Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Stack-N-Whack | Part 5

Can you believe that I haven't finished this quilt yet? It's sort of been one of those things I work on occasionally and in between things. Something that takes a little too much thought and patience, so has only been worked on when I'm in the best of moods. At any rate, I've finally sewn together the top of the quilt! Click here to read its sordid history.

When I put together a quilt, I consistently forget where strips or squares are supposed to be placed after arranging them and then picking them up to sew, thus ending up having to spend ample time thinking and rethinking placement. This time I thought ahead and pinned labels to each strip so that I wouldn't lose track of what was supposed to be going where. I know: genius. Of course the top isn't without flaw, and there still seem to be a piece or two that I didn't catch being in the "wrong" place, but these reminders saved me a decent amount of time and frustration.

If you've never done one, a Stack-N-Whack quilt can be slow going. The cutting, ironing, and piecing were quite time consuming for me. Mine has 32 squares and is measuring 64x75 without a border at this point.

I've worked on this baby way too long to attempt to quilt it myself, so I'm not about to screw it up making an attempt. I think that it will be off to the shop for some quilting done right. It might cost an arm and a leg, but these are the sacrifices we make for our treasures, right?

32 comments:

Mal* said...

I just learned about this quilting style and I am totally fascinated. Thanks for showing yours! I will investigate further...

Cathy said...

What a beautiful quilt so far. I would love to try this one.

Kerri said...

oh, it is so lovely!! it will surely be a treasure!

Sara said...

I love it, I think it is beautiful! I have never done a stack and whack, but your came out wonderfully! I love the colors and the design! Great job!

Alissa said...

Preeeetty!!!

Amy and Andrew said...

Way to stack it and whack it, girl.

Stephanie said...

That fabric was a great choice for the stack n whack technique. It's going to be so beautiful when it's finished!

Melissa said...

WOW, Sarah. That is one beautiful creation. Well done!

Cheryl Arkison said...

Although I quilt most of my stuff, sometimes even my skills are outstripped by what the quilt needs.
This looks great.

Sherri said...

I agree that the fabric is perfect for a stack-n-whack! Lovely quilt...

Ann-Marie said...

Incredible! You, your skills, the quilt . . . incredible!

tina said...

oh my.. that's amazing. you're awesome. i wish i had the talent/patience to do that!

Carolyn said...

So gorgeous. I think you'd want to finish quickly because it is so lovely. I agree, I take mine to the shop. I get scared!

amylouwhosews said...

Amazing! Seriously - have the best eye for color and design!

Oh and I am the same way (surprised?) about putting things away that need more brain power and attention. My bird quilt for instance.....

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I love the deep saturated colors :)

Colleen MacDonald said...

This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever SEEN! The cutting part is the part that I detest. Great work on this, I can see NO flaws!

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a beauty :) I can't wait to see it finished!! Great job :)

Kelly said...

Yay... I was hoping you would post yours back up. My stack and whack I actually did someone based on yours...i had seen some blocks done w/ same fabric...then saw yours & knew that was the one I was going to do. I am going to study yours some more because I still don't know what I want to do with my 6 sided hexes yet & the background for them. I love yours, finish it up, I'm dying to see the entire thing.

Michaela said...

I just recently discovered your blog and now read the whole story of this quilt. What a treasure you made. it is beautiful! I have seen the technique used before, but I am not brave enough yet to start one. You inspired me for sure.

Karen said...

Wow Sarah, I just love this one. Yeah, it may take awhile to finish, but think of what you'll have in the end. A beauty!

Lindahl News 2 said...

Stunning. It is worth any amount of money spent to have it quilted if that is what you want to do!

Carson.J.Designs said...

you live in chicago!? I live right BY quiltology!! the only quilting haven for those without a car!! I love your quilt. AND quiltology ;)

Em said...

I LOVE your quilt!!! Surprisingly, it doesn't look 'busy' but looks so rich with colour. I can't tell you how much I love it.

Heather and Spencer said...

Wow~AWESOME Sarah! I could never!!!! :) Its beautiful!

KateKwiltz said...

And it looks fantastic! Great job!

I think a Chicago show-n-tell is in order. Maybe before/during/after the IQS?

Jessica said...

Stack and whacks blow my mind-they are always so lovely! Long arm quilting will definitely be worth the price!

Sarah H said...

Oh, but that's gorgeous! You're so productive!

Anonymous said...

You have a gorgeous quilt so far. I don't know how you do it. I'm always so intimidated by anything other than squares and rectangles. I have some yummy Tina Givens yarns on the way so I might have to think out of the box for a new quilt. Can't wait to see the actual quilting of yours! It's going to be awesome!

Amy said...

It's spectacular. I love the color combo. Can't wait to see it quilted!

Carol said...

so beautiful! i love it. you are so talented, sarah!

Zonnah said...

Wow! This is so beautiful.

Art by Rhoda Forbes said...

The colors are lucious!