My most recent quilting finish began in January of 2019. It was then that I started Sewing-Along with Sherry Shish at Powered By Quilting and her Hidden Stars Pattern. I loved the pattern and I had tested it for her – you can see what happened to that block here. It was fun to jump on the bandwagon and play with this great group of people. All the instructions are on her website so you can still do it!
We began the first week of January. I cut and labelled my piles. This was a group of fabrics I won at some point in the past, and I often try to use these winnings for benefit quilts – I like the idea of sharing the joy.
The quilt had been assembled for awhile, since early March. During my spring fling quilting retreat, which was the first weekend in April, I was able to sandwich the quilt. It seems that the time since then was really busy, but I did want to get it done before the end of the month.
I used my Westalee clamshell ruler* from the starter pack. It isn’t perfect, but I will wash it and I bet most of the imperfections will disappear. I had been waiting for the right quilt to do the clamshell and yippee this one was calling its name. It took took an afternoon and a half – not too bad. One thing I don’t like about the Westalee foot on my Bernina, is that screw loosens and you need to retighten or the ruler goes under the foot. Since I’ll be doing most of my quilting on my new machine, I am not sure whether I want to get another foot that works better. That said, I love the ruler work, I could not eyeball this kind of quilting at all.
I picked (ha ha) a cheery strawberry print for the back (from a sale rack) and it is just perfect.
I used a new to me batting by Bosal – so I am curious to see how it washes. The batting I have used and washed most frequently is Quilter’s Dream – and I have never had a problem with it – so I am curious to see how this goes. It is on the list for next week, I’ll let you know how it works out. I have two quilts that I’ll be experimenting with next week in this manner.
Sherry’s sew along was fun and she has one coming up that I am helping with – its a quilt and she is just releasing the pattern in May. Keep an out at her blog or her facebook group.
Linking Up:
Clever Chameleon
Friday Foto Fun
Wednesday Wait Loss
Sarah Goer – 2 Quarter FAL
Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?
Very interesting that the foot loosens and you have to keep tightening the screw. I hadn’t heard that; do others experience the same issue? And what a lovely finish. Congratulations on a lovely finish and I’d love to hear how the batting washes.
I will check it out. I wonder if it’s because it’s on an adapter for the Bernina rather than an integrated foot. Bernina didn’t have that foot when I bought the ruler so I’ll look at what the other Westalee feet look like and see if that’s the issue. Some research is needed!
It’s such a great finish! I’ll have to go look into that ruler! Clamshells are so much fun!
Its a great ruler and the starter set is awesome. I love it and always want to do more experimenting but am always rushing for one deadline or another! What a fun quilt it is – thanks for the great pattern.
Hi Kathleen! Before I forget – we can’t ‘like’ posts for you any more?? Also, I’m still giggling over picking the strawberry fabric for the backing. HAHA! I just LOVE how this turned out. The clamshell pattern is just perfect! Definitely not one that you can just eyeball . . . or it would be all wonky. Hmm, I wonder about that ruler foot – that’s dangerous with the ruler going under the foot. I did see that Sherry is doing another QAL or BOM – I didn’t know you were involved. Sweet! Nice job on your finish – you are motivating me to get mine d.o.n.e. too. ~smile~ Roseanne
Well that tells me maybe checking pingback takes that away? I don’t know…. I will try to investigate. I did turn it off so now I’ll see if likes are possible again.
I am really pleased with the way it worked and the all over clamshell (although smaller than needed) was perfect! I have used it to do a scallop in a border too, and liked that effect. I can’t wait to see yours and what you decide for the quilting.
Great job finishing up that quilt, Kathleen! Love the clam shells. And the backing is super cute!!!
Thanks, Nancy. I sure am pleased, and love finding fun backs on sale!
Great finish! I finally have my Hidden Stars assembled and quilted and am going to see if I can get binding made during naptime this afternoon. I love your colors,a nd that strawberry print looks delicious!
I love clam shells for the quilting. I keep wanting to use them, but just have not yet. It looks like it makes a wonderful edge to edge design. Congrats on your finish!
It was fun to bite the bullet and finally do a whole quilt with it. There are some places that I did “go off” but it will be just fine. Always so happy for the completion of a project!