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Monday, November 04, 2013

One Top Done, One Tired Girl.

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I just finished the top for my brother’s quilt.

I sewed like a fiend over the past 3 days.  Driven.  Determined. And yes,  a force to be reckoned with!

And I’m happy with the results.

I wound up doing most of the piecing on my 301A that is in her original folding card table from the 1950s. 

Mostly for speed.

But also for work surface space.  It's nice to sew with the machine flush into the table…I have another table off to my left so it makes a large L shaped area –good for supporting quilt rows while joining them.  In this picture I’m  “webbing” the top together so that the quilt is pieced in rows across, and there are chaining threads holding the rows together.

This is one of those interesting quilts that does NOT get pressed until joining rows.  I do not press the blocks other than the center seam of the large half square triangle before joining them into rows of blocks.  The reason?  I want to be able to push all the seams in row 1 in one direction, and then all the seams in row 2 go the oppsite direction so all seams nest easily all the way down the quilt.

There is no way to tell where a block will end up, if it is turned this way, or that way --- and therefore impossible to know which way seams are to go before assembling into rows….

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I decided on a simple 5”  scrappy border pieced from left over shirt parts.  While cutting squares for the blocks, I trimmed extra lengths of fabric into 5” widths and set them aside.

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Usually I find myself sticking in an inner border as well, but I didn’t have any big yardage up here with me – just a bin of shirt parts.  And enough is enough.  The quilt is big enough, an inner border would have added that much more width, and that much more length.

It will shrink up a bit in quilting. 

I tried it on DH on the couch ---and it is the perfect size for a 6’2” brother to nap under…plenty of room for wrapping up in, and plenty of length for tucking around and under feet.


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And I have just the “perfect” backing fabric at home – if there is enough.  Mark lives in Arizona – and this fabric has cactus all over it!  It was a gift from Sandi D – and I’ve been waiting for the right quilt for it.  This could be it. 

May have time to piece a backing tonight and get the quilting under way tomorrow.  I’m still on a mission ---the race to get this done is not over yet.

Time to clean up the sewing mess and head down home.

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104 comments:

  1. The top is beautiful, and shows what a person can done when she sets her mind to it. I have been through chemo treatments, and would have loved to have a quilt like this to keep me warm. It will be so special for your brother.

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  2. The quilt is gorgeous and will be very cozy for Mark. Cacti on the back would be great. Positive thoughts coming your way with hugs attached.

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  3. Beautiful quilt. I love it on the fence!!!
    XOXOXO Subee who is saying a prayer for your brother.

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  4. Standing ovation from here!!! It turned out great. Love how you draped it over the rail fence at the end of the cabin's driveway.The idea of the cactus backing fabric will be perfect; you'll make it work. Many hugs, Allison

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  5. It's beautiful, Bonnie, and I know your brother will cherish it as he heals.

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  6. Bonnie the quilt is beautiful. Prayers still going up for your brother.

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  7. Strong work, Bonnie! He will love it and feel comforted to have a part of you with him!
    It looks beautiful too :-)

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  8. Bonnie it is beautiful - he will certainly appreciate it and you will love him having it.

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  9. Totally perfect. Your brother will be enveloped in love!

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  10. It's Beautiful! Mark is going to love it!

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  11. Love the quilt, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your brother.

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  12. Beautiful! thanks for mentioning the pressing tip - after I saw you start to make this one I thought it would be my next top to make using up a lot of my browns, greens and creams.

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  13. Proud of you - I've made several 'chemo' quilts, which are hard to think of, but so very much appreciated. Hugs and prayers for you and your brother.

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  14. Bonnie, it looks just wonderful. He can't help but get better with that quilt from his big sister! <3

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  15. A masterpiece that Mark will LOVE!

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  16. A masterpiece that Mark will LOVE!

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  17. The first photo of the quilt on the fence is simply breathtaking! I'm sure it will bring your brother much comfort.

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  18. It is beautiful, and I love the border too. Good thoughts and prayers for your family.

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  19. The picture of the quilt on the fence with the changing leaves and grey sky is just beautiful. You brother is going to love it!

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  20. Beautiful quilt! I am sure that brother will feel the love that went into this.

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  21. Beautiful quilt! I've been trying to find a pattern that I could do quickly. Our neighbor down the block fell and broke her hip a few weeks ago and I would like to do something nice for her. She's a diabetic so my usual baking won't cut it this time. Her and her husband our in their 80's, I believe, but love my daughter who goes down and visits with them. My daughter, Rachel, is 10 and loves to go down and visit with them. I figure this can be a project for the two of us to work on together. She is so wanting to learn how to make quilts! Thought this might be a nice one to try.

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  22. Anonymous4:25 PM EST

    Its' lovely. I hope it gives your brother a healing hug. I've admired that pattern since you did it at QSC in the BYOP room where I was working.

