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!
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19 comments:

  1. KaHollySeptember 10, 2012 5:33 AM

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

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  2. jirons42September 10, 2012 6:58 AM

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

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  3. Janet O.September 10, 2012 7:00 AM

    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. : )

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  4. Teresa in Music CitySeptember 10, 2012 8:06 AM

    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!!!

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  5. Nancy Near PhiladelphiaSeptember 10, 2012 8:21 AM

    You made this for me, right? :-)

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  6. NaneSeptember 10, 2012 9:33 AM

    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

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  7. Ancestor CollectorSeptember 10, 2012 9:37 AM

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

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  8. AngieSeptember 10, 2012 10:27 AM

    It is GORGEOUS!!

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  9. hopeSeptember 10, 2012 11:42 AM

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

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  10. lindseySeptember 10, 2012 11:58 AM

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

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  11. StitchinByTheLakeSeptember 10, 2012 12:21 PM

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

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  12. QuiltdivajulieSeptember 10, 2012 2:24 PM

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

    Beautiful work!

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  13. Paula, the quilterSeptember 10, 2012 5:46 PM

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

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  14. Carrie P.September 10, 2012 9:42 PM

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

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  15. JeanneSeptember 11, 2012 11:20 AM

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

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  16. cityquilter graceSeptember 11, 2012 2:54 PM

    a real beauty!

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  17. cityquilter graceSeptember 11, 2012 2:54 PM

    a real beauty!

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  18. Domestic DesignerSeptember 11, 2012 6:29 PM

    One word...Beautiful!
    Blessings,
    DD

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  19. TanyaSeptember 23, 2012 6:46 PM

    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...

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