Quilt As Desired

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.

Photos of Alice Criswell's Block 13

Block 13 was a big one, wasn't it.  But I know that a few are finished now so it's time to share your creations.  It's easy to share your blog entry, the instructions are below, or you can send me your photo and I will add it to the post.

1. Write your blog post. Publish it on your blog.
2. Copy the link of the specific blog post. This is not just the link to your blog itself (www.chestercriswellquilt.blogspot.com), but the link to the specific post: (http://chestercriswellquilt.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/hows-it-going.html)
3. Click the blue link up button below and paste your link into the box.

Block Round Up

Here are some photos of CCCQ blocks that have recently been finished.  It doesn't matter if you are working on Block 3, or if you are completely up to date with Block 14 - the quilt has been around for 160 years and another year or two won't make any difference.

Carole at Wheels on the Warrandyte Bus has been sewing in tropical far North Queensland.

Wendy from Legends and Lace has finished Block 9.

Quilting at the Farm's Chris also finished Block 9, but she gave it away.  Chris finished Block 1 and she gave that away too!  Visit Chris's blog to get the whole story.  Here is her Block 4.

Scrap Happy Wanda has a gorgeous Block 12.

And this is the block I'm working on.  I'll tell you more in a few months.

If you haven't entered the competition to win The Second Year patterns, be quick!  You've got one extra day to guess the buttons.

Block 14, Alice McClellan's block, is about to jump into cyberspace.  I wonder what Alice would think to see her handiwork flying though the ether?

Round and Round the Blogs

I posted my photos from Quilts in the Barn but I didn't add much description.  If you want to see some more quilts from the exhibition take a peek at these blogs (hello Carole, Miriam and Sue-Anne!)

Wheels on the Warrandyte Bus

Yellow Roses

 

 

 

 

 

Buddy and Me

 

 

 

And, speaking of blogs, I found a few more bloggers sharing their Chester Criswell Quilt blocks.

 

Marian Edwards Dreamweaver has put up a photo of her first three blocks.  There are so many red prints, you don't often see the same design twice.

And here is Chris's Quilting at the Farm, a new blogger but obviously a very experienced quilter.  Isn't that red print gorgeous!  Chris has started with Block #13 and it's looking great.

Block #14 is getting put together, it's running a little late but it should be sent out tomorrow.



Alice Criswell's Big Block

How do you like the first block of The Second Year?

Alice and Andrew Criswell's block

I think it has a Hawaiian feel about it.  This block isn't more difficult than the previous blocks, the challenge is in the preparation.  

I started by taping the two pattern pieces together to make one quarter.  This is my first draft of the pattern, it hasn't been prettied up yet.  I've taped it to the table so it doesn't shift.

I found a large piece of light interfacing, big enough for the whole pattern.  I taped the interfacing over the pattern and traced one quarter.  Then I turned the interfacing over and traced the next quarter on the opposite side of the interfacing.  That gave me a mirror image and I could see the first drawing through the sheer material.  I did the same for the next two quarters and the pattern was finished.  

Cutting it out took time, I had to be careful not to tear the interfacing.  When finished I basted the interfacing to the fabric.  The interfacing stayed on while I did the needleturn, it was easy to fold out of the way to see my stitches.

I found that this method worked well for me.  If you have a clever way to prepare a big applique we'd love you to share it.

Ready for Another Year?

One year ago today I visited Quilts in the Barn for the first time.  Linda and Bev had invited me to bring and share the CCCQ with some like-minded friends. The year that followed has been awesome!

These blocks belong to Nancy from Tattered Garden Quilting.  Nancy can't stop at just one, she has made two of almost every block.  She made one for me too.

So, what's new for the second year? The Second Year is what's new.  There are eleven more patterns to be released once a month, and the first one will be ready .....  Now!

You can get just Block 13, Alice Criswell's block, or you can sign up for the whole Second Year.  Or you can visit Two Bits Patches on Facebook.  Or you can leave a comment below.  Enjoy the journey!