10 September, 2012

Blocking

The quilting is done, let the blocking begin! When I take a quilt off the rails the first thing that I do is trim it up, leaving a healthy quarter inch of batting and backing beyond the raw edge of the top, then I top stitch through all the layers right along that same raw edge before it's tossed into the washing machine for a cool wash and gentle spin. Next, the damp quilt  is removed and blocked flat and square. Using a carpenter's square, a straight edge and T-pins it is carefully and gently, but firmly, pinned into position on the carpet where it will remain undisturbed to dry like this for a few days. In the meantime I will prepare the binding, hanging sleeve and label; as of yet this quilt is still unnamed and undesignated!  This pattern is "Postage Stamp" from Alex Anderson's Quilts for Fabric Lovers © 1994; it measures 54" X 57".
Life is Good!

19 comments:

KaHolly said...

My goodness, but that's a beautiful quilt!! Such a process to finish!

jirons42 said...

I love this quilt. Basket blocks are some of my favorites and these little ones are just darling.

Janet O. said...

I had this larger in my mind. Those are small baskets--very cute!
I don't block every quilt, but some really need it and I actually have one to do today. : )

Teresa in Music City said...

That's an interesting way of finishing up your quilts. I've never blocked one, but I have a few that will be special to me and I am happy to know how to do it - thanks for sharing! Your quilt is just simply gorgeous!!!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

You made this for me, right? :-)

Nane said...

I used to watch Mom block needlework but never thought about doing it for a quilt. Of course not sure some oft quilts could be blocked into shape. Very very pretty

Ancestor Collector said...

Beautiful!! With all the rich autumn colors, it looks like a perfect quilt for Fall. :-)

Angie said...

It is GORGEOUS!!

hope said...

Such a beautiful quilt. I never thought about pinning it to the carpet.

lindsey said...

This is such a beautiful quilt! Oh....and I just noticed those waffles and ice cream in the post below...Yum!!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I've never blocked a quilt before - I really have no clear space to do it. :( But I sure wish I could! blessings, marlene

Quiltdivajulie said...

Okay - there's gonna be a fight between Nancy and yours truly !!! I thought you made it for me!

Beautiful work!

Paula, the quilter said...

I've blocked quilts this very way. I'm an old hand at blocking: quilts and knits. Beautiful job, Mrs. G.

Carrie P. said...

It is beautiful! I have only blocked quilts if I am going to show them. Do you do that with every quilt?

Jeanne said...

Gorgeous! That has been one of my favorite quilts made by others.

cityquilter grace said...

a real beauty!

cityquilter grace said...

a real beauty!

Domestic Designer said...

One word...Beautiful!
Blessings,
DD

Tanya said...

I've never blocked a quilt but I guess you've convinced me that it pays. Of course I'd have to find a room to be able to lay a quilt out in...