Progress Report

Machine Pieced - Hand Quilted

I am pleased to report the hand quilting is well underway on The Graduation Quilt.  Thank you for your inquiries, it helps keep me on track!

It is pin basted and I'm using a hoop.  My floor frame still has my Harrison Rose on it.

I am outline quilting 1/4" from the  edges of each piece, removing pins as I go.  I will then go back and add the detail quilting.  Each fabric gets unique quilting.  I also plan to quilt our names and dates in the blocks.
This very light section is the center.

Read more about this quilt HERE.

This is the second time I've made a quilt like this.

I say, "like this" because I misplaced the first set of templates I made for quilt 1.  No worries!
I just made a second set.  I like using template plastic I can write on for fussy cutting.  I use pencil and wipe of the registration lines for the next cut.

The layout on the first one is rather random.  I also used more feminine fabrics; florals, toiles and pastel lights.

Velma came running for the photo op.

"Have you earned quilting time today?"

Velma has decided she needs to keep the quilt safe and warm when I am not quilting.
She is usually buried underneath the quilt layers.  Today she slept for over two hours on top of the hoop - until I got the camera out.

Of course, I need to thank her for two hours I worked off the to-do list of chores.  Much more productive to finish spring cleaning.  I have until August to finish it.

She must know 'The Graduate' has a cat.

Side by Side 

I decided to put the two quilts together.
The Graduate Quilt has a look all its own - masculine colorful fabrics, a light to dark layout and uniform setting fabrics.

That's the way it should be - a gift quilt custom made for a very special person.

I am often asked the size of the hexagons - I finally measured - 4" a side.

Kim McLean Cover Quilt

My inspiration was a quilt I saw in Houston in 2004.
It was featured on the cover of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine in 2005.

I wanted to pull a chair over and sit and stare at the quilt in Houston.  I loved everything about it - 100's of reproduction fabrics, the layout - what's not to love?

My blocks are bigger, the finished quilt smaller and I played with the color layout.

The pattern was published in the 2005 Quilter's Newsletter Wall Calendar.  I don't have the calendar to see how the measurements compare to my blocks.





Here are the details on the inspiration quilt from inside the magazine.

I also like this detail picture because you can see some of Kim's quilting lines.  I'm always curious how the quilting is done.

Who knows, I may make a third - some year...

Have a great week, I hope it includes some stitching time.

Regards,
Dawn