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  23. Lovely setting for a wonderful comfort quilt. He's going to cherish it. Prayers for healing for your dear brother.
    Terri

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  24. So happy you were able to stay the extra time and finish that top! What an accomplishment... and cactus backing sounds amazingly perfect... Sounds like someone above has a plan for your bro to get this quilt quickly :) Kathi

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  25. The quilt is beautiful! I'm sure it will make one very dear brother feel better knowing all the love, prayers, and yes, tears that went into it. Still praying for you and your brother! Thought I'd let you know, I just finished my great-grandsons baby quilt and am cutting scraps into USABLE pieces instead of throwing them away...for the FIRST time and it feels so good! Thank you for developing such a great system for us to copy!

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  26. Absolutely beautiful and you can SEE the love in it. He'll be thrilled, I'm certain. Prayers still being said .... Linda

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  27. This quilt top is lovely, and even more gorgeous is the love and thought that was put into it. Hugs and prayers for you, your brother and family and friends.

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  28. I'm totally liking that one!! Hugs to your brother!

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  29. Awesome job Bonnie! I am sure your brother will feel the love whenever he uses it.

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  30. A perfect plaid hug for your brother!

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  31. Oh, Bonnie, I love this and so will Mark!! Prayers to you both!

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  32. I really love this quilt!!!

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  33. love it............truly a masculine quilt if I ever saw one!

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  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  35. Wow Bonnie this looks amazing and all the love that has gone into it.

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  36. Absolutely beautiful and sewn with so much love.....and I am sure he will love and appreciate it!

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  37. Beautiful quilt with love in every stitch, just what you both need.

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  38. Anonymous5:10 PM EST

    such a beautiful quilt, and the colors are perfect! "Delectible Mountains", pieced in the mountains, in the Fall--it doesn't get much better than that! A job truly well done!

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  39. Bonnie, great quilt! Were all of the shirts 100% cotton or blends?

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  40. Bonnie, great quilt! Were all of the shirts 100% cotton or blends?

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  41. It is amazing that you turned a laundry basket full of shirts into such a beautiful quilt. It is a special gift from a special sister. Just think of all the men who wore those shirts and are now part of your story! Looking forward to seeing it finished and imagining how touched your brother will be when he receives it. Hope he knows what a community you have following you and are now keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.

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  42. Delectable Mountains.
    You could use Psalm 121 on the label:

    I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From whence does my help come?
    2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.
    3 He will not let your foot be moved,
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
    4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
    5 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade
    on your right hand.
    6 The sun shall not smite you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
    7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
    8 The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and for evermore.

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  43. Prayers for you and brother, Mark. Nice, nice quilt. Bonnie, I found your site about three months ago and LOVE it. You give inspiration to others to try it and to FINISH it. Thank you, thank you!!!!!

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  44. The quilt is perfect for a man. Mark will love it especially since it was made by you just for him. You are a wonderful sister!

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  45. Bonnie, I wanna be just like you when I grow up. Amazing work and done so quickly! Your brother will be able to wrap himself in your love every time he uses it. Praying, praying, praying for healing for him, and comfort for you and the family.
    Blessings!

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  46. It IS beautiful, Bonnie! He's going to love it and to feel all the love and prayers you've sewn into it.

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  47. Beautiful quilt with so much love in it.. Have a safe travel down for home.

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  48. That is one beautiful quilt top girl!!! You have done amazingly well, definitely a girl on a mission. Mark will be touched by your thoughtfulness and appreciate your gift of love I'm sure.
    prayers for you all....
    Jennifer in Perth Western Australia

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  50. I'm going to print the top photo for my wall. I can't find the words that describe the emotions it inspires, maybe all of the comments above rolled into one. A perfect background for the love and meaning behind this quilt. Thanks for sharing with us Bonnie, healing thoughts going your way.

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  51. A perfect gift to show your love and concern...practical to boot! Hugs and prayers.

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  52. Wow, I'm rooting for you, and Mark, all the way from Australia. Lots of warmth being sent from here in Queensland.

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  53. Beautiful!! He will love it!

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  54. This is beautiful Bonnie. The colors are just right for a male. Your brother will love it.

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  55. I made a quilt for my cousin when she graduated. He dad used it all the time when he was sick because he said it was just right-not to warm or too cool. She said she can't wash it because it still has his smell and now that he's died she sometimes just curls up and remembers him. This will mean a great deal to him as well as starting conversations!

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  56. Love the quilt against the fence with the trees in the background. What a bittersweet memory.
    Continuing to pray for your brother.
    Paula in KY

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  57. Absolutely gorgeous! and definitely a man's quilt. It's going to mean so much to your brother to have this quilt made by his loving sister. Prayers continue!!

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  58. There's nothing like being wrapped in love to make you feel better. God speed.

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  59. This is so beautiful! I just love it!
    I want to make one exactly in this arrangement.

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  60. Love the picture with the quilt on the fence, with the lovely fall colors in the background!

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  61. It's beautiful. I know he will enjoy it. It is amazing what a determined sister can accomplish in a very short time. Love has no bounds. Hope all turned out well.

