine!
It's worth every minute of effort when those kids jump and run and play on it. My only regret is not making it big enough to cover the entire lawn.
Finished size is a standard double (78" x 87"). I used a lovely mint green thread on most of the quilt and it worked great for this collection. Although my OCD kicked in while quilting and I did try to use coordinating thread colors (which greatly increases the time factor) when possible.
Verdict about Quilt as You Go method - it rocks. I love how it comes together so fast. I love how the quilt feels as a finished product. All that thread makes it heavy and more comforting to me. Free motion quilting a double (even on my super swell Janome) would have been a nightmare. QAYG allows anyone with any machine to accomplish great things! Except sewing the back and front together (stitch in the ditch between all 12 1/2" squares) was doable because of the excellent harp area on the Janome.
*Edited to add: I thought I should clarify that I did not use sashing inbetween each of the blocks. Once I "stitched in the ditch" the seam allowances were not the least bit bulky. I had some emails about how it came together, so please feel free to ask about anything I have failed to include here. Really! *
The scrappy binding was a no-brainer on this one... too bad it took my no-brain an entire day to realize that!
The very creative client dreamed up the design on the back. I think it rocks my socks.
Some sweet little nephew of mine is turning 2!
Random.org generated...
#53 - Amanda from little cumulus
CONGRATS!
**BUT there is still time to enter the CSN Giveaway. Winner drawn Friday! GO GO GO!!!Be sure to check back later this week ... a very differnt giveaway will be happening. All I'm gonna say is it rhymes with schmentertainment schmenter.
White masking tape=bad. Blue painter's tape = good.
Isn't that picnic blanket of hers adorable?!
Quilt back waiting to join the lovely front
Next is putting them together. Not as hard core basting as usual, but a night crawling around on my hands and knees nonetheless. Hopefully it goes faster this way. I'll keep you posted!
**Be sure to stay tuned, more giveaways are coming soon!!**
Seriously, look at him!! Anybody seen my briefcase?
Ok, so I made it a little long. I was kind of winging the size, but he can grow into it. There is elastic that goes around the neck so it can stretch over his sweet little head. The length can be adjusted somewhat, but the back of the tie is pretty much as low as it can go. I'm sure the process will go faster as I learn how to do it better. It's worth the effort because it is so very cute! I'm really pleased with the pattern overall and do recommend sewing one up for the little men in your life.
And now for the good stuff! DeLynne over at diy by dainty couture (where I purchased the pattern) is offering one of my readers a FREE PATTERN of your choice. No worries if you don't have boys around either, she has plenty of skirts, dresses, and other great patterns. Mr Random Number Generator will pick our winner on Sunday - Mother's Day! All you have to do is leave a comment about mothers. Being a mom, having a mom, wishing you had someone else's mom, etc. ;) It's a PDF file, so the winner will receive their free pattern soon after the giveaway closes at midnight Saturday night. Instant and free.... sweet!
In other sewing news... Pastel Quilt #2 is done! Good-bye you bland, lifeless colors.
Quilt-as-you-go updates on the way. Almost done with the "quilting" part, about to start on the "as you go" process.