At any given time I have 40 plus quilt-tops waiting to be quilted. One of my goals this year was to get that under 30. I'm doing that through a combination of donating and finishing...and of course not starting any new projects (ok...fewer projects!)
As part of the finish effort I've been making backings and matching them to quilt in the "to finish pile." After getting a backing they move into one of three piles: send off a long arm quilter; machine quilt myself'; or hand quilt. Obviously I'm being very selective what goes in the third pile as they one takes the longest!
When fabric goes on sale is when I buy backings for my quilts. Rarely do I buy a specific back for a specific quilt so there is a lot of sorting matching go on! Last week during a local "mother's day sale" I found some great fabric for less than $5 a yard!
I also found a special case...I brought my Charleston Baskets to the long-armer to have it basted! Then it goes into my hand quilt pile. I don't like pins when I quilt in the floor hoop but my left arm isn't strong enough right now to baste (and who want to use all that great hand sewing time for basting!) So when I was reading Bonnine H's blog the other day it reminded me that she bastes on her long-arm...so I'm giving it a try. It may mean that the C.B. isn't ready for the October show but it is more important that the quilt turns out the way I want it to. As far as backing for this quilt...I thought I wanted a red and black fabric...instead I ended up with a red, yellow, black, green and blue fabric with lots of leaves. Some things just can't be planned!
I did drop off two others to be long arm quilted. It is a little nerve racking to hand off a top to someone else but I am sure she is going to do a wonderful job!
So both Ribbon Candy (B.H.'s Smith Mountain) and Carnival Corn are out the door. I hope I get to put binding on them this summer...at least before the show in October...and hopefully not the night before they quilts get turned in for the show!
Now off to work on machine quilting another around the world quilt....
9 comments:
You are working on a good plan there :-) Stay focused and you'll git er done! Love the Ribbon Candy!
Each one of your quilts pictured has been something I admired. I can't believe how many tops you have to be quilted! You are certainly prolific.
Good idea to have the tops machine basted. That is my least favorite part of quilting. I guess I should consider that option!
Just love your colors in the ribbon candy quilt. That quilt is on my bucket list. I also proclaimed 2013 as a year of finishing. I have quite a pile, so I am certain it will take me a few years to get it under control.
I have also started the year trying to get flimsys quilted. So far I have three done, and four more to do! For me that is a large number, never mind 40...LOL!!!! I also quite enjoy making up the backs, usually try to incorporate some of the fabric in the quilt top itself, larger left-over pieces, and just sometimes it looks as interesting and colourful as the front!!!! Good luck with your finishings this year!!!!
yay, you're getting things done! I still just have a pile of tops....
I love that ribbon candy top. I may have to make it. Slow and steady gets it done. Hugs. I'll be thinking of you on my way and in Ireland.
LOVE your take on Smith Mountain / Ribbon Candy! Delicious!
Sio- I love seeing all your gorgeous quilts- Ribbon Candy is one of my favorites of yours.
You are really on a roll.
Love the profile photo- it is a beautiful photo of you.
Warmest regards,
Anna
I always have my quilts machine basted by the long arm quilter.
I am so over crawling all over the floor to baste its worth every penny! glad your making progress and while I still haven't started a new project I am thinking about it....really hard :)
Kathie
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