My Churn Dash Quilt is completely finished!! I took it out of the frame Wednesday morning and trimmed off the excess backing and batting that afternoon. Thursday morning I stitched the first part of the binding and in the afternoon the hand sewing started and the finish came on Friday afternoon.
A side view to show the border.
Just some more pictures because I'm so excited it's finished.
A view from the back.
This wide back fabric is called "Folio Quilt Backs" by Color Principle for Henry Glass & Co., Pattern #7882. (Information from the selvage)
My quilt is my version of a churn dash quilt made by my husband's great-grandmother, Fannie Baumgartner Kauffman, Clinton Township, Elkhart County, Indiana, 1867 - 1936. Her quilt also was hand-quilted and is in excellent condition. I prepped fabric for the churn dash blocks the first part of November 2016 and sewed them at the Jane Stickle retreat later that month. The quilt center was sewn together in December then I worked on the borders in January. The quilting process started February 29th and was finished July 11th; 4 1/2 months. A wool batting was used and it hand stitched so nicely. She measures 94" by 104". I won't be washing her. I appreciate the supportive comments many of you have made about entering my quilt into the ISQ Blue & White exhibit.
I need detailed information about this exhibit. There is more than a year to come to a decision. She'll be entered in some local quilt shows first and I'll see how she does in those.
What am I going to work on now? After I finished attaching the binding with my sewing machine, I pulled this fabric from the box where it had been languishing for almost 2 years and pressed out wrinkles. This is the background fabric for the Pastor's Attic Quilt. The fabric looks darker in this picture but in the photo below, it looks lighter.
WOO HOO!!! Congrats on your awesome, stellar finish!! What a labor of love the churn dash quilt has ben for you!! I am in awe of your beautiful hand quilting!! What a great feeling!!! Please keep us posted on how the churn dash does in any future shows!!! Congrats again!!
Thank you! A finish feels so good! I'll let you all posted about the quilt shows. They won't happen until next year. I'll enter her in the Sauder Show and maybe enter her in the Shipshewana Quilt show. That one is juried.
Your quilt turned out beautiful! congratulations on the finish it has been a pleasure watching you work on it. Do you normally wash your quilts but do not want this one to shrink or do you usually not wash? just curious :)
I normally only wash small quilts or charity quilts. This is a big quilt and my washer doesn't handle large quilts so well. Also, I like the fresh crisp look of a completed quilt. Plenty of time to get that used look later on when it's washed.
Thank you. I've enjoyed the hand quilting and I even got the binding done promptly. Actually, I think today I'll take it easy and read a book. A nap might happen sometime too.
I'm happy dancing with you! It has been fun to see this quilting progress so steadily over these past 4 -5 months. And you already have a project up next! Good for you! That in-between-finishing-and-what's-next time is when I can never make a decision.
If I knew how, I'd be doing cartwheels about this finish. I've taken it easy today, just enjoying the feeling of accomplishment. I really needed time to decide how I wanted to do the applique on Pastor's Attic borders. I'm hoping to have him completed so he can go in the quilting frame this fall.
i cheated and went to your Blog as I had not received my notification yet. GRETCHEN, schedule me a week in 2018 I want to learn how to hand quilt from you, better yet - can I send you some to hand quilt? You must be so proud of your work and this quilt, and YES enter it into Houston. Along with the great story of inspiration you should be a winner! Of course - having to let it go for 3 years.... But you have a masterpiece!!!!
There is one solution to learning how to quilt with small stitches, practice, practice and more practice. I used to do custom hang quilting but no longer. I have to baby my right wrist. We'll see about entering Houston and the blue & white exhibit.
I was so hoping to get my Pastor quilt done this year, and here it sits waiting! oh well. You will have another masterpiece! I can hardly wait to see it finished and you know you have more time when winter sets in, so I figured it will be completed by January 2018!
I want to get the applique on Pastor's Attic completed. I'm planning on him being the next quilt in the quilting frame. I've known how I want to quilt him even before I started appliqueing the blocks.
Congratulations on your finish! This is absolutely stunning! What an accomplishment! Hooray! Thanks for the detailed timeline of your stages of creation: it makes it manageable to see it broken into steps. I truly admire your hand quilting!
That's a big finish. I had that happen this spring and then it was "what to do next" Your quilt is beautiful and I don't blame you at all for wanting to show it off!!!
I have too many quilts started to wonder about what to do next. I'm trying to get them all to the flimsy stage, then maybe I can wonder too what next. Thanks for stopping by!
