I knew when I started my Chester Criswell blocks three years ago that I wanted to quilt it by hand. I also knew that if I waited until the top was finished and then started to hand quilt it would take another three years to complete the project. So I chose to Quilt As You Go - quilt each block as a single block, and then join them together.
Signature quilts weren't over quilted - the blocks and names were more important than the needlework. The CCCQ has each applique block outline quilted, and then a second quilting line on the inside of each applique. Each block is also quilted around the edge. Only the centre block has additional quilting, a feather design filling the background space.
All the quilting on the original was done with white thread. I didn't like the look of my white stitches on the red fabrics so I have used three colours of Superior Threads King Tut - white, Romy Red and Avocado.
I finished quilting my centre block not so long ago. The block is four times larger than the other blocks but it took ten times longer to do.
The drawback to Quilt As You Go is joining the blocks together. I machine stitched the two top pieces together, then overlapped the batting so there would be no gaps and slip stitched one back over the other. That was okay until I tried to quilt around the block edge. The overlapped batting was too thick and I couldn't rock the needle unless I made my stitches twice as big. I have now undone all the backing and batting stitches, very carefully trimmed the batting to meet the next piece and sewn them side by side. I am happy with the result and can get on with the job.
The official date for the e-book launch is 1st September. But some of you may have noticed that the e-book is already on the website. I couldn't wait, I was too excited. So you can purchase 'Round is the Ring' now. The prices are in Australian dollars but don't let that scare you. The Aussie dollar is at a six year low so if you are buying in US dollars you are getting a great deal. There is a currency converter link on the website so you can check your cost before you commit. Or look at it this way - the e-book is cheaper than a Big Mac.
You'll find the e-book at Two Bits Patches.
