Monday, July 30, 2012

Antique Star Quilt - Resolved

Hooray!  Let the games begin!  We celebrated the opening ceremonies with a little bubby (what else?).  To show our support for the United States, we only used red, white & blue flutes :)


Thank you everyone for your input in my huge star quit (aka circus tent).  Susan and I had discussed the quilt a couple of weeks ago and thought that I should remove 2 rows form the top and side, then re-add border fabric.

Many of you had suggested going right to binding.  Thanks, I needed that!!

Here is a photo of the antique quilt I saw at Paducah, price tag:  $4,000 and that was about 15 years ago.  Photo taken with permission.


I designed my stars 4" -BIG mistake (pun intended).  That made the blocks 12" x 9 (across & down) = that is 108" before borders.

I think the original must have had 9" blocks, making it about 97" x 97" with 8" borders.  I just didn't work out the math when I started this quilt.

My original quilt would have been 124" x 120" (I used a smaller border on the top).

After removing 2 rows from the top, and all the borders, the new size is 108" x 84" which will work great on my king sized bed.  whew.

So here is what I'll be doing during the olympics:




I've already quilted 3 blocks.  I have lots to go but it's not a timed event, thank goodness.


coco made a close inspection and decided the new plan is a good one.


Happy Olympics and Stitching everyone!

22 comments:

Sujata Shah said...

It is going to be so pretty on the bed. Coco is a good inspector but She should have been there to stop you from making super size quilt in the first place:)
You look so cozy, quilting away. so nice to see you in action.

Rachaeldaisy said...

Wonderful photos of you!!! What a great idea to quilt this beautiful quilt during the Olympics! You'll be able to look at it and remember the 2012 London fun.

Kyle said...

Sometimes you just have to give yourself permission to make a change. As they say in the Olympics, no guts, no glory!

regan said...

I'm so glad you figured a way to make it work! And what a lovely spot to stitch in.....those windows and view are wonderful! Sweet Coco....what a good helper! :o)

Karen said...

You're a brave woman - you go girl!!! It will look fabulous and you'll be so glad you did it.

Tamara Hampton said...

what ever size, its beautiful!!!

Sharon said...

Perfect! I love the wreath motif with the double spine, enjoy the process.

Louise said...

This quilt will be stunning. Isn't it great to have a quilting project that will last through the two weeks of the Olympics? Well maybe a wee bit longer...

Tammy said...

Wow, Barb! Amazing quilt. AND quilting. I can't believe your hand quilting. It is exquisite! I hope you share the pattern with us sometime. I love the Olympics too! Finally something on the tube to watch. LOL! Happy Olympic season to you!

Thimbleanna said...

EEEEK! Coco os on the quilt! That's an heirloom - he must be removed LOL!!!

Janet said...

I agree it didn't need the border. I loved the quilting photos! Hey, the British flag is red white and blue just like yours and ours so the fltes were perfect.

antique quilter said...

perfect decision, isn't it great to have someone to bounce ideas off of...good thinking Susan!
the quilt is beautiful deserves to be finished.
have fun quilting it.
kathie

Pinkadot Quilts said...

It is brave of you to make such a big adjustment but in the end you will be happy!
Enjoy the games!!! You will be done in no time.

Carol said...

It's an amazing quilt...a true treasure. I'm loving the Games...not getting much sleep cause the really good stuff is late...but it's OK...LOVE it!

Dawn said...

Beautiful quilt - and WOW, three blocks quilted already. The little stars are really sweet. Enjoy your stitching and the games!

Taryn said...

I need a couch like that with a built in spot for me to plant my foot. I am in awe of you actually hand quilting a king size bed quilt. Even with the new reduced size it's a monster project!

Maureen said...

Glad you solved the star quilt problem. It's beautiful!
I've been enjoying the Olympics with some stitching, too.

Miriam said...

Looove your stars and your quilting design!!

I have also started hand quilting a big quilt during watching the Olympic Games. You are going really well with 3 blocks done already! I suspect the next Games will be here before I finish mine! Lol

Anonymous said...

Can't watch the Olympics without a *big* hand quilting project?!!
I am notorious for making things too big.... I do usually figure it out before I get to the point of quilting, but often after the basting, LOL!
This is going to be a great quilt!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

It looks gorgeous! The hand quilting will add a special touch for sure!

Ruth said...

I love your quilt! It is awesome! I can't imagine hand quilting a king size quilt, though. More power to you! Sawtooth stars are my favorites.

Quilter Kathy said...

I loved seeing all these great photos of your olympic hand quilting! Makes me feel happy to know that there are other quilters around the world enjoying the olympics and quilting just like me!