Two Years and Still Quilting

I started the hand quilting on my BTCT Jan 1, 2013.  There was a hiatus of about 6 months while some changes were going on and then I got back to it.  There was a bit of stitching during the summer, but not a lot.  The Fall and Winter seem to be the best times to make progress and I'm looking forward to a lot of hand quilting in Jan and Feb.
The center with the most cross hatching done.

 A block I created and put into my quilt

Part of my bottom border.  I changed up the top and bottom borders and added a lot more to them. I wanted to pull some of the colors and elements from the quilt into the border so I added small grape clusters, some birds and flowers.

The top border is different from the bottom.  I added my initials and different flowers.  I didn't put any birds in this one, but there are small grape clusters and flowers to pull in the purples.

 The appliques have all been outline quilted, about 1/16" away from the pieces.  Cross hatching is 3/4" and I had it marked by Bellwether Quilting due to the size of my piece.

If I've repeated things in this post, sorry about that.  Just thought I'd give a view of my piece.  I know Lori from Humble Quilts is still stitching on hers this winter, along with Pat at Taylor's Outback.  Who else is still working on theirs.  I'd love to see where you are at.  Even after 2 years of quilting this mammoth of a quilt, I still LOVE it and I cannot wait to have it quilted, bound, washed and on my bed.  Maybe in 2016???

Sharon

Are you up for another one???

Lori from Humble Quilts has posted an update to her BTCT (see below)and also is going down the slippery slope of another 25 BOM applique from Sentimental Stitches. Are you game for another one? Do you want to carry on with this blog and add in the Benjamin Briggs quilt? Or do we start another blog specifically for it and leave this one for BTCT? Please see post below as Lori has the links all there to see the new crazy that we are about to embark on! So what do you think? Are you quilter enough to take on this next 25 block applique? Just go look at how beautiful your BTCT blocks are and imagine having another quilt to keep it company! For now, I'll be blogging about it on my grassrootsquilting blog and Lori will be posting on HumbleQuilts. Please comment and we will go with the majority! Sharon

Making Headway

I'm still poking along with the hand quilting. I'm trying to do some outlining on the applique and then finish up my stitching session with a few lines of the cross hatching.

So far I have 13 blocks completely outlined and I have a jump on two more. This is definitely a slow and steady process. The hard part is getting a callous built up on my under finger after I take time away from hand quilting. I also ended up taking off my acrylic nail I had on my thumb, it kept splitting and lifting, so I thought I'd take the summer to give my thumbnail a rest and give it another go in the fall. Sharon

Update on Hand Quilting

Well, Feb was a short month, but I did get more hand stitching done on my BTCT. I was sidetracked with piecing two other projects, but they are now finished. I'm not sure if I posted this info so if I'm repeating myself, sorry. Quilt was marked by Bellwether Drygoods in MD, they did an amazing job. 3/4" cross hatch and I'm outlining all the applique.

Progress to report: 8 blocks are completely outlined. Huge accomplishment as this is where most of my time and energy is being focused.

Once the blocks are outlined, the grid work is what shines.  I've tried to stitch a line or two at the end of my sessions, so it's a slow process. Now that it's got some quilting on it, the tank is getting easier to handle.  It still weighs the same, it's just denser and easier to handle.  I am committed to staying focused on this project, What are you staying focused on? Sharon

Borders

This is the bottom border. My attempts to photograph it were less than stellar.

I still need to do some embroidery for the grape clusters, a few curly stems coming off the top.

I've been working on border #4 aka The Top Border aka The Last Border.  But I ran out of cherries so a little tv time and I had a nice little pile, all ready to applique.

Here is #4.  I put my initials in the center, I'm adding flowers and grape clusters to this border as well, but it really is different from the bottom border There are no birds on #4.  Both side borders are the same as the pattern, well, they have a few more cherries

I'm over 1/2 way through the applique on this last border, I'll be doing the embroidery on the cherry stems and grapes while I work a second round of night shift this coming week.  I start the 7 pm to 7 am shift again this Wed night.  The second and final employee will be trained and on their own as of 7 am Saturday!

Is there anyone else out there still working on their top?  I'd love to see what you have done.  I think that there are 5 from this blog who have finished piecing their tops.  Mimi just showed the gorgeous machine quilting on hers and I know Lori from Humble Quilts has started the hand quilting on hers, I'm sure the cooler days will allow for more quilting.

Please post your progress, we'd love to cheer you along to the finish line.  And if you think it's too much, then how about adding a sashing of 1/2 sq triangles around all your blocks and make a wall hanging? 
Sharon

Decisions, Decisions

This is the final layout for my top. I had the blocks all up on the design wall at work (yes, work) and on Saturday I asked M if she would go to the office to look at my quilt top and give me suggestions on the layout. A second opinion is great with something like this. The first thing M did was take a picture and then we started swapping blocks, taking pictures in color and in black and white and moving blocks around. After 45 minutes and many pictures later, I looked at it and said "this is it!" and sure enough, M looked back at her photos and it was exactly the same as when we started. The moral of the story........trust your instincts! Now to start adding the leaves! Sharon

Block 25 aka The Happy Dance

Yes, I'm finished the applique on all the center blocks. 25 done, 0 to go! What a great feeling.

