Sunday, September 29, 2019

Island Batik Steam Engine quilt is done!

August's Island Batik Beat the Heat blog hop quilt has been completed!

I'm linking up with Elm Street Quilt's One Monthly Goal.  

My main goal for September was to finish this quilt.  It's a queen size, as you can see on this bed.  86 by 103, I think.  It took a while to do the quilting, and there are minor problems, but since I'm new to long arming, and this was a very challenging design, I'm giving myself a break.  I used the same border fabric for binding, and used a 108" wide back I purchased, grey floral, for the backing.  I use Hobb's Black cotton blend batting, and it looks great.  I was hoping it would not be too dark under the whiter diamond shapes, but it's fine.  
The panto pattern is Steampunk Gears by Intelligent Quilting.  
The block is Double Windmill on EQ8, but I played with the colors and designs to make it work for my project.  


I did an inner black solid border, then the teal outer border.  I think it frames it nicely.  I did have another eye doctor appointment in Scranton, so I got to take more photos with the trains.  One of the State Park Rangers was surprised, and wanted to take a photo to show his wife, who has also made a quilt or two.  (I think I'm over 100 now, but...)

I love Engine 790!  I didn't pay to go inside, but that number is the same as my home, the house I grew up in, and still live in.  




You can get an idea of the size of the quilt because that's me, holding it.  The ranger took this for me.  And the train is HUGE!! 
There was a large connector on the front of this train, which is what pushed out the quilt, but I still like how it looks.  

Thanks again for visiting.  The park is Steamtown National Historic Park in Scranton, PA. 
If you've checked back on my other goals, the Island Batik September challenge is almost done.  I used Petal Pushers and the Accuquilt GO! Spider Web die.  I'll share more in the next post.  I also still need to make an octopus! lol  I haven't started quilting the blue and yellow one, either, because I'm still trying to find a little of the blue fabric with yellow flowers.  I'll give it a few more weeks.  

Mom's been in the hospital and rehab again, because she pushed away from me because she was mad I was making her use the bathroom, and she fell and cut her head.  It's been another wild month.  When she comes home this time, I need to hire aides.  I can no longer take care of her alone, since she doesn't remember how to stand, and needs assistance of 2 people for everything.  It's sad, but I can still get her to laugh on occasion.  That's all that matters.  Alzheimer's stinks.  

Thanks!

7 comments:

Gene Black said...

The quilt looks great. I love the photos with the trains.

I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Remember that it is just as important to take care of yourself as it is to take care of her.

Patty said...

Such a wonderful quilt! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish!

Calicojoan said...

That's awesome and the quilting is perfect for those fabrics! What a fun photo location too! You knocked this out of the ball park for sure.

QuiltShopGal said...

Brilliant. What an absolutely stunning quilt. I love the design, the colors, the movement in this quilt. It really draws the eye in to enjoy. Gorgeous.

Sewgirl said...

Your quilt is lovely. I especially like the quilting pattern you used.

So sorry to hear about your mom. In response to Genes comment, at a support group my husband and I attended, the leader has an oxygen mask (like the kind they have on airplanes), to remind people to put your own oxygen mask on first and then assist those around you. Hugs to you as you go through this.

Kathleen said...

Your quilt looks fabulous! I love seeing the old trains again and the quilting design you chose is fabulous! So sorry about your troubles with your mom. Alzheimer's does stink and you have been so devoted to her. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous finish! I love the controlled scrappiness of this beauty. Your double border is perfect for it.

And you’re right, Alzheimer’s does stink. I’m so sorry for both you and your mom. You’re an exceptional daughter for caring for her in your home at this stage.