The Fabulous First Border

Drum roll please.......it's time to start working on the first border (the one at the bottom) of the Friends of Baltimore quilt.  As a refresher, here's what the quilt will look like once completed.

I wanted to jump right in and get started but a project of this magnitude takes thought and planning.  So, I made bias stems.  Did I mention they're 1/8" bias stems?  And did I mention the borders will take miles (well, maybe not exactly miles) of bias stems? 



I cut templates, and templates, and templates.  Sue Garman, the designer, has carefully coded each piece with a letter and number so I am using numbered ziplock bags to store the templates.

I sorted fabric.  Sue suggested using clear plastic plates to hold applique shapes and fabrics.  I like her suggestion and have adopted it.

I cut the border which was scary.  What if I cut it too short?  What if it shrinks?  What if?  What if?  I took a deep breath and decided Sue covered that contingency because the corner pots are appliqued on separate squares.  Those squares will allow for "fudging" if necessary.

I'm starting near the center and working my way to the left.  Once the left is complete, I'll make the center pot and work my way to the right.  OK.......here goes....

Block done

Oh what fun I had making this block!   The background is the same as the other blocks - Kona Snow.  It was just a dreary day when I took the photo.  Probably didn't help that I used my IPhone either!

Here are the blocks so far.  I'm ready to start on border #1.  I have to finish another project first, though. 

Still trying to figure out why photos flip in odd ways from the phone camera to the blog photo area.  Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Friends of Baltimore Update

Yes. Two posts in one week!  I have been having a lot of fun working on this block. Every time I pass my sewing room (errrr....excuse me......I've been told it is a sewing studio not a sewing room), I have to stop and make just one more piece. 

The fun begins!

Do you ever have something you really, really, really want to do but you've got something else that takes precendence?  If so, you know how I've felt these past few weeks.  I really wanted to work on my Friends of Baltimore blocks but had a couple of commitments.  The commitments are almost finished so I decided to reward myself with a Friends of Baltimore blocks.  I was "supposed" to work on a border next but decided that's just too overwhelming right now so chose another vase of flowers instead.

I think getting all my applique supplies and fabric together is half the battle; but fabric is pulled and I'm ready to go. 

An update on Artie our garage rabbit.  He apparently headed for the hills because we have not seen him since "the incident."  We helped our local garage door repair company have a Merry Christmas - they replaced the rubber Artie munched on during his term of imprisonment. 

Hope to be back later this week with an update.  We shall see........