Well, it took forever....over a year! But, it's finally DONE. As you all know, I was sidelined with a broken shoulder, and still can't sew for more than a short period of time. I set a timer, and did the machine quilting in 1/2 hour intervals. Slow and steady still gets it done!
Below you can see the closeups of the quilting. I did the first block heavily quilted, so I had to follow suit with the rest of them. I used clear monofilament thread on the top, so that the quilting indentations would show, rather than the thread color. I am happy with it, and glad it is done!
If you have started this quilt, and gotten dicouraged along the way, i hope these pics give you some encouragement to finish! I changed the lighthouse block to the nantucket lighthouse, to make it personal for me.
OH MY GOD, Barb - It came out ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUSSSSS!!!!! It is simply BREATH-TAKING!!! The colors and quilting are just awesome! You SHOULD be very proud, especially getting all that work done in your condition! You ARE a Wonder Woman in my opinion, for SURE! WOW - what a beauty! SO happy for YOU that it is finally finished. Hope your next project is simpler for ya and hope that shoulder is feeling better. We must all keep repeating your words to ourselves .... "slow and steady still gets it done!" You certainly have proven that to us and, as always, have gotten these eyes rollin! :-) Love it ....
Posted by: Mickey | September 25, 2011 at 12:22 PM
P.S. Curiosity questions ... how is it quilting with monofilament thread? Did you have any trouble with it? What did you use in your bobbin? I've only heard horror stories about using it to machine quilt BUT it seems to have worked for you okay. YAY! I agree with you though. There are just some quilts that you want the lines and/or indentations to show without the thread showing. This quilt is a perfect example of that. GOOD JOB!!
Posted by: Mickey | September 25, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Barb - It is BEAUTIFUL!!! I am so impressed. I can't believe you did this while recovering from your injury! Love it! Did you do this "quilt as you go" and then sew the blocks together? I was going to ask the same question as Mickey - how do you like quilting with monofilament? I had a hard time with it in a class I took, and never tried it again.
I hope to be able to see this beautiful quilt in person some day. Congratulations on finishing it, and doing a wonderful job. You should put this one, and the Christmas one, in a show some time!
:)
Posted by: Lisa Ozana | September 25, 2011 at 02:21 PM
thank you both so much. i have to say, I never got sick of it. each block was so unique, I was always anxious to see what techniques the next block would bring. it was not a boring quilt at all.
I only use yli monofilament.I loosen the tension, and use a normal weight cotton thread in the bobbin.
I didnt do this as quilt as you go, as I did the Christmas quilt. I found this way is easier for me. It did take a long time, doing such a small amount at a time, but even 1/2 hour at a time eventually gets done.
beaches are so special to me, Bill and I have visited beaches everywhere that we have been. I thought of each one of those beaches as I stitched. thanks for commenting.....barb
Posted by: Barb | September 25, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Barb It is beautiful! I can't wait to see you Wednesday so I can see it in person. You have always been such as inspiration and so supportive of all the rest of us who aren't as productive!
Posted by: Kathie | September 25, 2011 at 07:17 PM
Absolutly beautiful. I hope that when I finally begin mine it will look half so good. And your quilting was wonderful, too.
Posted by: Gari | September 26, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Barb this is totally spectacular. So impressed that you stuck with this despite your bad arm. I LOVE all the muted colors and the rich textures. You are so talented.xoxoRachel
Posted by: Rachel | September 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM
Where do you get the pattern for this quilt
Posted by: Pete | November 30, 2011 at 03:44 PM