That was my daughter’s reply when I e-mailed that the quilt was ready for her to pick up. After one year, twenty-five days and fifty-three blocks, the Barbara Brackman Civil War Quilt is completed.
I’m not good at free-motion quilting, so the quilting was stitch-in-the-ditch with decorative stitching in the sashing and borders.
The finished quilt measures 63×83 inches per my daughter’s specs. She prefers a fleece backing and I used a pretty, gently-used fleece blanket as both batting and backing. This made a very heavy quilt which was difficult to wrestle through my Bernina, but it will be a toasty-warm quilt for my daughter to use.
I used the label that Barbara Brackman provided and made it into a pocket big enough to hold an 8-½ x 5-½ list of all of the block names by row, printed on a sheet of printable fabric which was cut in half and sewn together so the printing shows on both sides.
It was quite an adventure throughout the weeks of 2011 and I thank Barbara Brackman for the series and thank heaven the quilt is finally finished and in its new owner‘s hands.
Love it. Very well done!
I am trying to do a little free-motion quilting, but I usually revert back to stitch-in-the- ditch, too.
Thank you. It seems like a very busy quilt when it’s put together, but it will make a nice, warm covering. Are you going to post your finished quilt on the Civil War Flickr site? http://www.flickr.com/groups/civilwarquilts2011/discuss/72157628470947195/
Lillian
Your skill and perseverance with those sometimes frustrating patterns has created a memorable quilt. I would have to use a different backing. When my grandchildren were small I made snuggly blankets from fleece–I found it stretchy and aggravating to work with. I had the best results when I applied a regular fabric binding and zig-zagged it down.
Perhaps machine quilting, even with regular batting and backing takes more practice than I have had patience to attempt.
Thanks for sharing your finished quilt!
Thank you for your comments throughout this process. I agree that fleece is not good to work with. This is the 5th quilt I’ve made for my daughter and her family with the fleece backings, but they prefer them, so I struggle through. I’ve also made about 30 quilts for my local Linus charity quilt group and they prefer fleece as the backing/binding.
I consider my quilting my weakest point but I like the idea of doing it all myself and I don’t want to add extra expense to quilts that I know will be well used and washed often.
Lillian
Congratulations, Lillian! Your quilt is beautiful, and I know your daughter will cherish it. I have half my blocks done, but completing this quilt is my one quilting goal for 2012. There have been times when your instructions and especially your pictures have been so helpful. Thanks for all the effort you put into posting for each block.
It is absolutely beautiful! I know you are happy to have it completed. You did such a wonderful job all the way. Congratulations!
What a great job! I like your choice of sashing color. I will keep that in the back of my mind for mine. Still plugging along with my blocks. Determined to finish. I love the idea of the pocket with all the block names.
Your daughter is a lucky gal!
Beautiful quilt, fantastic finish, lucky daughter!
Brava!
Lilian that is truly a heirloom, fabulous!! Your daughter looks absolutely delighted! Congratulations:))
It looks like she’s happy with it, and I only hope she appreciates all the work that went into it. It looks great! I’ve made no additional progress, and still have a few blocks to go – 6, I think.
Oh, Lillian, this looks wonderful. How exciting! I’m so glad you finished this and I know your daughter is too. Good job! I’m slowly working on mine but I’ll get there eventually!
Congratulations on the finish of your Civil War quilt. I can imagine that was a lot to get through your Bernina, it turned out beautiful. I love the expression on your daughter’s face, pure joy.
Well done for finishing your quilt. It looks lovely and your daughter thinks so also by the look of it.
I am still making my blocks but I’ll get there.One day
congratulations on finishing your quilt, Your daughter looks very pleased with it.
Sweet! Your daughter looks so happy and cute! That quilt is amazing..I know you have to be glad that it is done!
What a wonderful quilt Lillian! I enjoyed watching you throughout the year and you really got it together fast in the end. i am sure your daughter will treasure it.
Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi
It is a real beauty you should be proud. It looks like Shannon loves it.
I love your quilt, and especially how you did the label and naming the blocks. Great idea!
Thank you for your nice comments and for introducing me to your blog. I’m going to subscribe so I can keep up with what you’re doing. Lillian P.S. Your Civil War quilt blocks look wonderful. Lillian
How wonderful! Your daughter looks really happy to take her quilt right on home. Great job on the quick finish.
Hello Lillian! well, what more can one say? Your Civil War quilt is stunning! We have had a wonderful year, haven’t we?! Such fun to be following everyone as they made each block… some of us weeks behind but learning so much along the way. I plan to complete my remaining blocks during February when my husband is overseas and then at least I will have a quilt top – I agree with you .. stitching in the ditch seems the way to go with the quilting. Well done on such a beautiful quilt! I know your daughter will cherish it. Thank you for your support throughout the year….. some of those blocks had be stumped but your guidance got me through!!
Happy Sewing!!
I’ll be anxious to see your finished quilt. I know it will be perfect in every way. I’ll never reach your level of skill. Thank you for the kind words. Lillian
Congratulations on finishing the civil war quilt! It is gorgeous! I have one or two more blocks to make that I didn’t get done on my trip – didn’t have the right fabric with me. I don’t know when I’ll get them put together – hopefully this year.
It’s just beautiful and an inspiration to me to keep going! Thanks again for your help with the Civil War quilt project. I refer to your site often!
Thank you for visiting my blog and for writing. I wish you luck in finishing your quilt. Lillian