I'm just too whipped to get excited. Once I get the cherry stems stitched, I'll trim down the blocks and sew them all together. I shall post a picture when I get to that stage.
Thanks for cheering me on, sharing all your struggles and accomplishments, it has truly made a difference to me. It's kept me motivated and I've learned so much along this journey. I'm sure it will be another 18 months before this is finished, (I'm hoping is will be done in that time) but one never knows. We need to enjoy the trip, not just the destination.

Keeping On Task

One more done which leaves me only 2 more blocks, then on to the border. I loved this block so much that I decided to make it again, only this time I've used purples for all the flowers and buds. I deleted two wreath blocks, as I just liked this one more. No other reason

A few birds and cherries and my next block will also be done, it's my "down under" block. I'll be back soon!
Sharon

Block 21 Finished

There is a lot going on in this block so I have left out the leaves on each side of the vase and I'm contemplating the bird in the center of the top two buds. Since it is a heavy block, I tried to keep the vase a bit lighter.

I'm working on my next block, I have the stems all glued down ready to stitch and a cup full of cherries and grapes ready to go! Oh I can see getting the center finished by summer? Six more blocks to go, is that a realistic goal? I hope so!

Sharon

One Block Closer to Finished

Here is Block 20 in the pattern. It's my 18th block.

 I'm leaving the embroidery to the end, although I might kick myself when I get to it.
I found a block in this quilt that I'm going to use in this pattern.
Seven more blocks to go and then onto the borders.  I prepped a pile of cherries last night and now I need to prep some more grapes.  Then I'm going to start cutting out the leaves for the border; I've got the cherries all ready for them.  I'm thinking about putting my initials and the date in the border applique.  I'll have to ponder that for awhile.  How is everyone else dating their quilt?  Is anyone else inking in the center of the grapes like Lori did?
Sharon

Block 22

This is really block 17 for me, but it's listed as #22 in the pattern range.  I took a bit of "artistic liberties" on this block, it just seemed to need more color.  I can't believe I have 17 blocks done.  I started my blocks 16 months ago, so I'm feeling so good about being on task with this project.

Please keep posting as you work through your quilt, seeing the 25 blocks all done by Lori really is motivation to stick to this pattern.  Liz is sending me a pattern to add into this quilt as I've punted a couple of blocks that just don't make my skirt fly up!
Sharon

Block 18

Well, I've finally finished Block 18, although in my project, it's block 15. So I'm over 1/2 way to the finish line, I've prepped another block and I'm going to get back at this sooner rather than later.
This picture looks like it's poofy in the center, it just hasn't been pressed.  Oh my, please ignore that messy design wall that this block is on.  Pretty soon it won't be white anymore with all the threads!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Sharon

Block 13

I'm pretty sure this is Block 13. I'm glad it's finished. Now to prep a few more blocks. I'm all out of applique. I have to admit, I'm getting much braver to make changes, I'm now doing my applique needle turn which has eliminated a few steps, and I'm more confident with my stitching. This has been such a great project to help develop my skills.

Sharon

Post your Progress

Hi BTCT makers,

I am asking everyone who is working on this quilt to post their blocks all together. This might motivate others to pick back up and/or let us see how the different fabric choices others are using look all together.
Any takers? Blogs are a great place to show off your work, readers WANT to see what you are working on!

Group of Blocks

I showed this over at my regular blog, but thought I would share it over here. I like how the blocks all play so nicely, the bottom block that is cut off has a red pot. I will use purple for a pot along the way, and I can see how I must be careful with the chrome yellow, it's pretty outstanding, so a little will go a long way.
That's all for now, I've only got the vine glued down on block #12, so it will be a while before it gets done!

Block 13

Another block done, now to focus on block 12.

I know, it's a little different from the pattern, but I just couldn't put that bud/bloom floating out on its own. Then I thought I needed to draw the eye up to the top right so I added the dots. I'll have to see if the dots stay when I get all the blocks done.
Sharon

Block 11

This one came together very quickly.  Once I did the reverse applique on the pot, it was a fast finish.  That's the advantage of prepping several blocks at one time, when I'm ready to stitch, it's all ready.  Now onto #13. Yes, I know, 12 comes next, but that's the wreath with all the fingerling thingies........Are these even words? :-)

Hope those of you who have summer are staying cool, or as cool as can be!
Sharon

Block 16

Finally, all 120+ grapes are stitched down.

I'm leaving the embroidery until the end. I'm not sure if I'm going to add it on this block or not. Now to get back to blocks 11 - 15. I've got 3 prepped so there's not going to be any down time.

I am motivated to stay the course on this quilt, I want it on my bed!
Sharon

My 10th, Block 9

Ten blocks done and I'm still excited about this project. I have nothing prepped so it might be a while before I post any more photos. This is block 9, I decided it needed some berries/cherries. This block turned out nicer than I thought when I started this batch.

Hope you are still stitching away on your blocks. I know it's hard to find the time, but it will really be worth it.

9 Blocks

I thought I'd share my 9 blocks together.

Seeing the results all together is a very good motivator for me. I am surprised at the weight of 9 blocks together. This quilt is going to be very heavy when it's layered and quilted.
I'm storing my blocks with a pant hanger. Easy, keeps them all together and keeps the wrinkles to a minimun.
A new block was posted, make sure you download it. I'm working on my next block, I'm still making cherries and grapes, and I'm still loving this project!
Sharon