Quilting...

5 blocks quilted. Before I move on I plan on using my Hera marker to do a cross hatch in the background. I'll go back and quilt the 5 blocks then move on. So far I'm really enjoying it although the size makes me feel like I'm in a wrestling match sometimes. Especially with this center block!!

Quilting Two More Blocks

Here is quilting on my 2nd and 3rd block.

As a reminder I am doing the motifs that were on the original, then outlining the applique.

This block isn't quite finished. There are two flowers on the pot, then the star. I'm about halfway done going around the applique pieces.

I do believe the original had small clamshell quilting- can someone tell me if that is correct?
I'm seriously considering crosshatching so I wouldn't lose the motifs.

It is so exciting seeing the tops come together. Keep going!!!

Quilting Commences!

I got my quilt back from the long armer who was basting it for me. Since the size was more then I could even photograph I wasn't sure how I would baste it properly. I asked her to do a good job because it might be 10 -15 years being quilted! lol

Do I have a plan? Not really. I took the top pattern off my pile and made cardboard templates for the motifs and will start there. I am using my pilot pen that disappears with the iron. I'll stitch the motifs, then on the same block stitch around the applique.

Here's my start! I'm so excited!!

Top completed!!

 I got my final border on!! WooHoo!! I need to trim the top border after I clear off my cutting table.

I've got my backing 108" wide and king size batt ready to go the quilters so she can baste it for me on her machine. It will be fun to quilt the motifs, although it may take me years, since I think I am the world's slowest hand quilter!!

Block 25

Here it is-sideways just like the original! LOL Will anybody put there's in the quilt this way?

I used an online mosaic to play with the setting a little. I'm not going to go insane about it. I think this is how my blocks will be going together.

Woo-Hoo!! One more border!!

First border

Ta-Da! I finished the chain stitch to the berries last night. I was so excited I have to take a photo right away!!
When the time comes to add this to the quilt I may have to add a few leaves or berries toward the ends, but for now I will leave it open.

Block 24

This block is finished, now back to border, side 1. 

Everybody still going full steam ahead?

Block 23

I managed another block! Woo-Hoo!!

Did you all read Gaye's post about the border construction? She is giving directions to do them the traditional way but the original maker did them like this diagram. Very fascinating!! My plan is to keep them like the original. What about you all? Any thoughts on that?

All Caught Up

I thought I'd post these here in case someone didn't see them on my blog. 

Block 16

Block 21

Block 22

I did a horrible job of centering this one! I didn't notice until it was all done.

Block 20 & center of block 16

I'm not thrilled with this, but the majority of people who commented on my blog seemed to think I should use my own handwriting....so I did. Now to applique the grapes.

Block 12, 14 & 18- Edited

Since it looks like the center grapevine block may have had some writing on it, I am planning on signing it there, or writing something in the middle of that block and will do that before appliqueing the grapes. That is the only one I have left.  I put nine at a time on my design wall and love them all together.
You can see them here: www.humblequilts.blogspot.com

LoriD Block 17 & 19

 I wish I would have set this one down a little bit more....

Block 19 is the last block so you might think I am all caught up.....nope, I am working on block 12,14,16,18..... Just thought I'd take the easy route for a moment.

Block 13 and 15

Two more blocks done! I have conveniently skipped over the fingerling wreath and will make my way back to it next.

Block 11

Here is one more completed block. This one wasn't too difficult.
The next one I'm prepping has all the fingerlings.....

Block 10

Block 10 done!! I followed Mary's blocks and only embroidered one stem per berry. That's one good thing about being behind everybody else. You get such good advice!!!


I have a question. On a circle like this how do you applique your ends? Mine need a lot of work!!

Block 8

Here is block #8. I have to say this block forced me to change my strategy. I had maybe 17 leaves appliqued and I wasn't looking forward to picking it up again. Too many leaves, all the same color- BORING! It is what I want for this quilt, but not my usual quilt style.
So, I made myself happy and machine appliqued the rest of the leaves on. I hand appliqued the stems because I do enjoy it, but am also pleased with my decision to get this block done. I'm perfectly fine with a mix of hand and machine applique.
This was a block I skipped by mistake so now I'll be prepping block number 10!!

Block #3

Block #3 is finished. I redrew the little fingers and I liked them a lot better!

Reading everyone's posts and comments and seeing their pictures is so helpful. I would have skipped this block if I hadn't changed the fingers. Thanks you! Lori in South Dakota

Block 9

I would think by now my applique skills would be getting better!! There isn't a lot of smooth going on here. I thought I'd use a different green on the leaves. I'm not happy with it, but am not taking it out or making it over. There are enough blocks in this quilt that I think it will blend in just fine.

When I went to print out the next block I see I missed block 8 all together. I remedied that and now have one leaf appliqued on it. There are a lot of leaves on that block!!

Lori's Block 7

Block 6

I eliminated the bird in this block. I may add it later if I feel like it needs it. When I was stitching it seemed like I had enough contrast between my light colored buds and the background. It doesn't look like it in the photo....Oh well, onto block 7 and a LOT of berries!!