On To The Borders!

Doesn't it just feel so good when you get into the "end-zone" with any quilting project?

There are several "end-zones" for me when it comes to any quilt.

Getting everything cut out is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

Finishing the block assembly is another feat accomplished.

Getting the quilt center together - that's MAJOR!  Pat yourself on the back!

Finishing the quilt top with the addition of pieced borders?  It's a triple-yay 

And there are many more whoowhoo's to come - Next up: Piecing a backing, getting the whole kit and kaboodle loaded into the long arm to get it basted - and then the hand quilting can begin.

My Sew Q Laser is giving me long straight seams to shoot for!

I wrote more about the Sew Q Laser yesterday, and you can find my original post by clicking the Sew Q Laser photo in my right hand side bar, or if you are on a mobile device where side bars aren't visible you can reach my original post Here.

Yes, you can use it to mark your 1/4'' or scant 1/4'' seam. And no, it doesn't move on me when I'm sewing.  It's fantastic!

Doesn't that look so good?

A nice hot press and whoowhooo!

The block you see with the blue background and little red flowers is the vintage block that started this whole glorious mess.

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I took that original block apart, recut the pieces and stitched them back together in my desired block size.

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The background fabric is almost the same as the fabric I am using for the rest of the quilt, but it is different enough in texture that I can tell the difference.

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There are some other patches from some other vintage blocks that have some specks and aging to them and I am hoping that they will wash out after quilting, but if they don't I'm okay with that. I've got the original blocks in with my own recreations.

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Some of my fabrics ran a bit short and I used some replacements of something close to make up the difference and I like the variety it adds to the whole.

Taking my "Victory Lap" of stay-stitching around the outside edge of the top to help minimize stretch during the basting/quilting process and to also keep seams from popping open.

I do this with the top wrong-side-up so I can manage all of the seams and keep them from flipping against the feed dogs. 

Though it's hard to see - that fabric looking like a red polka dot is also vintage.

Just about the time I finished my Victory Lap, The Muddy Creek Misfit gals began to pull in.

They kicked off their retreat with a pattern stuffing party!

Group leader Lisa is the magic brain behind Bear Hug Quiltworks and like all other designers - is in a mad rush to get everything ready for Quilt Market happening in just a couple of weeks in Houston.

As the saying goes: "Many hands make light work." And even add a whole lot of fun to the mix.

As soon as patterns were done (In no time flat!) machines were being set up and dinner plans were under way and it was time for me to go home.

Today - I'll see about getting that backing together and get that basting process started.

How about you on this mid October Thursday?

Morning photography of the Hubster's wood pile.

I liked the way the sun was shining through - still not a lot of color other than yellows coming in.

But soon - the leaves will fall and I'll see mountains in the distance.

You have made Starshine a hit! Thank you so much, everyone.  I can't wait to see your projects in progress and down the road - finishes.

Quilt Details:

Let Your Strings Shine! String Piecing by machine made easy – and a great way to use up an armful of favorite scraps in a rainbow of blossom colors! Full color photos, step-by-step instructions and many helpful hints included.

Quilt Size: 83’’ X 92’’

Introductory special:  I've placed the PDF pattern for Starshine at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.  

Pricing good through 10/15/23. Hurry now and save! Only a handful of days left -

Even more:

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Starshine PDF pattern from me and a Star Bright Color Roll from Cotton to Quilts.  The fabric rolls are a great way to add sparkle to your own scraps.

And yes, they have neutral rolls and blue rolls too.  Check them out!

Enter to win on the Gift-Away Page.

We will draw for our winners on Saturday, 10/14/23.  Good luck, everyone!

Other goodies going on (If you've made it this far)

For fun, I've placed the PDF pattern for the Punkin Patch Runner at $5.00.

Let's celebrate the changing of the seasons with some fun string-pieced pumpkins!

And if you've got this one as a UFO - it's time to pull it out and finish it up.

You'll also find Appalachian Autumn at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Today's page is clean and brand-new. How will you fill it?

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What will it say about who you are today?

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Vintage Lemoyne star quilt top found in Texas.