Si's Windows Quilt - Finished!

After lots of teasers along the way - Si's quilt is done!

 I really couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

 I used the one leftover block to make the label.

 The top is 99% batiks.  The white sashing is actually a tone on tone print.

 More gratuitous shots of the quilt around the property.

 The back is a combination of stripes from my stash.  The majority stripe is actually an Amy Butler print I bought long before I knew who Amy Butler was.  The other two stripes are from Hobby Lobby - I'm not sure of the designer - they were both used in WP's quilt as well.

The most exciting thing for me - is that I've been asked to teach a workshop, based on this quilt.  That means I will be developing a pattern.  Hopefully sooner than later!  Stay tuned.

Working the Long Arm

Yesterday I headed out to my parents house to start quilting Si's quilt on the longarm.  I figured maybe some of you might not know what I'm talking about, so I took a couple of pictures for a small explanation.

 This is looking down the length of the machine.  The quilt is layered; backing, batting and then top.  (I rolled the top on the wrong way so don't look too close)

 Now the main difference (other than size) between a long arm and a home machine is this: When quilting on a home machine you have to move the quilt to make the quilting designs.  On a long arm, you are moving the machine while the quilt stays in place.  You also get a much larger area to work on at a time with a long arm.  This is the HQ 18 - which I think means you get 18" of work space in which to quilt. 

A close up of the quilting in progress.

I am about half done with the quilt.  Set up does take some time, although it is still faster than pin basting.  Plus there was some chat time, lunch time and kid loving time.  Hoping to finish it either this weekend or next week.

Si's Quilt Top

As promised, a couple shots of the completed top for Si's Quilt.

Taken early on this unusual late winter/early spring day here in the Upper Midwest.  I am quite happy overall.  I even have a plan for quilting - I just need to get to it!



Linking up with Finish It Up Friday.