I've been machine quilting my cottage quilt off and on for quite a while now. I don't know why it's taken me so long. Usually I just dedicate a couple of days to quilting a quilt and get it finished. This dear was so patient with me. I have to tell you, I love how it's coming along.
This little lady measures 72 1/2 x 89 1/2! She's quite the hefty gal. I decided to add scrappy strips around each block and then trim them all to the same size. Whenever you do a block swap, you have to expect that the blocks won't measure exactly the same. Which is completely normal because no two people's 1/4" is exactly the same. That's why I added the strips, kind of log cabin style.
Then I decided to make a nice sashing with stars for the corner blocks. I was planning on making the stars all red, but liked the look of white centers. The white centers pick up the whites in the cottage blocks, and the snow on the roofs of the cottages on the border print.
Each and every block are so special to me! They are all so different and show the personality of the quilter. I decided to write everyone's name on their block. That way I'll always remember who made each one. Plus I think it looks cute.
I always quilt my name into the border somewhere.
I cut the borders quite wide, like 10" or so. I wanted to get as many of the Christmas houses in as I could.
I'm so glad this is almost finished! And I can't wait to snuggle under it when the weather turns cold. If any of my fellow cottage swap ladies are interested in adding sashing with stars to their cottage quilt, please let me know and I'll find where I wrote down the cutting dimensions. And new quilters, you CAN machine quilt your own quilts on your regular sewing machine! Even big gals like this one. I have a machine quilting tutorial here, and as always, I'm more than happy to answer any quilty questions! Now it's on to the binding. One of my favorite steps. I love quilting. x
p.s. I reached the bottom of the 'bottomless' bag of M&M's..... twas a sad moment... so very sad.
Oh, I´m trying again, my first comment is lost somewhere in the www....
Your quilt is absolutely stunning, Sarah! It looks fantstic and you did such a great work.
And yes, I know you´ve written a tutorial about machine quilting, hehehe....but I need you here to show me.
So hurry up,
Sabine B.xxx
Posted by: Sabine | June 03, 2009 at 11:41 AM
oh my...that is lovely!! I am most defintatly doing some swaps like that next time I see one!
Posted by: kristine hanson | June 03, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Wow, that is truly an incredible quilt! Nice job of putting those swap blocks to use in a beautiful keepsake!
Posted by: Lisa D. | June 03, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Absolutely stunning! I was so impressed with your stipple quilting and then I saw your link to your tutorial. I have all the tools I need to try it except "nerve". You may have just bolstered my confidence a bit now. Sorry you ran out of M&Ms. For me lately it the chocolate/yogurt-covered raisins from Aldi's. Yummy!
Posted by: Nana | June 03, 2009 at 12:55 PM
The names are so cute added like this!!! I"m totally completely stealing this idea. I love your quilt. LOVE. I've been looking at the pictures of it for 10 minutes now. You did such a good job. I really really love it. Applause!
Posted by: nanette | June 03, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Wow what a beauty! Sure is big :-) You mentioned in your machine quilting tutorial, that you use your walking foot to sew the borders before quilting. Have you ever had any puckering in the back doing it that way??
Posted by: Jocelyn | June 03, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Fantastic work. The quilt is stunning. The blocks look lovely together and such a great idea to add the names of the makers on the blocks.
Posted by: maria | June 03, 2009 at 03:04 PM
I love your quilt - it is amazing! I so badly want to learn to machine quilt. I'm going to check out your tutorial - thank you!
Posted by: Terri | June 03, 2009 at 03:33 PM
How do I love thee? GORGEOUS!!! Love everything about it.
Posted by: Stephanie | June 03, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Any suggestions on handling all the fabric in your lap while quilting? It seems so bulky. I have a regular machine but am hesitant to try a large quilt.
By the way, yours looks beautiful.
Thanks.
Posted by: Darlis | June 03, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Wow! What a beautiful quilt!! You've done a great job... it's massive though!!! Definately be warm under that one!!
Posted by: Maree @ Farmyardcrafts | June 03, 2009 at 03:53 PM
I LOVE it! I love the stars. I love how your border goes with the theme. And I love the signatures. I just Love everything about it.
Posted by: annette | June 03, 2009 at 03:56 PM
absolutely fabulous!! so full of love!
Posted by: suesue | June 03, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Unbelieveably gorgeous! What a great job!
Posted by: Alice Grace | June 03, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Fabulous! I just adore your photography! Now if the Quilting Mags will just hire you...there is so much inspiration in your photography...showing the fabrics so well...the texture...the details of the print...the STITCHING! wonderful!
As the others have said...LOVE IT!!!
oh and I also LOVE that you sew your name into the border! Great idea...
Blessings..
HOPE~
Posted by: Hope | June 03, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Wow! I'm so incredibly impressed...and I'm not just saying that to say something nice. It looks so good. Maybe I will give machine quilting another try!
Posted by: Laurie | June 03, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Love it!!!
Posted by: sherri | June 03, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Oh my! It has turned out FANTASTIC! Wow. ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | June 03, 2009 at 10:24 PM
my oh my, you have made a stunning job of this, and such lovely quilting, be very proud of your work!
Posted by: Shiree Johnston | June 04, 2009 at 02:23 AM
Siiiiigh! Wow Sarah, your cottage quilt is just beautiful! I went back and re-read your machine quilting tutorial, it's given me the boost I need to do my next big quilt. In fact I've been practicing stippling on placemats etc. Your quilting is perfect, all your curves are so nice and even. I love your choice of border fabric and the stars too.
Posted by: Jen in NY | June 04, 2009 at 10:51 AM
great job... and don't worry about the M&Ms... it just means you buy another bag... that's what i do!
Posted by: jaybird | June 04, 2009 at 04:42 PM
Ohmygosh -- I LOVE LOVE the way you sashed those blocks. Too Cute! And man-oh-man -- this just might deserve a promotion. You're a thinker, you are. A quilt THAT big will surely cover FOUR!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | June 04, 2009 at 07:48 PM
Your quilt is Gorgeous I just love it.Thanks for the tutorial it is most helpful to me as I am learning.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Nanna mary | June 04, 2009 at 08:37 PM
Wow, that;s an awesome quilt. I had to go get peanut M Ms after your last post - naughty girl tempting me :-).... check this out http://stampsestravels.blogspot.com/ I've just had an e-mail to say he's on his way to USA - maybe you could host him. I'm going to when he's in the UK . Your girls might like it for a bit of fun ?
Posted by: periwinkle | June 05, 2009 at 03:28 AM
This is so beautiful quilted like you have done. The tutorial is very much appreciated for I need all the help I can get. Excellent work!
Posted by: Susan | June 05, 2009 at 05:07 AM