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  63. Bonnie, I've followed your blog for awhile and know many bloggers and even some quilters personally that have been to your work shops. I love everything of yours that I have seen. My dad worn plaid wool shirts and I've made several quilt tops from those. Now, I'm making quilts for my SILs for Christmas and this pattern is just perfect!! Thanks for being so generous with your talents!!

    Blessings

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  64. I am loving this quilt!! AND we have the PATTERN!! Thank you, Bonnie!!
    All the very best to your bother!!
    P

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  65. Beautiful quilt. I'm sure your brother will love it and be comforted by your kind gift.

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  66. I love the way it turned out!

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  67. It's a beautiful quilt! It matches the scenery behind it. What a special quilt!

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  68. Wonderful! Just wonderful! What a gift for a dear brother who will need much comforting - and what a gift for you to be able to pour your love and concern into such a beautiful piece. I really love the border! Great idea!

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  69. Anonymous8:25 PM EST

    A great design sure makes for a great quilt. I am amazed it is "right on" your schedule.

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  70. What a beautiful quilt! I am sure your brother will love it. There's nothing that gives more comfort than something you make and give.

    Sending good wishes...

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  71. Healing prayers to go with a wonderful quilt. It is breathtaking.

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  72. I am sure this quilt has been a complete labor of love as well as being therapeutic. As always, a beautiful quilt. Prayers and blessings to your brother.

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  73. Beautiful quilt, Bonnie. Definitely a guy's quilt.

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  74. Oh Bonnie, it is absolutely priceless....a real treasure. You have outdone yourself and Mark will LOVE this quilt. I LOVE THIS QUILT!!! Best wishes for Mark's recovery!

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  75. That quilt looks fantastic.

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  76. That picture is pretty enough for a magazine cover! I've got faith in you, Bonnie--I know you can finish that quilt!!!
    Judy in Vegas

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  77. Beautiful!! He is going to love this!!

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  78. Beautiful. Made with love.

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  79. Mark's Mountain Quilt seems to be a perfect name. He has many mountains to cross and he will do it!!!

    Bonnie it really is a stunning quilt...God bless
    Smilies
    JulieinTN

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  80. Bonnie, it's utterly FABULOUS! Wow! You are ONE determined lady. I'm sure Mark will just love it.

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  81. the quilt is beautiful. wishing your brother has a speedy recovery!

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  82. Bonnie, the quilt is awesome. Your brother will love it. I pray that the treatment will be successful and not to stressful, for him. We moved from Florida to Texas 2 weeks ago and most of today was spent organizing my new sewing room. Your patterns have inspired me to look at my scraps in a new light. I'm "itching to get stitching".

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  83. What a beautiful background with the foliage. Thanks for talking about the no ironing. I made a chisel table runner an kept jumping up and down to iron and it was STILL the wrong way on some seams. That's why I asked! Beautiful quilt, Mark is stil in my prayers.

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  84. Oh, that is just perfect! Mark will be wrapped in your work of love!
    And now ANOTHER Bonnie pattern goes on my bucket list!!

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  85. It turned out so well! The colors are just beautiful. The quilt has a peaceful and masculine look about it. He is going to love it.

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  86. Beautiful quilt! I'm sure your brother will love it. Praying all goes well with his treatment and he has a full recovery.

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  87. wow - you have worked hard ! Very nice result . Your brother will be happy!

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  88. Perfect Bonnie and what a lovely picture on the fence!

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  89. Prayers going out to your brother and family. I'm sure the quilt will comfort him :)

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  90. So lovely this top turned out. Will be perfect for your brother.
    Keep working. :-)

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  91. What a great job you did on this quilt Bonnie, I hope you succeed quilting it in time to take it with you to your brother. This gift must be very supporting for your brother, wish him all the best in his treatment.

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  92. Bonnie, it is fabulous! Your brother will love it!

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  93. Definitely a girl on a mission. It is beautiful! I am sure you are not reading these comments now...but when you do, you will be so overwhelmed with all the love and prayers for you and your brother!

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  94. You have done such a wonderful job Bonnie in such a short time. Mark will surely love and appreciate your dedication in making this quilt especially for him. One special brother and sister. Fingers crossed all goes well.

    Regards, Linda Hodges

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  95. It's beautiful, Bonnie. Praying for you and your family. Nyla-Jean, Kingston, ON

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  96. Bonnie, the quilt is absolutley beautiful! Your brother is going to love it! My prayers are with you and your family.

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  97. I love the pictures of the quilt draped over the fence. Such a great quilt to snuggle up in when Mark is cold or just needs some love from his sis. What an inspiration you are and blessings to you. I continue to raise you all up to Jesus in prayer. :)

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  98. Your feverish work paid off. Truly awesome quilt.

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  99. Good on you, Bonnie! That's a healing quilt if ever there was one! It is really beautiful on the rail fence with the fall colors in the background. I hope it looks that good on brother's couch! LOL

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