Clay and I were looking at your quilt!!!! The SnS's remind us of the squares on the Choctaw dresses and men's shirts that they wear on special occasions.
I just do not understand why more quilters and judges do not care for the 2 color quilts and the use of one block! A real Masterpiece.
I don't worry about the judges. I don't make my quilts to fit their criteria. I know when I was piecing my blue & white Jane, someone told me that it wasn't going to be worth much because I only used 2 fabrics. That was their opinion and they are entitled to it. I didn't agree but I didn't think it was worth arguing about. I think people should make the kind of quilts they like to look at and not worry about what other people think.
It looks stunning! Have been following your journey and what a ride it has been. It has inspired me to carry on handquilting two big quilts, thank you for sharing.
Hi Gretchen, I can surely see why you would want the whole world to know your quilt is finished. It is really lovely, and it didn't take as long as I would have thought considering its size. Your next project is beautiful too - I look forward to seeing that project take shape. ~smile~ Roseanne
Wow! Isn't it fun to be inspired by an old quilt to make something new? I once made a quilt from my FIL's shirts that was inspired by a quilt made by his grandmother when she was a member of the Women's Christian Temperence Union. Your quilt is just beautiful and I am sure it will be an eye catcher at any quilt show!
It looked fabulous as you showed us your progress, and it doesn't disappoint! Brilliant work, it looks super! Well done on your finish - and enjoy that next project!
Two color quilts are always striking but your blue and white churn dash is truly a gem. What a special link to your family, too. Congratulations. I hope you enter it in the blue and white exhibit.
Your blue and white is beautiful! Congrats on the finish (I'm here from Oh Scrap!)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm pretty excited.
DeleteWOO HOO!!! Congrats on your awesome, stellar finish!! What a labor of love the churn dash quilt has ben for you!! I am in awe of your beautiful hand quilting!! What a great feeling!!! Please keep us posted on how the churn dash does in any future shows!!! Congrats again!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! A finish feels so good! I'll let you all posted about the quilt shows. They won't happen until next year. I'll enter her in the Sauder Show and maybe enter her in the Shipshewana Quilt show. That one is juried.
DeleteYour quilt turned out beautiful! congratulations on the finish it has been a pleasure watching you work on it. Do you normally wash your quilts but do not want this one to shrink or do you usually not wash? just curious :)
ReplyDeleteI normally only wash small quilts or charity quilts. This is a big quilt and my washer doesn't handle large quilts so well. Also, I like the fresh crisp look of a completed quilt. Plenty of time to get that used look later on when it's washed.
DeleteOh, it is wonderful, Gretchen! Congratulations on such an accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I feel like I've accomplished something for sure.
DeleteFantastic finish! Congratulations on finishing all that hand quilting! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your slow stitching today!
Thank you. I've enjoyed the hand quilting and I even got the binding done promptly. Actually, I think today I'll take it easy and read a book. A nap might happen sometime too.
DeleteWhat a beautiful quilt!! Congratulations on a gorgeous finish!!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy dancing with you! It has been fun to see this quilting progress so steadily over these past 4 -5 months. And you already have a project up next! Good for you! That in-between-finishing-and-what's-next time is when I can never make a decision.
ReplyDeleteIf I knew how, I'd be doing cartwheels about this finish. I've taken it easy today, just enjoying the feeling of accomplishment. I really needed time to decide how I wanted to do the applique on Pastor's Attic borders. I'm hoping to have him completed so he can go in the quilting frame this fall.
DeleteWow! You really finished it! It is lovely, beautiful. When you rest under it, you will be so happy. :)
ReplyDeletei cheated and went to your Blog as I had not received my notification yet. GRETCHEN, schedule me a week in 2018 I want to learn how to hand quilt from you, better yet - can I send you some to hand quilt?
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud of your work and this quilt, and YES enter it into Houston. Along with the great story of inspiration you should be a winner! Of course - having to let it go for 3 years.... But you have a masterpiece!!!!
There is one solution to learning how to quilt with small stitches, practice, practice and more practice. I used to do custom hang quilting but no longer. I have to baby my right wrist. We'll see about entering Houston and the blue & white exhibit.
DeleteI was so hoping to get my Pastor quilt done this year, and here it sits waiting! oh well. You will have another masterpiece! I can hardly wait to see it finished and you know you have more time when winter sets in, so I figured it will be completed by January 2018!
ReplyDeleteI want to get the applique on Pastor's Attic completed. I'm planning on him being the next quilt in the quilting frame. I've known how I want to quilt him even before I started appliqueing the blocks.
