Tuesday, May 29, 2012

How I spent my Memorial Day Weekend

How I spent my Memorial Day Weekend


GO! for a Star QOV Challenge


\When Marjorie and SewCal Gal announced this challenge back in April, I knew I wanted to make something.  I made some blocks last year, and was hoping to make a whole quilt this year.  I'm only able to finish the top, though.  The time has run short for me, as well as funds for the backing and batting, and then the cost of shipping a whole quilt.  I can get the top in a Flat Rate envelope for $5, and that will have to be enough.  It was interesting, about that $5.  I knew last week that I was only going to make the top.  It needs to be in by May 31.  Priority shipping is a great way to make sure that happens.  So, I needed a sale to put money in the account to cover the shipping.  The fabrics were bought and paid for a while ago, so the only current expense was $5.  So, late last week, an order came in from my Etsy store for $4.95, one yard of fabric.  Just enough to cover.  Isn't that strange, when that happens?? 

Anyway, the Braid in a Day pattern from Quilt In A Day and Eleanor Burns came in last week.(the profit from the green purse allowed me to catch a quick sale).  I had a bolt of the border fabric, and quite a few yards of the cream tone on tone.  I grabbed some smaller pieces of Patriotic prints, plus some fat quarters from a swap, and set out to make this quilt top.  I think it's great that many of my friends have played a small part in this, because they provided the fabrics.



This quilt top measures 60 by 76 inches.  The lap size, according to the pattern was supposed to measure 53 by 72, but the minimum for the challenge and for Quilts of Valor needed to be 55, so I made the blue frame strips 2 inches instead of 1 1/2".  The pattern came with a template to cut all the parts for the braid, and the directions were wonderful.  I love QIAD patterns.  They always go together well. 
The only issue is that beautiful blue fabric I used in the frame.  It's fraying like crazy!  I can't believe how poorly it is performing.  It looks wonderful, and is soft, but it's a mess!  I wish I could remember the brand so I don't purchase it again.  I know it's not Kona or Moda.  I'll be careful where I buy my solids from (I know I got this online) and check the other brands.  It was inexpensive,  supposed to be quilt shop quality, but I don't like it!! 

I'll be packing this to ship it out tomorrow.  I enjoy doing these challenges.  Giving a quilt to someone who has served our country is a small thing to do, to give them a great memory.  I hope whoever receives this will enjoy using it as much as I enjoyed making it.  The group will find a long-arm quilter to finish it, and it will be presented to someone who deserves this and so much more. 

So, what did you do to thank a soldier?  What did you do on your long weekend? 

5 comments:

love2ragquilt said...

It is beautiful Maryellen and I love the story that goes with it.

Christine said...

It came out so nice and I have some of those prints! LOL!
Great job!

Pam Quiltaholic Biswas said...

Maryellen,
This is beautiful and looks like it took way longer than a day. I am certain that someone will be so proud to receive it. What a beautiful thought and gift. I think I will put this on my list of things to make also. I have not made a QOV yet. You have inspired me and I must do it this year. Great job!

Sieberdesigns said...

Nice job! love it when things work out so well :-)

Sieberdesigns said...

Nice job! love it when things work out so well :-)