I had a serious talk with myself this past weekend. I am feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the number of projects I have going on, the number of unfinished projects that I have set aside, and the number of quilts piling up that need to be quilted. I feel that I am being irresponsible by starting several new projects when there are so many already in various stages of completion. So I state here and now that you will see some finishes over the next few weeks. Hold me accountable.
The quilt in the photo at the top of today’s post is the Sampler Spree book by Susan Ache. I loved making this quilt and used three fabric collections from Basic Grey. Honestly, I think it is one of my favorite quilts that I have ever made. However, I had enough fabric leftover to make at least one, if not two more quilts. I did love the fabric, so I found another pattern that suited it called “Applesauce”, designed by Basic Grey. This will make a wonderful “companion quilt” to the Sampler Spree one. One on the bed, one on the quilt rack, or over the chaise lounge. They will look so great together.
Here is my quilt top for Applesauce, all but borders. I had no trouble sewing all my blocks together, but when it came to completing the border, I stalled out and set the project aside. Two years have gone by and that border is still unfinished.
The issue was that the border consists of 80 square in a square units. Ugh. I just never had it in me to buckle down and get them done. After some organizing and assessing what UFOs I was going to tackle first, I settled on Applesauce, and sat down to get to work. I put Kimberly Jolly from Fat Quarter Shop on the YouTube Channel and started stitching, using Kimberley’s own square in a square papers in the 3″ size. Did I mention that the 80 square in a square units are 3″?
It took half the day yesterday, but I got them all done! There they are, stacked up: two side borders and two top/bottom borders ready to sew together.
My plan for today is to sew those borders together and get them on the quilt. Then I will prepare a backing, and put everything in a box to send to my quilter. I promise. Stay tuned.
18 Responses
The border would have stalled me out too…..I don’t like square in square units because they turn out askew. Paper piecing was a brilliant solution, go you!
Paper piecing is the only way I can get these units to come out well.
Love both those quilts and colours. I haven’t done many square in a square blocks, I think that border might have made me start something new too! But then I seem to leave the quilts without borders when they are just strips and no piecing! I’ve been sorting that out lately.
I don’t know why I stall out when it comes to borders. Borders are boring?
Oh, I can relate! Yesterday I was going through totes, planning projects to take to a quilting retreat and I found so many options! I can’t believe how many quilts I stopped working on at the very end, probably within a few hours of being finished. Those are going to be my retreat projects. I will go through them and make sure I have what I need to complete them. I love planning, cutting and starting new projects but this is ridiculous! 😊 I do finish projects, as my quilter will attest, but I sure like the next great project! U
Oh Sandra, we are peas in a pod. I do not know why I set things aside before they are finished–even when I am so close! It is a terrible failing in my character. I am so determined to finish things up, and start using all the pre-cuts and bundles I have on hand.
Yes, what is it with square in a square blocks that is tedious and daunting?? They shouldn’t be, but they are! Fantastic job in powering through them!! So, assemble these borders, attach them and done?? You should have a finish soon!! I had that same talk with myself at the start of the year and I’ve stuck to it and I’m down to the last stragglers on my list. Honestly it feels so good to get the piles and tubs of UFOs finished up and my sewing room is much more tidy. A new springy project is soon to be in my sights!! Have a great day, Nicole. And is Eva ever grown up!!
How did you do it Tracey? Did you make a list and stick to it? That is what my plan is. Applesauce this week, Bliss next week, borders on another quilt, prepare backings, send quilts out for quilting…It’s a long list!
I, too, am trying really hard to finish some UFOs this year. I did give in to one BOM but it is so complicated I’m not sure why! It’s taking a lot of time and my other current UFO is laying unfinished on the bed in the other room. I recently took a class at a Maker Space organization and learned how to use their longarm. I’m hoping this will help me get some tops finished. My least favorite part of quilting is making the backing and the sandwich.
I seem to procrastinate when it comes to borders and backings. If I were to longarm my own quilts, I would never finish anything! My sister Kate manages to work on one thing at a time, and she taught herself to longarm and rented space on a machine at a shop not far from her. I so admire people who can focus!
Your Applesauce quilt is going to be stunning. Yay, you!
I know I will enjoy that one! It is a smaller size, and will be perfect on the chaise lounge in my bedroom. I can cuddle up and read under it!
Oh yes, that will be another great finish! Can’t wait to see your progress and completed quilt!
I am about to head upstairs and sew those borders together!
I’m impressed that you finished those square in a square blocks in one day! I agree that those quilts will look great together. You’ve got this!
It is a pretty mindless task once you get everything cut out. I just sat with YouTube tuned in on my laptop and listened to Kimberly Jolly from Fat Quarter Shop talk about the 29 projects she is working on simultaneously.
I think I’d have simply put borders (not pieced!) on Applesauce and called it done. Applause for your speed piecing those bazillion Diamond-in-a-Square blocks!
Finishing your UFOs is a worthy goal and I wish you well in this endeavor. Knowing your speed and perfection, no doubt you’ll be finished by May1st!
Hugs!
Oh Barbara, I have SO many unfinished projects! It will feel so good to put a dent in the pile of them!