DeleteGretchen, this is simply magnificent! Congratulations on a spectacular finish. I'll be looking forward to seeing the blue ribbons next to her soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I don't know about blue ribbons, but to me, she's the Grand Champion!
DeleteWhat a wonderful finish! It has been so fun watching your journey to quilt her. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteClassic and gorgeous Churn Dash! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my most favorite quilts...ever! Beautifully done, a stunning finish.
ReplyDeleteYou have created a beautiful masterpiece! Congratulations. It is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYour finished quilt is awesome - a real treasure!! Also absolutely love the next one you pulled out to finish!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your finish! This is absolutely stunning! What an accomplishment! Hooray! Thanks for the detailed timeline of your stages of creation: it makes it manageable to see it broken into steps. I truly admire your hand quilting!
ReplyDeleteThat's a big finish. I had that happen this spring and then it was "what to do next" Your quilt is beautiful and I don't blame you at all for wanting to show it off!!!
ReplyDeleteI have too many quilts started to wonder about what to do next. I'm trying to get them all to the flimsy stage, then maybe I can wonder too what next. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI'll add my praise to the chorus. The blue-and-white churn dashes are so snappy! The border design sets them off perfectly. Enjoy your new quilt!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is fabulous. Such a simple block but it made a very impressive quilt.
ReplyDeleteWow! Such a gorgeous quilt. The border is beautiful and really makes the quilt pop. Great finish!
ReplyDeletebeautiful, beautiful quilt and such a great story behind it. I love it. congratulations
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the story of your blue and white churn dash quilt. Hurray for a finish! A beauty.
ReplyDeleteLots of hurrays for the finish! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm looking forward to seeing you work on the applique! Another beauty in the making!
Absolutely STUNNING!!!!
ReplyDeleteClay and I were looking at your quilt!!!! The SnS's remind us of the squares on the Choctaw dresses and men's shirts that they wear on special occasions.
ReplyDeleteI just do not understand why more quilters and judges do not care for the 2 color quilts and the use of one block! A real Masterpiece.
I don't worry about the judges. I don't make my quilts to fit their criteria. I know when I was piecing my blue & white Jane, someone told me that it wasn't going to be worth much because I only used 2 fabrics. That was their opinion and they are entitled to it. I didn't agree but I didn't think it was worth arguing about. I think people should make the kind of quilts they like to look at and not worry about what other people think.
DeleteThat quilt is gorgeous! I was so excited to click on the picture when I saw your blog post. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteYour quilt and quilting are stunning.
ReplyDeleteStunning work and so beautifully quilted, in such a short time. The applique quilt is just as gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOh my!!! What a treasure that churn dash is. Well deserved congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for inspiration and link to Show and Tell Monday !! Bambi hug
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely quilt. The borders are so cool.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, inspiring, great job!
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning! Have been following your journey and what a ride it has been. It has inspired me to carry on handquilting two big quilts, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI can surely see why you would want the whole world to know your quilt is finished. It is really lovely, and it didn't take as long as I would have thought considering its size. Your next project is beautiful too - I look forward to seeing that project take shape. ~smile~ Roseanne
Wow! Isn't it fun to be inspired by an old quilt to make something new? I once made a quilt from my FIL's shirts that was inspired by a quilt made by his grandmother when she was a member of the Women's Christian Temperence Union. Your quilt is just beautiful and I am sure it will be an eye catcher at any quilt show!
ReplyDeleteI love blue and white quilts and yours is just beautiful, especially with that border design. Congrats on a great finish!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous quilt, isn't it a great feeling. I love blue and white quilts, yours is stunning, well doneStitchinSpain - Ellie
ReplyDeleteGorgeous quilt, isn't it a great feeling. I love blue and white quilts, yours is stunning, well doneStitchinSpain - Ellie
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt, I love it! Congratulations! And thanks for linking up with 'sew stitch snap SHARE'
ReplyDeleteIt looked fabulous as you showed us your progress, and it doesn't disappoint! Brilliant work, it looks super! Well done on your finish - and enjoy that next project!
ReplyDeleteYour churn dash is Beautiful, love the blue and white!
ReplyDeleteTwo color quilts are always striking but your blue and white churn dash is truly a gem. What a special link to your family, too. Congratulations. I hope you enter it in the blue and white exhibit.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a beautiful finish! I don't blame you for wanting to let the world know.
ReplyDeleteHey, wow, Gretchen! You really zoomed on that binding work - what a fantastic finish. I'd want to share it everywhere, too. :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I love blue and white quilts! The border is perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to honor your husband's ancestor. It's stunning!
ReplyDelete