Backstory, abbreviated: I started this quilt in 2007 as a block of the month. It's the Golden Memories sampler designed by Lori Smith, From My Heart to Your Hands. Loved the fabrics and made the first 3 blocks immediately. Following my usual block of the month M.O., the rest of the blocks were put in a project block since I was always in the middle of some other quilt project when they arrived in my mailbox.
Fast forward to November 2011, when I started to work on the blocks again. I made many fabric substitutions when I found that the combinations were not always pleasing. I was very happy to have a large Civil War reproduction fabrics stash that I could use to make this quilt my own.
I also discovered some sizing issues with some of the sampler blocks, and ended up having to remake 9 blocks in order to have them fit the 7-1/2" block size.
My friend Joyce, upon seeing my finished top, told me I had to have
it hand quilted, so I did. And I am so happy I took her advice. I contacted a company called Plain and Simple Quilts and a lovely lady named Mary beautifully hand quilted my sampler. Those log cabin strips are 3/4" finished, people! And each patch is outline quilted. 32 sampler blocks, 31 log cabin blocks and pieced outer border.
2,980 pieces. This. This is my masterpiece. I don't know if I will ever top this one (but I'm going to keep trying).
It's a beautiful quilt. Love that you hand quilted it. I have the same block of the month MO generally. It's funny how the the monthly blocks seem to stack up once you put that first one in the project box without sewing it up!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt is a true HEIRLOOM QUILT ! JUST GORGEOUS! Congrats on a Amazing finish !
ReplyDeleteLove this quilt; so well done and hand-quilted to boot. Was the striped binding the perfect thing after all?? Adore and enjoy, and thanks for sharing. Stephani in N. TX (Tomazec@aol.com)
ReplyDeleteBreathtakingly beautiful! I love everything about this quilt. It's an heirloom.
ReplyDeleteLove this. Beautiful work!!! Eye catching. Congrats on this finish!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow. Masterpiece is right. This is one for the family vault!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you are thrilled -- it's absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing!!!!! I'm sure it's going to win lots of blue ribbons!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, Congratulations! This IS a masterpiece! The entire quilt is amazing, but I love the hand stitches in the outer border! Every quilter should have at least one quilt quilted by hand, I do and I love it.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your beautiful quilt! It sounds like it was one of those projects that took on a life of it's own... but well worth all the work, and rework that it took to make it the masterpiece that it is! Congratulations Lisa! I love it! I would be lucky to have a work of art like this one in my "collection"!
ReplyDeleteOh - my - gosh, Lisa! It will take a lot to top this one. Congratulations on your masterpiece!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
I understand why it took seven years! It's beautiful. You're right, it is a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is absolutely beautiful and colorful! The blocks are all so pretty and I love the courthouse step blocks, they tie everything together so nicely.
ReplyDeleteSandiC