Maple Leaf Quilt ... continuing progress

Was so excited to receive the phone call from Kris (the long arm quilter) that the quilt was ready for pick up! She had promised it by December 31st and I had it in my hot little hands by our Christmas Eve-Eve celebration (a new family tradition?).

Tackling the final step is a very "heavy" process. The quilt measures roughly 104" x 132", add to that the backing and batting ... this thing must weigh at least 100 pounds ... yes I exaggerate, I'll weigh when finished. I was able to get binding cut and sewn onto quilt. Hand stitching is not a favorite task as needle slips off thimble and fingers get pricked. I am past the half-way mark ... yeah!

(I wad it up for easier handling...it's doggone heavy!)

This quilt became a labor of love. I began it over 30 years ago, the pattern given to me by my mother. It contains fabric remnants from her stash, Grandma Bessie's, Grandma Elsie's and my own. I used an old sheet (as pattern directed). I traced the maple leaf by hand, cutting and appliqueing. For whatever reason it sat in a small storage tub on a shelf in my sewing room cupboard. Something this past year gave me the inspiration to get it out and finish it up. That is when the fun truly began. As I appliqued the final blocks and assembled the quilt top I was reminded of the family members no longer with us. I took my time selecting the sashing, border and backing fabrics that would compliment the final project.

There is still a little work to be done ... creating a label ... erasing pencil marks ... cutting loose threads ... etc. It's next posting will be it's final, it will be gifted and off to a new life!